Hello Council Members,
My name is Romeeka and I am an employee at the Police Department. I am here today to express my profound disappointment regarding the recent negotiations concerning a much needed salary increase for the city employees. Despite the ongoing efforts, the response we have received, or the lack of, falls far short of addressing our needs, leaving us feeling undervalued and unsupported. This outcome has become evident that you, the city council members have not only undermined the welfare of the dedicated employees who keep Brentwood running but it also raises serious concern about your commitment to the core values that we at the City of Brentwood uphold- Integrity, Passion, Accountability, Respect and Quality.
First and foremost, it is disheartening to witness the lack of integrity demonstrated throughout this process. Negotiations should be a reflection of fairness and yet the approach taken by the council appears dismissive of our needs with little regard for the genuine concerns of the employees. Many of us, who have committed years of service to this city, feel betrayed, as you have sent a clear message that our voices are not a priority.
Equally concerning is the apparent lack of Passion for doing what is right for the city workforce. City employees, from administrative staff to frontline workers, are the backbone of Brentwood’s success. We work tirelessly and with dedication, not only out of a sense of duty, but also out of love for this city. It is disheartening to witness your refusal to support us who serve Brentwood every day. Without a council that advocates for its employees, how can we continue to be passionate about serving the City of Brentwood when we feel so disregarded? The absence of Accountability is perhaps the most concerning aspect of these failed negotiations. This is not just a matter of compensation, but rather about recognizing our contributions and holding yourselves accountable for fostering a healthy, productive work environment. This not only undermines our morals but also sets a dangerous precedent for how employees can expect to be treated in the future.
Respect for the workforce is another principle that seems to be extremely lacking from this process. We city employees deserve to be treated with dignity and consideration for the day-to-day operations that we make possible. Respect is shown through actions. At the last council meeting, some of you stated that you see us, however after the most recent negotiations meeting coupled with months of dismissing our requests, your actions have disrespected our commitments and employee contributions. You made it very clear that you do not see us and that has left us feeling devalued and demoralized.
Lastly, we must address the councils’ failure to uphold quality in its relationships with its employees. Quality leadership from those in charge means ensuring that the needs of the workforce are met, fostering a supportive environment where employees can thrive. We deserve leaders who prioritize the well-being of their employees, especially in challenging times. Instead, the lack of willingness to meet our requests for fair compensation has led to a growing sense of frustrations and disillusionment. Denying us a reasonable salary increase will undoubtedly affect morale and in the long run, the quality of service that Brentwood residents and yourself rely on.
It is clear that our city council has fallen short as you all have failed to live up to the standards and principals you professed to uphold. We are not asking for extravagant demands; we are simply asking that you do what is right. I urge you to reconsider your stance, not only for the sake of its employees but also for the overall well-being of the city we all work so hard to support. It is my hope that you all will reflect on your roles as leaders in this community and take meaningful steps to repair this relationship by addressing our concerns and committing to a fair resolution.
We employees and citizens of Brentwood deserve nothing less.
Thank you.
9/10/2024
Closed Session
Mayor and Council,
Here we are again. Asking for you to see us and appreciate us as employees. Which many of you have recently said you do….. Well, on September 3rd, BEAMOD met with the City Negotiating Team and we were once again met with no further responses to any of the proposals sent over and were asked to send the city team something to bring back to you all to consider. On March 6th we rpovided 20 proposals to the city’s team, why aren’t we getting responses to any of those? But here we are in good faith and as we were asked to do, we re‐submitted proposals that we hope are shared with you this evening in their entirety. It feels as if we are negotiating against ourselves. We are not asking for astronomical things or wages, we just want to be fair and equitable. Previous Councils had a philosophy of making sure Brentwood employees were within the 85th percentile for pay rates in comparison to our comparable agencies. When and why did that change? Is our current Council ok with having Brentwood be mediocre at best? Your actions speak louder than your words. In 2022, during COVID times, the Council received a 22.5% raise for their stipends. In an article back then it was said by Council Member Mendoza. “A lot of us put in a lot more than people expect…… we are on calls for Saturdays and Sundays, and have standing meetings Monday and Thursday.” “We are working a lot.” It’s not about a raise, it’s about being equitable.” She also noted the City needs to attract talent. What do you all think we do as employees? We work hard for our community, just as hard as all of you. We are available and work weekends, after hours, unaccounted for hours and more! Just because we are off duty, does not mean when a citizen recognizes us out and about we don’t stop and talk to them or help them. Many of us live here and it happens ALL the time. Would you rather us tell them to call us during hours and walk away? We want Brentwood to Be Better, that’s why we do all we do! We too want the city to attract talented and qualified people to work alongside us with similar work ethics, loyalty and commitment to the city to make it better. Not individuals who fit a type or agenda and will just leave for better opportunity since it appears we will not be equitable. We are here and want to be here! We just need your support in wanting us all to be here too! I am happy to be available for any questions you have that the city cannot answer in closed session. I’ll be here waiting. Thank you.
