|
<br />City of San Leandro Meeting Date: September 4, 2012 Minutes File Number: 12-432 Agenda Section: CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Number: 8.B. TO: City Council FROM: Chris Zapata City Manager
<br />BY: Luke Sims Community Development Director FINANCE REVIEW: Not Applicable TITLE: ACCEPT: Community Development Committee Meeting Highlights of July 17, 2012 CITY OF SAN LEANDRO CITY
<br />COUNCIL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE July 17, 2012 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. San Leandro City Hall 835 East 14th Street San Leandro, California Sister Cities Gallery HIGHLIGHTS Committee
<br />members: Vice Mayor Gregory and Council Member Reed City staff present: City Manager Zapata, Police Chief Spagnoli, Community Development Director Sims, City Attorney Pio Roda, Business
<br />Development Manager Battenberg, Housing and Planning Director Liao, Officer Sobek, Business Development Analyst Kay, Senior Planner Barros, Community Compliance Officer Herrera, Secretary
<br />Gonzalez Public present: Carla Din (East Bay Green Corridor), Chris Crow, Mia Ousley, Annastasia Abate, Kristine Konrad The meeting was called to order at 4:46 p.m. City of San Leandro
<br />Page 1 Printed on 8/28/2012
<br />File Number: 12-432 1. Presentation by East Bay Green Corridor of Goals and Accomplishments Carla Din, Executive Director of the Green Corridor, presented the partnerships mission and
<br /> principles which include strengthening the regional green and clean economy with an emphasis on sustainability. The focus is on creating an environment which promotes the East Bay
<br />cities to innovative start-ups, specifically spin-offs from the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and UC Berkeley. She highlighted the activities and accomplishments of the Green Corridor
<br />including partnerships, streamlined regional solar permitting, marketing and events, regional grant applications, and letters of support for member agencies. Business promotions include:
<br />an e-newsletter, website, referral network of feeder groups, marketing of opportunity sites, private-public partnerships and events. Policy development includes standardizing Solar
<br />Energy Permitting Process and receiving State designation as an iHub. Committee discussion inncluded San Leandros contribution to the establishment of the regional streamlined solar
<br />permitting process and clarification regarding how the Green Corridor is funded. Din confirmed that the Green Corridor Principals, of which Mayor Cassidy is one, will be addressing
<br />questions on the structure and funding of the organization in the next few months. Din confirmed current staffing is 1 full-time Executive Director plus 1 grant funded permitting
<br />consultant/project manager. 2. Discussion Regarding Chicken and Beekeeping within Residential Zones City Manager Zapata provided a brief overview of the past discussions on chicken
<br />and beekeeping and shared that the Police and Community Development Departments are in the process of drafting a comprehensive policy which should be completed in the next few months.
<br />Chief Spagnoli presented her concerns with the outdated ordinance which include the need to address issues beyond chickens and beekeeping, such as feral cats and urban farming. She
<br /> stated that a comprehensive overhaul is necessary to avoid conflicts within the ordinance and because one-size does not fit all. Chief Spagnoli further stated that a full update
<br />would take six months, including time for public input. Senior Planner Barros presented research on policies in other cities in Alameda County. She stated that a common thread in
<br />cities with policies was that the regulations were within the municipal code, with enforcement by Animal Control, and included a minimum number of permitted chickens. Chief Spagnoli
<br />stated any policy must allow for a neutral process, such as performance checks, which will allow people who are following the ordinance, being responsible and safe neighbors to continue,
<br />while eliminating those who do not properly follow the code; an animal fancier should also be defined and included in the ordinance. Committee discussion included consensus that the
<br />Police Department should lead the drafting of the ordinance as they are responsible for enforcement. The Committee agreed with a need to develop a comprehensive ordinance. Chief
<br />Spagnoli confirmed that Animal Control had two to three officers in 2008 and currently has only one officer. This one officer spends a significant portion of time reacting to calls
<br />and complaints, including a large number of feral cats calls, and currently has insufficient time on proactive enforcement. Mia Ousley shared that she appreciates the need for a comprehensive
<br />ordinance that City of San Leandro Page 2 Printed on 8/28/2012
<br />File Number: 12-432 includes pigs, turkeys and goats and protects the safety of the community, with few restrictions. She offered herself as a resource to develop the ordinance and
