1 BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL
Approved Minutes
Regular City Council Meeting on May 15, 2023
1. CALL TO ORDER
A duly noticed meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above date in person and via Zoom at 7:01 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The pledge of allegiance was led by Cantor Yonah Kliger.
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Beach, Brownrigg, Colson, Ortiz, Stevenson MEMBERS ABSENT: None
4. REQUEST FOR AB 2249 REMOTE PARTICIPATION
Vice Mayor Colson requested to participate remotely pursuant to AB 2249.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Beach made a motion to allow Vice Mayor Colson to participate in the meeting remotely pursuant to AB 2249; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
5. REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
a. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
PROPERTY: 1200-1340 OLD BAYSHORE HIGHWAY, BURLINGAME, CALIFORNIA AGENCY NEGOTIATORS: CITY MANAGER LISA K. GOLDMAN, CITY ATTORNEY MICHAEL GUINA NEGOTIATING PARTIES: CITY OF BURLINGAME; DW BURLINGAME VENTURE, LLC – DIVCOWEST UNDER NEGOTIATIONS: PRICE AND TERMS OF REAL ESTATE NEGOTIATIONS
City Attorney Guina stated that direction was given, but no reportable action was taken.
2 6. UPCOMING EVENTS
Mayor Brownrigg reviewed upcoming events in the city.
7. DISCLOSURE OF SB 1439 CONFLICTS (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 84308)
City Attorney Guina stated that under SB 1439, elected officials running for office must make certain disclosures if they have taken contributions of $250 or more.
Mayor Brownrigg asked his colleagues if any of them had any disclosures.
Councilmember Beach stated that she is unaware of any contribution she has received that is in conflict and therefore needs to be disclosed. However, she noted that if any member of the public is aware, they should write in to the City Clerk.
Mayor Brownrigg asked if there were any public comments. No one spoke.
8. PRESENTATIONS
a. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY AS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Mayor Brownrigg discussed the importance of mental health and proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment.
Bryan Shields thanked the Council for recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month. He discussed different ways of getting help including the national hotline 988.
Mayor Brownrigg closed public comment.
b. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Mayor Brownrigg read a proclamation recognizing May as Jewish American Heritage Month. He noted that it is important as a community to stand up against anti-Semitism.
Cantor Kliger thanked the Council for recognizing May as Jewish American Heritage Month. He discussed the importance of belonging to an accepting community.
3 Mayor Brownrigg asked Cantor Kliger to explain what a Cantor is. Cantor Kliger stated that the Cantor works with the Rabbi and also handles all the music in the synagogue.
The Council discussed the importance of Jewish American Heritage Month.
c. YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE (YAC) PRESENTATION
Parks and Recreation Coordinator Sydney Bliss introduced the members of the City’s Youth Advisory Committee (“YAC”): Shaina Lubarsky, Adrian Su, Penny Reed, Ashley Fong, Liz Forsell, Dylan LaChance, Ethan Wan, Sophia Bella, Zach Wong, Clair Guglielmi, Sylvie Olson, Dyland Aguinaldo, and Hannah Osinski.
YAC members discussed the different projects they worked on this past year including:
• YAC initiative: Belonging in Burlingame
• Backing holiday cookies and delivering them to schools, retirement homes, and others • Assisting with the Muddy Mile and Tree Lighting Ceremony • Assisting with Kids’ Night Out events
• Working at the Senior Valentine’s Day Dance and the Royal Ball • Organizing an Anti-Hate Movie Night
• Mills Canyon Clean-Up
Councilmember Stevenson thanked YAC for their efforts and dedication to the community.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that the City is in the process of writing an Age Friendly City plan. She asked YAC to think of activities and ways that YAC could help to foster an Age Friendly City.
Councilmember Beach asked YAC what the most fun events they participated in over the year were. YAC representatives each discussed the different events that they enjoyed participating in.
Councilmember Ortiz asked what YAC members would tell middle-schoolers about why they should join YAC. YAC members stated various reasons including its impact on their college applications, growing their leadership and communication skills, building self-confidence, meeting a diverse population, higher appreciation for community, and learning more about government.
Mayor Brownrigg asked about the Belonging in Burlingame initiative and if there were any insights from this discussion. YAC members discussed the importance of celebrating differences.
The Council thanked YAC for their hard work.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bryan Shields talked about the importance of living wages and fair labor standards.
A member of the public discussed concern about a woman feeding almonds to squirrels, as almonds are toxic to dogs. (comment submitted via public comment).
4 10. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Brownrigg asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any item from the Consent Calendar. A member of the public pulled item 10h and Mayor Brownrigg pulled item 10j.
