1 BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL
Approved Minutes
Regular City Council Meeting on January 17, 2023
1. CALL TO ORDER
A duly noticed meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above date via Zoom Webinar at 7:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Ortiz.
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Beach, Brownrigg, Colson, Ortiz, Stevenson MEMBERS ABSENT: None
4. REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
There was no closed session.
5. UPCOMING EVENTS
Mayor Brownrigg reviewed upcoming events in the city.
6. PRESENTATIONS
a. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JANUARY AS NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH AND JANUARY 11, 2023 AS NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY
Mayor Brownrigg read the proclamation recognizing January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
San Mateo County Human Trafficking Program representative Pamela Estes thanked the City Council for the proclamation. She discussed the several programs that the County has to assist individuals.
2 b. UPDATE ON THE PENINSULA WELLNESS COMMUNITY
Peninsula Health Care District (“PHCD”) CEO Cheryl Fama began with a brief overview of the district. She discussed PHCD’s mandate, which is to cover the health needs of the community. She stated that PHCD bought 26 acres of land in 1950 and built the Peninsula Hospital on that site.
Ms. Fama discussed the remaining 6.42 acres of land at the site. She stated that because San Mateo County has a large aging population, the District felt that the best way to utilize the land would be to create the Peninsula Wellness Community (“PWC”). She reviewed the vision of the PWC:
• Seniors with mixed incomes can live independently
• New medical offices located near the hospital can provide a range of services to PWC residents and the community at large
• Residents of all ages throughout the PHCD community can gather and participate in programs focused on healthy and social lifestyles
• Public open space can be enjoyed by all
PMB President Jake Rohe stated that PMB is one of the team members that is working on the PWC project.
Mr. Rohe reviewed the project goals:
• Housing for a range of income levels
• A vibrant and active community
• Physical and mental wellness spaces
• Indoor and outdoor community amenities
• Medical offices and services
He stated since 1971, PMB has focused exclusively on healthcare real estate development. He added that this project has a lot of potential to impact the community. He noted that 46% of the housing at PWC will be affordable.
PMB Senior Vice President Ben Rosenfeld reviewed the project’s timeline:
• PMB and Generations awarded the project in 2017
• MidPen joined the project in 2018
• Three developer-led community outreach meetings, with the next one scheduled for February 8, 2023
• Preparing to submit entitlements package to the City in early 2023 • Construction scheduled to start in 2025, with a completion date of 2027
Mr. Rosenfeld displayed some of the proposed PWC site plans, which include:
• 200,000 square foot building that includes 160,000 square feet of medical offices, with the remaining space known as “The Hub”
• Senior Living building will have 10% affordable housing with approximately 225 units and a retail bistro open to the public
3 • Paseo connecting the site to Sutter’s campus
• MidPen’s 100% affordable housing building
He then displayed a 3D view of the proposed design.
Mr. Rosenfeld reviewed what has changed in the project from the original design:
Original Design
Current Design
HUB 35,000 to 40,000 square feet 35,000 to 40,000 square feet Medical Office Building 265,000 to 275,000 square feet 150,000 to 160,000 square feet Total Senior Homes 375 homes 377 homes
Market-Rate Senior Homes 337 homes 202 homes
Affordable Senior Homes 38 homes 175 homes
Percentage of Affordable Homes 10% affordable 46% affordable
Vice Mayor Colson stated that she was happy to see the increased level of affordable housing. She asked about the levels of affordability. Mr. Rosenfeld stated that the Senior Living building’s 10% affordable housing will focus on 80% AMI. MidPen representative Andrew Bialek stated that the MidPen building will target 50% and below AMI.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that this project came before the San Mateo County Housing and Community Development Committee. (Vice Mayor Colson sits on this committee.) She noted that it was put at a lower priority level for County funding because of where the project is in the process. However, she noted that as the timeline progresses, she is sure that it will move up in priority. She added that it was exciting to see extremely low and very low AMI targets for the housing. She asked if the housing was mostly for single individuals. Mr. Bialek replied that it is mostly one bedroom units.
