MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL

 

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA                                                  TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2003

 

The Council of the City of San Jose convened in Regular Session at 9:33 a.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

            Present: Council Members:       Chavez, Chirco, Cortese, Dando, Gregory, LeZotte, Reed, Williams, Yeager; Gonzales.

 

            Absent: Council Members:        Campos (excused).

 

            Upon motion unanimously adopted, the City Council recessed to Closed Session at 9:37 a.m. in Room 600 to (A) confer with Legal Counsel regarding existing litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 Subsection (a) to consider cases of In Re: Higgins, Kim v. Lem, et al, Parker-Jones v. City of San José, et al, Torgerson v. City of San José, et al, Preservation Action Council of San José v. City of San José, et al.; (B) Public Employee performance evaluation pursuant to Government Code Section 54957; Title: City Manager, City Auditor, City Clerk, City Attorney and Independent Police Auditor.

 

            By unanimous consent, Council reconvened from Closed Session and recessed at 10:50.m. and reconvened at 1:35p.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall.

 

            Present: Council Members:       Chavez, Chirco, Cortese, Dando, Gregory, LeZotte, Reed, , Willliams, Yeager; Gonzales.

 

            Absent: Council Members:        Campos (excused).

 

 

Invocation (Mayor)

            Pastor Susan Bagley, Revival Strategies International delivered the Invocation.

 

Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Gonzales led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Orders of the Day

Upon motion by Council Member Chavez, seconded by Vice Mayor Dando, an unanimously carried, the Orders of the Day and the Amended Agenda were approved. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

CEREMONIAL ITEMS

 

1.2       Presentation of plaques and gift certificates to the Crossing Guards who were injured in the line of duty.  (Mayor)

 

            Documents Filed: None.

 

            Discussion/Action: Mayor Gonzales was joined at the podium by Captain Randy Cooper to present plaques and gift certificates to Crossing Guards, Chieu Nguyen, Toan Nguyen and Phyllis Korataj who were injured in the line of duty. Captain Randy Cooper also presented a plaque to Stephen Smith, Fred Bates and Mark Norman from the Silicon Valley Auto Dealers Association in recognition of their continued support for student pedestrian safety.

 

1.3       Presentation of a commendation to Dave McPherson, of the City Auditor’s Office, for receiving the Bruno Marchetti Award.  (Reed)

 

            Documents Filed: None.

 

            Discussion/Action: This item was deferred to December 9, 2003.

 

 

CONSENT CALENDAR

Upon motion by Council Member Chavez, seconded by Council Member Cortese and unanimously carried, the below listed actions taken as indicated. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

2.1       Approval of City Council Minutes for:

            (a)        Regular meeting of September 23, 2003

            (b)        Joint Council/Redevelopment Agency meeting of September 23, 2003

 

            Documents Filed: (1) Regular meeting minutes of September 23, 2003. (2) Joint Council/Redevelopment Agency meeting minutes of September 23, 2003.

 

            Discussion/Action: The minutes were approved. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

2.2       Final adoption of ordinances:

            (a)        ORD. NO. 27018 – Amends Chapter 23.04 of Title 23 of the San José Municipal Code to establish regulations for skyline signs and roof signs in the Edenvale Industrial Redevelopment Area.

 

            Documents Filed: Proof of publication of title of Ordinance No. 27018 executed on November 25, 2003, submitted by the City Clerk.

 

            Discussion/Action: Ordinance No. 27018 was adopted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

 

            (b)        ORD. NO. 27019 – Prezones certain real property situated at the south side of Curtner Avenue, approximately 630 feet westerly of Bascom Avenue, to A(PD) Planned Development Zoning District.  PDC 03-046

 

            Documents Filed: Proof of publication of title of Ordinance No. 26910 executed on November 25, 2003, submitted by the City Clerk.

 

            Discussion/Action: Ordinance No. 27019 was adopted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

            (c)        ORD. NO. 27020 – Prezones certain real property situated at the east side of Ruby Avenue, approximately 780 feet northerly of Murillo Avenue (2430 Ruby Avenue) to R-1-2 Single Family Residence Zoning District.  C 01-032

 

            Documents Filed: Proof of publication of title of Ordinance No. 27020 executed on November 25, 2003, submitted by the City Clerk.

 

            Discussion/Action: Ordinance No. 27020 was adopted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

            (d)        ORD. NO. 27021 – Rezones certain real property situated at the southeast corner of Story Road and Adrian Way to CP Commercial Pedestrian Zoning District.  C 03-058

 

            Documents Filed: Proof of publication of title of Ordinance No. 27021 executed on November 25, 2003, submitted by the City Clerk.

 

            Discussion/Action: Ordinance No. 27021 was adopted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

2.3       Approval of award of open purchase orders for supplies, materials, equipment, and services for FY 2003-2004 #7, and authorization for the Director of General Services to execute the purchase orders.  CEQA:  See memo for CEQA designation(s).  (General Services)

 

            Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of General Services Jose Obregon, dated November 10, 2003, recommending approval of said award.

 

            Discussion/Action: The award of purchase orders List #7 for FY 2003-2004 was approved and execution of the purchase orders authorized. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

2.4       Adoption of a resolution authorizing the Director of General Services to:

            (a)        Review natural gas prices and availability on an ongoing basis;

            (b)        Assess the feasibility of purchasing natural gas from alternate sources; and

            (c)        Execute agreements with Pacific Gas and Electric for the purchase of natural gas in support of facilities and operations throughout the City; without further Council approval other than the appropriation of funds.

            CEQA:  Not a Project.  (General Services)

 

            Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of General Services Jose Obregon, dated November 10, 2003, recommending the adoption of said resolution.

 

            Discussion/Action: Resolution No. 71843, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Authorizing the Director of General Services to Execute Agreement(s) for Natural Gas with Pacific Gas and Electric Company”, was adopted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

2.5       Adoption of a resolution:

            (a)        Declaring said 3,502 square feet foot portion of now City-owned land, located on the west side of Clark Street, between Willow Street and Dorothy Avenue (APN 434-02-079), surplus to the needs of the City; and

            (b)        Authorizing its sale to Reyes and Diane Palacios (the adjoining property owner) for one hundred forty thousand dollars ($140,000).

            CEQA:  Exempt, PP99-06-018.  Council District 4.  (General Services)

 

            Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of General Services Jose Obregon, dated November 10, 2003, recommending the adoption of said resolution.

