Meeting Called to Order: 7:04pm
Pledge led by Tom Owens
Note: Charles Marinonot present, Susan Swift absence excused

PRESENTATIONS
P.1 Presentation by The Executive Director of the Contra Costa Local Agency Formation Commission, acronym LAFCO, Louann Texeria:
LAFCO is responsible for:
a) city boundaries,
b) city boundaries are logical and orderly,
c) discouraging city sprawl
d) provision of public services are efficient and effective.
LAFCO is a quasi-legislative entity meaning only appeal is thru the courts.
LAFCO oversees:
a) city and town incorporation
b) annexations and detachments
c) spheres of influence (growth and development)
d) District formation, merger, consolidation and dissolutions
e) municipal services review
LAFCO is comprised of:
a) 2 members from Board of Supervisors
(Federal Glover, Gayle Uilkema, Mary N. Piepho – Alternate)
b) 2 city representatives (city councils)
(Helen Allen, Rob Schroder, Don Tatzin – Alternate)
c) 2 special interest board members
(Dwight Meadows, David A. Piepho, George Schmidt – Alternate)
d) 1 public member
(Martin McNair, William Bristow – Alternate)
She discussed government structure options, special districts, community service districts and gave the following web sites as good resources ( www.cacities.org and www.opr.ca.gov ).
Formation and incorporation proceedings are pursuant to Cortese Knox Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (CKH Act). Process is started by initiation (petition (population) or resolution (district)) and has the following components: boundary map/legal description, financial analysis, plan for providing services, CEQA review and LAFCO application. Process includes LAFCO hearings, election, and majority approval. Generally the process costs $250,000-$500,000 and takes about 3 years.
Question regarding staffing for CEQA and financial analysis: for incorporation LAFCO is generally the lead organization and would hire the consultants that would be paid by the applicant, while that for a district LAFCO would provide review of applicants consultants only.
Question regarding raising the necessary funds: generally a district with fund raising capabilities generally initiates the process or possibly forming a 5103c and doing a lot of fund raising although there exists a state provision to provide money but it hasn’t been used as of yet.
Question regarding what would have to happen for El Sobrante to incorporate: Richmond could voluntarily detach the area that separates the two halves (including any area that would no longer be contiguous to Richmond) and release it’s sphere of influence (this would have to occur before incorporation could be applied for). Special legislation could release LAFCO from the contiguous requirement.
Question to clarify differences between General Law City and Charter City:  referred to web sites above.
Question regarding definition of town: In California it is just a term all are incorporated as a city.
Question regarding how “cherry stem” arrangement of Richmond occurred and remedy: Happened before her term and shouldn’t have happened. Recommending that Richmond correct (no explanation as to how). Discussed “cities within cities” to maintain identity. Discussion of Richmond being contiguous ensued. She stated that spheres of influence should be annexed in 5-10 yrs. or the sphere of influence should be removed. In the event of detachment only the effected property owners would vote. The same is true of annexation. Provision of adequate services to existing areas must be provided before annexation of new areas would be considered.

Unscheduled Presentation Sheriff Lt. Ron Bradley: on crime in El Sobrante:
Any questions or comments about quality of service contact him directly: 510-262-4206 rbrad@so.cccounty.us .
May Highlights:
2 robberies (mechanics bank, only 1 armed should be an arrest soon), second actually an assault involving juveniles.
9 residential robberies (6 parkway west – recent juvenile arrests should lower this)
school is out so be aware that this is a time when auto burglaries and thefts generally increase – remove all valuables and lock your cars.
Question regarding illegal dumping and police response to evidence raised: new full time deputy in charge of investigating dumping (paid for by mitigation fees) will be asked to assist in investigation.
Comment made regarding gang activity in area across from Hilltop Green.
Potential scam reported involving door-to-door sales which may be an attempt to assess if anyone is home and if not, the group may break in from the back side of the residence. Report any unusual activity, get names and permit numbers of anyone soliciting door-to-door.