Good evening Mayor and Council,
My name is Brittney and I am an Administrative Assistant with the Community Development Department. I’ve been with the city for two years.
In all honesty, I’m not here to talk about myself. My position specifically, doesn’t seem to be negatively affected by the classification and compensation study. In fact, I’m potentially receiving a pay increase. Which I would gladly give up if that meant my fellow coworkers would not be Y rated.
My question to you would by WHY I should have to feel that is necessary to give up. When we aren’t on the brink of a housing crisis, we aren’t facing potential bankruptcy or another pandemic. If anything Brentwood is thriving, I know I see it daily. The new businesses that are constantly opening and housing developments that are continuing to be built. The average home in Brentwood is selling for $908,000. So again, why are City employees facing a freeze on their pay? Many of which have been with the City for so long they’re no longer offered a step increase and are only receiving a cost of living increase, once a year.
Tonight I come before you to reiterate again, that we are not titles or numbers on a spread sheet, but actual people. I know you say you see us. But do you hear us?
I wasn’t sure how much time I would have tonight so I’m going to mention two employees specifically being Y rated.
You see them as Senior Property & Evidence Technician
We know HER as Sandra Diaz – A city of Brentwood employee since 1997, that’s 27 years with the city.
“Sandra came in to an outdated evidence system and was able to revise and update our evidence system to the point that it is now used as a model for other agencies.”
You see them as Community Development Specialist
We know HER as Taira Ordaz –A city of Brentwood employee since 2001, that’s 23 years with the city.
Not only is Taira being Y rated but also demoted, and her title completely eliminated. Which in turn removes growth potential in our small division of 6.
“Taira handles the most complex permit projects like Costco, Trilogy at the Vineyards, and The Sciortino Ranch Shopping Center. She is frequently reached out to from departments all throughout the City for her assistance and expertise.”
This is only 2 examples out of more than 70 employees being Y rated, that’s about 30% of our workforce, not including the Police Department.
Are Y rates and demotions the right way to recognize outstanding and loyal employees? I wish I could understand why we don’t even deserve Median pay. Doesn’t paying your employees at least the median rate reflect Better in Brentwood? Again, I ask you all to reconsider the choices you are making. To truly understand that what is happening, is not ok. It doesn’t just affect us, it affects the entire City of Brentwood Community. Thank you.
From: Ryan Patterson
To: webCityClerk
Cc: Devon Bolla; Brian O"Neill; Siegel, Kevin D.; Wisinski, Katherine Subject: RE: Bridle Gate Appeal - Applicant/Appellant"s Submission for Closed Session - Item D.2 - September 10, 2024 Date: Monday, September 9, 2024 6:19:34 PM
Attachments: 211206 Bridle Gate Residential Noise Letter 9-6-24.pdf Trip Generation Memo Abrams 20240905.pdf
VMT Memo DKS 20240904.pdf
Apex Revised Drawings.pdf
2024.09.09 Notice to City Re AB 1633 - Executed.pdf
CAUTION – EXTERNAL SENDER
Dear Mayor Bryant and Honorable Councilmembers:
Attached, please find the following documents submitted on behalf of the project applicant/appellant for your consideration:
1. APEX Civil Engineering & Land Surveying plans showing:
a. A second connection to Sand Creek Road, and
b. One large park
2. Saxelby Acoustics memorandum confirming satisfaction of noise standards
3. DKS Associates memorandum confirming VMT methodology
4. Abrams Associates memorandum confirming trip generation methodology
5. Notice to City pursuant to AB 1633
Thank you,
Ryan J. Patterson
Patterson & O’Neill, PC
Main: (415) 907-9110
Direct: (415) 907-7701
Mobile: (530) 913-7609
Fax: (415) 907-7704
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 950
San Francisco, CA 94104
[email protected]
www.pattersononeill.com
This email may contain privileged or confidential material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the original sender and delete all copies. Nothing in this email or any attachments should be regarded as tax advice unless expressly stated.
From: Ryan Patterson
Sent: Thursday, September 5, 2024 9:58 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Devon Bolla ; Brian O'Neill ; Siegel,
Kevin D. ; Wisinski, Katherine <[email protected]> Subject: Bridle Gate Appeal - Applicant/Appellant's Submission for Closed Session - Item D.2 - September 10, 2024
Dear Mayor Bryant and Honorable Councilmembers:
Please find a letter attached on behalf of the project applicant/appellant.
