Good evening, it is now 6:00.
I call this a special meeting of the pittsburgh city council to order.
madam city clerk, will you please call the role?
>> councilmember craft?
>> present.
>> councilmember killings?
>> present. >> councilmember banales?
>> present.
>> vice-mayor scales-preston?
>> present.
>> mayor white?
>> present.
>> would you please introduce the first item?
>> yes, and good evening. Good evening, mr. Maher and members of the city
council. Tonight's appeal is regarding the planning commission's decision
to deny a use permit design and review for upgrade,
remodel, and improvements to an existing gas station and construct
a 1600 square foot commercial convenience store at 1005 railroad avenue.
john thunderbird, assistant director of planning, is here with a presentation.
john?
>> good evening, mayor white, vice-mayor scales-preston,
and city council members. City manager, city attorney, and stakeholders
in the public, assistant director of planning.
this is a staff presentation on the appeal of the planning commission's
determination for the remodel and upgrade project for the existing
valero convenience store.
before I begin with my presentation, I would like to
outline the format of the appeal hearing
to ensure the public and anyone wishing to speak in favor or against
the project understands the procedures after staff's presentations. First,
the mayor will open a public hearing.
hear a presentation from the appellant, hear from members of the public,
here rebuttal, or concluding response from the appellant.
close the public hearing, and ask questions, if necessary, deliberate
and act on the appeal.
also as a quick note of mention for the council, staff has received
numerous letters and emails in regards to supporting an opposition to this
project. Both from the original meeting, and when the notice went
out for the appeal hearing tonight.
these letters and emails have been provided to you, and are available
to the public, as well.
by way of project background, I would like to provide the council
with an outline of how we arrived here tonight. And then, they will
present the project. The project outline came out on june 15th, 2021,
for planning application, requesting a use permit and
removal.
on june 14, 2022, the planning commission voted 3-2 to adopt a
resolution denying the use permit and design review approval. On june
23rd, 2022, the applicant filed an appeal
on the planning commission's denial of the use permit and design review
approval. On november 10th, 2022, and pursuant to pmc 18.18.060,
public notice was provided for tonight appeal hearing.
project location -- the project is located at 1005
river avenue in the downtown commercial zoning district,
and is located in the southeast corner of railroad
avenue and east 10th street. The site is surrounded by residential
and commercial uses, and surrounding uses include the market to the east,
the city of pittsburgh housing authority, pittsburgh chamber of commerce and
gateway apartments to the north, the old riverside high school to
the west, and vacant land to the south.
this is a current photo of the site, and
the existing valero pumps, and 300 square-foot kiosk. The applicant
tonight is requesting approval of the use
permit and design review again to remodel and upgrade the existing
convenience store. A convenience store falls under the use classification
of grocery and is defined in pittsburgh code as a convenient store that
sells general merchandise incidents the
food and beverages. The proposed hours of operation, if approved,
would be from 5:00 a.m. To 11:59 p.m. With an estimated six employees.
safety measures -- as discussed in the planning commission staff
report, the applicant met with the staff and the chief of police and
will be providing additional safety measures to the site,
including no outdoor storage of materials. So, there is a clear
view of the site outside at all times. Maintaining a surveillance
camera system that will operate 24 hours a day and will provide
pittsburgh police department access to video surveillance, if needed.
posting signage prohibiting loitering and the consumption of
alcoholic beverages on site, installing high tape
next to the exit, and also will provide public safety measures,
if needed, and if determined by the chief of police. Also, as additional
safety measures, the applicant will provide for, again,
responsible sale of alcohol including limiting alcohol sales to the hours
between 9:00 a.m. And 10:00 p.m., and outside of these hours, the
cold boxes where alcohol is stored will be locked. The applicant would
install buzzers on the doors of the alcohol cold boxes, so that
someone the clerks would know when somebody removes
an alcohol container, multiply her, or beer.
in limiting the shelving space to no more than 25 linear feet in
the store. Although these are safety measures proposed by the applicant,
they have also been made into the conditions of approval for this
project.
abc. Regarding alcohol sales at this site, staff has been
in communication with the licensed representation department of abc,
alcoholic beverage control, and received information that the premises
is located on census tract number 3100. In this census tract, three
off sale licenses are allowed. There is currently only one active license,
and it is for la raza market.
abc would review this proposal for alcohol sales at the
site, and would have ultimate say on issuing the license, or not.
additionally, on may 19th, of this year, city staff wrought this item
to the two by two meeting of the school board of
the pittsburg unified school district to request feedback and comments
on the item. The school board did not raise any concerns over the
proposed project.
as discussed so far, this has been in relation to the
use on the site. Now, we are looking into the physical changes proposed
to the site, with the desire to review the application. As shown
on this side, the project consists of demolishing the current kiosk
building, reducing the length of the existing fuel
island canopy from approximately 2000 square feet to 1400 square
feet, removing two fuel pump dispensers, and expanding the convenience
store, with 200 foot trash enclosures, along
with parking lot improvements, including a secure bicycle locker,
and capacity for two standard bicycles.
landscape upgrade projects to the site include
upgrading climbing vines on the western side of the city, as shown
on this slide. A new landscape strip along the western
property boundary line, and along the southern property line,
this would include new landscaping, and also to maintain the existing
landscaping. Property development regulations. The proposed
project is subject to the cities adopted development review design
guidelines.
as shown on this slide, the proposed project is consistent with the applicable
design guidelines sections, additionally, the proposed project meets or exceeds
the csd district zoning.
property zoning regulations, which includes
high floor to air ratio, lot coverage,
lock setbacks, landscape coverage, and parking for both cars and bicycles.
as shown on this slide, staff believes the proposed project would improve
the neighborhood by developing the lot with the well-designed building,
updated parking lot and landscaping, the building's design materials
earth tone colors would be compatible with the other commercial
buildings in the area, including la raza market located just east
of the project site.
findings -- staff believes that the council can make the required
findings to grant the use permit and
have approval for the remodel and upgrade of the
valero gas station which will allow for the construction of a new and
improved commercial building and related site improvements. And
for the approval for alcohol sales,
and along with the other recommended conditions, including an attached
resolution, the existing use would continue to provide a commercial
business within a city, at a currently underutilized site.
despite the planning commission's decision
not to approve the application, staff also believes that all the
use permit findings, design review findings, and plant
policies can be made in the affirmative for consistency of the project is
conditionally approving use in the csd zone, has been categorically
exempt from sequence. Also, the project forums with good taste and
design, as the exterior appearance is
of high quality, and the project will be in harmony with the surrounding
uses. Recommendation -- as such, staff recommends that
the city council moved to adopt the resolution, upholding an appeal
by the applicant, and approved planning application number ap-21-1572,
subject to conditions.
thank you mayor, vice mayor, and councilmembers.
also, with the conclusion of this presentation, I, again, would like
to outline the procedures to allow for tonight's appeal hearing to
proceed. Again, staff present it,
in the staff presentation. The mayor will open a public hearing.
we will hear a presentation from the appellate,
hear from members of the public, here rebuttal or concluding response
from the appellant, close the public hearing, and ask
questions, if necessary, the deliberate and act on the appeal. Additionally,
I would like to mention as a quick mention, staff did receive a late
request today from the adjacent neighbors owners attorney, for la
raza market, asking for continuance of this item to a date not specific,
but not to exceed four weeks. With that being said, I would like to
now turn it over to the mayor to open up public hearing
and also, staff is available for any additional questions. Thank
you, mayor pete
>> thank you, john. Do any of my colleagues have questions for staff
at this time? All right. If there are no questions, I will know
open the public hearing. I will call
for the applicant. As steph indicated, per city council policies and procedures,
the appellant will have five minutes to speak, and all members of the
public wishing to speak will be limited to three minutes. Will the
applicant please come forward? The public hearing is now open.
>> good evening, see councilmembers.
my name is diane kinderman.
I am an attorney with the law firm of abbott and kinderman.
we are located in sacramento, and I
represent the appellant in this matter. We appreciate the few minutes
that we have to speak on this appeal.
before I say anything substantive, I want to mention that I just received
77 letters of support that I would like to present, should I provide
them to you, mayor? Or, to the city clerk? A few of these are already
in the record, but not all of them are.
does that mean I am speaking too close to the mic?
no? We are okay? Okay, good. All right. Good. Okay, before I get
started, I want to let you know, our entire team is
here. We had submitted a letter in support of the project that outlined
significant legal technical design and other issues come
and we have our architect here, we have our economists here
and anyone who can answer questions within their
purview, if you have any questions a little bit later on. So, everybody
is here, if you would like to speak with them or ask any pertinent questions.
as indicated, we did submit a letter on november 7th, and we submitted
it a second time to city council.
so, it should be in the record.
hopefully, you have had an opportunity to review it. I'm going to mention
just four key points from that letter today in my few minutes here. And
they are kind of prisms through which typically city council members
look at a project, and whether or not they should approve a project
or uphold an appeal, perhaps.
the four key points that I wanted to raise, many of these were mentioned
by staff. Oh, and I want to make sure that I think staff.
they were extremely helpful and patient, as
we ask a lot of the questions, both through the application process
and during this appeal. So, I wanted to make sure to acknowledge
them and thank them, we appreciate their expertise and their patience
with us. So first, as mr. Thunderberg indicated, the
project is consistent with all of the planning documents. The general
plan, the zoning, and any community plan related to the old town area.
and I just wanted to mention that that is very important
from a legal standpoint, that the project be consistent with those
documents. The second prism that typically council members might
look at a project, is economic.
and that is very important here because we have many letters in
which people are concerned about the economics. Not only of
a neighbor, but of other businesses in the downtown area.
in old town and in the community at large, if this small
shop were to expand from its original size of 300 feet to 1600 feet,
square feet.
so, with that, we have retained economic planning systems, they
are also referred to as eps, we have retained them to prepare an
economic analysis and provide an opinion. And I had a quick summary
here of their findings. And if we go to the next powerpoint? The key
finding here -- and ms. Lapin is here to discuss
this further -- is that the project will not result in a negative financial
impact to any markets in the city, including the la raza market, as
there is sufficient demand in the downtown area to sustain the proposed
convenient market expansion. And in fact, if we look at
the next powerpoint, the sub findings, there are going to
be 2600 households in the downtown area. And what
the finding was that, in fact, there are probably not going to
be enough convenience markets to satisfy the demand.
so, these sub findings are interesting on the amounts spent.
if we go to the next page, it talks about household demand
and spending, it will exceed the existing convenience stores downtown
by over 10%.
so, even with this little expansion, there is going to be
-- there will not be sufficient convenience
markets with all of the approved development that is anticipated
in the city. So, once again, there will be no significant
economic, or any economic impact to any market,
including the neighboring market, the la raza market. And I know they
were very concerned about that.
so, that is why the applicant decided to retain someone with
that expertise, to determine what was appropriate here. So, once again,
that conclusion is that there will not be any significant, or any impact
to the la raza market, or economic impact to the la raza market or
other convenient markets, convenience markets in the downtown
area of the community.
the third point I just wanted to make, quickly, is just kind of the
design prism, as mr. Thunderberg explained,
there is going to be quite a bit of enhancement at that corner which
is --
>> please, wrap up.