 

            Discussion/Action: Resolution No. 71844, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Declaring Certain City-Owned Property Surplus and Authorizing the Director of General Services to Execute an Agreement to Sell and All Necessary Documents Necessary for the Transfer of Such Property to the Adjacent Property Owners, Reyes and Diane Palacios for a Sum of No Less then $140,000”, was adopted. Vote 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

2.6       Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a consultant agreement with the consulting firm of MGT of America to update both the 1989 Senior Needs Assessment and the 1994 Aging Master Plan into one document called the San José and County Aging Services Strategic Plan in the amount not to exceed $215,000, for the period from date of execution to one-year post execution date.  CEQA:  Not a Project.  (Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services)

 

            Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services Sara Hensley, dated November 24, 2003, recommending the adoption of said resolution.

 

Discussion/Action: Council Member Chavez asked Staff what MGT of America’s consulting firm’s experience and strategies were going to be in terms of working with ethnic groups and what were their plans in working with the City as it relates to organizations such as the St. James and Northside Senior Centers. Director of Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services Sara Hensley stated the group was selected based upon their diverse abilities and they have more staffing to deal directly with community meetings, and commented the committee that recommended MGT of America for approval felt they had a more experience working with the community side-by-side and with asset mapping. Council Member Chavez commented there were four areas of interest that have come from the senior citizens, including language and services and stated a previous concerns of Mayor Gonzales’ was to look at building multi-generational centers as opposed to just youth centers. She commented that some community centers have asked about health equipment and workout equipment that is geared more towards older populations and asked Staff to take a look into those requests for future centers. She stated the two final outcomes she would like to see is how the overall senior master plan aligns with policies and outcomes found in other Master Plans and where they might overlap in content, such as comparing the Senior Master Plan with the Youth Master Plan and determining where some of the same needs could be addressed in the building of one multi-generational center. Director Hensley stated she would ensure they provide the proposed consultant with all of the current Master Plans to address that issue.

 

Council Member Chavez commented she felt it was very important at the end of this decision to be able to measure the degree of success and to group the documents by categories to easily integrate them into City budgets and benchmarks. Council Member LeZotte commented that Staff might find it important to allow a representative from the Senior Commission attend an upcoming retreat hosted by the City to discuss the proposed issues. Director Hensley stated she found the idea to be a wonderful suggestion and welcomed whatever feedback the Commission has to offer.

 

Vice Mayor Dando stated she is leery of approving new Master Plans based upon past spending of moneys to develop Master Plans, only to see the City shelve them because of the lack of City funding, but since the City has a countywide partnership they should start having conversations immediately with the County on what role they will play and to actually implement the Master Plan developed. She commented she would like to see the information come back with the concern that it really is an assessment of the City of San José’ senior population and that the City will have funds to implement the plan when it returns to Council.

 

Council Member Yeager moved approval of the said resolution, seconded by Council Member Chavez. Mayor Gonzales suggested Staff keep in mind what has been learned from the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative (SNI) process and to be careful of raising too many expectations and also to use the information obtained from the latter part of the SNI process in the development of the Senior Master Plan and Assessment.

 

 

On a call for the motion, the recommendation was passed unanimously and Resolution No. 71845, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute an Agreement with MGT of America for Consultant Services to Develop the San José and County Aging Services Strategic Plan in an Amount Not to Exceed $215,000”, was adopted with direction to staff to ensure language and neighborhood diversity are adhered to within the San José and County Aging Services Strategic Plan, to evaluate building Multi-Generational centers as opposed to youth and senior centers only, to provide a status report pertaining to how the Senior Master Plan aligns with the policies and outcomes of other Master Plans to enable consistency in the alignment of services the City should be providing and to provide a progress report to Council evaluating the measure of success of implementing the new plan and to ensure all documentation drafted provides the information needed to easily integrate them into future City budgets and reports Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

2.7       Adoption of a resolution initiating proceedings and setting December 16, 2003 at 1:30 p.m. as the date for Council consideration of the reorganization of territory designated as Cambrian No. 32, which involves the annexation to the City of San José of 1.83 acres of land more or less consisting of one parcel approximately 1.00 acre located at the south side of Curtner Avenue, approximately 630 feet westerly of South Bascom Avenue, and includes a portion of right-of-way of Curtner Avenue and South Bascom Avenue totaling 0.83 acre, located approximately between 300 feet east of Joseph Avenue and the intersection of Curtner and South Bascom Avenues, and between the intersection of Curtner and South Bascom Avenues and Lyle Lane, and generally bounded by the City of San José Annexations Cambrian Nos. 11, 25, 28, 7, 17, 5, 10, and 12-A, Camden Nos. 1, and 2, and Foxworthy No. 3, and the detachment of the same from West Valley Sanitation District, Santa Clara County Lighting Services, Central Fire Protection District, and Santa Clara County (Library Services) Area No.1.   CEQA:  Mitigated Negative Declaration, PDC03-046.  Council District 9.  (Planning, Building and Code Enforcement)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Planning, Building & Code Enforcement Stephen Haase, dated November 10, 2003, recommending the adoption of said resolution.

 

            Discussion/Action: Resolution No. 71846, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Initiating Proceedings for the Annexation and Detachment of Certain Uninhabited Territory Designated as Cambrian No. 32 and Described Herein, and Setting the Date and Place for Consideration of Such Reorganization”, was adopted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

2.8       Adoption of a resolution to vacate Old Bayshore Highway, west of North 13th Street, and set a public hearing on January 13, 2004 at 1:30 p.m.  CEQA:  Exempt, PP03-02-043.  Council District 4.  (Public Works)

 

 

            Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Public Works Katy Allen, dated November 10, 2003, recommending the adoption of said resolution.

 

            Discussion/Action: Resolution No. 71847, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Setting a Public Hearing to Consider Whether to Vacate a Portion of Old Bayshore Highway, West of N. Thirteenth Street”, was adopted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

2.9       Approval of a second amendment to the agreement with Callander Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. for consultant services for the Floyd and Locust Street Park and Sixth and William Street Park Projects, extending the term from December 31, 2003 to December 31, 2004, and increasing the total compensation by $18,000, for a total agreement amount of $185,000.  CEQA:  Not a Project.  Council District 3.  SNI:  Washington.  (Public Works)

 

            Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Public Works Katy Allen, dated November 10, 2003, recommending approval of said second amendment.