Councilmember Stevenson asked if outreach would continue once construction started. Ms. Fama replied in the affirmative.
Councilmember Stevenson asked if transportation was included in the project. Generations representative Chip Gabriel replied in the affirmative. He added that the project is hoping to meet the health and medical needs of the community on the property.
Councilmember Stevenson asked if there were restrictions on the project due to the location of the Hetch Hetchy easement. Mr. Rosenfeld replied in the affirmative and added that there are limitations on the types of permanent structures and foundations that are allowed.
Councilmember Stevenson asked if Samaritan House and other existing occupants would be accommodated within the new structure. Ms. Fama stated that the tenants have received notification about the project. She added she didn’t know how much of The Hub would be available to the nonprofit programs like Samaritan House and AbilityPath.
4 Councilmember Ortiz thanked the District for the amount of affordable housing the project is expected to create. He added that he lives a few blocks from the project site. He asked about the height of the buildings. Mr. Rohe replied that there are multiple factors for height control such as flight path from Sutter and local zoning regulations. He noted that there are various height levels per building, and he would need to follow up with Council on this information.
Councilmember Ortiz asked how the February 8, 2023 community outreach meeting would be publicized.
Mr. Rosenfeld stated mailers would be sent and that they would be working with different leaders in the community to release information.
Councilmember Ortiz asked about the meeting’s location. Mr. Bialek replied that they are planning on utilizing the City’s Community Center.
Councilmember Beach thanked the developers for focusing on creating affordable housing. She asked about the common concerns that the developers are hearing from the community. Mr. Rohe stated that the community concerns focus on affordability and the density/scale of the building.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Mayor Brownrigg thanked the District for the presentation. He stated that this project would create a lot more pedestrians and thought the City needed to ensure that Trousdale Drive is pedestrian safe.
Councilmember Beach stated that she loved hearing the conversation around transportation support for seniors. She added that she hopes the District considers childcare facilities as part of the project.
The Council discussed Ms. Fama’s retirement. They thanked her for all her work and efforts to move this project forward.
c. UPDATE REGARDING THE DECEMBER AND JANUARY STORMS
City Manager Goldman stated that as this meeting was beginning, she received an email from someone who lives on California Drive. The individual wrote in to thank staff for being incredibly responsive.
City Manager Goldman stated that the storm began on New Year’s Eve. She discussed the trees that came down and flooding. She noted that the Parks and Recreation Department and Department of Public Works did a lot of work to assist the community during these storms.
DPW Murtuza stated that since December 26, 2022, the City recorded over 22 inches of rain. He explained that 5 inches were recorded on December 31st alone. He noted that on December 31, the City opened up the Emergency Operations Center. He added that El Camino Real, portions of California Drive, and Burlingame Avenue experienced flooding. He stated that a lot of potholes were created as a result of the
5 storms. He discussed the high volume of phone calls that staff has responded to and added that staff has provided over 200 tons of sands to the community.
DPW Murtuza reviewed some of the storm damages in the city:
• Breaches in the Easton Creek levee, which will need permanent repairs • Lost some pumps at the pump station facility
• Tidal gate was damaged
• City sewer systems experienced significant infiltration, which resulted in overflow • Wastewater treatment plant, which typically treats three million gallons of wastewater in a normal day, received over 23 million gallons on December 31
• Police Station and Community Center parking garage had some leakage • City Hall elevator had some impacts
DPW Murtuza discussed staff’s preparation in the summer for storm season. He noted how much this helped the City avoid major problems. He thanked staff for their tireless work during the storms.
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad stated that she is incredibly proud of staff and how they handled the storms. She noted that there were only 30 emergency calls to the Parks Department. She added that most were for tree and branch failures on El Camino Real. She noted that there were four whole tree failures and three landslides in Mills Canyon.
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad stated that most of the work for her staff was after each storm.
She explained that staff would drive every street in Burlingame and perform clean-up of branches and other debris. She added that the City Arborist inspected the large Eucalyptus groves after each storm to ensure safety.