P.2 Presentation by Tom Powers: on a Proposed Development Project off Castro Ranch Road:
Representing Richmond Hills Limited Partnership on development off Castro Ranch Rd of ≈100 acres (all in unincorporated El Sobrante outside of urban limit line). Development plans are currently 75 (≈14000 sq ft) lots (29.5 acres) with another 5-acre lot and rest (≈65 acres) dedicated to park district. He made special note of design of entrance with acceleration and deceleration lanes. Architects noted for design that precludes massive tree removal but that house would be custom and not necessarily built by these architects. He talked about plans to build trail to link other park trails.
Question regarding plans to link with other planned development in the area: he noted planned connection road but depends on land not in either development.
Question regarding bicycle lanes: He stated that an attempt would be made to get all road fees dedicated to improving Castro Ranch Rd.
Question regarding lack of developed parks for children: He noted that >60 acres dedication to parkland but stated that he understood the need for developed facilities.
Question raised regarding the lack of a second entrance/exit for what is now essentially a 76 unit cul-de-sac: He referred back to potential connection road of first question.
Question regarding slope and drainage was raised: He noted that those concerns would need to be addressed. The site is San Pablo Creek drainage area. Site is currently zoned agriculture but planned to propose rezone to park and P1.
He requested a list of written concerns/comments that could be addressed by the developers.

P.3 Presentation by Terrance Cheung, Chief of Staff for Supervisor John Gioia, monthly report:
. Update on getting names and address’s for petitions on the lighting problem on San Pablo Dam Road. Public Works Department’s letter recommending a petition be signed by all residents affected by the lack of lights on the San Pablo Dam road between Valley View and May Road. Petition would cover joining County Service Area L-100 (the lighting District.)
On June 12, 2007, property owners approved annexation into the L100 by a margin of 64% to 36%. Public works has begun LAFCO process and estimates that it’ll take about a year. There will be another vote before it will become official.
 . Status of San Pablo Street light repair.
Public works sent a repair request to PG&E in mid-march but notes that repairs take 4-6 months. An update request has been recently sent.
 .Update on the problems on Santa Rita Road.
The property at 4353 Santa Rita Road has been posted for abatement and there are no other active case now open.
 . Update on status of Patrick Roche’s Traffic Study of San Pablo Dam Road and Appian Way.
Traffic study was completed June 11th, 2007 and the ESMAC can expect an update by the August meeting.
. Status of San Pablo Dam Road Street repairs.
A $540,000 grant from the Surface Transportation Program has been awarded for pavement rehabilitation along San Pablo Dam rd in El Sobrante. The project is under development but the aim is to apply a surface treatment to the existing roadway and construct/upgrade curb ramps to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards (potentially from El Portal to Tri Lane).
. Explain the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, vacant positions, appointments, benefits, etc.
Formed in 1988 and has 6 current vacancies to be filled by appointment by responsible jurisdictions. Contact Delania Williams at 925-256-4720 for additional information.
Question regarding other needs (especially bike lanes): This is outside the grant outlines but he would welcome written comments to be forwarded to Public Works Department.
Question as to why ESMAC was not notified about this grant: Lack of communication between departments is something that is and has been being worked upon.
Comment regarding the availability of funding from MTCC(??) and Transportation funds for clean air.

