1 BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL
Approved Minutes
Regular City Council Meeting on March 20, 2023
1. CALL TO ORDER
A duly noticed meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above date in the Council Chambers and via Zoom Webinar at 7:01 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The pledge of allegiance was led by City Arborist Holtz.
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. UPDATE FROM FORMER REPRESENTATIVE SPEIER ON THE FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN AND
CHILDREN
Mayor Brownrigg introduced former Representative Jackie Speier.
Former Representative Speier thanked the Council for all the wonderful resources Burlingame has to offer.
She noted that she and her pup love the off-leash dog area of Washington Park. She gave a brief overview of National Women’s History Month, which can be traced back to 1857 and garment factory protests in
2 New York City. She explained that in 1978, Sonoma County held the first Women’s History Day. In 1980, President Carter created the first National Women’s History Week, and in 1987, Congress created National Women’s History Month.
Former Representative Speier explained that the first woman to vote in California voted 52 years before women had won the right to vote. She continued that the woman, Charley Parkhusrt, born Charlotte Parkhurst, voted in the Grant election of 1868.
Former Representative Speier discussed the importance of passing the Equal Rights Amendment. She noted that the United States is the only industrialized nation with a written constitution that does not have an equal rights amendment.
Former Representative Speier explained that she has shifted her focus to local issues. She explained that San Mateo County is the richest county in California, and the fourth richest county in the country. She listed off some San Mateo County statistics:
• in 2020, food stamp utilization went up 41%, which was the highest increase of any county in California
• Single-parent households are home to approximately 25,000 children • 39% of San Mateo County families do not meet San Mateo County self-sufficiency standards
Former Representative Speier stated that the Federal poverty level is a family of four living on $30,000 a year. She explained that this formula dates back to 1960 and does not consider housing or childcare; it is solely based on food. She is hoping to update this formula. She explained that the County self-sufficiency guidelines take the monetary amount to over $100,000 per-year, and this leaves a large segment of the population ineligible for benefits.
Former Representative Speier stated that in 2021, domestic violence in San Mateo County increased by 20%. She stated that 68,000 children in San Mateo County (roughly 43% of children in San Mateo County) have suffered from trauma/an adverse experience. She noted that a majority of individuals experiencing poverty are women with children.
Former Representative Speier stated that she is focusing on changing laws in California to help with childcare. She discussed conversations she has had with single parents about working two jobs to support their family and not being able to find adequate housing.
Former Representative Speier discussed the fact that the critical time period for brain development for humans is age zero to two. She stated that the County has to have more resources available for children in that age range.
Former Representative Speier stated that she would be announcing the creation of a new foundation to help address the issues she had discussed.
3 Former Representative Speier stated that she hopes to have a child poverty summit to discuss strategies for addressing child poverty. She added that her goal is to create pilot programs that will focus on children aged zero to two in order to give them the best start possible.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that to donate to the Jackie Speier Foundation, individuals can contact [email protected]
.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item to public comment. No one spoke.
The Council thanked former Representative Speier for her work.
b. UPDATE FROM PARKS AND RECREATION ON RECENT WIND STORM AND TREES
City Arborist Holtz stated that he has worked with the City of Burlingame for 22 years and started as City Arborist on January 1, 2023. He explained that this year has seen unprecedented storm events. He noted that to lose so many trees at one time forces the City to triage with the following response prioritization:
• Life safety
• Property damage
• Public thoroughfare access
City Arborist Holtz discussed the first level of prioritization, which is life safety. He noted that with these storms, staff has seen trees in active failure, such as on February 21 in Washington Park, and trees that have brought down electrical wires. He explained that before a tree can be removed, staff needs to ensure that the wires are de-energized so that no one gets hurt.
City Arborist Holtz next discussed property damage. He noted that the perils of having an urban forest is that cars and homes can be damaged. He stated that staff was working as quickly as possible to assist people to ensure limited damage to their property.
City Arborist Holtz discussed public thoroughfare access. He explained that the downed trees on El Camino Real and other roads forced the City to close streets until power lines can be de-energized and the trees removed. He noted that staff has been working closely with PG&E to re-open streets and get everyone back online.
City Arborist Holtz reviewed some of the numbers from the March 14 storm:
• 109 tree-related calls
• Parks staff dispatched to over 45 locations
• 5 fallen trees on El Camino Real
• 14 calls related to private tree issues
• 25 whole tree failures of City trees
• 8 trees of immediate concern due to wind stress, which resulted in the voluntary evacuation of four properties
4 City Arborist Holtz discussed the team effort to take care of the community during the storms. He thanked Veronica Flores for all her hard work in answering the public’s phone calls and feeding information to staff.