Councilmember Ortiz asked how the Crystal Springs water releases affected the city’s creeks. City Manager Goldman replied that the releases didn’t affect Burlingame creeks.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that the storms stressed the importance of having staff live near the city. She discussed how it allows them to be on call and more responsive as issues occur. She suggested ensuring sleeping accommodations for staff who might need to work overnight.
Councilmember Beach echoed Vice Mayor Colson’s points. She thanked staff for their hard work. She added that the passage of the storm drain measure has allowed staff to improve facilities in order to ensure that the City is prepared for large storms.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment.
Jennifer Pfaff thanked staff for their hard work.
Mayor Brownrigg closed public comment.
6 Mayor Brownrigg thanked staff for the update and for their hard work.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS, NON-AGENDA
Sandra Lang thanked staff for their work during the storms and Council for the questions asked during the Special Meeting on January 9, 2023. (comment submitted via [email protected] ).
8. A PPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Brownrigg asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any item from the Consent Calendar. No items were removed.
Councilmember Ortiz made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar; seconded by Councilmember Beach. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
a. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE DECEMBER 19, 2022 CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the December 19, 2022 City Council Meeting.
b. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE JANUARY 9, 2023 SPECIAL CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the January 9, 2023 Special City Council Meeting.
c. CONFIRMATION OF THE MAYOR’S COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2023
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council confirm the Mayor’s Council Assignments for 2023.
d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES (TEA) IN THE AMOUNT OF $149,748.38 TO PURCHASE AND REPLACE NETWORK SWITCHING EQUIPMENT AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND APPROPRIATING $150,000 IN THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
INTERNAL SERVICES FUND
Police Chief Matteucci requested Council adopted Resolution Number 003-2023.
e. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO ALLOW THE CITY COUNCIL AND COMMISSIONS TO CONDUCT
MEETINGS REMOTELY DUE TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS FOR THE PUBLIC City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council adopt Resolution Number 004-2023.
7 f. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH URBAN FIELD STUDIO TO PROVIDE
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE BURLINGAME TOWN SQUARE TO MODIFY THE SCOPE OF
WORK AND EXTEND THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT
CDD Gardiner requested Council adopt Resolution Number 005-2023.
g. OPEN NOMINATION PERIOD TO FILL TWO VACANCIES ON THE MEASURE I CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE
City Manager Goldman requested Council open the nomination period to fill two vacancies on the Measure I Citizens’ Oversight Committee.
h. ACCEPTANCE OF THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022
Finance Director Yu-Scott requested Council accept the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the year ending June 30, 2022.
i. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 PERSONNEL CHANGE OF THE
ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER POSITION FROM PART-TIME TO FULL-TIME
HR Director Saguisag-Sid requested Council adopt Resolution Number 006-2023.
j. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY OF BURLINGAME PAY RATES AND RANGES (SALARY SCHEDULES)
HR Director Saguisag-Sid requested Council adopt Resolution Number 007-2023.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 15.10 OF THE BURLINGAME
MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE TERMINOLOGY TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE PLUMBING CODE AND TO CLARIFY WASTEWATER DISCHARGE PERMIT REQUIREMENTS; CEQA DETERMINATION:
EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15378 AND 15061(b)(3)
DPW Murtuza stated that food service establishments are the main sources of fats, oils, and grease in the wastewater collection system. He explained that the City regulates food service establishments and their discharge of fats, oils, and grease into the sanitary sewer system through the Burlingame Municipal Code Chapter 15.10 Sanitary Sewer Use Regulations. He stated that under this chapter, all facilities that discharge industrial wastewaters either directly or indirectly to the sanitary sewer are required to obtain a wastewater discharge permit per Section 15.10.070.
8 DPW Murtuza stated that the proposed updates to Chapter 15.10 are intended to increase clarity and to be consistent with the California Plumbing Code in order to prevent confusion and/or avoid misinterpretation of the regulations. He noted that the update will ensure that the terminology is consistent across the documents. He added that the proposed ordinance clarifies that any user, including food service establishments, with waste that negatively impacts the wastewater treatment facility, will be required to obtain a wastewater discharge permit issued by the City.