>> it is a defective gateway. Thank you. I appreciate your time. Are
there any questions at this moment?
be met we will ask questions at a later time. Thank you.
>> thank you. I appreciate your time.
>> madam city clerk, do we have any public comment?
>> yes, terry brewer.
>> good evening, councilmembers.
what I would like to start off saying is that
I represent la raza market, recently, I just came on board.
today, I received voluminous documents regarding this meeting. Number one
was as -- what was her name? Ms. Kinderman
had explained is that there is a 48 page letter
with exhibits that were attached to it. I am going
to need extra time to rebut those attachments, because as she was
talking about, these attachments are based on
an analysis of the company that I would like to at least engage
in an rebuttal analysis.
so, if I could at least get a 3 to 4 week continuance
so I could follow up and read the appropriate documentation and
be prepared for an opposition?
>> are you done with your public comment, ma'am?
>> well, I -- you know, the things I wanted to
point out are -- you know, the -- the eps, there
is no information in here regarding
how they came up with the independent analysis on how it is going to
enhance the place.
in fact, it is -- the biggest issue, really, is the fact that this is
going to impede on the economic business impact for the la raza
market.
and the market has been there for 20 years, or more.
we would like to at least see the, you know,
I would at least like to get a continuance so I can better prepare for an opposition.
>> thank you.
>> madam city clerk?
>> wolfgang cropsey?
>> good evening, mayor, vice member, counsel. All right.
cropsey, ceo of the chamber of commerce here in pittsburgh.
it is not often that we get approached by two businesses that are seeking
our help with the chamber in accomplishing
their goals. In this particular case, there is an opportunity here
to enhance customer experience.
and that is something that has been talked about from our big
box retailers all the way down to our small businesses. How can
we extends the experience that our customers have in pittsburgh
when they go to shop and spend money, and
go out to eat? You have a gas station that is owned by a family-owned
business that is trying to improve, and enhance the experience. Not
only for the customers, but every single person that drives into old
town pittsburgh.
and to enhance one of the last corners of that intersection
that could use some improvement, and also used the improvement of
safety. You also have la raza market, another family-owned business that
fears that this business is going to impede. And I would say that
rising tide lifts all boats. That when a business improves its infrastructure,
improves its systems, improves its experience, more people
will come. That is more people that will stop there, that will probably
spill over into la raza market.
la raza market also has an asset that is going untapped. That is
its market that is -- if you went to high school here, you probably
have lunch there. That is an asset that valero does not have that
I feel is untapped. So, it is very understandable that counsel and
city members want to have compassion for a
small business, and I totally understand that. Maybe there is
an opportunity here for either agencies, or even the city, to look at doing
underwriting of a pretty desirable loan, that maybe la raza market
could benefit from to enhance its exterior. But also, to bring that
restaurant cafe part online, and generate another revenue source
for them.
so, I feel that there is an opportunity
here to enhance the experience of customers, and to enhance
the experience that people have, coming to old town. But, there is
also an opportunity here if we think creatively to help la raza market,
to diversify the revenue stream, and provide something that valero
can't provide.
they are currently already serving snacks and drinks, just looking
to expand that. And to ask a business to improve its facade, provide a
safer experience, and to cooperate with pd, but not provide them the
opportunity to generate revenue to offset those expenses, that
is a tall order to fill. So, I think we could create a triple win here,
but a win for the city, by having that intersection improved. A win
for valero, allowing them to generate revenue to make their enhancements
with solar, ev charging, et cetera.
but also, look at a way that we could help la raza market take an
untapped asset in their property, and turn that into a revenue stream,
so they can enhance the business.
because they are, you know, with the tobacco measures that the state
has passed, they have been hit with that, as well. So, I think there
is a way we can come together to create solutions, so that every
single stakeholder in this is winning.
but, I definitely would like to see a more beautiful intersection
to the gateway of old town. Thank you.
>> thank you.
>> sean dooley?
>> I thought I put on here that I wasn't going to speak, but I will
say a few brief things. I just think it wouldn't be fair, considering
the last things we have been through economically,
to allow them to put a store right on, pretty much, the same sidewalk
as them. I guess the attorney was saying, I don't know who came up
with these analyses and stuff, I am not a professional in that area.
but, it sounds like there might be a little bit of bias
in there. Also, I think in the matter of -- they want to remove
two fuel pumps from the premises.
but, that is the only gas station we have down there and it already
gets pretty wild during, you know, rush-hour and stuff. So, I
don't know if anybody wanted to maybe bring some attention to that
aspect of it, it might make a little bit of congestion and stuff down
there. But, yeah. I just came to opposed simply because of the moral
fact that they have been down there for a long time, and, I don't know.
in my opinion, I think it would hurt their business. Especially
because they are kind of offering almost the same kinds of products.
like, what would they offer that is new?
and you brought up the cafe -- I don't think anyone has even -- they
are not getting any revenue from that. There was a different business
there. I don't even think they operate out of there anymore. So, I don't
know. I will just keep it brief, and that is just the reason I wanted
to oppose it. Thank you.
>> thank you.
>> jimmy dorsey?
>> good evening, all elected officials and everything like that.
the la raza market has helped our church out a lot.
they donate a lot of food, and both say, jimmy, we have
something for you. So, I will take it down to my church and we feed
the homeless on tuesdays and wednesdays.
that is a big help to us, because that is money we don't have to take
out of our church budget to do things.
and I love helping the homeless, and well, I really love feeding
people when I don't have to use my money, I like that better. And
I know a lot of people that have helped me to do that, and
I have been in pittsburgh at least 22 years. And before that,
it was -- I don't like to say "ethnic" but it was a chinese
lady and a chinese man that had a restaurant there. So, that restaurant
has been in business in pittsburgh for a long time, and that has been
a tax base for the city, which keeps
the streets going, the lights paid, and things like that. The bottom
line, you can't go anywhere without electricity or gas. And that is
the bottom line. Me, myself, I am not no attorney, or anything like
that. But, this lady that came up with
the analysis of the neighborhood, I don't think she lives in this
neighborhood. And I don't have a degree in that area. But, that story
has helped the community a lot.
and the people that owned it before, the way they sold it -- I'm trying
to be nice, grab my tongue, I do not think the deal was right.
I will put it that way.
because my friend of them, paid double for that property when
they have been leasing it at least 15 or 20 years.
so that is like, you are renting a house and you tell the owner,
I want to buy. And he says, I will agree to sell it to you. And then
he turns around and sells it to someone else. That is not fair.
so, I understand what is going on.
we want to make pittsburgh look good. And y'all make pittsburgh
look good. I'm not kidding. I'm not just saying that to say that.
you go out, and come back to pittsburgh,
look how different it is. Our friends come from brentwood and all that
and they see the lights and stuff, and they say, how did your city
get through this? That is all I have to say, thank you.
>> thank you.
>> carol dooley?
>> I'm not going to read all this.
so, good evening. I just want to say
thank you for allowing me to speak tonight.
I was trying to put my thoughts down on paper and I was really having
a hard time, because as the stillman just mentioned, I could not get
past the way the steel came to fruition.
I think it is really -- I think it is
something that should be discussed with you because I am not privy
to all of the details. But, that really sits really hard with me.
we are pushing all of these small businesses out.
we are pushing them out of business, that have been there 20, 30, 40
years. These guys are like the only store in town where you can walk
in and say, I don't have any money, can I pay you tomorrow? Sure.
not that I would do that. But, I have
been extended that opportunity on many occasions. There is no other
store that is going to do that.
they watch out for our safety, they take care of our families, they
are something that is not there anymore, that we have lost over
the years. And I am not even going to bring up the stuff about the
security, because it just gets shoved under the rug. I don't know why
it is being worried about now. I have to kind of wonder about the
school board, though. That school is directly across the street and
we have had two shootings that in the last six or seven months. Where
shots are fired, and they are flying all over the place. I have to wonder
if they are only about the business and the funding it is going to bring
to the city. My granddaughter attend that school. I want her to have
to worry about getting shot. It is not so much the gas station's
fault, but, it is the kind of clientele that hang around there. La raza
market has been working for years to clean it up, and they have their
side okay. I am sure these are nice people, really nice people.
but, the way they went about getting everything here today, was really
despicable.
>> thank you.
>> oliver kilo?
>> good afternoon, counsel.
I want to bring up that point about the shooting. I
was actually there at the shooting when that happened. Now, that shooting
is not caused by the gas station or any
other things like that, you brought it up as if the station --
>> sir, please direct -- please direct your comments to the city
council. >> okay.
>> thank you.
>> what is wrong with improving our city? The things that we are
going to sell are not going to
put anybody out of business. We simply want to improve the area.
if something is wrong with that, would you guys please explain that
to me?
the store has been looking the same over, what, 30 years? Just
a little box in the corner over there? They stopped making those
a long time ago, I'm sure.
why can't we expand that?
it is not going to put anybody out of business?
I think they are kind of afraid of that, but that is not going to
happen. We are not going to be able to sell the stuff that they sell.
so, for the neighborhood, like I said with the gunshots and this
and that, well, we've got our bad spots here and there. Not just at
the station. La raza market, the store down the street,
we would do everything we try to do, you know, to keep everything
clean and straight. Now, my thing is, let us grow.
just like this new building that we've got and everything.
I remember when it was here, I have been living
here for 35 years. Pittsburgh looked like a -- oh, my god. Downtown was
really bad. But, everything got cleaned up. That has continued to
improve.
that is not holding the business back, because the business is afraid.
that doesn't even make sense! Right?
that is all I'm going to say.
>> thank you, sir.
>> harkam il-sing?
>> good evening, city council.
I would like to say, in support of the improvement of that gas station
right there, even looking at those pictures right now, you know, with
that box sitting right in the corner, to me, I think, like, getting a
better building or a new building over there will give us more opportunity.
like, or safety while pumping gas. If
it is going to have more employees sitting in there with the view.
that is one thing. And then that entrance to the old city hall. You
know, we would like to see something, like,
a really good-looking gas station when somebody is really going to
the old city hall. You know, that makes the old city look better.
it is for the improvement -- I do really support that project. We
will be looking forward to hearing from
you guys. That is all I wanted to say now. Thank you.
>> thank you.
>> rodrick coleman?
>> hello, mary.
vice mayor, council members, my name is rodrick
coleman. I moved here two years ago.
my block was nothing but have experience shootings,
drinking with young kids, and I took the time to clean it
up. I started a boys and girls club.
I don't want to see it go back. Because
by putting this here store, this gas station, into a convenience
market, you have a bunch of kids that go to pittsburg high school,
they passed by there every day.
and I have seen a lot of stealing, a lot of stealing liquor
out of these stores. Are they going to be able to secure the stores?
when it comes to our youth? That is the question we should be asking
ourselves. How is it going to affect our community? Our kids ain't got
nothing to do.
so, I provided a safe haven for them to come to my home, to have
something to do.
now, when it comes to la raza market, I want
to thank them for contributing to help me get this program on its
feet.
I wanted to thank golden star for helping me get my program off of
its feet.
these people give back to the community.
what is this gas station going to give us back? What are they going
to give our kids, our youth, our community? Those are the questions
that we need to ask. Because the way that they got people standing
out there right now, it is going to be worse. And all we are doing
is just not helping the community.
so, I just wanted to share that with you guys. Thank you.