<br />would like the process expedited because of the time it has taken to get to this point. Kristine Konrad stated there needs to be education about chicken coop cleanliness, respect
<br /> for neighbors and the sustainable movement for green living in general. Ms. Konrad offered herself as a resource in developing the ordinance. Chris Crow complimented the work of
<br />City staff, but stated his concern regarding control being given to the Police Department and any resulting precedent. 3. Discussion Regarding Parameters for the Broadband Connection
<br />Business Incentive Program Analyst Kay presented an overview of the existing Business Incentives Programs including the successes of the Commercial Façade Rehabilitation Program and
<br />the Industrial Competitiveness Program. He shared that he receives multiple calls inquiring about Lit Saan Leandro and financial assistance in getting connected. He clarified additional
<br />funding for establishment of a new incentive for broadband connections is not being requested at this time. The Broadband Connection Program would be under the umbrella of the Business
<br /> Incentives Program which has $180,000 in available funding in FY 2012-13. The cost to connect to an existing broadband network, which may be Lit San Leandro or another carrier, can
<br />range from $2,000-$40,000, depending on the availability and configuration of the existing conduit. Assistance would benefit existing businesses, but would also have a positive legacy,
<br />improving the buildings infrastructure if the business ultimately left the site. The proposed Broadband Connection Program is for a one year forgivable loan for reimbursement of 50%
<br />of the project cost up to $10,000. Committee discussion included concerns regarding splitting the $180,000 between the three incentive programs, clarification of the current demand
<br />for the ffaçade improvement and industrial competitiveness programs, the possible use of PEG funding, and marketing and promoting the program. The Committee supported creating a Broadband
<br />Connection Program for up to $10,000 as an eligible use under the incentive programs. At this time, the incentive funding allocation will not be explicitly divided amongst the three
<br />incentive programs, although that may be revisited in future budget years once more information about the demand for the programs is available. 4. Discussion Regarding Potential Amendments
<br />to Secondary Dwelling Unit Regulations Planning and Housing Manager Liao updated the Committee on a proposed amendment to the definition of a secondary dwelling unit. In 2003 a secondary
<br />dwelling unit was defined as 450 square foot. Feedback from both the community and staff is that this is too limiting. Planner Barros confirmed that an update was envisioned in the
<br />2010 Housing Element Update. The proposed amendment allows for: a) Lots up to 4,500 squaare feet may have a 450 square foot unit b) Lots between 4,500 and 6,000 square feet may have
<br />a unit up to 600 square feet City of San Leandro Page 3 Printed on 8/28/2012
<br />File Number: 12-432 c) Lots over 6,000 square feet may have a unit up to 750 square feet Committee discussion included that no changes to parking conditions are recommended and clarification
<br />that the amendment would not affect Transited Oriented Development. 5. Community Development Project Updates Update on Waste Management Project: the first phase is completed, LEED certified
<br />and is beautiful. This project was approved 1 ½ years ago. 6. Public Comments Chris Crow spoke regarding the opportunity created by the City adding a Broadband Connection Program
<br />and a concern there is not enough money in the fund. He encouraged a mid-year budget review to increase funding to the program and the opportunity to create headlines and publicity.
<br />7. Committee Member Comments None 8. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. City of San Leandro Page 4 Printed on 8/28/2012
<br />CITY OF SAN LEANDRO CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE July 17, 2012 4:30p.m. 6:00 p.m. San Leandro City Hall 835 East 14th Street San Leandro, California (Sister Cities
<br />Gallery) AGENDA 1. Presentation by East Bay Green Corridor of Goals and Accomplishments 2. Discussion Regarding Chicken and Beekeeping within Residential Zones 3. Discussion Regarding
<br />Parameters for the Broadband Connection Business Incentive Program 4. Discussion Regarding Potential Amendments to Secondary Dwelling Unit Regulations 5. Community Development Project
<br />Updates 6. Public Comments 7. Committee Member Comments 8. Adjourn Committee Members: Mayor Stephen Cassidy Vice Mayor Michael Gregory Councilmember Ursula Reed
<br />1 East Bay Green Corridor-Accomplishments �
<br />� innovation, commercialization and local economic development in a manner that creates high quality jobs and meets environmental and social goals. Established in