Mayor Brownrigg asked if the outcome of this proposed ordinance is that the public would need a permit to discharge. DPW Murtuza replied that industrial discharge always requires a permit, but the ordinance provides clarity on the terminology.
Mayor Brownrigg asked the City Clerk to read the title of the ordinance. City Clerk Hassel-Shearer read the title.
Councilmember Ortiz made a motion to waive further reading and introduce the ordinance; seconded by Vice Mayor Colson. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the public hearing. No one spoke.
Councilmember Beach made a motion to bring back the ordinance for a second reading; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
b. INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18.30 OF THE BURLINGAME MUNICIPAL CODE, WHICH CONTAINS LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE 2022 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (CEQA DETERMINATION: EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15378, 15061(b)(3)
Councilmember Beach recused herself from the item due to conflicts that were confirmed by the FPPC.
ACA Spansail stated that at the November 21, 2022 Council meeting, the Council adopted an ordinance that made local amendments to Title 24, Part 11 of the 2022 California Building Codes, which contains the California Green Building Standards Code (“CALGreen”). He explained that these local amendments are commonly referred to as a city’s “Reach Code.”
ACA Spansail explained that the approved ordinance did not include language that allowed exemptions for developers who submitted a complete planning application prior to the implementation of the proposed ordinance. He added that similarly, the ordinance did not allow the Building Official to grant exceptions to the City’s Reach Code when their application could make a development project infeasible.
ACA Spansail reviewed the two issues that are addressed in the proposed ordinance. He stated that firstly, it would exempt developers who submitted a complete planning or building permit application prior to the effective date of the new (and then unknown) requirements of the City’s updated Reach Code. He added
9 that any project granted this exemption would still be required to comply with the City’s 2020 Reach Code (or any variation of the Code applicable to the project based on its application history).
ACA Spansail stated that staff believes that the proposed developments at 620 Airport Boulevard, 1499 Bayshore Highway, and the Peninsula Crossing Project at 1300 Bayshore would all qualify for this exemption.
ACA Spansail stated that secondly, the proposed ordinance would allow future developers to apply for an exception to certain aspects of the City’s new Reach Code if those additional requirements would make the building of the project infeasible. He explained that in this scenario, the Building Official would determine whether an exception should be granted and would limit any approved exception to only those aspects of the Reach Code that make the project infeasible. He added that if the Building Official denies an exception, the applicant could appeal this decision to the Community Development Director within five business days.
The decision of the Community Development Director would be final.
Councilmember Stevenson asked about the timeframe for when the Reach Codes become applicable to a new development. ACA Spansail replied that typically the Reach Codes need to be in place when a project submits its entitlement application to be applicable.
Vice Mayor Colson asked how many projects this proposed ordinance would impact. ACA Spansail replied that he believed it would impact three large projects.
Mayor Brownrigg asked the City Clerk to read the title of the ordinance. City Clerk Hassel-Shearer read the title.
Councilmember Ortiz made a motion to waive further reading and introduce the ordinance; seconded by Councilmember Stevenson. The motion passed by roll call vote, 4-0-1 (Councilmember Beach recused herself).
Mayor Brownrigg opened the public hearing. No one spoke.
Vice Mayor Colson made a motion to bring back the proposed ordinance for a second reading; seconded by Councilmember Stevenson. The motion passed by roll call vote, 4-0-1 (Councilmember Beach recused herself).
10. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THAT THE DRAFT 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT BE
SUBMITTED TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
FOR REVIEW AND CERTIFICATION
CDD Gardiner began by explaining the definition of a Housing Element. He stated that it is a plan for the housing needed in a community that includes:
10 • Types of housing and where it should go
• Housing policies and programs
• Required by state law and guided by target numbers
• Updated every eight years
CDD Gardiner explained that the Housing Element starts with the General Plan. He stated that the City’s General Plan was updated in 2019 after lots of community input. He noted that this put Burlingame ahead of other cities when it came to the Housing Element.