>> thank you.
>> cynthia walters?
>> good evening.
thank you.
I just want to say I am in favor of la raza market. I have lived
in the neighborhood for 25 years.
and that store has given me so much, more than I could ask for.
they are from me. And like the other lady was saying, if you needed credit,
they would give you credit. Not that I ever asked for it, either.
but, they have everything I need and -- also, it is mostly working,
poor people that live in that neighborhood.
people on their way to work, go to the
gas station, sure. But, their prices are going to be twice as high. But,
the main concern is, they are going to be taking business from la raza
market. It has been there for so long. And like you said, helped
the community. And it is attached to la raza market. How fair is that?
that is so wrong.
and so what if they haven't changed the front of it? They have always
been kind. And I have never been scared at night to go
over there, because they take care of us.
and they make sure that we get in our car safe, and everything
else. If anyone bugs us, they are on it. And they will call the police.
in a heartbeat, to come.
I am just in favor of la raza, and I
just hope that this gas station doesn't go forward, because it
would be hurting us working poor, thank you.
>> thank you.
>> peter klink?
>> good evening, council. My name is peter
klink. I am a concern homeowner and citizen of pittsburgh. I have
lived in this community for 27 years.
la raza market on east 34th and 10th street has served as a clean,
reliable, and family save establishment that I have shopped there for years.
it has come to my attention that valero gas station next door wants
to install a minimart store in their parking not. My major concern
with valero is the lack of safety, enforcement,
and danger, annoying thugs, and homeless people, that just hang
out there on a daily basis.
this, alone, has led my wife and I not to purchase fuel from this
location. In doing so, finding a safer alternative. It is my belief
that adding a convenience store here will simply amplify the problems
and create unwanted havoc and crime in our beloved neighborhood.
in the past 20 years, pittsburgh has
taken back and renewed its downtown area, which has become a
triptych and safe place to live for all of us. My
point tonight being, a convenience store here
would put a negative mark on the future of this lovely town. Thank
you very much.
>> thank you.
>> debbie b -- I'm sorry, I can't read your
last name.
>> hello, everyone. Sorry.
I think the gas station is a plus for the community, because
where else are you going to get glass? They don't know that they
aren't going to provide safety.
people are just assuming, that they are changing things,
that it is going to be bad for us, or whatever. They are not trying
to take away business for la raza market. They are just trying to
make a business. You know? And I think it is equal opportunity
for everybody. They should be allowed to do it. They should be allowed
in the area. That is all I have to say.
>> thank you.
>> bruce olsen?
>> good evening.
bruce olsen, pittsburgh's mr. Bicycle.
pittsburgh's bicycle community has one small request for a mitigation,
and that is to widen railroad avenue at the railroad avenue frontage
of this property, by four feet.
that is, move the sidewalk closer to the building, by four
feet.
the reason is, on northbound railroad avenue, we have existing
bicycle lane from highway 4 all the way to
the south edge of this property.
but, there is not enough room in the intersection to install a bike
lane. In fact, it is pretty tight.
we are asking only for four feet to put a bike lane between the dedicated
right turn lane and the dedicated through lane.
I would point out, also, in addition to the existing bicycle lane from
highway 4 to the south edge of this property, extending south
from highway 4 all the way to the east bay right away, we have
a marked shoulder lane.
on the east bay right away, we have a bicycle path.
so, we are talking about bicycle facilities from an existing
bicycle path, down past bart, and all the way stopping at the corner
of this property.
we want these people to be good citizens. We want four feet of their
property to be dedicated to bicycles, so we can safely have
bicycles approach the limit line of 10th street, and safely continue
north into the old town or the downtown.
thank you very much.
>> thank you.
>> nazar abed?.
>> good evening, everybody.
the reason I am here about the gas station, of course, everything is
turning from gas to electric cars.
what about if we are improving the gas station,
we make this smaller, and put another ev supercharger in there?
if you are removing two gas tanks from there, you can put two
ev chargers there. That would be great for downtown. Otherwise, the
people of downtown, there is only three ev chargers.
there is the supercharger by 50th street and railroad. If you do that
instead of extending the store, I would appreciate it.
that is all. Thank you.
>> thank you.
>> terrence brewer?
>> good evening, counsel. Thank you for your time.
I just wanted to quickly say that we all know what this
is about.
it is very plain to see that valero is attempting to
savagely kick out la raza after 20 years,
or more, of being in this community.
they have a really good standing relationship with the community.
just like what
the gentleman before me -- I believe he was in support of valero
-- he said, "let
us grow, let us grow this city." and I am proposing that
instead of making a redundant convenience store, in direct competition of
la raza, which we all know which way that
is going to go, how about a
grocery store?
I mean, the closest grocery store,
safeway, that is all the way down on bailey road and it is -- you
know, you have to deal with traffic, you have to deal with all of that.
not to mention, traffic in that immediate area, when school
is in, it is already chaos. It is chaos to get in and out, and to
have, you know, more -- to have an additional store
with more promotions, and things like that. And I mean, you can see
the support that la raza has right here. I mean, I have already seen
things on social media about, you know, a
possible protest if this happens.
and that is one thing that I don't really want, you know? I
don't want to have a bunch of group protests and crazy things happening.
but I think I stated before in a letter to you guys previously,
that during the pandemic,
valero seemed to have -- well, in my mind, I reached out
to the attorney general about this -- seemed to have been price gouging.
I don't know if any of you have had
the time to look into this. But, their prices -- of course, all of
the gas prices are sky high -- but, there is were skyhigh before anybody,
before any action was ever taken.
so, I would just take that into consideration. Thank you.
>> thank you.
>> marta wolf?
>> good evening.
I am the owner of not nothings.
can you hear me? It is at 274 east 10th street. About two or three
doors down from la raza, and my perspective is
I am not opposed to a new store in pittsburgh. But, I am opposed
to a new store in pittsburgh at this location.
it is already one of the busiest intersections, I believe, in pittsburgh.
and they, of course, already use it as a freeway half the time. I
see cars speeding every day. It is already unsafe.
and also, the traffic flow within the gas station is, like, yeah,
many chaos.
even though I am only two doors, or three doors down, I only use
that gas station as a last resort, because I don't feel that it is
safe. I don't feel that it is safe going into the gas station, I don't
feel safe within the gas station.
so, I think adding a store to this would just create even more gridlock,
honestly.
I don't see how it would improve this intersection, at all. Last
week, there was an accident that took out a fire hydrant.
fortunately, no one was injured.
but, it just created chaos.
and I am not sure what is the connection between a convenience
store by valero to old town pittsburgh?
that doesn't seem to make sense to me, that is not logical how that
would contribute to old town pittsburgh.
which, I love old town pittsburgh.
I don't see that connection.
so, I disagree with this feeling that it would be a
safer intersection, and that it would improve this intersection.
because I feel that it would make it more dangerous, and I don't think
that there would be any improvement, whatsoever. It would just make things
a lot worse at that intersection.
and I am coming from the perspective of safety. I think it would be very
unsafe. Thank you.
>> thank you.
>> dominique
kalija??
>> good evening, councilmembers.
I am in favor of la raza.
I have been a member of this community for the past four
years, coming from l.a. I am a part of the pittsburgh historical society,
and a part of the pittsburgh italian-american club. From them, having support
for la raza over the past four years since I have been a community member
here has made a world of difference.
I was highly disappointed in the city's effort during covid,
to help small businesses, coming from a family of small businesses
in l.a. For the past 76 years.
and seeing how different communities have come together, I have never
seen a community come more together for la raza.
when there is a shortage of food everywhere else, I was a manager
at trader joe's for three years up here. When we ran out of food,
they were the ones to go to. They stayed late, there was no time difference
for them. They opened up early to help anyone out.
and if the gas station was that concerned about business, why, now,
to remodel?
why haven't they done that before?
if they were really worried about the community, why haven't they
cleaned up? Why haven't they made an effort? Even now, to keep their
area clean?
clean, complete, tidy, safe for kids across the street, for the
community. There has been no effort, whatsoever. I do not believe that
adding a convenience store in lieu of elrosa next door, to help their
business, I do not think that would help the business by
making it look better, or to even bring in more community.
so, doing that now, what is the difference? Why now? Why try to
put a small business who is supposed to help the community out of business?
it just doesn't make any sense.
along with safety, I have used that gas station once in the past four
years.
when I did, my card was scanned, so it doesn't seem like there is
an up-to-date safety feature on all of the pumps, as well. And for
any of the kids -- I don't even deal safe for my kids -- when I
do have them -- to go anywhere near there. I can barely go there if
I don't see any cars, because I have seen cars there that are not
doing -- pumping gas. I don't see anything differently. But, there
has been no security. There has been no any type of way to help
your parked patrons even be safe pumping
gas.
so, I guess if there is an update, I am not against that. But, I am
against them putting in a convenience store that is not going to help
their business. It is just going to hinder small businesses in that
community that have helped our community for the past however long they have
been there. Thank you.
>> thank you.
>> sikander -- I'm sorry, I cannot
say your last name.
>> good evening, counsel, and everybody else that came today.
one thing that was mentioned a lot here
was about the future of pittsburgh, and how we need advancements, et
cetera.
it is hard to imagine a future without kids. Who and with that
being said, kids nowadays, especially high
schoolers, they like to go out, have fun, they do their things.
most them -- some of them might not make the
best choices, and others do their best to make as good of decisions
as they can. And when they see gas stations, they
see it as hot zones, so
they can get some things that they aren't -- that they are not able
to get yet. For example, alcohol, vapes, things like that.
and they might have either their older siblings, or they might steal
it themselves. Which, is not very good for them or society, as a whole,
as alcohol is known to alter their minds, and make them make poor decisions.
with that being said, if a gas station would to be made, would they be
able to stop that from happening?
because things like this do happen.
and when kids make bad decisions, it gets worse and worse. There is
no positive outcome if something bad were to happen, due to that.
thank you, very much.
>> thank you.
madame city clerk, do we have any additional public comment?
>> no, I have no more speaker cards.
>> all right. If there are no more members of the public wishing to
speak, per the city council policies and procedures, I will now invite
the appellant back to the podium, and allow them an opportunity to
respond. Any comments that I made tonight. The appellant will have
no more than 10 minutes.