<br />December 2007 by UC Berkeley Chancellor Birgeneau, Berkeley Lab Director Steve Chu, and the Mayors of Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond and Emeryville, the Corridor expanded in 2009 to include
<br />the cities of Alameda, Albany, El Cerrito and San Leandro; CSU East Bay and the Peralta Community College District; and again in 2012 with the addition of the City of Hayward. Principles
<br />The East Bay Green Corridor is committed to strengthening the regional green technology economy while reaching sustainability goals and applying the following principles: Create conditions
<br />that support new and emerging green industries Strengthen existing programs promoting technology development and transfer Support employment opportunities in emerging green industries
<br /> Build a more cohesive regional identity in energy-related green business sectors Protect local economies from climate change and energy shocks Improve the environment and quality
<br />of life Highlights of Accomplishments Structure Moved from volunteer-based initiative in 12/07 to a funded, staffed partnership by 8/09. Fundraising Raised $325,000 from 2 Dept of Energy
<br />grants to support Green Corridor solar permitting initiative and $10,000 from private sector, with $120,000 for City efforts (@$15,000/city); $4.5 million in Recovery Act funding raised
<br />by the East Bay Green Corridor workforce training collaborative for basic training in energy efficiency and green building; $150,000 from foundation grants raised to support the Green
<br />Energy & Technology High School Academies. Streamlined Solar Permitting (top policy initiative established by Principals in late 2010) Poised to implement standardized, streamlined solar
<br />permitting process in Summer 2012; Business-friendly initiative promises to remove barriers, increase efficiencies and reduce costs; drive local solar PV market & bring to scale; grow
<br />existing businesses and create jobs; Green Corridor is now a recognized regional leader on solar permitting in the State and nation. Business Development �
<br />� �
<br />�-
<br />2 wide network of regional innovation centers that will provide innovation platforms for startups, businesses, economic development organizations and investors.
<br /> Program, managed in partnership with Wavepoint Ventures, a venture capital firm, which matches experienced mentors with cleantech entrepreneurs
<br />to help develop the next generation of market-leading companies and locate them in the Green Corridor. Provided key resources to 24 cleantech startups re: location assistance, business
<br />incentives, supply chain referrals, pitch events, early customers, potential new export markets, support letters & e-newsletter coverage. Help site ImprintEnergy (advanced battery) at
<br />R&D site in Alameda and Halotechnics (solar Events Held June 2012 Mid-County Chamber mixer at Halus Power
<br />in San Leandro, joined by over 65 community members from SL, Hayward & CV; January 2012 reception at the Skydeck Innovation Center with Green Corridor Principals and clean energy business
<br />leaders, attended by over 60 people; Held April 2010 Brokers & Property Owners Reception, connecting over 70 green-leaning property owners with clean energy business leads and economic
<br />development communities; Sponsored 3 Green Education and Career Exploration Fairs partnering with industry-March 2012; April 2011; may 2010. Visibility Landed features in the East Bay
<br />Express: Slashing the Solar Paperwork, June 1st 2011; SF Chronicle: Solar Firms Bemoan Costly Permit Process, March 23rd 2011; Launched e-�
<br />�Green Corridor cities and businesses, including Energy Recovery Inc. & Cleaire. Building
<br />the East Bay Green Economy Oakland Chamber of Commerce and the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy, laying out
<br /> efficiency, environmental consulting, recycling and solar
<br />energy. Updated logo, developed website and added 12 business testimonials, 187 green business listings. selection as a
<br />2011 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award Winner. A comparison of website page views for the period of 1/11-6/11 and 1/12-6/12 shows a 9.9% increase. Letters of Support to San Leandro
<br />
<br /> Application
<br />3 Green Corridor Goals, 2012 Business Promotion & Stimulation Publish quarterly e-Newsletter Showcase Green Corridor activity to increase visibility Populate website with existing green
<br />businesses & startups Show the East Bay as a green technology magnet Drive viewers to website Via e-Newsletter, marketing materials, public appearances �
<br />� Capture startups and work to site locally Develop & market opportunity sites Expand & retain existing businesses, attract new businesses,
<br />develop cleantech clusters. Track metrics Quantify & demonstrate effectiveness Develop Private-Public Partnerships & Revenue Stream Increase revenue, build partnerships with industry.