CDD Gardiner stated that the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (“RHNA”) is a target for the housing units needed in each city. He added that this is assigned to the region by the State. He then reviewed the City’s RHNA requirement:
Income Level RHNA 6 Allocation
Very Low Income (50% AMI) 863
Low Income (60% AMI) 497
Moderate Income (80% AMI) 529
Above Moderate Income (120% AMI) 1,368
TOTAL 3,257
CDD Gardiner reviewed the Area Median Income (“AMI”) and noted that it is higher in San Mateo County than in many regions.
• $116,200 household of 1
• $123,800 household of 2
• $149,400 household of 3
• $166,000 household of 4
He noted that these numbers change every year.
CDD Gardiner stated that the General Plan planned for substantial new housing, including housing of different types and affordability. He explained that the General Plan planned for 2,951 units and that the General Plan will be able to accommodate the 3,257 required under RHNA. He added that as of January 2023, there are 2,412 unites in the “pipeline” that will be eligible to be applied to the next cycle. He stated that the pipeline projects meet the allocation needs in some of the income levels but fall short in the very low income and low-income levels.
CDD Gardiner reviewed a chart reviewing the pipeline project and unmet need:
Income Level RHNA 6 Allocation “Pipeline” Projects Unmet Need Very Low Income (50%
AMI)
863 147 716
Low Income (60% AMI) 497 188 309
11 Moderate Income (80%
AMI)
529 72 457
Above Moderate
Income (120% AMI)
1,368 2,005 -637
TOTAL 3,257 2,412
CDD Gardiner stated that 38.9% of Burlingame’s workforce makes less than $40,000 a year. He noted that there is a large gap between what 38.9% of the City’s workforce makes and the region’s AMI.
CDD Gardiner showed a map depicting affordable areas of the Bay Area. It highlighted how far from Burlingame an individual would need to live such as Hayward, San Leandro, and the Central Valley, to afford housing. He added that when you take into consideration traffic and tolls, it makes it hard for companies to recruit.
Councilmember Stevenson asked if the Peninsula Wellness Community (PWC) numbers are included in the “pipeline” report. CDD Gardiner replied that PWC is not yet included but it will assist the City when they are included.
CDD Gardiner stated that the City’s Housing Element includes the following seven chapters:
• Chapter 1 – Executive Summary
• Chapter 2 – Introduction
• Chapter 3 – Profile of the Community
• Chapter 4 – Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) • Chapter 5 – Housing Constraints
• Chapter 6 – Community Resources and Opportunities
• Chapter 7 – Housing Goals, Policies, and Action Programs
He added that the Housing Element includes the following appendices:
• Appendix A – RHNA 5 Program Implementation
• Appendix B – Community Outreach
• Appendix C – Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Assessment • Appendix D – Sites Inventory
CDD Gardiner discussed the community outreach that was undertaken for the City’s Housing Element including:
• Burlingame Talks Together About Housing – part of the County’s “Home for All” initiative, which was created to understand how community perspectives about housing affect decisions made by local governments.
• 21 Elements collaborative – a countywide outreach program • Outreach events including “pop-up” outreach tables at the Fresh Market in Downtown Burlingame and on Broadway
• Two virtual interactive community workshops
12 • Joint meeting with the Planning Commission and City Council
He noted that a summary of the outreach activities and related findings can be found at www.burlingame.org/housingelement.
CDD Gardiner discussed Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (“AFFH”). He stated that this process asks cities to create low-income housing in the “highest resource” or “high resource” areas. He explained that is defined by the State based on a range of indicators such as:
• Proximity to transit
• Access to high performing schools and jobs
• Access to amenities, such as parks and services
• Access to health care facilities and grocery stores
He added that the good news is that all Burlingame residents live in neighborhoods identified as “highest resource” or “high resource,” meaning there are no “low resource” neighborhoods in Burlingame.