 

Discussion/Action: Council Member Chavez stated the date for completing services to the Floyd and Locust Park developments was changed from September 31, 2003 to September 31, 2004 and asked why was the scope changed by a year. Director of Public Works Katy Allen stated the change was due to the need of construction assistance and the additional year would allow them more time for construction completion. Council Member Chavez requested Staff to provide a construction timeline and a confirmation of construction dollars for the project and to provide the information to Council offline. Council Member Chavez moved approval, seconded by Vice Mayor Dando, and unanimously carried, the second amendment to said agreement with Callander Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc was approved with direction for Staff to provide a construction timeline and a confirmation of construction dollars for the project and to provide this information to Council offline. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

2.10     Approval of an agreement with Entravision Communications Corporation for the donation to the City of San José of two parcels of land and three nonexclusive one-year temporary construction easements on the west side of King Road between Barberry Lane and King Court.  CEQA:  Exempt, PP03-10-321.  Council Districts 7 and 8.  (Public Works/Transportation)

 

            Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Public Works Katy Allen and Director of Transportation, James R. Helmer, dated November 10. 2003, recommending approval of said agreement with Entravision Communications Corporation.

 

            Discussion/Action: The said agreement with Entravision Communications Corporation was approved. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

2.11     Report on bids and award of contract for the Traffic Signal Installation at Alum Rock Avenue and McCreery Avenue Project to the low bidder, San José Signal Electric Construction, Inc., in the amount of $186,667, and approval of a contingency in the amount of $18,700.  CEQA:  Exempt, PP99-07-156.  Council District 5.  SNI:  Gateway East, Mayfair.  (Public Works/Transportation)

 

            Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Public Works Katy Allen and Director of Transportation, James R. Helmer, dated November 10, 2003, recommending said award of contract to the low bidder, San José Signal Electric Construction, Inc with related contingency.

 

            Discussion/Action: The award of contract to the low bidder, San José Signal Electric Construction, Inc. was approved with related contingency. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

2.12     Acceptance of the City Auditor’s monthly Report of Activities and Findings through November 15, 2003.  (City Auditor)

            (Rules in Lieu referral 11/16/03)

 

            Documents Filed: Hardcopy of a Report of Activities and Findings through November 15, 2003, from the Office of the City Auditor, dated November 25, 2003.

 

            Discussion/Action: Stephen Hazel spoke on the issue. The City Auditor’s monthly report was accepted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

 

STRATEGIC SUPPORT SERVICES

 

3.2       Report of the Rules Committee – November 19, 2003

            Vice Mayor Dando, Chair

 

            Documents Filed: The report of the Rules Committee for November 19, 2003.

 

            (a)        Redevelopment Agency items reported out at Redevelopment Agency meeting

            (b)        City Council

                        (1)        Review December 2, 2003 Draft Agenda

 

                                    The Committee recommended approval of the December 2, 2003 City Council agenda with four additions.

 

                        (2)        Add New Items to November 25, 2003 Amended Agenda

·        Mayor and Council Member Requests

·        City Manager Requests

·        City Attorney Requests

·        City Clerk Requests

 

                                    The Committee recommended five additions to the November 25, 2003 City Council agenda. Regarding the City Clerk’s addition to the agenda, “Interview Civil Service Commission applicants and appoint three commissioners to fill four-year terms ending December 1, 2007”, City Clerk Patricia O’Hearn informed the Committee that one incumbent Civil Service Commissioner is unable to attend the Commission interviews on November 25th. Council Member Cortese suggested the City develop a policy stating that commission interviews take place on the date scheduled, and should not be continued to subsequent Council meetings. City Attorney Richard Doyle noted that interviewing incumbent commissioners is a City policy that could be waived. In lieu of postponing the incumbent commissioner’s interview, the Committee directed  the Civil Service Commission liaison to submit a memorandum to Council describing the incumbent’s service to the Commission.

 

                        (3)        List of Reports Outstanding. Attachment: Report from the City Manager’s Office, dated November 18, 2003 listing six staff reports outstanding for the November 25, 2003 Council agenda.

 

                                    The Committee noted and filed the City Manager’s report listing six staff reports outstanding for the November 18, 2003 Council agenda.

 

                        (4)        Review December 2, 2003 General Plan Agenda

 

            (c)        Legislative Update

                        (1)        State

 

                                    Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Betsy Shotwell updated the Committee regarding various issues the new Governor is presenting to the reconvened legislature.

 

                        (2)        Federal – There is no report.

 

            (d)        Meeting Schedules

                        (1)        Approve Budget Study Session on January 15, 2004. Attachment: Memorandum from Mayor Gonzales, dated November 18, 2003, requesting Rules Committee to schedule a study session on budgets.

 

                                    The Committee recommended approval of a two-part Study Session to consider budget projections and spending priorities for the City and Redevelopment Agency on Thursday, January 15, 2004, from 9am-noon and from 1:30-4:30 pm in the Health Building.

 

                        (2)        Approve City Council Meeting Schedule for period January-July 2004. Attachment: Memorandum from Assistant to the City Manager Deanna Santana, dated November 12, 2003, recommending approval of the City Council Meeting Schedule for January-July 2004.

 

                        The Committee recommended cancellation of the March 2, 2004 evening Council session and approved the remainder of the City Council Meeting schedule for January-July 2004 as submitted by the City Manager’s Office.

 

            (e)        The Public Record – There was no Public Record filed.

 

            (f)         Appointment to Boards, Commissions and Committees. Attachments: Memoranda from City Clerk Patricia L. O’Hearn, dated November 7, 2003, forwarding four lists of commission applicants as submitted by the Project Diversity Screening Committee; four memoranda from the City Attorney’s Office, dated September and October 2003 reviewing commission applicants for conflict of interest, from Council Member Campos, dated November 18, 2003, recommending appointments to the Advisory Commission on Rents; from Council Member Cortese, dated November 13, 2003, recommending appointments to the Housing Advisory Commission; from Council Member Chirco, dated November 17, 2003, recommending appointments to the Human Rights Commission; and from Council Member Reed, dated November 18, 2003, recommending appointments to the Small Business Development Commission.

 

                        The Committee directed the City Clerk to conduct a blind drawing for those commissions with more than one vacancy and varying term ending dates, with the results of the draw noted in the Rules Committee report. The Committee recommended the issues raised by the Project Diversity Screening Committee be referred to the Board and Commission Review being conducted by the City Manager’s Office and also recommended the following appointments:

 

                        (1)        Advisory Commission on Rents

                                    The Committee recommended appointment of Scott Lieberman to a term ending December 31, 2006 and directed the City Clerk to readvertise in February for the other two vacant positions.