Thank you,
Ryan J. Patterson
Patterson & O’Neill, PC
Main: (415) 907-9110
Direct: (415) 907-7701
Mobile: (530) 913-7609
Fax: (415) 907-7704
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 950
San Francisco, CA 94104
[email protected]
www.pattersononeill.com
This email may contain privileged or confidential material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the original sender and delete all copies. Nothing in this email or any attachments should be regarded as tax advice unless expressly stated.
From: Ryan Patterson
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2024 4:59 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Devon Bolla ; Brian O'Neill
Subject: Bridle Gate Appeal - Applicant/Appellant's Submission Hello,
Please find an appeal letter attached on behalf of WCHB Development, LLC.
Thank you,
Ryan J. Patterson
Patterson & O’Neill, PC
Main: (415) 907-9110
Direct: (415) 907-7701
Mobile: (530) 913-7609
Fax: (415) 907-7704
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 950
San Francisco, CA 94104
[email protected]
www.pattersononeill.com
This email may contain privileged or confidential material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the original sender and delete all copies. Nothing in this email or any attachments should be regarded as tax advice unless expressly stated.
APEX Civil Engineering & Land Surveying Submission
To address certain comments from the City Council, APEX Civil Engineering & Land Surveying has prepared the following alternative plans for the Bridle Gate project, which are all attached hereto for your consideration:
Plans Adding a Second Entrance off Sand Creek Road.
1) Exhibit A.1 reflects a modified plan incorporating two ingress/egress points off of Sand Creek Road; and
2) Exhibit A.2 provides further detail of proposed additional ingress/egress point off Sand Creek Road depicted in Exhibit A.1.
Plans Consolidating Two Pocket Parks into One Neighborhood Park 3) Exhibit A.3 depicts a single, consolidated larger neighborhood park* for the project, and eliminating the two pocket parks concept; and 4) Exhibit A.4 shows the re-lotting layout for 14 lots in place of the removed second pocket park, if the singular larger neighborhood park contemplated in Exhibit A.3 moves forward.
*Please note the proposed consolidated neighborhood park is located at the north end of the project, as required by the City’s General Plan Land Use Map.
MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 4, 2024
TO: Doug Chen | WCHB Development LLC
FROM: Erin Vaca | DKS Associates
SUBJECT: Brentwood Bridle Gate VMT Analysis Methodology Project #22265-000
BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
This memorandum confirms the VMT methodology that was used in Appendix J of the EIR for the proposed Bridle Gate residential project in Brentwood, California. Also explained are the reasons for selecting the analysis methodology, modeling tools, and VMT baselines and thresholds of significance.
DKS prepared an initial version of the analysis methodology as documented in our memorandum dated February 18, 2022. The memo subsequently was peer-reviewed by a transportation consultant, Kimley Horn, that was hired by the City’s environmental consultant. After several rounds of review, a final version of the memo was prepared dated March 2, 2023 (note that a typo in the memo incorrectly gave the year as 2022).
SELECTION OF ANALYSIS TOOL, VMT BASELINE, THRESHOLD OF SIGNIFICANCE
AND MITIGATION
DKS prepared the VMT analysis in accordance with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s (CCTA’s) Growth Management Program (GMP) implementation guidance1. Compliance with the GMP is a condition of receiving Measure J funding. As stated in the peer review memorandum from Kimley Horn dated November 15, 2022, regarding methodology and analysis standards, “The statements within this section accurately identify the Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s (CCTA) Growth Management Plan Implementation Guide’s (CCTA Guide) VMT Analysis Methodology as the appropriate guidance for VMT assessment in the City of Brentwood.” 1 Growth Management Program Implementation Documents: Implementation Guide, Contra Costa Transportation Authority, February 17, 2021.
BRENTWOOD BRIDLE GATE • VMT ANALYSIS METODOLOGY • SEPTEMBER 2024 2
ANALYSIS TOOLS AND DATA SOURCES
The GMP implementation guidance specifies that the travel demand model maintained and validated by CCTA is to be used to analyze the VMT characteristics of projects that do not meet any of the screening criteria. DKS applied the CCTA travel demand model for this purpose, analyzing the Bridle Gate project for a year 2020 condition corresponding to the VMT baseline year that sets the threshold of significance. Analysis of cumulative year (2040) conditions was also conducted for informational purposes (the model can analyze scenarios for any year up to the planning horizon).