CDD Gardiner stated that the next thing that is included in the Housing Element is the Sites Inventory. He reviewed the following chart:
Very Low Low Moderate Above
Moderate
Total Units
RHNA 863 497 529 1,368 3,257
Pipeline Projects 147 188 72 2,005 2,412
ADUs 50 50 50 17 167
Key
Vacant/Nonvacant
Sites
898 385 461 1,202 2,946
TOTAL 1,095 623 583 3,224 5,525
Buffer 27% 25% 10% 136% 170%
CDD Gardiner stated that sites smaller than 0.5 acres or larger than 10 acres are considered unsuitable for affordable housing development unless the jurisdiction demonstrates that it has a track record of affordable developments on these sizes of lots. He added that the Housing Element includes a track record of development and the types of development. He showed the charts and timelines that are included in the Housing Element. He stated that the Housing Element includes how the City created its density assumptions. He explained that inclusion in the Sites Inventory is not:
• An entitlement in itself
• An obligation to build housing
He noted that not being a designated Housing Inventory site does not preclude housing development if housing is an allowed land use.
13 CDD Gardiner next reviewed the policies and programs section of the City’s Housing Element. He explained that the plan for housing needed in a community must include:
• Provide opportunities for a variety of housing choices • Facilitate the development of affordable housing
• Remove barriers to housing
• Improve the condition of existing housing
• Preserve existing affordable housing
• Affirmatively further fair housing
CDD Gardiner stated that the policies and programs for affordable housing include three priority levels:
• High – planned implementation within 1-2 years of Housing Element adoption • Medium – planned implementation within 4 years of Housing Element adoption • Low – ongoing/continuous implementation within 8 years of Housing Element adoption
CDD Gardiner reviewed some of the programs outlined in the Housing Element:
• Program H (B-3) – a commitment to environmental justice for underrepresented community groups most impacted by pollution
• Program H (C-6) – consideration of providing additional incentives for developers to include child care facilities in new residential, commercial, or industrial developments • Program H (D-2) – provision of 50 Extremely-Low Income (ELI) units subject to a preference for people with development disabilities
CDD Gardiner stated that the Planning Commission reviewed the draft Housing Element and some of the items that the Commission was interested in included:
• Condominium conversions (Program H(E-2))
• Preserve naturally affordable housing
• Tree planting requirements
• Enumerate the numbers of persons who both live and work in Burlingame • Consider use of an ADU questionnaire to determine income levels of units • School impacts
• Consider increasing the proportion of affordable units required in new developments
CDD Gardiner reviewed the affordable housing development project at 1875 California Drive. He noted that it sits on .36 acres, and 69 units are proposed. He stated that the Council has committed City Housing Funds to this project. He noted that this project works out to 191 dwelling units per acre, making it a dense project. He explained that this project might make it possible to develop some smaller lots and gave examples:
• 1145 Capuchino Avenue (Parking Lot R) - .27 acres could offer up to 13 units (at 50 dwelling units per acre)
• 1480 Broadway and 1204 El Camino Real - .29 acres could offer up to 14 units (at 50 dwelling units per acre)
14 CDD Gardiner reviewed the Housing Element timeline:
• Public Draft Released: December 28, 2022
• Planning Commission: January 9, 2023
• City Council: January 17, 2023
• Deadline for Comments: January 27, 2023
• Consider and incorporate comments from the public, Planning Commission, and City Council:
January 27 – February 10, 2023 (10 days maximum)
• Submit to HCD: February 13, 2023
He noted that the State has up to 90 days to review the City’s first draft and offer comments.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that he thought condo conversions led to the same number of units. He asked how condo conversions would encourage more housing units. CDD Gardiner replied that the policies and programs are meant to focus on the needs of the community. He stated that the thought is that condo conversions would help to bridge the gap between the cost of renting and first home purchase.
Councilmember Ortiz asked if he was correct that the Housing Element identified opportunities for more housing units than what is required under RHNA. CDD Gardiner replied in the affirmative.
Councilmember Ortiz asked if staff expected any pushback from HCD. CDD Gardiner replied that the review of other cities’ housing elements has been rigorous. He stated that HCD has expressed a desire to have more commitments and certainty out of cities.
Councilmember Ortiz asked if anything in the Housing Element conflicts with the General Plan. CDD Gardiner replied in the negative. He stated that the General Plan was written partially as a housing plan.