>> was that 10 minutes?
excuse me -- thank you. Diane kinderman,
again. Thank you, mr. Thunderberg, I appreciate that. So, I do want
to raise a couple of points here that were raised by members of the
community. So, if we could bring up the next powerpoint? Is that
possible? The picture will be helpful. But, I
wanted to show you is that the new design is going to have glass walls
that is going to eliminate a loitering on that portion of the property,
hopefully that is helpful. Thank you so much. I appreciate that.
so, all of those glass walls will help to eliminate loitering. And
it is important to remember that la raza is right next to the store.
so, the loitering isn't only on this property. It is also elsewhere.
so, the applicant has attempted as much as possible to
secure the area. But, with the improvement, these glass walls are
going to help eliminate loitering.
there will be more lighting, what have you.
at that point, they will help install all of the sophisticated
surveillance equipment, and all of the other measures that have
been mentioned, both by staff, and in our letter to actually improve
the health, safety, and welfare of the community, and of that area.
we also understand competition concerns. Of course, the applicant
didn't purchase this property with the intention of putting anybody
out of business. He simply wanted to enhance this.
and the expansion from 300 square feet -- well, 200 square feet to
the 1600s square feet, only 900 square feet of that is
going to be retail.
the rest is storage. So, it is not like there is going to be 1600
square feet of retail. There will only be 900. So, it is a very small
increase. But, we understand the competition concern, which is why
we had an empirical study done on the economic study.
on the issue of the accident, and the concern about circulation on-site,
one of the pumps is going to be removed, and there will be an ev
charging station there.
so, those are some of the concerns that I
heard from the community. Also, the gentleman talking about the
boys and girls club, and participating in the community, feeding the homeless,
the applicant looks forward to being able to enhance his opportunities
to do that. And he looks forward to being able to be a good member
of the community.
and thus far, he has already partnered
with other local businesses to feature local food and other products at
his location.
so, if this gets approved, he has already worked with other members
of the community to do that. He has also spoke with rosemary
of the pittsburgh arts and community foundation.
if you look to the right of where the bicycles
are, they would like a miracle to be painted there, and to feature
local artist.
maybe the mural could stay there for a year, and then sunday takes
a picture of it, and then sell the picture, perhaps. And then the artist
would benefit from that. And the next year, another artist gets to
do it. So, the artist is working with her to identify local artists
that would like to feature their works on that blank wall there.
so, he is trying to be a member of the community, and would like
to continue to do that.
and then, I also wanted to speak about -- well,
let's look at the next slide here.
yeah, it is just another viewpoint of the improvement here and how
all of this class is going to keep people from hanging out and loitering
along a wall.
it is going to be well lit, and it certainly is going to deter crime.
one other item -- we can go to the next slide -- this just kind of
underscores many of the points that we raised as to why the appeal should
be granted. And the entitlement should be approved. I wanted to
mention the request for additional time.
I understand, as a lawyer, I have had clients call me at the last
minute. My problem with the request here, is that we have in the record,
a letter from december 14th of 2021, from this attorney, where she talked
to the city, where she talks about economic concerns. At that time,
she could have chosen to obtain an economic report, to
substantiate her arguments about economic damage to her client. She
failed to do that. It doesn't seem fair that
the applicant and appellant should be penalized, because they didn't
take care of supporting their statements in a letter submitted on
december 14th of 2021, opposing the project.
so, I would oppose any extension of this. Although, I emphasize with
counsel in this circumstance. I do not have the same level of empathy,
and I would request that there be no continuance. What is happening
is, there is an issue with -- everybody knows how the economy is going.
interest rates are going up. The cost of building materials are going
up. Availability of building materials is becoming more scarce. So, we
would like to just -- if you were going to approve this, we would
respectfully request that
you deny an extension. And so with that, I don't know if you have any
questions. If, perhaps, the architect would like to come up and speak
about additional items? Or, if you want to hear from our economic consultant,
if that would be helpful?
if she wants to speak on those items?
>> after your comments, I will close the public comment, and bring it
back to the council for deliberation.
>> thank you. I do not have any further comments at this time.
we just look at the last point as to why this should
be approved, and you can read those right there. I do not want to take
up your time repeating those.
>> thank you.
>> thank you. Any questions for me?
>> not at this time.
>> thank you.
>> thank you. All right. I will now close the public hearing. And
I will bring it back to my colleagues for deliberation. Do any of my colleagues
have any comments or questions they would like to make at this time?
councilmember banales?
>> yes, mayor, thank you.
this is going to be for staff, just some
questions. Can you confirm the existing number of parking spaces and the
proposed number of parking spaces?
>> well -- >> not including the gas pumps.
>> thank you.
a couple more questions.
just to confirm that the number of gas pumps are,
is currently six and the proposal is 4 so to reduce by two?
thank you.
in terms of the sales area I noted 903 903 ft.2.
of those 903 how many of those
will be dedicated to alcohol sales?
>> good evening councilmembers.
to answer the question, we are allowed 25 linear feet of shelving,
so in a walk-in box there might be 4
let's say, 4 shelves.
we would probably have
oh, six?
6 ft.2, I don't know probably like 10 ft.2,
it's a very small, an area like this.
>> so would be six of the cases or six
shelves?
>> it would be 4 shelves that are 3 feet wide.
that's the footprint we are talking about for alcohol.
the rule is 25 linear feet so you have 4, 8, 12,
if you had that many, it's a small space.
>> one more question and this would be to staff. There
have been mentions of gas stations, could you
remind me the nearest gas stations in the old town area other than
this one?
>> that would be a good question councilmember banales.
I would think the nearest gas station would be in old town, if
I'm not mistaken,
>> through the mayor, the answer to the
point of your question is there is not anything remotely proximate
to this gas station.
we don't know the exact distance to the next one but
it's a fair distance away.
>> thank you. I will reserve the rest of my comments for later.
>> councilmember kraft.
>> so in the first part of the presentation
where they talked about removing 2 of the pump stations,
then the gentleman came forward and said, okay but we
are moving now into the future which would be ev. Discharging
stations. Now it is mentioned that there will be one station,
was that even a part of the presentation or a part of your plans beforehand
or was it just with the comment that was made?
>> thank you, that was part of the presentation. It's in the materials
already. I didn't get to it in the light of the short time to
speak. It is in the materials that there would be one ev station.
>> thank you. My next one would be the community benefit.
so community benefit is important in a small community.
so that's nice about a mural but a
mural is one thing that's a benefit but then when we talk about community
benefits typically, we talk about one of our star examples happened
to be called star market.
they were instrumental in getting food our seniors and to our community
during the pandemic. They have been a part of our planning
for different special events or whatever. I would say they
are the goldstar when we talk about community benefits. This market
la raza also does things in the community as well.
so when we say community benefit we are not just talking about something
we are looking at but actually making a difference in someone's life.
I just wanted to make that a clarification as to when we talk about benefits
and what you are claiming is a benefit.
the other thing, I like the
concept that, that
gas station is an eyesore in our community. It really is. That
corner is an eyesore.
that is the gateway to our downtown.
we put a lot of money into the old town so
to say that we continue to look at it as this is the way it was
this is where we are and this is how it stays, that's not acceptable.
at some point we do have to look at what
is best, and that may be a combination of things.
I would like what the chamber of commerce said,
how do we look at both to improve the area. For me, looking at
it as competition and that sort of thing, a convenience store is
typically that. You walk in and walk out. It's convenient and right
there.
I'm going to get marketable things that I need for my house because
I'm planning a meal. That's a difference.
so I have a different philosophy about that from business.
again one of my concerns would be,
the fact that you have a business that has been doing good business
here in our community. We don't want to penalize that business.
how we look at this and say, what can we do? How do we say, both are
important. We need both.
for me it's not one or the other it's both. How do we make
them coexist. How do we do what's right for the downtown
corridor. So that's a question for staff that I'm going to throw
the ball over to staff and asked that question.
>> thank you councilmember kraft. Councilmember
killings?
>> so I just have a few specific questions to go through.
is there a difference between the use designations for the convenience
store as opposed to what's next-door at la raza. Is
there a difference in the use designations?
>> through the mayor, there is
in particular the use type classifications fall within the
same use so there is no real distinction. But the convenience
store itself, the gas station is the main use and the
convenience store is accessory.
>> so the second one, I just want to confirm that in our
municipal code, we don't have any prohibitions on distances of similar
uses within our code currently.
>> through the mayor, there is no existing provisions
that imply.
>> the next question, I think a lot
of the sentiment tonight and overall in terms of as we are looking at
the design of the project, it's been around safety.
. I just want to hear from staff's perspective,
as well as with pd, how this improved design would
impact public safety.
I did hear miss kinderman definitely sharing in terms of
the glass, we want to hear from staff as well as pd,
because as we are going through this I think one thing I've heard
consistently throughout was around safety.
so really wanting to get to the core of that.
hearing about solicitation, loitering, cleanup,
if there is a legitimate concern about safety I have my notions about
how this may improve but I want to hear if there's anything from
design standard or pd if you want to chime in as it relates to calls
of service.
I've heard a lot about, are we receiving calls of service in this
area. I just want to be able to substantiate some of the claims
that we are hearing as well is just from a professional standpoint.
how the improved design will improve public safety in
the area.
>> those are good questions.
in conversations with the police department and with the former police
chief, we did meet on a few occasions.
we had two meetings in regards to the conditions. One of
the concerns raised was surveillance and the
installation of cameras that needed to be included with the conditions
of approval. The project applicant did agree to that and I believe
it was one thing that was really going to make sure, it enhances
the safety of the property.
the other was, the applicant is
really keen in a sense of loitering.
we did put conditions of approval for the project where the loitering
would be enforced.
they have a real strong kind of commitment to making sure there
was no loitering if this project is approved.
that is another condition of approval for the project site.
in regards to the office door and how they will be able to kind of
view the site, with this glass, will actually
enhance to be able to see what's going on.
these are things that we have talked about in the design and
talking about how we wanted to move the project forward at the
planning commission stage. These are things we did discuss during
the early stages of the project.
>> through the mayor, I wanted to add on, everything john
said is absolutely correct but I wanted to highlight,
there are 12 specific conditions of approval in the resolution that
are being applied.
it's everything from requiring video surveillance to requiring
graffiti is removed within 24 hours.
several were regarding abc licenses or transfers,
but it's gotten granular enough to even require that height tape
placed at entry points.
this is well thought out by the police department. Perhaps
the overriding condition is condition 26, it says if the chief of police
determines any additional safety measures are needed
they will be implemented at the sole cost of the operator of this
business. So at any time if the police chief or capt. Gaylor or
any of the designees determine something is needed at
this site, to improve public safety, even frankly reducing the hours
of operation or the hours of alcohol sales, the chief of police can require
that without going back to the planning commission or the city council.
I wanted to highlight those in addition to what john said.
having the big windows and allowing that visual in and out
and requiring that as part of the use permit this applicant must protect
against loitering. If there is loitering,
it is the responsibility of the operator to post signage and also
to notify the police department and not just to let it happen.
they risk losing their use permit if they don't hold up their end
of the bargain.
that's not currently something that is required of the operator and
it will be as part of this.
>> thank you.
>> vice mayor scales-preston.
>> yes, I have another question with regards
to security.
I understand there will be glass walls but often times, when you
see convenience stores or liquor stores, they have posters
all posted up. So you know, that is a big part of security
as well as having young people walk past that convenience store.
I just wanted to look into that, ensuring that's
not the case.
especially since if they are on the corner, and safety happens to
be a concern.
2, in terms of the cameras,
do we happen to know where the cameras will be facing? Since there's
a lot of traffic at the market, how many
cameras will be put out at the gas station.
>> vice mayor scales-preston that
is something that would be as included in the conditions of approval.
the project applicant is willing to work with pd as to how
they should set up that live feed.
and how they should set up the monitor and the cameras.
I believe they may have already reached out to them so I don't want
to speak on that unless the applicant, and I'm pretty sure they've been
in touch. You did. Yet. If you could speak to that.