The Fehr and Peers online screening tool referenced by a City Council member is an alternative source of travel metrics based on processing of “Big Data” from connected vehicles, mobile phones, GPS navigation devices and other sources. As stated on the website (https://www.fehrandpeers.com/project/find-my-vmt/), this source is based on sample trip estimates from March through May of 2019. Also note that the website offers a disclaimer: “Since the VMT estimates are new and have not been fully validated or peer reviewed, the data is offered as-is and should be thoroughly reviewed for reasonableness in any applications.” Therefore, comparing the outputs of the CCTA travel demand model to this Big Data driven tool is really an apples to oranges comparison. Without commenting on the relative merits of the two tools, the CCTA model is the officially adopted analysis tool for jurisdictions that want to remain in compliance with the Growth Management Program and that is why it was applied for this project.
Additionally, the CCTA model has been used as the analysis tool for several previous projects in the City of Brentwood.
BASELINE AND THRESHOLD OF SIGNIFICANCE
For the Bridal Gate analysis, a threshold of 15% below existing (baseline) citywide average VMT per capita was selected in conformance with GMP guidance. A baseline of 29.6 VMT per capita for the City of Brentwood was used per direction from the City’s staff to maintain consistency with the baseline used for previous projects. This resulted in a threshold of significance of 25.2 VMT per capita.
MITIGATION
DKS assessed the applicability of various VMT mitigation strategies as the initial project VMT per capita (27.0) fell above the threshold of significance. Per the GMP implementation guidance, mitigation strategies are to be taken from Appendix 1 of the guidance document of from “other defensible sources”. The GMP guidance also lists the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) report Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures as a source for guidance on mitigation.
DKS consulted the most recent version of the CAPCOA report for potential mitigation strategies to identify an appropriate strategy for the Bridle Gate project2. The strategy selected was to increase 2 Handbook for Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions, Assessing Climate Vulnerabilities, and Advancing Health and Equity, California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, December 2021.
BRENTWOOD BRIDLE GATE • VMT ANALYSIS METODOLOGY • SEPTEMBER 2024 3 the number of intersections within the development beyond that which was originally planned. This resulted in an estimated reduction in VMT of approximately 10%, bringing the project TAZ VMT per capita below the threshold of significance.
SUMMARY
The VMT analysis of the Bridle Gate project was performed in accordance with the CCTA GMP guidance and standard industry practice. Direction on the VMT baseline and threshold of significance, as well as the necessity of analyzing the project using the CCTA travel demand model was given by the City’s environmental consulting team. The analysis methods used for this project were consistent with those used in other recent development projects in the City of Brentwood and were peer reviewed and accepted by city staff. As such, the DKS analysis of the Bridle Gate project should be considered the definitive evaluation of the project’s VMT characteristics.
Abrams Associates Page 2 of 2 – Bridle Gate Project Trip Generation Comparison Memorandum TRAFFIC ENGINEERING, INC. student school. The Revised Project would also generate about 120 less trips during the PM peak hour.
Review of the Potential New Entrance on Sand Creek Road – The potential effects of a new project entrance onto Sand Creek Road were reviewed in response to comments about adding a second entrance. It appears the main effect of the new entrance would be to reduce the traffic on the segment of Chestnut Oak Drive between the potential new entrance and Bridle Gate Drive. Some motorists would be able to access the western end of Chestnut Oak Drive directly instead of having to enter the project site via Bridle Gate Drive. The proposed new entrance would not be forecast to have any effect on the congestion at St. Regis Drive and San Jose Avenue.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this information.
Sincerely,
Stephen C. Abrams
President
Abrams Associates
T.E. License No. 1852
PATTERSON & O’NEILL, PC
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 950
San Francisco, CA 94104
Telephone: (415) 907-9110
Facsimile: (415) 907-7704
www.pattersononeill.com
September 9, 2024
VIA E-MAIL
Brentwood City Council
City Hall, 150 City Park Way
Brentwood, CA 94513
Re: Bridle Gate Project Application
90-Day Notice Pursuant to AB 1633 (Gov. Code § 65589.5(h)(6)(E)(vi)(I)) Dear Mayor Bryant and Councilmembers:
Our office represents the project applicant, WCHB Development, LLC. On July 16, 2024, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on this project. On August 27, 2024, City Council held a public hearing on this project. Neither the Planning Commission nor City Council took action on the project’s Final Revised Environmental Impact Report.
Pursuant to AB 1633 (effective January 1, 2024), PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City has failed to certify an environmental impact report for the proposed project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, Pub. Res. Code § 21000 et seq. Substantial evidence in the record establishes that the criteria of Gov. Code § 65589.5(h)(6)(E)(i-iv) are satisfied, including the Final Revised Environmental Impact Report (available at https://www.brentwoodca.gov/government/community-development/planning/ceqa-documents/- folder-234) and the Staff Report for the August 27, 2024 City Council hearing (available at https://pub-brentwood.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=22784).
Very truly yours,
PATTERSON & O’NEILL, PC
__________________________
Ryan J. Patterson
Attorneys for WCHB Development, LLC