Vice Mayor Colson gave the scenario of a low density multi-residential building (approximately 4 units) that could be redeveloped into 20 units. She asked if there were ang regulations regarding tenant displacement or other matters that would make the redevelopment challenging. CDD Gardiner replied that he is not aware of a required relocation program.
Vice Mayor Colson asked if the City had any SB 9 projects in the past year. CDD Gardiner replied in the negative. He noted that the City’s SB 9 regulations are fair and reasonable.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that under the program to create extremely-low income housing for people with disabilities, staff listed some partners. She noted that she didn’t think PARCA or GatePath were included and wondered if they should be included. CDD Gardiner stated that staff included AbilityPath, which used to be GatePath.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that she noticed that none of the City’s religious sites were included in the report. She explained that a new State law allows religious organizations/sites to redevelop parking lots and parts of their parcels into affordable housing. She added that staff might want to have conversations with the City’s faith organizations to see if they are interested in developing their lots.
15 Vice Mayor Colson asked that the introduction to the report include more information about the City’s large rental population. She highlighted the fact that 54% of residents are renters and how high this number is in comparison to Burlingame’s neighbors. She thought the cost of rent versus the cost of single- family homes in Burlingame should be highlighted in the introduction to highlight the difficulties of becoming a first-time home buyer in the city.
Mayor Brownrigg discussed the impactful work that the City has done to develop housing. He noted that he thought the report was overly defensive. He explained that the City has done a lot and has been thoughtful on where and how to create additional density. He stated that there isn’t a lot of public land for the City to develop, and developers can’t make the numbers work to create affordable housing on private land. He discussed the need for the State to create subsidies to allow for affordable housing to be created.
He asked that the report include some language about how the City is doing what it can and that the State needs to assist financially to create more affordable housing.
Councilmember Beach stated that she appreciated the policies and programs that were highlighted in the report. She added that she would explore looking into smaller sites. She concurred with Vice Mayor Colson that religious organizations/sites would be a great partner in creating housing.
Mayor Brownrigg opened public comment.
Zach stated the importance of creating affordable housing around transit. He discussed AFFH and the need to further explore this requirement. (comment submitted via [email protected] ).
Mayor Brownrigg closed public comment.
Councilmember Beach asked if staff could talk with the school districts about potential housing sites on their property. CDD Gardiner replied that the administration site was included as an opportunity site in the report. He added that any of the school sites would require zoning code amendments and therefore weren’t included.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that he disagreed with Mayor Brownrigg about the tone of the report.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that she has read a lot of HCD response letters that other cities received after submitting their reports. She hoped that because the City has utilized responses from other cities that HCD would be satisfied with the City’s report.
Mayor Brownrigg thanked staff for their hard work on this report.
Councilmember Beach made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 008-2023; seconded by Mayor Brownrigg. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
16 b. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT OF THE CITY MANAGER’S EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE A SALARY INCREASE OF 2%, AN ACCURAL OF TWENTY- SEVEN (27) VACATION DAYS PER YEAR, AND APPROVING THE CITY OF BURLINGAME PAY RATES
AND RANGES (SALARY SCHEDULE)
HR Director Saguisag-Sid stated that before Council was a resolution to authorize the eighth amendment to the City Manager’s employment contract. She noted that the City Manager’s evaluation was conducted at the December 7, 2022 Closed Session. She explained that in recognition of her positive performance, the Council recommended providing a salary increase of 2% and an increase of two vacation days per year for a total of 27.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Ortiz made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 009-2023; seconded by Vice Mayor Colson. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
Mayor Brownrigg thanked City Manager Goldman for all her work.
11. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council reviewed their committee appointments.
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Brownrigg stated that Council would be asked to review a letter of support regarding amendments to the Brown Act at the February 6, 2023 Council meeting.
13. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The agendas, packets, and meeting minutes for the Planning Commission, Traffic, Safety & Parking Commission, Beautification Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, and Library Board of Trustees are available online at www.burlingame.org
.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Brownrigg adjourned the meeting at 10:19 p.m. in memory of Charles Voltz.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer
City Clerk