>> I don't think I introduced myself.
iv architect for the project.
we did meet with the police department on more than one occasion. The last
time we met with the police chief and the city manager. We requested,
what do we do?
now and in the transition and after if the project is approved
and constructed. With regard to the camera we offered to the police
chief we would provide them access under whatever terms they
deem necessary. However we accomplish that.
the police chief and I think the city manager was there, the police
chief was very forthcoming and very collaborative. I think
we have a good rapport.
I think the specific question is about access? So we are providing
them access. I don't quite know how that's going to happen just
yet but the police chief seemed to have something in mind and we
said we would be happy to comply with whatever process works best.
even if it's a dynamic process, does that answer
the question?
>> if I might add one thing to that.
the video will be available to the police department upon their
request.
>> my next question is in regard to the gas pumps.
so if you are removing two of the gas
pumps, do we have concerns of the flow?
that's the only gas station, we are removing two gas pumps.
I do understand ev charging stations and I know we have talked about
installing more, in old town pittsburg
so I'm just concerned about reducing the amount of gas pumps.
>> through the mayor, vice mayor, that is the only
gas station for quite a distance.
regarding the circulation of the site, as it currently stands,
it was reviewed years if not decades ago.
this site plan was required to be reviewed by our traffic and engineering
departments to make sure there was adequate traffic flow.
to the question regarding whether or not cars will be able to get
in and out, we are satisfied and we do have the city engineer here
but we are satisfied that cars can come and go from the site adequately.
regarding the reduction in pumps which I will note, it is being reduced
by a third but you have stations and each one has two pumps.
really we are going from 12 to 8.
there is no requirement for a minimum amount of pumps. If they
wanted to remove to tomorrow, they could. It boils
down to a business decision.
if we feel it will create an undue traffic issue
that's another story but as I mentioned, we have reviewed the project and
we don't see that becoming a traffic concern in fact we think the traffic
will be able to circulate through the site adequately.
since I have the floor I do want to speak to your previous question
about the signage. There is a requirement in our municipal code then
no more than 15%, be covered by signage.
we are getting much more proactive about
that and we are trying to enforce that. I would also point to condition
24 a which states that signage advertising the availability
of alcohol for purchase from the store including the display of corporate
logos of alcohol vendors shall not be posted to be
visible to any individual positioned outside of the store.
>> thank you.
>> councilmember banales.
>> my biggest concern with this project
is the proximity to the school which is right across
the street. And the fact that alcohol sales will be available at this
convenience store.
I guess I would ask the applicant
if they would be amenable to
eliminate alcohol sales from their project.
>> may we step out a moment so I may speak with my client?
>> that's fine.
>> may I please ask staff to ask
the applicant to return to the chambers.
>> I apologize, we are trying to understand
what your concern is in light of the conditions of approval, the
fact that the school district supported this.
we are trying to understand what your concern is and if it is a decision,
we are trying to understand how to make this decision right now.
what is your concern in light of the various conditions of approval
and the fact that the city has the authority to withdraw the permit
if there is an issue.
we don't anticipate any issues because the team will be
properly trained to ensure they are not selling to underaged people.
is there anything else you can add.
>> I appreciate the ask for clarification but I think
I've been very clear.
the proximity to our school in terms of alcohol sales being available
is something that, I as a councilmember cannot support.
I know and understand there exist current uses where alcohol sales
are available but those were not made, those decisions were not made
while I have been on the council.
so I think we need to do better. In terms of
serving our youth. And making healthy communities. Placing
a alcohol use in terms of sales, right across the street from our
schools is not appropriate.
that is how I feel is a councilmember, I'm not
speaking for the rest of my colleagues.
>> we are trying to be respectful of everyone's concerns, is there
a way that a sunset provision could be placed on it, it could
be issued and within a year or six months if there's any violations
that have been found they would have to come back and defend their
right to maintain it?
I know in certain circumstances there have
been provisionals for a period of time.'s
>> I think my ask was very clear, it's either a yes or a no.
>> what I've been told is they are willing to withdraw the request,
they are willing to withdraw the request with the right to come back
to request the pcn in the future without having to come back for
another conditional use permit, and we do that? Or would we
have to request a cup again.
would it need to be requested again in
conjunction with the pcn.
>> I will ask the city attorney maybe to respond to that.
>> that's something I don't know off the top of my head, I would
have to review that.
>> it would just still be another entitlement, it would still be discretionary
and we understand that. We would like the denial of that component
to be without prejudice to come back and request it at a later time.
>> just for clarification you are saying the applicant is willing
to not do any alcohol sales and come back in a year and make the
request.
>> perhaps yes.
>> through the mayor, looking at the municipal code,
the requirements for abc require you need a use permit application
before you can use the area
because you need to inform the public of any alcohol sales going on in
the area.
I believe the requirement would be that they would have to come
back to get a new use permit for any alcohol sales.
>> or modify the underlying to add the pcn.
>> I believe that's correct but I would turn to the city attorney.
>> I think it might be a matter of semantics whether we call it
a new use permit or a restated use permit.
>> it would be discretionary.
>> that's right it wouldn't be ministerial, there would be suggestive
judgment.
>> so all the record the applicant
has agreed they would withdraw that request for alcohol sales.
>> thank you.
>> that superseded what I was going to say.
so with mine, my concern was not the alcohol
sales because we already have one that's already doing that as well
and at the other end so within that radius it's already there.
so if there's a violation or there's a concern and
we already have it in place, so I didn't see it as something that
was a concern for me. However, what my concern is,
going back to removing the two pumps, adding one ev station,
would you consider adding a second ev station, yes you would. Going
for three? Just getting.
kidding.
>> as long as it would not impact circulation
on the site, we have to have so many parking spaces. I don't know
if the city engineer can speak to that. If that would impact circulation
on the site I don't know.
>> through the mayor, the project was exempt
because it is existing use on-site.
the actual footprint of the site will remain under the threshold
to make a determination that would cause any potential significant
impacts.
circulation was reviewed and we did talk with the city
engineer in regards to circulation to make sure there wouldn't be any
impacts of the existing traffic.
>> councilmember craft did you have any additional comments or remarks.
>> know that was it.
>> do any of my colleagues, councilmember killings?
>> thank you, through
the mayor, as we deliberate I want to say thank you to everybody for
coming out and expressing your views on the project, your commitment
to the community, and how we are developing here in
the community because this impacts us all. In terms of where my thoughts
and ultimately what's coming before us as counsel,
is to remain once again objective.
we know that as a city council and as we set policy
it creates the landscape in terms of how people come to do business
here and our community.
where I see this is that we have to understand
the application that is before us, everything is consistent with our
general plan, our zoning regulations, our design review
standards. Why is that important?
because that's essentially what we are telling the world, if
you want to do business here these are the metrics you need to play
by. If you come and submit an application and meet these standards there should
be some level of certainty in terms of getting across the finish line
without goalposts being moved.
I really want to highlight that as we go through this process. The
second is dealing with the matter of the goals that we have is a city.
I think we have heard consistently here, development is a good thing.
seeing private investment to improve
the entrance of our downtown, or to address what many have considered
here, and I think we have all kind of expressed a general eyesore in
the city in terms of that being cleaned up. Addressing public safety
measures.
so that's also a big aspect of that I am weighing as we look at
this project. While I can appreciate the applicant and those who are
filing the appeal bringing forward the information regarding the economic
study, the truth is, it probably wasn't even warranted
for the decision we have to make.
the economic conditions in which a private person is getting ready
to invest capital, that's their risk,
that's the risk they are willing to take in a business endeavor in
our city and if it pencils out for them, that's something that is
kind of a win-win for all of us.
but I do want to pivot and understand the community aspect of this because
it is very real and it is very important as we talk about building
community and the impact of business here locally. I am under
the thought in terms of, looking at providing the options,
the competitive nature of business itself and understanding
that and allowing us to have this discourse in our city but understanding
the value that we do have in a long-standing
community business that has been here. So as it's already been shared,
these types of decisions shouldn't be viewed as a this or that or this
business verse that business, this is continuing to add to
the makeup of our community to be able to provide options and beautification
opportunities as well as opportunities for growth. Not only for
valero but all the businesses in the corridor.
we know we have a number of other businesses as well as potential
uses coming down the pipeline as far as residential use. I do want
to lift up in terms of the comments, I think that's very thoughtful
and it's something we have to really look at as a community in
terms of the opportunities and how we can support one another.
we have heard in terms of something that we have been looking at so
we are talking about the only gas station in this area and in old
town. But in the same breath the terms of the need for groceries
in the old town area. I think
it's a real potential competitive advantage.
not to go off on a tangent, that may be able to come to the
surface with the adjacent business.
with all of that I do want to once again acknowledge though, the
comments that were made by my colleague counselor banales. With that,
although the objective this in terms of
what we currently have in place in terms of policy is really where
I'm falling on my decision.
I know that being put on the spot kind of with the question, regarding
the alcohol sales and I appreciate the willingness to forgo the alcohol
sales, the reason why is because this specific counsel
and I think my colleague expressed it correctly, we can't go back in
time in terms of businesses that have been grandfathered in.
but this specific counsel has made a decision in terms of developing
healthy policies for the community.
we have a ad hoc subcommittee looking at tobacco, alcohol and cannabis
policies within our community and how we are addressing it to ensure
we have a community that is not preyed upon and that we are getting
healthy outcomes in our community.
I don't want the applicant to feel this is slated towards their business
but my colleague did bring up appurtenant point that we have been mulling
over as it relates to proximity to sensitive uses. Whether it's
schools, churches, youth activity centers or things of that nature.
so counselor banales I agree with the
sentiment you brought up in that regards. I appreciate the applicant
for being willing to bend and make that concession in terms of
the alcohol sales at this point in time.
that's really my thoughts in terms of where I'm at in deliberating
and I definitely want to hear from the rest of my colleagues as we
prepare to potentially make a motion on this item.
I want to appreciate the applicant who has come forward with this
project to improve a corridor of our community. I want to thank those
who are here in support of la raza.
a market that has been here for many years and I believe will
continue to be here for many years.
and finding a way that we can make this not only work but once
again be objective in understanding the policies we have set here in
the city and making sure we are being fair and applying that policy
consistently across the board. Those are my thoughts and where I will
end my comments for now.
>> thank you.
do any of my colleagues have any other comments they would
like to make at this time. If not, vice mayor scales-preston?
>> I just want to thank everyone who came out on
behalf of la raza. It really shows the importance of community and
coming together to support each other.
I think it's important that as we look at businesses, that are
willing to expand as well. How do we coexist together. How
do we continue to build and work together. I would look at valero
to see how will they work with the community that has
so much support for la raza, how do you all work together and
coexist together to build that community in that area. It's really needed.
I want to thank councilmember banales for bringing up the alcohol sales.
if I'm not mistaken, I believe about two years ago we were
looking at, something came before us. A market,
sales of alcohol and tobacco and we didn't approve it because it
was on 10th st. We didn't approve it because it was on 10th st. The
same thing we thought at that time was not to bring another store selling
alcohol and tobacco sales because that's already there.
that makes my decision feel much better
knowing that this is directly across the street from the school and
the one we denied a couple years ago was down the street and wasn't
even as close. As we mentioned we want to build healthy communities.
we want to build up that area down there. So we want to
see improvement in how our communities can continue to work together in
that area.
>> thank you.
are there any other comments.