<br />Hold key events with strategic partners Strengthen leadership position, increase visibility, increase networking/business opportunities & linkages Strengthen ties to green businesses
<br />Achieve more fully integrated innovation ecosystem Policy Development Develop Standardized Solar Energy Permitting Process -create stronger solar markets, job creation, solar business
<br />attraction and growth Develop iHub state policy initiative -support cleantech development and business creation
<br />CITY OF SAN LEANDRO MEMORANDUM Date: June 19, 2012 To: City Council Community Development Committee Via: Luke Sims, Community Development Director From: Jeff Kay, Administrative Analyst
<br />Subject: Proposed Parameters for the Broadband Connection Business Incentive Program Summary and Recommendation On April 17, 2012, the Community Development Committee recommended that
<br />a Broadband Connection Program be included as an eligible use of the FY2012-13 funding appropriation of $180,000 for business incentive programs. This memorandum contains proposed parameters
<br />for that program for discussion and feedback from the Community Development Committee. Background Broadband connectivity has become basic infrastructure for economic development. A lack
<br />of sufficient bandwidth is a significant impediment to successful business operations. By contrast, access to state-of-the-art broadband networks is a competitive advantage; both for
<br />existing businesses and for the City as it seeks to attract companies in growth industries. Research conducted as part of the development of the Commercial
<br />Broadband Strategy revealed several areas of the City that suffer from a lack of acceptable broadband infrastructure. Most of the broadband infrastructure in the City is owned by either
<br />AT&T or Comcast and those systems were primarily constructed to serve residential customer bases. As a result, commercial areas, and industrial zones in particular, are commonly underserved
<br />in San Leandro. For businesses in
<br />broadband availability, but rather the high cost of connecting their facilities to the network infrastructure. In San Leandro, staff is aware of instances where Internet service providers
<br />presented costs as high as $40,000 for a business to connect. Upfront connection costs of $5,000 to $20,000 are common. These costs are typically for installation of conduit, connecting
<br />the business to the existing network lines, although point-to-point wireless antennas can also serve this purpose. While the ongoing deployment of the Lit San Leandro fiber network holds
<br />great potential to bring extremely fast broadband service to San Leandro businesses, there will also be costs for
<br />businesses to make a physical or wireless connection to the fiber loop. For a business directly adjacent to the loop, the cost of connecting and running a conduit to the building could
<br />be as high as $15,000, depending on the specific characteristics of the site. Those costs will obviously increase with distance from the loop. Assisting businesses in upgrading their
<br />broadband capacity is an effective tool for the City to meet our economic development goals. Businesses are better positioned to innovate and modernize their operations if they are connected
<br />to world class digital infrastructure. Additionally, once a building is connected to a broadband network, if the current business relocates, the property will be far more attractive
<br />to prospective tenants. With that in mind, one of the recommendations of the of the Commercial Broadband Strategy was to add a broadband connections program to the list of incentives
<br />the City offers in order to assist local businesses in meeting the upfront capital costs of connecting to broadband networks. Proposed Parameters for the Broadband Connection Incentive
<br />Program business incentive programs the Commercial Rehabilitation and Industrial Competitiveness Programs provide an effective starting
<br />model for the Broadband �
<br />�-of pocket costs for an eligible project. If the business complies with the terms of the loan agreement, the loan balance is forgiven by the City and no payment is owed. Available
<br />Funding Due to limitations in available funding, the Broadband Connection Program is proposed as a subset of the existing $180,000 appropriation for business incentives. Funds will
<br />be allocated across all three programs as applications are received. A reasonable starting assumption is that the Broadband Connection Program would use about a third of the total budget
<br />in FY2012-13. In future years, once staff has had an opportunity to assess the program, a more precise allocation between incentive programs might be appropriate. Eligible Projects
<br />The Broadband Connection Program is proposed to fund physical and wireless (point-to-point) connections between a business and a broadband network. The program would be carrier neutral,
<br />supporting connections to Lit San Leandro as well as more tradition service providers such as AT&T and Comcast. Internal networking equipment, such as switches and routers, would not
<br />be eligible for City funding. City Funding Contribution -of-pocket
<br />costs to connect, up to a maximum contribution of $10,000. The minimum City contribution would be $2,000. The City contribution would be structured as a reimbursement, paid after the
<br />participant provides proof of the project cost and completion. If a need for a higher higher funding limit is identified, the change would first be brought to the Community Development
<br />Committee for reconsideration. Forgivable Loan Terms As with the other incentive programs, loans will be structured as interest-bearing forgivable loans. The loan terms will require
<br />the business to maintain the
<br />\\CH-FP01\dept$\CM\DEPT\Committees\Community Development\Agendas\2012 Agendas\Broadband Incentive Program CD 6-19-12.docx improvements in good condition through the term of the loan.
<br />The loan balance would be due in the event of a default. Loans are proposed to be for one year under this program. Business Eligibility Participants would have to be businesses or
<br />property owners within the City of San Leandro. Applicants must own the commercial property to be connected, be tenants of the commercial property or hold a master lease for the commercial
<br />property. Tenants will be required to include a copy of the lease agreement and written authorization from the property owner allowing them to make the proposed building and site modifications.