P.4 Presentation on East Bay Municipal Utility District Projects and letter requesting the conservation of water (EPMUD) - Michelle Blackwell.
Call for voluntary water rationing to prevent mandatory rationing next year in the worse case scenario of another dry winter. Check website ( www.ebmud.com ) for list of rebates and free items to help lower water usage.
Schapiro reservoir update: (located in unincorporated area but serves Richmond): will be downsized for better water quality and rebuilt for seismic upgrade. Looking at alternative access to minimize traffic impact. Meeting June 20th, 6-7pm at the reservoir (Capitol Hill Ave).
She discussed EBMUD programs to reduce their CO2 emissions.
San Pablo Dam Seismic Upgrade: the test project was deemed a success as far as noise level but a few days of testing remain. The flagman warnings are for trucks accessing the work site and flagman are on location as needed.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Charles Ramsey, WCCUSD Board member, informed us that the contract for phase I of DeAnza High renovation was approved at the last meeting and work on the track and field begins this summer. Murphy Elementary preschool program has gained new portables. Sheldon is getting a brand new soccer field. He informed us that the Parcel Tax that funded or helped fund: restoring library and athletic services, maintaining reduced class sizes, purchasing new textbooks, and improved custodial services, principals for each school as well as other services will end in two years. In response WCCUSD has sponsored a mail ballot (Measure G) on August 28, 2007. He stated that this is strictly a renewal parcel tax ($0.11/ sq ft of building or $11.00/ vacant parcel) and not a new tax and has provisions for a senior citizen exemption and would go into effect 2009 and expires in 2017. Web site ( www.childrenofwestcounty.com ).
Objection was raised for allowing a non-notified agenda item to be given. Point of order risen that Mr. Ramsey was given his 3 minutes and the run over of time was for council members questions and answers so this was not an inappropriate agenda item as alleged.
Marilyn Mellander and Charles Ramsey were invited back in July to present their opposing views.
Question was raised that $1 million in grants was given to El Cerrito for park funding, why couldn’t we obtain some of this money.
Wendi Gosliner informed us that she is working on bring our bylaws into compliance with Board of Supervisors resolution as well as simplifying them as much as possible.
Schedule Public works, planning and building inspection for August meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of minutes for March 15, 2007 and approval of Minutes for May 9, 2007 tabled until next month.
Motion to approve Minutes for April 11, 2007 with typo errors corrected. M(TO),S,P-5,0,0

TREASURERS REPORT
No report given this month.

SHORT DISCUSSION ITEMS
SDI.1 Report on the Land Use Sub Committee Meeting
Item tabled due to meeting postponed to June 20th.
SDI.2 ESMAC Logo
Terrance Cheung stated that the county logo is generally used by advisory bodies as their official logo. Wendi Gosliner offered to work on a design. Tom Owens stated that a logo had been submitted via email and was in place on the web and should be considered.
Add ESMAC logo discussion to August agenda.

DISCUSSION ITEMS
DI.1 Development Plan Applications, Variance Reports, Building Modification Requests, Appeals etc. received in the previous month from the Contra Costa County Community Development Department.
Noted that the Sihk Temple development was a six phase project encompassing 73,000 sq. ft. expansion and would require further looking into.
DI.2 Report from El Sobrante Valley Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee.
Eleanor Lloyd further described Sihk temple development but application is not complete even though it was initialized in 2003. Significance of phases can’t be overlooked as each phase could be brought forward separately.
She discussed Sunset Drive Project and it’s problems.
Canyon Oaks II Project was not approved by Richmond and has been appealed. ESVP&Z is supporting the appeal.
She discussed SD05-9064.
Forrest Green EIR is due shortly (all ready 3 months overdue).

INFORMATION ITEMS-
10.5 May Valley Neighborhood Council Newsletter for May
El Sobrante Valley Community Foundation was mislabeled as El Sobrante Valley Foundation for fund raising of donations for plants at El Sobrante Library Reading Garden.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Sihk peace parade Sunday, June 17th .
Discussion ensued over permits and notification procedures.
Discussion concerning county employee (public works) who is building second building on standard lot occurred with clarification of facts and events.
Mike Daley excused himself at 10:00pm

Motion to Adjourn. M(DB),S,P-4,0,0
Meeting Adjourned 10:10pm

Respectfully submitted by Tom Owens, Secretary, ESMAC

Summary of Actions:
Meeting Called to Order: 7:04pm
Tom Powers requested a list of written concerns/comments with proposed development that could be addressed by the developers.
Marilyn Mellander and Charles Ramsey were invited back in July to present their opposing viewsparcel tax.
Approval of minutes for March 15, 2007 and approval of Minutes for May 9, 2007 tabled until next month.
Motion to approve Minutes for April 11, 2007 with typo errors corrected. M(TO),S,P-5,0,0
Schedule Public works, planning and building inspection for August meeting.
Add ESMAC logo discussion to August agenda.
Mike Daley excused himself at 10:00pm
Motion to Adjourn. M(DB),S,P-4,0,0
Meeting Adjourned 10:10pm

 

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