I will entertain a motion, if not,
councilmember kraft?
>> yes.
just one statement and that is, I am
pleased with the outpouring from our community in support of la raza
, also with valero for making these concessions.
the fact that each one should be able to make each other better.
this is what our community is about is working together so
I appreciate both sides and I thank you for that. With that I will move
approval of the appeal at the planning commission's decision to deny use,
permit and design review for upgrade, remodel and improvements to an existing
gas station and construct a 1600 ft.2 commercial convenience
store at 1005 railroad ave. Convenience store at 1005 railroad ave.
that would be including the new conditions that were just added
tonight.
I want to make sure that as part of the motion.
>> I think we are both going for the
same thing which is much clarity.
to try and clarify I think what we are doing here is a motion to
grant the appeal and deny the appeal in part. The denial would
be having to do with the alcohol sales, without
prejudice to come back in one year to request the
alcohol sales.
and also modifying, instead of the one ev
station, 2 ev stations.
>> just a question on the alcohol, can that be a final decision or
are we, is the one year required in
terms of...
it just allows us to apply.
it's like a minimum of one year, you can deny it again. It
just gives us the ability of one year before we might come back
and ask if we ever did write? Based on your comments we understand
what you're saying about the importance of having a healthy community. We
understand that they are just acknowledging that
we would possibly but maybe not come back but it wouldn't be sooner
than a year.
>> my understanding was the question was put to the applicant, would
you be willing to not sell alcohol, and the applicant came back with
we are willing to not sell for a year, and we would like to be
able to come back in one year to attempt to
receive that approval.
and that's discretionary, just to be clear.
is not a suspension for one year and then they will sell alcohol
it said at least one year goes by and then they can come and request
and go through the process for the body to make a determination
on that.
>> I will defer to councilmember banales.
>> I think that's an opportunity
that's available to any business to apply for the sale of alcohol
at any time. As long as it's within our municipal
code. Now we have some work to do as regards to our municipal
code and as councilmember killings has alluded to, I would mention
that there is a subcommittee on that. I don't have any issue as
to the one year timeline as long as they are coming back to the
discretionary review.
I would say just prohibition on alcohol sales for
one year, I think they would need to, I'm
sorry, prohibition period.
if they want to come back in a year we would
need to manage that with the one year period and maybe that's the
staff report. I want to make it very clear that they don't have
the authority to start selling within a year. That they would have to
come back for that discretionary approval.
>> I do recall there is a provision
in the municipal code where if something is denied you can't bring it back
for a year anyhow so it would not be possible to bring it back before
then.
>> one follow-up question, the discretionary comes before the council or just
planning?
>> it would be just planning commission.
the use permit application, allows for that.
>> can we request that it come back
to the city council?
>> I recommend we put the question to the applicant.
are you willing that the use permit application
go directly to city council rather than first to planning commission.
>> I wouldn't oppose that. I think that would be efficient. If we
even do it. We may not do it.
>> I think that's all.
so we have a motion and a second?
>> I will second the motion.
>> mdm. City attorney did you want to summarize
?
>> I think we have enough information to revise the resolution
based on what city council has said.
>> it would be the removal of conditions 19, 24,
and 25.
and then we would revise the resolution to include the language that would
allow, sorry, would not allow for alcohol sales.
then we would review the actual language in regard to allowing
them to come back to the city council if they would decide to
move forward with alcohol sales.
>> and 2 ev stations.
>> please cast your votes.
the item passes unanimously. Thank you.
>> thank you very much we appreciate your time.
>> the city council will soon resume our regularly scheduled city council
meeting in five minutes.
'>> city clerk would you please call role.
>> councilmember kraft.
>> present.
>> councilmember killings.
>> present.
>> councilmember banales. Present.
>> mayor white.
>> please join me in the pledge of allegiance.
>> we have three proclamations this evening,
the first one is for dell to view cats.
>> thank you. I will be reading the proclamation
honoring delta view cats.
whereas community cats are unowned cats that
live outdoors in the community and include friendly
and unfriendly cats born outdoors without a guardian as well as lost
or abandoned pets, and whereas east contra costa county has
historically housed disproportionate numbers of community cats with this
disparity increasing since covid-19. And
whereas delta view cats led by linda rogers and
peter wilson is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
organization consisting of volunteers dedicating
over 5700 hours annually to promoting and delivering humane care and management
for our abandoned cats in pittsburgh. And
delta view cats, their ultimate goal is to reduce the
number of abandoned community cats outdoors to decrease risk and harm
to cats.
delta view cats firmly believe in trap, neuter, return
as the method proven to be compassionate in controlling
community cats overpopulation.
trap, neuter return is a technique where
cats are trapped, neutered and vaccinated than adopted
by responsible homes for return to their community after recovering.
where caretakers provide food, water, shelter if feasible monitoring
injuries and illness and medical treatment if possible.
delta view cats has trapped and neutered over
800 cats and aided in the adoption of over 300 cats
throughout pittsburgh and has responded over 650 resident
requests for help with a population with most notable efforts occurring
in the marina, oak hills and riverview park neighborhoods. Whereas
delta view cats feeds 50+ community cats daily,
generous donations ensure the food pantry is stocked and available
for these abandoned community cats each day.
over 16,000 cans and 2400 pounds of dry food per year are needed
to achieve this goal. Now, therefore,
on behalf of the city council of the
city of pittsburg, we hereby honor delta view cats.
>> thank you vice mayor scales-preston.
>> thank you mayor white,
vice mayor scales-preston, councilmember killings,
councilmember banales, councilmember kraft. City manager
garrett evans. Thank you very much, I want to thank you on behalf of
of the 30 volunteers that we currently have in action as well as dozens
of pittsford residents and associated cat rescuers working
with us in east county with whom we have partnered over the years
for this recognition of their efforts to humanely manage
some of the abandoned cats in the city of pittsburgh.
>> what started out when we first moved in 2017
as a short-term project to deal with the abandoned community
cats on our street turned into something much bigger
then linda and I ever anticipated or imagined. Two things come to
mind that make all of this possible. The first
is the volunteer cat rescuers that
have stepped forward because they cared about the cats and the city
of pittsburg. The second is the ongoing support of the city
of pittsburgh in the form of the commitment early on of
time and for the last four years, sarah belafonte's,
time is our liaison to the city.
both are exceptional liaisons and you should be proud
of them. Sarah was with us as we struggled to continue to operate
during trend 20.
-- covid and admits the shutdown of services in addition
, the funds set aside to pay for spay and neuter surgeries, when
we were able to schedule them were essential.
there is no city in contra costa county, no city at all
that has stepped up in the way
pittsburg has.
thank you very much on behalf of us and our volunteers
and on behalf of the cats that we have helped. We
wouldn't have been able to help without you and I sincerely mean
that. Now let me turn the microphone over to the other cofounder,
linda rogers who asked me in 2018 if I was willing to help with a
little cat rescue and whose energy, creativity and willingness
to stick to it are the foundation for the success we've had. Linda.
>> so it's all my fault![ laughter ]may I just ask
quickly for some of our people who are here, I'd like
the volunteers to stand up.
if you could please recognize our volunteers.
>> peter and I are really followers
and we try hard to get in front of our dedicated volunteers and
the many city residents who are devoted to the humane care of their
backyard colonies. They always seem to stay a step ahead and in
front of us. I'd like to recount a couple of examples that I think
are very memorable.
one is about what our volunteers have been doing at the city's riverview
park. We strive over there to manage the
park and from 2017 when we first came on the scene until
may 2021, we had no cats abandoned at the park which
was great. We were also able, when cca asked was helping, we
were able to pull about 12-15 cats out.
we were able to get them through to adoption.
it has been a really popular jumping ground for many people since about
2005.
there have been 40 kittens dumped at or near our
feeding stations, all have been either starving and
ill but friendly for the most part, but dumped and abandoned.
when it comes to abandoned kittens our volunteers are on top
of catching these. We have 12 adults in our colony, we don't intend for
that to be a sanctuary in the hope is there will essentially be no
cats therethrough just what happens with cats and we provide their end-of-life
service when it's time.
when it comes to catching them, our volunteers
have been right there, they have caught trapped or even netted these
kittens.
they will intake the kittens because they have been abandoned and it's
against the law.
some of our volunteers have been able to foster some of the kittens
along with peter and myself.
we have moved these fosters into the adoption program because
delta view cats does not have a foster
network or an adoption program.
all of them have found there forever homes without the diligence of our
park colony caretakers.
the city would easily have about 150 cats at that park today and
that's just with 40 kittens, none of them spayed or neutered
and left there to breed.
so is dodging a large bullet.
the other story I'd like to share with you is about
one of your residence in pittsburg. We were approached during trend
20 by a family in the oak hills area. We call it
the oak hills gang. It took us two years to finally capture the
mom cat they named cleopatra.
a tiny little black thing no bigger than 7 pounds.
we began with those residents and their two children.
nicholas, their youngest son became quite the expert at socializing
cleopatra's kittens. He would be very kind and give them
treats.
he dropped trapped more than one of the men became very good at being
one of the people to monitor the traps. The family adopted one of
her first litter, peter and I fostered one with an eye injury, and we got
him into a loving home.
we caught several adult male cats so we thought we were getting close
to stopping the breeding and of course the six kittens she had had
in 2020. Then came the next litter.
the family worked diligently to catch the kittens but cleopatra
remained elusive.
as we were sure her next litter would be born in may of as we were
sure her next litter would be born in may 2022, dean managed to capture
cleo. In a little shelter they had made out of a carton with holes
in it. She went in and they were able to close at both ends. She
was already pregnant so we would've had even more per kittens.
this family has turned a shed into a
kitty condo so cleo and her remaining adult kittens and one of the adult
males can live their lives in comfort and safety.
cleo has a couple of little stuffed toys she's been given so that she
may take them out during the day for sunshine and then she brings
them back into the condo at night.
ever the cat mom.
this incredible family in oak hills has done a wonderful thing
and they kept one of our traps over
there for two years because they just constantly tried to trap.
we think delta view cats is blessed to have amazing volunteers and our
city is fortunate to have so many residents who care, are ready,
willing and able to step up to help the city humanely manage our escalating
overpopulation of community cats.
delta view cats speaks for the pittsburgh abandoned
community cats that have no voice.
thank you for this proclamation to honor these often forgotten cats.
>> we will now move on to our second
proclamation, small business saturday.
>> proclamation for small business saturday.
whereas the city of pittsburg celebrates our local small businesses and the
contributions they make to our local economy, whereas according
to the united states small business administration there are
35 small businesses in the united states. They represent 99.7%
of firms with paid employees.
small businesses employ 46.8% of the employees in the
private sector in the united states.
whereas 79% of consumers understand the importance of supporting the
small businesses in their community, on small business saturday 70% report
the day makes them want to encourage others to shop
small.
66% report the day makes them want to shop small all year long.
whereas 58% of shoppers reported they shopped online,
with a small business and 54% reported dining or take out
from a small restaurant, bar or cafe on small business saturday
in 2021. Whereas pittsburg supports our local businesses
that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve our communities, and
whereas advocacy groups
and private organizations across the country have endorsed the saturday
after thanksgiving a small business saturday, now therefore,
holland barrett white on behalf of the city council of the city
of pittsburg, we do hereby proclaim november 26
we do hereby proclaim november 26, 2022 as small business saturday
and urge the residence of our community to support small businesses and
merchants on small business saturday throughout the year.