 

                        (2)        Disability Advisory Commission

                                    The Committee deferred this item to December 3, 2003.

 

                        (3)        Housing Advisory Commission

                                    The Committee recommended appointment of Erwin Ordonez and George Colacicco to terms ending December 31, 2006.

 

                        (4)        Human Rights Commission

 

                                    The Committee recommended appointment of Raj Bhanot, Ignacio “Hank” Enriquez, Herman Levy and Robert Sippel to terms ending December 31, 2006.

 

                        (5)        Mobile Home Advisory Commission

 

                                    The Committee directed the City Clerk to readvertise the vacant position in February.

 

                        (6)        Parks and Recreation Commission

 

                                    The Committee deferred this item to December 3, 2003 Rules Committee.

 

                        (7)        Senior Citizens Commission

 

                                    The Committee deferred this item to December 3, 2003 Rules Committee.

 

                        (8)        Small Business Development Commission

 

                        The Committee recommended appointment of Kidane Haile, Charles Hoffman and Chuck Mondave’ to terms ending December 31, 2006; and Spencer Horowitz to an unexpired term ending December 31, 2004.

 

            (g)        Rules Committee Reviews, Recommendations and Approvals

                        (1)        Approve Voting Delegate at the 2003 Annual Business Meeting for the National League of Cities. Attachment: Memorandum from Director of Intergovernmental Relations Betsy Shotwell, dated November 12, 2003, regarding the voting delegate at the 2003 Annual Business Meeting for the National League of Cities.

 

                                    The Committee recommended approval to designate Vice Mayor Dando as the voting delegate at the December 13, 2003 Annual Business Meeting for the National League of Cities.

 

(2)        Report on proposed amendments to Comprehensive Land Use Plan which affect local airports. Attachment: Letter from Director of Planning, Building & Code Enforcement Stephen Haase, dated November 19, 2003, addressed to the Santa Clara County Airport land Use Commission requesting deferral of “Airport Land Use Commission’s Proposed Consideration of Amended Comprehensive Land Use Plan” scheduled for discussion at 6 p.m., November 19, 2003.

 

The Committee directed the Administration to present Director Stephen Haase’s letter to the Airport Land Use Commission scheduled for discussion at their 6 p.m. meeting this date and to request a 90-day deferral of the proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

 

            (h)        Oral communications – There were none presented.

 

            (i)         Adjournment

                        The meeting adjourned at 2:45 P.M.

 

            Discussion/Action: Upon motion by Vice Mayor Dando, seconded by Council Member Chavez, and unanimously carried, the Rules Committee Report and Actions of November 19, 2003 were accepted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

3.4       Adoption of a resolution referring ballot measures to the March 2, 2004 election.  (City Clerk)

            (a)        Approval to add an item to the March 2004 ballot to amend the City Charter regarding Design-Build Procurement Process.  (Mayor)

 

            Documents Filed: (1) Memorandum from Mayor Gonzales, dated December 1, 2003, recommending a direction for the City Clerk to refer a Charter Amendment to the March 2, 2004, municipal ballot allowing the use of the Design-Build Procurement Process; Adopt the following Ballot Title and Ballot Question for the Charter Amendment: Design-Build Procurement Process – To create taxpayer savings, prevent cost overruns and improve efficiency, may the Charter be amended to allow the design build procurement process as an exemption to public bidding, wherein the design and construction of a public works project is provided by the same entity, be utilized for public works contracts that cost over $5,000,000, when the City Council finds doing so would save money or result in faster project completion, and a direction to the City Attorney to ensure that the implementation of the Design-Build Procurement Process complies with all City and state labor laws and provisions. (2) Memorandum from City Clerk Patricia L. O’Hearn, dated November 20, 2003, transmitting a copy of the Notice to the Public regarding deadlines for submitting ballot arguments for and against any measures the Council may choose to refer to the March 2, 2004 ballot.

 

            Discussion/Action: William Garbett spoke on the issue. Upon motion by Council Member Chavez, seconded by Vice Mayor Dando, and unanimously carried, the memorandum from Mayor Gonzales, dated December 1, 2003, recommending direction contained therein was approved and Resolution No. 71848, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Ordering, on It’s Own Motion, the Submission to the Electors of the City of San José, at the Regular Municipal Election to Be Held on March 2, 2004, a Measure to Amend Section 1217 of the Charter”, was adopted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

3.5       Approval of a Management Agreement with Dolce International/San Jose, Inc. to operate the Hayes Mansion for ten years with two, five-year options, for a management fee of 3% of Gross Revenues, an Incentive Fee, and payment by City of the expenses of the operation, not covered by revenues.  (City Manager’s Office/Finance)

 

            Documents Filed: Memorandum from Deputy City Manager Kay Winer and Finance Director Scott Johnson, dated November 24, 2003, recommending approval of said management agreement with Dolce International/San José, Inc.

 

Discussion/Action: Council Member Chavez asked Staff to re-explain their strategy around the five-year options of choosing the Dolce International over Council’s choice. Deputy City Manager Kay Winer stated the initial contract was for a ten-year amount of time and instead there can be two five-year options that can be exercised by joint agreement but one that Dolce can exercise upon meeting the performance measurements. She emphasized the performance measurements because that is where the key lies to determine whether or not the extension is granted and they must meet either 90% of the operation revenue target or 90% of the market penetration to meet City requirements, in addition, when the City entered into the lease agreement with Hayes Mansion it was for a 50-year agreement and the current two 5-year options are a vast improvement in regards to contract agreements.

 

Council Member Chavez asked Staff to clarify Dolce’s obligation to prepare a 6-month cash flow projection for the City’s review and approval and would it require Council’s or the City Manager’s approval. Deputy City Manager Winer stated it would be the City Manager’s approval. Dolce’ International Vice-President of Operations Mark Dipiro stated they were currently on schedule for putting their cash flow projections in order and they are currently gathering business for the Hayes Mansion and they are planning to develop a 6-month pro forma for Council’s approval within the coming weeks. Deputy City Manager Winer stated the budget from Dolce will be submitted to Council by March 15, 2003.