City Arborist Holtz stated that there were a lot of calls for private tree issues. He noted many private trees had fallen onto the public thoroughfare or onto a neighbor’s property. He stated that private trees should really be dealt with by the individual; however, if the tree is a safety issue, staff will respond as needed.
City Arborist Holtz stated that in the most recent storm, the City lost 25 whole trees, with Bayside Park losing 20. He explained that 17 of the trees that were lost in Bayside Park were in a grove together. He noted that no one was injured, and damage was minimal.
City Arborist Holtz stated that since January, staff has been monitoring the City’s trees for active failures.
He explained that during the February 21 storm, staff saw active movement in the soil around trees on Easton Drive. He added that in the last storm, two trees were removed due to active movement: one on Burlingame Avenue, and one in Washington Park. He noted that a tree needed to be removed on Easton Drive, but staff needed to first work with PG&E to de-energize the power lines.
City Arborist Holtz outlined the plan going forward:
• Continue storm clean-up, response, and tree removals
• Continue maintenance program, including accelerated inspection of larger tree groves • Consider all mitigation measures to balance benefits and risk • Systematic replacement of trees with sustainable choices • Learn from experience; utilize staff in an expeditious manner
City Arborist Holtz reviewed the inspection cycle for trees. He explained that the city is broken up into sections, and each tree is scheduled for pruning and inspection at least once every four years. He noted that areas with large groves are on an accelerated maintenance program and are inspected every two years.
Councilmember Ortiz thanked City Arborist Holtz and asked about the replacement of the eucalyptus trees.
City Arborist Holtz replied that the Blue Gum Eucalyptus trees grow very large and have a shallow root system. Therefore, the City won’t replace those with new Blue Gum Eucalyptus trees but instead will pick a similar tree.
Councilmember Stevenson thanked City Arborist Holtz and his team for all their hard work. He asked if the density of groves is a factor in tree failure. City Arborist Holtz replied that the groves are delicate, and the trees depend on one another. Therefore, if you remove some trees in a grove, you need to prune the other trees to improve the wind load being taken by them.
Councilmember Stevenson asked what the signs of whole tree failure are. City Arborist Holtz replied that members of the public should look at the soil to see if there are openings in the soil. He noted that if an individual sees this, they should stand back and contact the police department.
5 Vice Mayor Colson stated that large trees on private property are a real issue. She explained the costs associated with maintaining these large trees and how it can be too high for some homeowners. She suggested putting together a fund to assist homeowners with tree maintenance in order to avoid damage to public property.
Councilmember Beach stated that while the Parks staff aren’t usually considered first-responders, this is exactly what they are in storms. She thanked staff for their hard work.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment.
Sandra Lang discussed the need to prioritize street and sidewalk cleanings after storms to ensure pedestrian access.
Jennifer Pfaff thanked City Arborist Holtz and his crew for all their hard work. She discussed the importance of undergrounding utilities.
Mayor Brownrigg closed public comment.
Mayor Brownrigg asked about the Caltrain trees that line the railroad tracks. City Arborist Holtz replied that Caltrain has been very responsive and helpful.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS, NON-AGENDA
There were no public comments.
8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Brownrigg asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any item from the Consent Calendar. No item was removed.
Councilmember Ortiz made a motion to adopt 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 MARCH 6, 2023 CLOSED SESSION
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the March 6, 2023, Closed Session.
b. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE MARCH 6, 2023 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
6 City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the March 6, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting.
c. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE 2022 SIDEWALK REPAIR PROGRAM BY J.J.R.
CONSTRUCTION, INC., CITY PROJECT NO. 86250
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 027-2023. d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO QUITCLAIM AN EXISTING EASEMENT AND ACCEPT A NEW CITY MAINTENANCE ACCESS EASEMENT AT 555 AIRPORT BOULEVARD
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 028-2023.
e. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HINDERLITER, DE LLAMAS & ASSOCIATES (HDL) TO INCLUDE
BUSINESS LICENSE TAX AND TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT,
DISCOVERY, AND AUDIT SERVICES
Finance Director Yu-Scott requested Council adopt Resolution Number 029-2023.
f. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE OUT
OF STATE TRAVEL
City Librarian McCulley requested Council adopt Resolution Number 030-2023.
g. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PERSONNEL CHANGES AND APPROVING AN
AMENDED SALARY SCHEDULE FOR MERIT CLASSIFICATIONS
Human Resources Director Saguisag-Sid requested Council adopt Resolution Number 031-2023. h. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A SUBSURFACE SHORING AND CRANE OPERATION AGREEMENT FOR 1766 EL CAMINO REAL WITH CP VIII 1766 ECR, LLC ("CARMEL PARTNERS")
Assistant City Attorney Spansail requested Council adopt Resolution Number 032-2023.
i. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT’S AGENTS FOR NON-
STATE AGENCIES
Finance Director Yu-Scott requested Council adopt Resolution Number 033-2023.
j. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BUREAU VERITAS NORTH AMERICA, INC. FOR PLAN CHECK AND BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR
7 2022-2023 TO INCREASE THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $1,000,000, FOR A TOTAL COMPENSATION, ENTIRELY PAID BY APPLICANTS, NOT TO EXCEED $2,560,000, TO COVER EXPECTED EXPENSES
RELATED TO MULTIPLE LARGE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
CDD Gardiner requested Council adopt Resolution Number 034-2023.
k. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ICF JONES & STOKES, INC. (ICF) TO PERFORM ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEW SERVICES RELATED TO THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW OFFICE / RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUILDING AT 1499 BAYSHORE HIGHWAY IN THE AMOUNT OF $173,212.60
CDD Gardiner requested Council adopt Resolution Number 035-2023.
l. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SEND A LETTER IN SUPPORT OF SB 511 (BLAKESPEAR) RELATED TO
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION INVENTORIES
Sustainability Program Manager Michael requested Council approve a letter of support for SB 511 related to greenhouse gas emission inventories.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE VACATION OF A TEN-FOOT-WIDE PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT AT 1669 AND 1699 OLD BAYSHORE HIGHWAY AND A FIVE-FOOT-WIDE PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT AT 821 MALCOM ROAD
DPW Murtuza stated that there are public utility easements (“PUEs”) located within the private property of 1669 and 1699 Old Bayshore Highway and 821 Malcolm Road. He explained that the PUEs were offered for dedication and accepted by the City in 1959. This allowed the City and other utility companies the right to maintain, operate, replace, remove, or renew public utility facilities.
DPW Murtuza stated that the developer of the property requested to vacate the easements in preparation for a lot combination to construct two multi-story buildings involving an office/research and development project, with new improvements extending over the easements. He explained that to date, no private or public utilities are located within the PUEs, and to staff’s knowledge, there are no future plans for private or public utilities in the PUEs. He added that the ten-foot-wide and five-foot-wide public utility easements have no existing City facilities.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up to public comment. No one spoke.
Vice Mayor Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 036-2023; seconded by Councilmember Stevenson. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
8 b. INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BURLINGAME AMENDING CHAPTER 8.18 OF
THE BURLINGAME MUNICIPAL CODE AND ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY BAN ON SMOKING IN THE BROADWAY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023; CEQA DETERMINATION: EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15378 AND 15061(B)(3)
CDD Gardiner explained that the Economic Development Subcommittee discussed the possibility of a smoking ban in the commercial districts at their November 17, 2022, meeting after the idea was proposed by Broadway Business Improvement District (BID) President John Kevranian. Mr. Kevranian stated that he received complaints regarding smoking on the sidewalks.
CDD Gardiner stated that the proposed ordinance banning smoking in the Broadway Business Improvement District wouldn’t be limited to Broadway and instead would extend to some of the side streets where businesses are located. He explained that the pilot program would be for approximately eight months ending December 31, 2023.
CDD Gardiner stated that after the pilot phase, the Council could decide whether or not to make the program permanent. He added that the Council could also discuss whether to extend the program to other commercial districts in the city.
CDD Gardiner stated that it is important to note that the City Council would be using their police power to provide for the public health, safety, and welfare of Burlingame citizens by discouraging the inherently dangerous effects of second-hand cigarette smoke. He noted for that reason, any extension of the program would need to consider applying the ban to other pedestrian-oriented districts in the city, including Burlingame Avenue.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment.
Mr. Kevranian voiced his support for the ban. (Comment submitted via [email protected] ).
Mayor Brownrigg closed public comment.
Vice Mayor Colson asked about the termination date of the ordinance and about extending it in the future.
ACA Spansail replied that staff would come back to Council in September or October with an update and recommendations on the future of the program.
Councilmember Beach made a motion to bring the ordinance back for a second reading and adoption; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
9 10. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a. APPROVAL OF THE PRIORITIES IDENTIFIED DURING THE FY 2023 - 2024 GOAL-SETTING SESSION,
CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES, AND CONFIRMATION OF
CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS
City Manager Goldman thanked Assistant to the City Manager Kirshner for helping with the Goal Setting meeting and putting together the staff report. She explained that at the City Council’s annual Goal-Setting Session, each Councilmember presented a small idea and a big idea that they wanted the City to work on in the coming years. She noted that after the meeting, Mayor Brownrigg met with Mr. Kirschner and herself to discuss each of the ideas and create a plan of action.