Councilmember Ortiz made a motion to approve the following items from the consent calendar: 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10i, 10k, and 10l; seconded by Councilmember Stevenson. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
a. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE MAY 1, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the May 1, 2023 City Council Meeting.
b. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE MAY 3, 2023 CLOSED SESSION
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the May 3, 2023 Closed Session.
c. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO ESTABLISH THE SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA
TOURISM MARKETING DISTRICT AND FIXING THE TIME AND PLACE OF A PUBLIC MEETING AND A
PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION REQUESTING CONSENT FROM OTHER CITIES
WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICT AND THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF SAN MATEO
COUNTY TO FORM THE DISTRICT
City Manager Goldman requested Council adopt Resolution Number 049-2023 and Resolution Number 050- 2023.
d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH SAN MATEO COUNTY TO SECURE $500,000 IN FUNDING FOR THE TOWN
SQUARE PROJECT
City Manager Goldman requested Council adopt Resolution Number 051-2023.
e. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AWARDING A $1,497,326.40 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO INTERSTATE GRADING AND PAVING, INC. FOR THE 2023 STREET RESURFACING PROGRAM, CITY PROJECT NUMBER 86400, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 052-2023.
5 f. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AWARDING A $1,013,950 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO R&S CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, INC. FOR THE 2023 SIDEWALK REPAIR PROGRAM, CITY PROJECT NO. 86450, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 053-2023.
g. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS INITIATING PROCEEDINGS TO RENEW THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF
ASSESSMENTS FOR THE DOWNTOWN BURLINGAME AVENUE STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24; APPROVING THE ANNUAL ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24; AND DECLARING THE INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 054-2023, Resolution Number 055-2023, and Resolution Number 056-2023.
h. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTIONS AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDING TO THE
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (MTC) UNDER THE ONE BAY AREA GRANT (OBAG) 3 PROGRAM AND CONFIRM COMPLIANCE WITH STATE HOUSING LAWS TO MAINTAIN
FUNDING ELIGIBILITY
Deputy DPW Art Morimoto stated that this item concerns the OBAG grant that the City was awarded in the amount of $3.1 million. He noted that a concept was used from the Bike Pedestrian Master Plan to obtain the grant; however, the design is not final.
Vice Mayor Colson asked if she was correct that the City is meeting all the requirements of State housing laws. CDD Gardiner stated that with the grant there is an expectation that the City will have an approved Housing Element by the end of the year.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment.
Manito Velasco voiced a number of questions about this item including how much money has been spent on the project, if pedestrian bulbs are included, and signals at Oak Grove and California. (comment submitted via [email protected].)
Deputy DPW Morimoto stated that the City is not committed to the final design, and it will still go through the process of public outreach and input.
Mayor Brownrigg closed public comment.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that the City conducted an extensive amount of community outreach regarding the North Rollins Neighborhood Plan including street and bike access. She added that she used to own a business on the 1800 block of Rollins Road and thought that the proposed design would improve the traffic safety of the area.
6 Mayor Brownrigg made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 057-2023 and Resolution Number 058-2023; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
i. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO RENEW THE SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH GRANICUS, INC. FOR AGENDA MANAGEMENT, VIDEO STREAMING SERVICES AND CLOSED CAPTIONS FOR THREE YEARS AT A TOTAL COST OF $155,518.05
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council adopt Resolution Number 059-2023.
j. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO TWO
MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF BURLINGAME AND THE COUNTY OF
SAN MATEO AND THE CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO TO COLLABORATE IN A JOINT EFFORT TO DEVELOP
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENTS FOR ALL THREE JURISDICTIONS, INCLUDING ALL NECESSARY TECHNICAL ANALYSES, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, AND POLICY/PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT; AND, ACTING AS THE PROJECT’S FISCAL AGENT, ENTER INTO PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
AGREEMENTS WITH PLACEWORKS AND COMMUNITY PLANNING COLLABORATIVE, WITH THE CITY OF BURLINGAME’S SHARE OF THE COMBINED CONTRACTS TOTALING $146,636 AND THE
REMAINDER OF THE CONTRACTED AMOUNTS PAID FOR BY THE COUNTY OF SAN MATEO AND THE
CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO
Mayor Brownrigg asked what the outputs of this cooperation would be. CDD Gardiner replied that in 2022, a number of jurisdictions in the County expressed interest in collaborating on developing or updating environmental justice elements through participation in 21 Elements. He explained that Burlingame, East Palo Alto, and the County of San Mateo finalized plans for a collaborative effort and developed a joint RFP that was distributed in fall 2022. He added that the City has offered to be the fiscal agent of this process.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Stevenson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 060-2023; seconded by Councilmember Beach. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
k. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE
COUNTY OF SAN MATEO TO JOIN A MULTIJURISDICTIONAL SAFETY ELEMENT PROJECT WITH THE
MUNICIPALITIES OF ATHERTON, BELMONT, BURLINGAME, EAST PALO ALTO, HALF MOON BAY,
SAN BRUNO, BRISBANE, AND PACIFICA AND SAN MATEO COUNTY AS AGENCY PARTICIPANTS AND AUTHORIZE UP TO $142,258 OF FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT
CDD Gardiner requested Council adopt Resolution Number 061-2023.
l. APPROVAL OF OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR AND
RECREATION SUPERVISOR TO ATTEND THE NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARKS ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
7 Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad requested Council approve of out-of-state travel for the Parks and Recreation Director and Recreation Supervisor to attend the National Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
12. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a. DISCUSSION OF A POSSIBLE COMMUNITY EVENT STREET CLOSURE PROGRAM FOR BURLINGAME AVENUE
CDD Gardiner stated that the City experimented with the street closure of Burlingame Avenue during the pandemic. He noted that the street closure program was popular with many residents, and when the program was terminated, there was interest from Councilmembers in revisiting the matter once the pandemic health orders were lifted.