 

Council Member LeZotte expressed concern regarding the lack of an EEP Policy in the report and asked Staff to explain why it was not included in their staff report. Deputy City Manager Winer stated they made references to all Council directives including those concerning the environment. Council Member LeZotte stated Dolce had said they followed the (IACC) standards and asked what did those standards include. Mark Dipiro stated the (International Association of Conference Centers) IACC standards dealt primarily with the meeting environment and the type of tables, chairs, lights and corporate meetings associated but from an environmental standpoint, they followed the standard forms of recycling. Council Member LeZotte requested Staff to work with Dolce’ International to develop environmental standards for the Hayes Mansion project and return to Council with an update.

 

Council Member Williams asked Staff what terms and conditions will the City have in terms of defaults of termination and determination of an exit plan to insure they do not end up in the position they were in before. Deputy City Manager Kay Winer stated in the event they see their previous predicament come forth again, they will be sure to have advance notice from the asset manager assigned to ensure business is running smoothly. Council Member Williams asked Dolce International what major elements did they see that would ensure the project would be a success. Mark Dipiro stated Dolce planned on building a stronger relationship with IBM, Inc. and they will work on building and gathering business for Hayes by developing a partnership with IBM to conduct their business meetings and Dolce is also working to change the Hayes Mansion’s restaurant to serve more local flavor cuisine that is specific to the area in order to generate more clientele seeking leisure and relaxation.

 

Council Member Gregory requested Staff report back to Council in 6 months or within the Budget process with a project status report. William Garbett spoke on the issue. Council Member Williams moved approval, seconded by Council Member Cortese, and unanimously carried, the said Management Agreement with Dolce International/San Jose, Inc. was approved with direction for Staff to report back to Council in 6 months or within the Budget process with a project status report and to include the environmental standards for the Hayes Mansion. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

3.6       Appointment of one employee/member to the Federated Retirement Board to a four-year term ending 11/30/07.  (City Clerk)

            [Deferred from 11/25/03 – Item 3.4(a)]

 

            Documents Filed: (1) Supplemental memorandum from City Clerk Patricia L. O’Hearn, dated November 24, 2003, providing the appointments to the various boards and commissions. (2) Memorandum from City Clerk Patricia L. O’Hearn, dated November 12, 2003, recommending the appointments to various boards and commissions.

 

Discussion/Action: Mike M. Yoshimoto, Bill Pope, Deborah Powell, Bob Highbaugh and Rick Wolf spoke on the issue. Council Member Reed asked Staff to clarify the rules of campaigning for this type of election process. Director of Employee Relations Alex Gurza stated there is not a written policy pertaining to the rules of campaigning but they must abide by employee rule, such as a candidate must campaign on their own time and if presentations are made they should not be on their or any employee’s work time. Vice Mayor Dando asked Staff if phone calls made during the campaign were done on City property. Director Gurza stated he cannot answer due to the issue being a confidential matter but he did state an investigation was conducted and appropriate actions were taken. City Attorney Richard Doyle stated the employee has certain privacy rights and the information cannot be held in a public session, unless those rights are waived by the employee himself. Vice Mayor Dando asked Staff what the process was for dealing with campaigns when guidelines had been broken. Director Gurza stated if findings of misconduct is found they are dealt with in a range of disciplinary options. Vice Mayor Dando asked Staff if an appeals process was available for campaigning issues like these. City Attorney Doyle stated issues like this were handled as personnel matters and there were no official appeal process available.

 

Council Member Yeager asked Staff if the issues presented were enough to invalidate the election and to clarify what circumstances can an election be invalidated. City Attorney Doyle stated Council had absolute discretion to appoint whomever they wanted to appoint and were not bound to vote for the top go-getter and could vote for whomever Council deems as being qualified or not qualified for the position.

 

Council Member Gregory asked Staff if there were any written election rules for this type of campaign. Director Gurza stated there were no specific rules of when you can do the campaigning. City Clerk Patricia L. O’Hearn stated they have a listing of procedures and steps used in putting the ballot content together, so what they have in writing is more process oriented. Council Member Gregory asked Staff to clarify as to what information Council is supposed to use to base a decision upon, considering most of the case is confidential and the only written documentation they have is the memorandum stating the votes calculated. City Attorney Doyle stated Council must base their decision upon the facts they have before them and the testimonies conducted.

 

            Council Member Williams moved approval of appointing Mike Yashimoto for the Federated Retirement Board of Commissions with direction for Staff to create a clearly outlined list of requirements for applicants to the Federated Retirement Board and Commissions. Council Member Yeager seconded the motion. Council Member LeZotte stated she would not be supporting the motion due to her belief that the candidate had distinct advantage over the rest of the candidates due to his violation of the work rules and because of this advantage she felt the election results are not representative of the level of employees. Council Member Cortese stated he would not be supporting the motion due to the lack of information provided to Council for him to support the motion. Vice Mayor Dando stated she would be supporting the motion due to the confusion of not having the rules and regulations written down, basically the City set up a system that allowed failure, due to those reasons she would be supporting the motion. Council Member Chavez stated she would not be supporting the motion due to the lack of information provided. On a call for the question, the motion carried and Mike M. Yoshimoto was appointed to the Federated Retirement Board with direction to Staff to create a clearly outlined list of campaigning rules and requirements for applicants to the Federated Retirement Board and Commissions. Vote: 6-4-1-0.  Noes: Chavez, Cortese, Gregory, LeZotte. Absent: Campos.

 

3.7       Adoption of a resolution approving the submission of the Historical Heritage Grant Application to the County of Santa Clara by the grant deadline of December 5, 2003.  (Chavez)

            (Rules in Lieu referral 11/16/03)

 

            Documents Filed: Memorandum from City Manager Del D. Borgsdorf and Executive Director of Redevelopment Agency, Susan F. Shick, dated December 1, 2003, recommending the adoption of said resolution.

 

            Discussion/Action: Upon motion by Council Member Chavez, seconded by Vice Mayor Dando, and unanimously carried, Resolution No. 71848.1, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Authorizing the City Manager to Execute and Submit an Application to the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department For the Historical Heritage Grant Program for Improvements to Saint James Park in an Amount Not to Exceed $200,000”, was adopted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

ECONOMIC & NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT

 

4.1       Report of the Building Strong Neighborhoods Committee – November 17, 2003

            Council Member Chavez, Chair

 

(a)        Review San José’s Vehicle Abatement Policies. Attachment: Memorandum from Director of Planning, Building & Code Enforcement Stephen Haase, dated November 12, 2003, providing the review of San José’s Vehicle Abatement Policies.