[ applause ]
>> I'd like to introduce our recipients here tonight.
these three women only company missed,
they were the first participants in our downtown pop-up program.
[ applause ]
>> we won't take too much of your time. I hope you can hear me. Hi
community! My name is amanda doss. We are the
owners and creators of misc which stands for motivating,
inspiring and servicing the communities.
our main initiative is to help fill the
gap for financial literacy. When it comes to our youth between the
ages of 10-17. What we have done is created a product that
we are really loving right now.
it is our and poured candles, they
are organic and we tried to make them with the least
toxic ingredients. The proceeds go towards building our youth initiative
which is discussing the basics of finance. So when our kids
get to learning and work and get a paycheck, what is coming out
of that paycheck and why? What they can do, to invest and save
at an early age to build their future in a nutshell so that's what
we are doing and we are very excited about it.
we appreciate the opportunity that the city has given us to be able
to continue to build our network and grow and make a presence in
pittsburg. Eventually we want to take over the
whole of contra costa county and beyond. So thank you so much for
this opportunity and we will be looking forward to the future.
>> many of us has purchased her candles and I recommend them.
moving on to our next proclamation for homeless
awareness month. This proclamation will be read by councilmember kraft
for the bay church, new destiny church
,
>> thank you. Whereas the month of november is recognized
as homelessness awareness month in the united states
and there are approximately 3093 homeless individuals in contra costa
county based on the 2022 point in time count. 764
sheltered and 2329 on sheltered.
pittsburgh had 221 people who did not have shelter. The primary costs
causes our cost of living, job loss, eviction, separation,
divorce, violence mental health,
caretaker, medical issues, landlord and roommate dispute, incarceration.
whereas the city of pittsburg is dedicated to assisting
the most vulnerable population in the community through community
collaboration, partnerships and planning and implementing solutions.
whereas the month of november is designated
as homeless awareness month to educate the public and bring awareness to
the needs of the homeless and the coordinated efforts of the bay church,
new destiny church, and providing
the shower program.
they are able to shower, received clean clothes and receive a meal
and restore their dignity. That is my addition to that.
therefore, holland barrett white on behalf of the city council of
the city of pittsburg, we hereby proclaim november 2022 as homelessness
awareness month and recognize st. Vincent's paul to addressing
this in pittsburg.
we also recognize the bay church and new destiny church.
so.[ applause ]
>> as you can see I'm very excited about this
project.
>> before we take comment.
councilmember kraft, did you want to add anything additional
in terms of the work you and like -- you have been doing?
>> we learned the true meaning of
a village when we started coming to the shower program and some of
the people that we helped. Some of the people we saw there.
when the addition of the bellows barbershop, when this one
guy walked in, he was all out there and everything
else. And afterwards we were talking, jerry and I were talking and
this guy walks up and said I feel like $1 million. I'm looking and
I'm like, was that the same guy?
very handsome.
and he said, it restored him. He felt rejuvenated and ready to start
the next week. It's just that we take advantage, we sometimes forget
what it's like to not have and to be without. So, to see
this one simple act change a life at that moment, at that time,
it speaks volumes but it means so much to them,
but it means so much to those who are providing it.
roland who is one of the biggest troublemakers in our community,
is now a part of that program and he is a volunteer that's
out there all the time. Roland thank you. He makes
a point to make sure I come and visit periodically and chanel. You
guys do amazing work.
I cannot say enough about the work that you do and the
commitment that you have. For that I am thankful and I am blessed to
be a part of this with you.
>> thank you so much.
>> I know there are other volunteers out there so if you all can
stand up.
if you volunteer with the shower program because you deserve to be
recognized as well.
[ applause ]
>> it does take a village and councilwoman
kraft and I we are always talking about the
shower program and all of the humanity partners and just
the importance of having this in our city.
there are many cities in contra costa county that do not do anything
for their own housed community.
community partners are coming together to
get this done.
we have 6-7 community partners to have
this program every saturday. We appreciate your compassion, your
time, councilwoman kraft and I were
out there one time, there were no shoes at st. Vincent so
one of the volunteers went over to walmart and got him a brand-new
pair of shoes. That is really important when you are
homeless to make sure your feet are warm. We are always trying to
get socks.
we were talking about how we will collect more stocks -- socks. So
for those watching, it's every saturday, at st. Vincent,
get a shower, get a meal,
they can take another meal with them to go. They can go inside for
a clean pair of clothes.
sometimes the dental clinic is open so they can get services through
dental care.
there are tons of services so thank you so much
for what you do.
>> and
I had one thing? In the conversation that we were having and I also spoke
with jerry because I was out there saturday at the program. One of
the things that we know, the biggest need is socks. For keeping their
feet warm.
so the vice mayor and I had talked about doing a drive and asked
in the community to help us donate socks and we are talking about white
men's crew socks. You are not
trying to find a size or color or whatever. Speaking with the city
manager, asking if we could put a been or something so that if
anyone in the community wanted to donate socks they could do so
here at city hall and we would be willing to pick them up and take
them over the program. So if you are listening
. Please note, it's a simple request and we are
hoping you will help us fulfill this need.
>> councilmember kraft if I could add, women's socks as well.
>> did we have a presentation?
>> it's going to be like 50 minutes or so just getting. We
will keep it brief.
thank you, it means a lot.
I think sometimes the issue of homelessness can seem really daunting. It's a
very big and complex issue that traverses the population.
I think one of the biggest errors people can make is to assume
that everyone who is homeless is dealing with the same issues. As
we know it's a very diverse set of issues and a diverse set of people
faced with homelessness. I think because the issue can seem so daunting,
sometimes people don't even know where to get started.
I think it's been so great to work together with the city and
then with our partners here, to take this on with the idea that
really teamwork makes the dream work. So our partners here,
so the city of pittsburgh again, we run the shower trailer in a
few other cities and we've gone to some other cities and not all
cities have always been is welcoming.
a week ago we celebrated our annual one-year mark.
so there is our church, the bay church.
new destiny church has been a great opportunity for us to partner together.
we can't say enough.
they have really helped us with haircuts
.
the back of our trailer folds out and allows us to give haircuts
and it really is a beautiful thing to watch someone who's been facing
the elements of the street come get a warm shower, and get their
hair cut. We have had quite a few people who actually go directly
to a job interview after. They will come in and shower, get their hair
cut and go in for a job interview.
so we provide hot showers, we have a picture of our showers
here in a moment. We have a toilet and we do haircuts.
we do clothing at this site thanks to claudia and team. We have hot
food thanks to loaves and fishes, and really
I think the biggest part of the biggest service we provide is a
sense of community. We tell all our volunteers that at the end of
the day, you just come and have one conversation
with somebody who was on the street.
I am a physician by background training and something
I think about a lot, our medicines we give are only so good if someone
means to be loved. A 15
minute conversation can go a long way so we really
try to emphasize that.
again as we think about such a challenging problem we hear about
it all the time, what's the best way forward? It's certainly not
to stay in our homes and think about milton mullen dollar initiatives
, there was recent controversy about a bathroom in san francisco and
the budget made statewide news.
here's an opportunity to think creatively about this problem.
the idea that we all come together to do this and lifted up. Lift it
up. Here's a picture of our showers. One of the things
we have enjoyed about our shower trailer, and it
was a core group at the bay church that built this. The trailer came
from colorado and we brought it over and refurbished it. These are
really good showers. We are not just trying to provide access to
water, but people come out of they are
happy with the quality of the showers.
we make sure to clean these showers after every use.
the team on their knees just cleaning it and making sure it's ready for
the next person to use. I think somebody used the word dignity.
they trust us and they are using a bathroom we are providing and
we want them to feel safe and we want them to feel dignity in that
space. Here's someone cleaning.
we run every saturday, we pride ourselves on making sure that we
show up no matter what.
I think one of the biggest ways,
this is a community that has been let down and disappointed along
the journey so we know us showing up is extremely important. So we
are there from 10 am through 12:30.
loaves and fishes opens up at 11:00.
someone will register in and then we will walk them over to where
we can get clothing.
and then we come back and use the showers and go get hot food
or maybe they will get hot food beforehand. I would also like to
give a shout out to the city water.
I don't know city water people I guess, but they are
terrific.
you can tell when someone has been tasked with doing a job and when
someone really wants to be part of the team. I love each and everyone
of them. I have their cell phone numbers and they are great.
so this is a display of how the whole setup looks like. We are in
simpson court right there.
we were thankful enough for someone to gift us a new truck.
so that is our ford f3 50 that can pull this trailer. For the sake
of time because I know we are rounding it out
there are two types of people in life, people who care about data
and people who don't. So if you don't you can cover your ears. I
think the most important thing to say is that we have a diverse age
range that centers around 41-60.
we do provide showers for children, and families.
and I think our oldest, I want to say
98.
>> 93.
>> I was cheating there little bit.
and then a gender breakdown, more males than females but 2/3 to
1/3 about.
so the number of showers we have provided in the last year is 553.
so that's an average of 10.6 showers every saturday.
if you look at the trend line starting in 2021 all the way till october,
it's upward and I think it took us a while to build trust in the
community for people to know of the resource. If you take our average
weekly showers it's nearing 13 showers.
is not uncommon for us to have 20 people.
we break it down with encounters because there are people
we can serve who don't necessarily come shower.
we have had 647 encounters over the last year.
a big question for us is how often do people return to
the showers, we have different groups.
we have people we meet once and maybe they
are moving through town and we don't see them again, there's a lot of
people you can see have used our showers twice. Then we have this
group on the far right that we get to know really well. These are people
who are coming quite often, in our first year nearly 42% of
our guests visited our showers three or more times.
so there's quantitative data and there's really the stories behind
what we are doing. I think it's being able to bless a mother
and daughter who are homeless, we were instrumental in helping with
supporting a mother and daughter that were
out using our showers and helping them get jobs and housed. Bob wasn't
able to make it here today, but if you want to learn
about how to be resilient in life come hang
out at our shower trailers. People like bob
who ran marathons in his life, a world-class artist,
he's traveled. He taught martial arts.
a wonderful beautiful man and sadly entered homelessness
when his boat sank.
but, bob is resilient and doesn't feel
sorry for himself. I have learned more from bob than I think
he's learned from me. I think that's part of how we approach this. It's
a handshake model of service.
we value the idea that this is not a one-way street of the service,
that we are gaining and it's okay to say that. I think sometimes we
feel the need to overemphasize the all true mystic nature of services
but it's okay that we are all taking care of each other and I think that's
the core essence of what we are doing. So where we've come,
I think we have started to build trust in the community, we have
strengthened our partnerships and bonds,
I know the people we serve alongside of become close friends. Where we
hope to go we plan to continue to keep showing
up.
we don't plan on going anywhere as long as you will continue to
have us in your city doing this work. As I think about maturing
as a program, where we fit in the spectrum of things, there are
so many programs doing larger numbers and other things.