City Manager Goldman discussed the iceberg slide and reminded Council about the amount of work staff does on a day-to-day basis to keep the City moving.
City Manager Goldman reviewed the small ideas that the Council suggested and their progress:
Lighting for Basketball Court at Washington Park: Mayor Brownrigg’s small idea is installing lighting at the basketball court in Washington Park. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad will investigate the cost of installing the lighting and whether funds from the City’s Capital Improvement Program will be required.
Paid City Internships: Vice Mayor Colson’s small idea is paid City internships. While the City has a number of paid interns at any given time, City Manager Goldman or a designee will draft a memo regarding the current status of interns at the City.
Repair of Fence Along El Camino Real: Councilmember Ortiz’s small idea is the removal or repair of the fence running along the east side of El Camino Real, from Murchison Drive to Trousdale Drive. The fence is in disrepair and borders an arterial road. Since El Camino Real is maintained by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the Public Works Department will work with Caltrans to address issues with the fence.
Home Electrification: Councilmember Beach’s small idea is incentivizing residents to electrify their homes.
The City can create a list of priorities for electrification and identify necessary steps to complete all of the items on the list. Sustainability Program Manager Michael will work with Peninsula Clean Energy and other local entities and community organizations to identify available rebates and incentives.
Promotion of the Arts and Cultural Events: Councilmember Stevenson’s small idea is promotion of the arts and cultural events in the city. He noted that the Town Square will be an excellent place to host events once it is completed. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad will brief the City Council at the appropriate time about how the City will utilize the Town Square. The Parks and Recreation Department, the Library, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Burlingame Woman’s Club all currently host cultural events within the city.
10 City Manager Goldman next reviewed the Council’s big ideas:
Shuttles: Mayor Brownrigg’s big idea is to create a local shuttle system with frequent service. The City Council will create the Shuttle Subcommittee to explore the feasibility and logistics of shuttles. The Subcommittee will be staffed by the Public Works Department and the Planning Division of the Community Development Department.
Water Reuse and Retention: Vice Mayor Colson’s big idea is water conservation and recycling. New developments can incorporate elements that will utilize less water and can use recycled water for landscaping. Additionally, the City could utilize recycled water for parks. Councilmember Ortiz’s big idea is stormwater retention and collection. Since these two ideas are so closely related, the City Council will create the Water Reuse and Retention Subcommittee. Additionally, the City recently applied for federal funding to conduct a feasibility study of a wastewater reclamation facility.
Vision Zero: Councilmember Beach’s big idea is the creation and adoption of a “Vision Zero” policy. This means that the City will set a goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries. The City Council will create a joint Vision Zero Subcommittee with the Traffic, Safety, and Parking Commission and the City Council, which will be staffed by the Public Works Department, with assistance from the Planning Division of the Community Development Department as necessary.
Equal Attention and Resources for All Neighborhoods: Councilmember Stevenson’s big idea is ensuring equal attention to all neighborhoods for parks and recreation and other City resources. Since district elections ensure that all areas of the city are represented on City Council, going forward, this issue should be mitigated.
City Manager Goldman stated that to address several of the big ideas, the Mayor called for the creation of three new subcommittees:
• Shuttle Subcommittee
• Vision Zero Subcommittee
• Water Reuse and Retention Subcommittee
She noted that the new subcommittees will dissolve in two years. However, the Council may revisit the date of dissolution.
City Manager Goldman reviewed the list of subcommittees and assignments:
• Broadway Grade Separation: Beach and Ortiz (most work completed, will meet only as needed) • City Hall: Colson and Ortiz
• Sea Level Rise: Brownrigg and Colson
• Shuttles: Brownrigg and Beach
• Vision Zero: Beach and Stevenson
• Water Reuse and Retention: Ortiz and Stevenson
11 • El Camino Real (dissolved; work shifts to full Council) • Rollins Road (dissolved)
City Manager Goldman stated that funding for the identified big ideas may include a combination of City General Fund monies, the Capital Improvement Program, state and federal grants, and other sources.
Vice Mayor Colson thanked Mayor Brownrigg. She liked the idea of having the subcommittees dissolving after two years, as it lines up with elections.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
11. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council reviewed their committee appointments.
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There were no future agenda items.
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 8:37 p.m. in memory of Rocky Robinson.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer
City Clerk