 

                        The Committee accepted the Community Preservation Ordinance Update and return to the Committee prior to budget addressing:

·        What does our stake in the ground need to be.

·        What role should the Council offices be involved.

·        How the neighborhood associations, vehicle abatement and the Police Department need to be a partner in that direction.

·        Attach the money component with the information provided.

·        Survey of surrounding sister cities in the county on their timeline for response and their population size. Include cities of similar size.

 

(b)        Review Standards for Street Cleanliness. Attachment: Memorandum from Director of Transportation, James R. Helmer and Director of Environmental Services, Carl Mosher, dated November 10, 2003, providing the Street Sweeping report.

 

                        The Committee accepted the Standards for Street Cleanliness Report, with direction to staff to report back with the vehicle abatement team on the hot spots regarding parking problems and address:

·        Collisions cleanups leave debris from the accident.

·        A lot of glass in the curbs and gutters.

·        How is the street sweeping getting in the newsletters in languages and correct.

·        Flyer distribution by the community on street sweeping calendars.

 

            (c)        Review Strategies and Effects of the Neighborhood Investment Task Force and Grant Processes for Neighborhood Organization. Attachment: Memorandum from Director of Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services Sara Hensley, dated November 12, 2003, transmitting the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department presentation.

 

                        The Committee accepted the Neighborhood Investment Task Force and Grant Processes for Neighborhood Organization Report, with the recommendations as stated:

·        Looking outside of SNI areas.

·        Encouraging customers in the community to become partners with the City of San José in grant writing.

·        Include Auditor in process.

·        Staff assignments placed on the chart and reporting on what was applied for and what was received.

 

            (d)        Oral petitions – None.

 

            (e)        Adjournment

                        The meeting adjourned at 3:37 P.M.

 

            Discussion/Action: Upon motion by Council Member Chavez, seconded by Vice Mayor Dando, and unanimously carried, the Building Strong Neighborhoods Report and Actions of November 17, 2003 were accepted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

4.3       Public Hearing and adoption of a resolution:

            (a)        Approving a disposition and development agreement with Silicon Valley Habitat for Humanity, or an affiliated entity, including a predevelopment loan of up to $100,000, for the development of single-family homes on the following sites in the City of San José:

                        (1)        2 units at the S/w corner of Murphy and Ringwood Avenues;

                        (2)        6 units at the S/s of Murphy Avenue, between Ringwood and Lundy Avenues;

                        (3)        3 units at the S/s of Murphy Avenue, between Ringwood Avenue and Lakepark Drive; and

                        (4)        1 unit on Willow Street, between Locust and Palm Streets.

            (b)        Finding that the use of 20% Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Funds for the following projects is of benefit to the Redevelopment Project Areas in San José:

                        (1)        S/w corner of Murphy and Ringwood Avenues;

                        (2)        S/s of Murphy Avenue, between Ringwood and Lundy Avenues; and

                        (3)        S/s of Murphy Avenue, between Ringwood Avenue and Lakepark Drive.

            CEQA:  Exempt, PP03-04-128.  Council Districts 3 and 4.  SNI:  Washington.  (Housing)

 

            Documents Filed: (1) Memorandum from Director of Housing Leslye Corsiglia, dated November 10, 2003, recommending the public hearing and approval of said resolution. (2) Proof of publication of Notice of Public Hearing, executed on November 14, 2003, submitted by the City Clerk

 

            Discussion/Action: Brian Chapman, Robert Freiri, and Bill Bruce spoke on the issue. Upon motion by Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Chavez, and unanimously carried, the Public Hearing was held and Resolution No. 71849, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Approving the Disposition and Development Agreement for the Transfer and Conveyance of City-Owned Property to Silicon Valley Habitat for Humanity for the Development of Twelve Single-Family Homes on Four Sites in the City of San José; Accepting the 33433 Summary Report and Re-Use Appraisal; Finding that the Use of 20% Housing Funds for the Properties is of Benefit to the Agency Project Areas and Making Certain Other Findings”, was adopted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

4.4       Adoption of a resolution approving the Economic Development Strategy.  CEQA:  Not a Project.  (Economic Development)

            (Deferred from 11/25/03 – Item 4.4)

 

            Documents Filed: Memorandum from Mayor Gonzales, dated November 26, 2003, recommending approval of the Economic Development Strategy with the following Strategic Initiatives as key priorities to be incorporated into the relevant City Service Areas and communicated throughout the entire city organization: Initiative 3: Develop strategic partnerships with San José State and other universities to drive innovation and economic impact; Initiative 4: Evolve and position Downtown as a unique creative and cultural center of Silicon Valley; Initiative 5: Support start-up and growth of local businesses, small and large, in tech as well as non-tech fields; Initiative 8: Diversify San José’s economic base and preserve/create middle-income jobs, and direction for the administration to continue moving forward on the remaining eleven Strategic Initiatives of the Economic Development Strategy.

 

            Discussion/Action: Mayor Gonzales stated the importance of the Economic Development Strategy in working towards the first step of improvement to the San José community and it addressing the real economy of the community. He stated the recommendation presented to Council today is to prioritize the strategic initiatives that will give focus to the strategy itself and he asked each Council Member to choose their most top priorities from the proposed initiatives and in today’s recommendation, the top four initiatives on the list were what Council voted upon as being of most importance. Vice Mayor Dando moved approval of Staff’s recommendation, seconded by Council Member Reed.

 

Vice Mayor Dando thanked the Mayor and Staff for working diligently upon the strategy and finding a way to prioritize the initiatives. Council Member Gregory asked Staff how can initiatives that come up at a later date be worked into the strategy and how would it be possible to add them. Mayor Gonzales stated Staff would be more willing to make mid-course corrections and to be more quick and nimble in their efforts to help Council implement any future changes if needed. Council Member Gregory asked Staff what will happen to the remaining initiatives that were not seen as priorities in the current Staff recommendation but are still initiatives that need to be followed. Director of Economic Development Paul Krutko stated the remaining initiatives will follow the same process and the strategy is designed to be a multi-year effort planned to continue for the next five years and those initiatives currently have momentum behind them already so he did not forsee anything from deterring that. Council Member Cortese stated he would support the motion because he approved the recommendation that supports economic development, but he stated he did not support the process of prioritizing the initiatives and stated that he would write a memorandum advising the Mayor’s staff of those concerns.