CDD Gardiner stated that at the May 1, 2023 Council meeting, the Council focused on re-starting the street closure program with a two-week/three-weekend closure that would coincide with the Chamber of Commerce’s Burlingame on the Avenue Festival taking place on August 19-20, 2023. He explained that the Council consensus was to focus the closure on the 1200 and 1300 blocks of Burlingame Avenue (between Lorton Avenue and Primrose Road), and the 200 block of Park Road (between Burlingame and Howard Avenues). He noted that Lorton Avenue and Primrose Road would remain open for cross-traffic to allow traffic circulation and assist with access.
CDD Gardiner stated that staff identified three alternatives to consider for a closure of the 200 block of Park Road:
• Alternative 1: Close Park Road only between Burlingame Avenue and the access driveway of 238 Park Road. This would close the portion of the road alongside the Peet’s Coffee and Apple stores adjacent to Burlingame Avenue, but would otherwise allow vehicle access from 238 Park Road, 216 Park Road, and Parking Lot J as usual.
• Alternative 2: Close Park Road between Burlingame Avenue and 216 Park Road. This would require arrangements for the tenants of 238 Park Road and would close access from Parking Lot J, but would allow vehicle access to the driveway of 216 Park Road. It would allow vehicles to access a portion of Park Road but would create a dead-end that could complicate traffic circulation. • Alternative 3: Close the 200 block of Park Road entirely between Burlingame Avenue and Howard Avenue. This would create a full street closure but would require alternative arrangements to be made with the tenants of 216 and 238 Park Road, the 220 Park Road development project, and CCFD.
8 CDD Gardiner stated that the other question that staff has for Council is the particular dates that the Council would like to schedule the street closure.
Councilmember Ortiz asked if he was correct that currently Park Road is closed two times a week for the fresh market. CDD Gardiner replied in the affirmative.
Councilmember Stevenson asked what feedback the City had received from businesses on Park Road about the fresh market street closures. CDD Gardiner replied that he didn’t know. However, he stated that it is an established practice and therefore believed that agreements had been made to assist businesses during the street closure.
Mayor Brownrigg asked about activating the street during the closure. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad stated that currently staff didn’t have the bandwidth to take on this project. However, she thought that staff could work with the DBID on formulating a plan.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that she believed Alternative 1 would allow for a better flow of traffic. CDD Gardiner replied in the affirmative.
Economic Development Specialist Joseph Sanfilippo stated that the Chamber of Commerce preferred starting the street closure on August 19 and ending it after Labor Day. He added that a vote was not taken on it. He noted that the Chamber of Commerce stated that they did want to make sure that the area was activated.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comments.
Doug Bojack stated that he liked the idea of closing a portion of Burlingame Avenue and discussed the need for housing. (comment submitted via [email protected] ).
Lesley Beatty stated that Walk Bike Burlingame was in favor of the street closure. (comment submitted via [email protected]
).
Athan Rebelos stated that he was in favor of the street closure and thought there should be specified zones for rideshare pick-ups. (comment submitted via [email protected] ).
Mayor Brownrigg closed public comment.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that he was in favor of Alternative 1 and thought it should run from August 19 through Labor Day.
The Council concurred with Councilmember Ortiz’s suggestions.
Councilmember Beach stated that she thought the City should designate spaces for rideshare pick-up and drop-off. She added that in regard to activating the area she suggested putting aside $5,000 in matching funds for restaurants to hire small bands. She noted that the City could set a limit on the amount per band.
9 Vice Mayor Colson concurred with Councilmember Beach that smaller bands would be ideal to activate the area. She noted that she liked the idea of having a reimbursement fund, but she didn’t want to see two restaurants next to each other hiring bands. Therefore, she thought that the City should work with the Chamber to ensure that bands are spaced out.
Councilmember Ortiz concurred that it should be smaller bands. He added that rideshare could be arranged for the end of the closures.
Councilmember Stevenson discussed providing guidance about tables and chair placement in the street closure.
Councilmember Ortiz discussed the City’s issue with bicycles during the last street closure and asked that the City address this prior to the street closure. He suggested not allowing bike riding in the street closure and requiring individuals to walk their bikes.
City Manager Goldman agreed with Councilmember Ortiz’s point. She noted that CCFD would require an open lane on the road during the closure. She stated that staff could handle this aspect.
Vice Mayor Colson discussed potentially providing seating areas not associated with any particular restaurant.
Councilmember Stevenson left the meeting at this point due to pre-discussed business travel.
Mayor Brownrigg asked Vice Mayor Colson and Councilmember Stevenson to work with the Chamber of Commerce regarding coordination efforts.
Mayor Brownrigg stated that he agrees with Councilmember Beach’s suggestion to reserve $5,000 for entertainment.
Council concurred.
13. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council reviewed their committee appointments.
14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There were no future agenda items.
15. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
10 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
.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Brownrigg adjourned the meeting at 8:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer
City Clerk