<br />Tenants will also be required to verify that they have at least a five-year lease on the property. Participating businesses would also be required to ensure that the business is legal
<br />and complies with all applicable City regulations. Prevailing Wage -To the extent applicable to the project, all contractors and agents hired by the participant will be required to comply
<br />with California Labor Code Section 1720 et seq. will be responsible for carrying out the requirements of the law. Evaluation
<br />Criteria Applicants would be evaluated under the following criteria: 1. Likelihood of the project to maintain or create quality jobs in San Leandro 2. retention 3. Ability of the
<br />project to stimulate high-tech business activity 4. Potential for the improvements to improve broadband access for neighboring properties, particularly in locations that have been identified
<br />in the Commercial Broadband Strategy as priority improvement areas Project Approval Given the funding limit of $20,000 per project and the importance of moving projects through the
<br />process efficiently, funding decisions are proposed to be made on the staff level and then reported out to the Community Development Committee.
<br />1 East Bay Green Corridor-Accomplishments �
<br />� innovation, commercialization and local economic development in a manner that creates high quality jobs and meets environmental and social goals. Established in
<br />December 2007 by UC Berkeley Chancellor Birgeneau, Berkeley Lab Director Steve Chu, and the Mayors of Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond and Emeryville, the Corridor expanded in 2009 to include
<br />the cities of Alameda, Albany, El Cerrito and San Leandro; CSU East Bay and the Peralta Community College District; and again in 2012 with the addition of the City of Hayward. Principles
<br />The East Bay Green Corridor is committed to strengthening the regional green technology economy while reaching sustainability goals and applying the following principles: Create conditions
<br />that support new and emerging green industries Strengthen existing programs promoting technology development and transfer Support employment opportunities in emerging green industries
<br /> Build a more cohesive regional identity in energy-related green business sectors Protect local economies from climate change and energy shocks Improve the environment and quality
<br />of life Highlights of Accomplishments Structure Moved from volunteer-based initiative in 12/07 to a funded, staffed partnership by 8/09. Fundraising Raised $325,000 from 2 Dept of Energy
<br />grants to support Green Corridor solar permitting initiative and $10,000 from private sector, with $120,000 for City efforts (@$15,000/city); $4.5 million in Recovery Act funding raised
<br />by the East Bay Green Corridor workforce training collaborative for basic training in energy efficiency and green building; $150,000 from foundation grants raised to support the Green
<br />Energy & Technology High School Academies. Streamlined Solar Permitting (top policy initiative established by Principals in late 2010) Poised to implement standardized, streamlined solar
<br />permitting process in Summer 2012; Business-friendly initiative promises to remove barriers, increase efficiencies and reduce costs; drive local solar PV market & bring to scale; grow
<br />existing businesses and create jobs; Green Corridor is now a recognized regional leader on solar permitting in the State and nation. Business Development �
<br />� �
<br />�-
<br />2 wide network of regional innovation centers that will provide innovation platforms for startups, businesses, economic development organizations and investors.
<br /> Program, managed in partnership with Wavepoint Ventures, a venture capital firm, which matches experienced mentors with cleantech entrepreneurs
<br />to help develop the next generation of market-leading companies and locate them in the Green Corridor. Provided key resources to 24 cleantech startups re: location assistance, business
<br />incentives, supply chain referrals, pitch events, early customers, potential new export markets, support letters & e-newsletter coverage. Help site ImprintEnergy (advanced battery) at
<br />R&D site in Alameda and Halotechnics (solar Events Held June 2012 Mid-County Chamber mixer at Halus Power
<br />in San Leandro, joined by over 65 community members from SL, Hayward & CV; January 2012 reception at the Skydeck Innovation Center with Green Corridor Principals and clean energy business
<br />leaders, attended by over 60 people; Held April 2010 Brokers & Property Owners Reception, connecting over 70 green-leaning property owners with clean energy business leads and economic
<br />development communities; Sponsored 3 Green Education and Career Exploration Fairs partnering with industry-March 2012; April 2011; may 2010. Visibility Landed features in the East Bay
<br />Express: Slashing the Solar Paperwork, June 1st 2011; SF Chronicle: Solar Firms Bemoan Costly Permit Process, March 23rd 2011; Launched e-�
<br />�Green
|