 

            Council Member Williams stressed the importance of meeting and utilizing the driving industries in the area since they produce a business plan each year and he suggested Staff should meet with them frequently to discuss creating an executive program that would communicate the industries’ objectives and needs. Council Member Yeager asked Staff how they planned to carry out Council’s objectives and to steadily move them along. Assistant City Manager Mark Linder stated once Council approves the objectives, they implement them throughout the budget process and per City Service Area. Council Member Yeager urged Staff to continue working with organizations and non-profits to ensure accountability within the process. Council Member Gregory asked Staff to provide Council with the list of tactics that the City will use within the Economic Development Strategy and any that are dropped or added to the existing report and to provide Council with an Annual Report separate from the Budget process that focuses on the progress and success of the programs. On a call for the motion, and unanimously carried, Resolution No. 71850, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Approving the Economic Development Strategy”, was adopted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

4.5       PUBLIC HEARING ON HISTORICAL PROPERTY CONTRACT for the Twohy Building, City Landmark No. HL01-134, located at 200-210 South First Street and adoption of a resolution approving a historic landmark preservation agreement. (CIM/Twohy LLC, Owner).  CEQA:  Exempt.  (Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement)

            MA 03-002 - District 3

            (Deferred from 11/25/03 – Item 4.6)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Planning, Building & Code Enforcement Stephen Haase, dated November 10, 2003, recommending the adoption of said resolution.

 

Discussion/Action: Upon motion by Council Member Chavez, seconded by Vice Mayor Dando, and unanimously carried, the Public Hearing was held and the historical property contract for the Twohy Building was approved and Resolution No. 71851, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Approving a Historic Landmark Preservation Agreement with CIM/Twohy, LLC, for the Twohy Building (City Landmark No. HL01-134)”, was adopted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

RECREATION & CULTURAL SERVICES

 

5.2       Approval of an agreement with Anderson Brulé Architecture, Inc. for consultant services including project design, preparation of construction documents and construction administration services for the Cambrian Branch Library Project, for a term from December 1, 2003 to November, 2006, for an amount not to exceed $1,275,000. CEQA:  Not a Project.  Council District 9.  (Public Works/Library)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Public Works Katy Allen and Library Director, Jane Light, dated November 10, 2003, recommending approval of said agreement with Anderson Brule Architecture, Inc.

 

            Discussion/Action: Upon motion by Council Member Chirco, seconded by Council Member Reed, and unanimously carried, the said agreement with Anderson Brule Architecture, Inc. was approved. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

5.3       (a)        Adoption of a resolution approving the following revisions to the Operating Grant Program:

                        (1)        Set forth in the grant guidelines estimated ranges of reference percentages of operating revenues used in determining grant amounts in each grant category of the Operating Grant Program that reflect more realistically the recent decline in City’s Transient Occupancy Tax revenues (TOT) and the availability of funds for granting;

                        (2)        Revise the revenue period to which the percentages mentioned above refer from a single year, the most recently completed fiscal year at the time of the grant-application deadline, to the average of revenues over the three most recently completed fiscal years at the time of the application deadline. 

                        (3)        Extend the basic method for determining recommended grant awards used in the Artist Organization (AO) and Resident Arts Organization (RAO) categories to the Professional Arts Institution (PAI) and Resident Arts Institution (RAI) categories, and retire the three-part formula presently used in the PAI and RAI categories.

                        (4)        In the first year of implementation of these revisions, recommend grant awards in the PAI and RAI categories that are the average of the amounts proposed by the review panel without using the three-part formula and the amounts that would have resulted had the three-part formula been in use.

                        (5)        As in the case of the AO and RAO categories, should the review panel recommend that an application in the PAI or RAI categories not be funded as a result of the evaluation, then the panel recommendation for no funding will supersede any potential grant calculations made pursuant to the foregoing criteria.

                        CEQA:  Not a Project.  (Conventions, Arts and Entertainment) 

            (b)        Adoption of a resolution approving a change to the Project & Program Arts Grant Program by reducing the maximum grant amount in the Project & Program Arts Grant Program from $30,000 to $18,000 for FY 2004-05, in order to be better aligned with the amount of funds available to support arts grants.  CEQA:  Not a Project.  (Conventions, Arts and Entertainment)

            (Deferred from 11/25/03 – Item 5.3)

 

            Documents Filed: (1) Memorandum from Acting Director of Conventions, Arts & Entertainment Jim McBride, dated November 3, 2003, recommending the adoption of said resolution. (2) Memorandum from Acting Director of Conventions, Arts & Entertainment Jim McBride, dated October 29, 2003, recommending the adoption of a resolution approving a change to the Project & Program Arts Grant Program by reducing the maximum grant amount in the Project & Program Arts Grant Program from $30,000 to $18,000 for FY 2004-2005, in order to be better aligned with the amount of funds available to support arts grants.

 

            Discussion/Action: Brian Chapman spoke on the issue. Upon motion by Council Member Williams, seconded by Council Member Cortese, and unanimously carried, Resolution No. 71852, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Approving Revisions to the Arts Operating Grant Program” and Resolution No. 71853, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Approving a Reduction in the Maximum Grant Amount for the Project & Program Arts Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2004-2005”, were adopted. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL & UTILITY SERVICES

 

7.1       PUBLIC HEARING and adoption of a resolution approving and adopting the sixth amendment to the Countywide Nondisposal Facility Element to identify the following nondisposal facilities:  California Waste Solutions Recycling & Transfer Station at 1005 Timothy Drive, San José; Environmental Management Systems Recycling and Processing Facility, Milpitas; and Pacific Coast Recycling Facility, Gilroy.  CEQA:  Exempt, Public Resources Code Section 41735.  (Environmental Services)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Environmental Services, Carl Mosher, dated November 10, 2003, recommending the public hearing and adoption of said resolution.

 

            Discussion/Action: Upon motion by Vice Mayor Dando, seconded by Council Member LeZotte, and unanimously carried, the Public Hearing was held and Resolution No. 71854, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Adopting the Sixth Amendment to the Countywide Nondisposal Facility Element to Identify the California Waste Solutions Recycling and Transfer Stations, the Environmental Management Systems Recycling and Processing Facility, and the Pacific Coast Recycling Facility as Nondisposal Facilities in the County Integrated Waste Management Plan”, was adopted. Vote: 10-0-1-0.

 

PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES

 

9.1       (a)        Presentation of the 2003 Independent Police Auditor’s Mid-Year Report.  (Independent Police Auditor)

            (b)        Response to the recommendations contained in the 2003 Independent Police Auditor’s Annual Report.  (Police)

 

            Documents Filed: Memorandum from Mayor Gonzales, dated December 1, 2003, recommending that any consideration of implementation of the Independent Police Auditor’s recommendations in her Mid-Year Report and any new recommendations related to police use-of-force and officer-involved shootings be deferred until the new Police Chief has been appointed; A new Police Chief is expected to be appointed in January 2004. At this time, the new Chief will able to review the IPA report and findings, as well as give his or her thoughts on the IPA’s recommendations. (2) Memorandum from Council Members Cortese, Chavez, Gregory and Williams, dated December 2, 2003 with the recommendations contained therein. (3) Memorandum from Acting Chief of Police Thomas R. Wheatley, dated November 21, 2003, recommending acceptance of the following report in response the recommendations contained in the Independent Police Auditor’s (IPA) 2003 mid-year report. (4) Hardcopy of 2003 Mid-Year Report from the Office of the Independent Police Auditor, dated from January , 2003 to June 30, 2003.

 

Discussion/Action: Independent Police Auditor Teresa Guerrero delivered an overview presentation of the 2003 Independent Police Auditor’s Mid-Year Report. Deputy Chief of Police (BOA) Adonna Amoroso delivered an overview and evaluation of the Independent Police Auditor’s Mid-Year Report and stated her availability to answer any questions Council may have.

 

Council Member Reed asked staff how a department-initiated complaint differed from other types of complaints. Deputy Chief Amoroso stated some infractions and misbehaviors are noted by supervisors and command officers and they are ranged from minor to major offenses, they are first initiated by any supervisor then are investigated by the next highest rank and Internal Affairs is also notified of the investigation taking place. She noted the process is very similar to a citizen complaint and people are notified higher up in the chain then appropriate action takes place. Upon sustaining the findings, the violation has been determined and verified, then disciplinary action is imposed and the file is sent to Internal Affairs. Independent Police Auditor Guerrero stated there are two classes of department-initiated complaints, one being management issues to which her department does not audit and the other being citizen-involved and is audited.

 

Ross Signorino, The-Vu Nguyen, Donna Wallach, Gary Wood, Richard Konda, and Stephen Hazel spoke on the issue. Council Member Cortese moved approval of Mayor Gonzales’ memorandum, dated December 1, 2003, with the recommendations contained therein and a memorandum from Council Members Cortese, Chavez, Gregory and Williams, dated December 2, 2003, with the recommendations and staff direction contained therein, and direction for staff to have all other items brought back to Council in April 2004, seconded by Council Member Chavez, and unanimously carried, the Independent Police Auditor’s Mid-Year Report was accepted with approval of said memorandums and staff direction contained therein. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

JOINT COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

 

            The Redevelopment Agency Board convened to consider Item 10.1 in a Joint Session at 4:51 P.M.

 

10.1     Presentation on proposed Design Guidelines for Downtown Development.  (City Manager's Office/Redevelopment Agency)

            (Deferred from 11/18/03 – Item 10.1)

 

            Documents Filed: (1) Memorandum from Mayor Gonzales and Council Member Chavez, dated December 2, 2003, recommending the acceptance of the draft Downtown Design Guidelines and direction for the Planning staff to: Incorporate and address feedback from Councilmembers into the final document brought forward for Council consideration and action; Continue to reach out to community stakeholders for review and comment; Link Downtown Design Guidelines and Downtown Zoning Frameworks to increase speed and predictability; Return to Council with the final Design Guidelines and Zoning proposals that reflect Council and community input to Council for adoption as soon as possible following the community outreach (anticipated completion in Spring 2004); Additionally, direction for the Redevelopment Agency to provide Planning staff, who will be leading the overall effort, with sufficient resources to complete the above direction. (2) Memorandum from City Manager Del D. Borgsdorf and Executive Director of Redevelopment Agency, Susan F. Shick, dated December 2, 2003, transmitting the Downtown Design Guidelines for informational purposes and direction to Staff to initiate the Public Outreach process and return the Guidelines at a future date for formal action.

 

Discussion/Action: Deputy Director of Planning Implementation Joe Horwedel delivered a presentation on the proposed Design Guidelines for Downtown Development. Council Member Chavez moved approval of Mayor Gonzales’ and her memorandum dated December 2, 2003 and the direction contained therein. Council Member Cortese seconded the motion. Council Member Chavez commented on there being too many guidelines and reports pertaining to the Downtown San José area, such as the Downtown Strategy, the SOFA report and historic guidelines. She stated the best way to care for this problem is to develop a governance document that takes all the existing documents in order to develop some kind of consistency, predictability and speed. She recommended the lead to implement this strategy go to the Planning Department with the Redevelopment Agency providing expertise.

 

Brian Chapman and Scott Knies spoke on the issue. Council Member LeZotte asked Staff when they will return to Council with a status report on the issue. Deputy Director Horwedel stated they will return on January 13, 2003 with an update. On a call for the motion, the presentation on the proposed Design Guidelines for Downtown Development was accepted in the form of a memorandum from Mayor Gonzales and Council Member Chavez, dated December 2, 2003, and the direction for Staff contained therein. Vote: 10-0-1-0. Absent: Campos.

 

            The Redevelopment Agency Board portion of the meeting adjourned at 5:01 P.M.

 

 

Notice of City Engineer’s Pending Decision on Final Maps

            In accordance with Sec. 19.16.140d of the San Jose Municipal Code, this is notice of the City Engineer's pending decision on the following Final Maps:

                                 None.

 

            In accordance with Sec. 19.16.140d of the San Jose Municipal Code, this is notice of the City Engineer's receipt of the following Final Maps for review:

                                 None.

 

1.1       Presentation of a commendation to Girl Scout Troop 1053.  (Gregory)

 

            Documents Filed: None.

 

            Discussion/Action: Vice Mayor Dando and Council Member Gregory joined Mayor Gonzales at the podium to present a commendation to the Girl Scout Troop 1053 in honor of their outstanding work with the community and assisting with senior citizens and helping the homeless. Troop leader Mrs. Legaspi-Carter thanked the Mayor and Council for their commendation.

 

RECESS/RECONVENE

 

            The City Council recessed at 5:01 p.m. and reconvened at 7.04 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall.

 

            Present:   Council Members -    Cha