I think we build relationships with people and what we would love
to be able to do is launch those relationships with people to be
able to have access to some of the resources. Whether it's getting
people into detox or housing, of course there are challenges
and barriers but we would love to be able to streamline some of the
processes as we get to know the specific needs of people. We have
some immensely talented people on our team and people who have come
with skill sets and abilities to be able to do it. We would
love to partner with more and more people as we think about trying
to get people from where thereat to where they want to be.
a few of you who are standing in front of me, this is some of our
vibe.
last christmas we had a microphone out so if you have a good singing
voice come join us around the christmas season. You can compete with my
four-year-old daughter. Thank you. Really.
it's a true honor to stand here before you and receive an award
for the recognition from your city.
thank you.
>> thank you.
>> moving on to the city manager reports and remarks.
>> this will be quick. I'd like to wish the
staff and the community a safe and happy thanksgiving.
>> thank you. Do we have any public comments?
for items not on tonight's agenda?
>> first I want to congratulate all the candidates
who just won the most recent election, I would like to tell you guys
about some of the events that have transpired since I was last here.
today I just got one of my first donations from mr. Willie moffat
who donated $600 to split between the three schools.
and a letter that I sent you guys requesting
a certain amount of money for us to get.
oh my gosh it's late and I'm exhausted.
I went blank. Oh my goodness.
I just want to thank you guys for being here tonight and listening
to me. I want to thank you for everything that you have listened
to me talk about and things in general.
have a good night.
>> if there are no additional public comments we will now move to committee
reports. Do any of my colleagues have any reports they would like
to make at this time.
councilmember killings?
>> through the mayor, last monday the economic development
subcommittee met, a few of the items we discussed,
we discussed an update on the letter m funds and their allocations.
also what would be coming before us tonight regarding public art
here in the city and the program that will be on the agenda tonight.
another presentation that we received was about a program which is a community
gift card program and really in an effort to
try to support local businesses we gave some feedback in looking
to see how that develops.
we also discussed an item on the agenda which is the
expansion of the contra costa ferry and the study that is taking place.
one item we had some discussion around was the green empowerment
zone that was just created by state law under a bill by assembly member
grayson.
so there was some discussion around that in terms of trying to understand
the specifics around the board, the specifics around
the zone and the process regarding identifying
of projects and staff was going to be following up and involved
in some meetings regarding that.
so something related to that green empowerment zone and the potential
for the city's participation will be coming forward at a per
future date. We also received some updates from the chamber of commerce
and the work they are doing in the community and supporting businesses
here in our city. With that, that ends my report.
>> thank you.
we had both land-use and finance subcommittees that met on this past
friday. For land-use we had a consultant update
on the work that has been ongoing surrounding objective land-use standards.
we also had a conversation and update on downtown pittsburg and which
uses outside of retail should or should not require use permits
.
that is still an ongoing conversation just to build on the work that was
done a number of years ago. They are on land use and zoning.
for finance we got a budget update and continued the
conversation around zero-based budgeting.
>> councilmember kraft.
>> along with the vice mayor, the
pacs subcommittee met with the strategic planner to come up with the strategic
plan for the foundation, part of that includes revenue identification,
structure, and more. So
there are meetings that are set up for the next four months
, and that recommendation will come back
to counsel at that time.
I will leave the community services sub committee report
to the vice mayor.
>> through the mayor our community service subcommittee met last week,
we went over the fund allocations as well as our budget
and approved that.
then, we are looking forward to
moving forward with some of the things that we are looking into
with regards to small businesses and how we can help them through
a small business program and that's the end of my update.
>> thank you vice mayor scales-preston.
we will now move to our first consideration item.
>> thank you very much.
the first consideration item is, authorizing the
city manager to execute a memorandum for understanding of
a feasibility study for expanded ferry service in contra costa county.
this is a study that many members of council have commented on and
I'm very glad that sarah is here to present this.
>> tonight we will be discussing
the proposed memorandum of understanding for expanding ferry service to east
contra costa county. So there is regional interest
from antioch, hercules, eastern contra costa county transit authority
and the contra costa county transit authority to
expand existing ferry service to east county. You will see here the
map of current routes.
for those of us that don't or haven't ferried, some stats.
it's affordable, the average cost on these current routes
as you see here are free for passengers under five, discounted for seniors
and disabled, up to 11 for some.
10 minute routes being about $.50 to about a dollar and $.25.
the average trip length range from 10 minutes to about 60
minutes.
typical operation hours are used for both transit commute and recreation,
6:30 in the morning through 8:25 p.m. 6:30 in the morning through
8:25 p.m.
other bay area ferry routes include treasure
island ferry service, golden gate ferry, angel island and alcatraz
ferry services.
this study identified potential benefits including the seven on
your screen and in some cases called for further investigation into feasibility
of realizing these services in east county locations. The potential
benefits include affordable and efficient transit option so in 2015
affairs topped out at about $15 and the
trip length between 40 minutes between sound -- downtown san
francisco to hercules.
another benefit is connectivity.
east contra costa -- would connect
to alameda county in san francisco.
another benefit is accessibility and convenience.
these fairies are ada accessible vessels. Tickets are sold online
and trip planning resources are available.
there are restrooms on board and there are wi-fi available as
well. The fleet is fairly young, the study discussed new vessels,
there have also been nine new fairies purchased since
2017.
another benefit is traffic alleviation.
in 2017 there was 411 daily weekday riders.
over 1000 would use the antioch martinez hercules system. Job creation
is another potential benefit.
besides creating jobs for operation of these routes, it's possible a
terminal could have positive economic multiplier effects. Although
further study would need to happen to confirm potential economic impacts
relative to other development opportunities and/or activities. Regional
economic development could manifest as people use the ferry for the
concord pavilion, the center for the arts, theater downtown and etc.
on the weekends.
environmental benefits, fewer cars on the road, and alternative
transit options. Lastly the potential for the nexus of emergency response.
so recognizing the dual mission as provider of transit and emergency
services. Providing water access for emergency personnel if and when
land or air transportation are not feasible, and
commute or emergency transportation relief, if for while the bridges
are inoperable.
>> the 2015 study also had some financial
conclusions. The first, only one of the four proposed routes
could operate under existing funding that aims for 40% of
revenues recovery.
in 2015, numbers between 20 and 61 million revenues would
be required to fund direct route services. The number
ballooned to 55 million or 87 million for interline routes between the
two or three remaining cities. A second conclusion is initial expenditures
and capital replacement expenses.
ranging across the four city study.
and operational feasibility is also
affected by policy considerations not addressed in the report. Like
allocations of regional measure to funds.
a good example is of another creative funding source.
richmond currently uses the measure j sub regional program to subsidize
its operations and the city of richmond also contributed to the improvements
of their ferry terminals.
other funding sources are expansive.
lastly, the 2015 financial feasibility study prompted for more studies.
which is why we are here. Recommending the authorization, to
authorize the city manager to execute between the cities,
county and expand studies to evaluate
the feasibility of expanded ferry service. The bullets on your screen
are the main tenets of what they would study.
>> thank you staff, do any of my colleagues
have questions for sarah regarding the feasibility study.
>> all right. I see none.
I'd like to start off by thanking staff for putting all the hard work
and trying to figure out how to get the most out of this for the
city of pittsburg. As you stated, a similar feasibility study was
conducted in 2015 and pittsburg at the time was
not a participant.
about four years ago,
we were both at a cctv interview for
us running for city council,
they asked us what our major initiatives were. Chanel at the time said we
are going to improve congestion on highway four and I
thought in my mind, how will we do that? But lo and behold
I thought all of the things this counsel has really been doing both
as a member of the city, counsel but also
members of auxiliary boards and other bodies, to really improve
mobility for east county and the region, I
think it's all added up to things like this being possible right?
so I think that when we look at the funding availability at both
the federal and state level, there are unprecedented dollars to
help us see something like this into fruition for our community.
I think the hardest thing is being centrally located around water,
the other thing is having the infrastructure for a boat
to actually be able to dock and it seems like we are well positioned
in both of those regards.
I hope this doesn't just stop at a feasibility study but actually
turns into an opportunity for us to open up new pathways of travel
for the people that live in our community but also want to visit
for recreational and other things that most cities
benefit from in terms of tourism here locally.
my ask would be, if we do move forward with the
feasibility study, we take a serious look as
an alternative mode of transportation for those folks who live around
the region and are trying to commute.
and do not see car travel is the way to go.
this is a vmt reducing project and I think it will further our
sustainability goals as we think about growth.
I will also say that, as we think about this we should
also think about it in a way that doesn't make us contingent or reliant
on some of our neighboring jurisdictions right? So if we decide
to move forward how do we do it in a way where we are able to stand
alone but of course, if antioch or martinez want to
move forward it just makes the pot sweeter, if they choose not to move
forward we should still work to create a pathway to make this happen
because I think it's, it's...
it's overdue. I want to thank all of my colleagues for being
supportive of this to date, and would love to hear from you
if you have anything to add, I would also entertain a motion is anyone
would like to make one.
>> we have a motion.
>> I will definitely just, I will share thoughts
as we consider this motion.
I definitely want to appreciate in terms of the effort that you
have put forward mayor in keeping this conversation alive. I think
something that's been on the community's mind, is a fairy possible in our
community? I think the effort in not only understanding
the feasibility and everything that it was going on in 2015, jumping
in on this study, I want to thank staff and thank you for thinking
about putting pittsburg in this joint study because I think there
is definitely cost savings there in terms of doing this on our own.
but at least looking into what the feasibility is along with martinez
and the established routes they were looking at.
but once again to do our due diligence in terms of what would it take
for a fairy to be operational on our marina and on our waters.
and then figuring out the chart or the path in terms of getting
there but I think this study obviously is the first step in understanding
and showing the community in terms of questions that
I'm sure a lot of us get in terms of wanting to see a fairy and being
able to point to something specific in saying this is what it would
take to get there. With that, I definitely want to support
in terms of this motion for the adoption of this mo you for the
city manager to go ahead and enter for the xp's ability
-- for the feasibility study.
>> do we have a second?
>> I will second.
>> we have a move and a second, please cast your votes.
the item passes unanimously.
I would also like to take a moment to thank supervisor glover for
also being a champion of this.
as a member of c cta and the county supervisor.
because when I called and asked why we were left out of the 2015
feasibility study he simply noted, at that time,
maybe the city didn't have an express interest but if there is an interest
now I would be happy to champion that, so I really appreciate supervisor
glover pulling together all of his cities that he represents
the touch the water to see if this was still
a feasible opportunity in 2022.
moving on to our next consideration item. Mr. City manager.
>> thank you very much mr. Mayor.
the second consideration tonight, to adopt a pledge to address
persistent opportunity gaps experienced by young men and
women of color. This is another step building from the youth and
young adult services master plan.
colette simonson is here with a presentation.
>> good evening mr. Mayor, council and members of the dais.
tonight I will talk to about the adoption of the
city council resolution to adopt a pledge to a dentist
address persistent opportunity gaps experienced by young men and
women of color.
in 2019 the city of pittsburg hired hpc international to develop a conceptual
framework in relation to youth services.
by means of stakeholder meetings and planning sessions.
in march 2019 the city hosted a kickoff workshop to discuss the
most critical needs. Representatives included the members of the
city council, board members and staff from pittsburg unified school
district. A board member from mount diablo school district, the city
manager, city staff and the pittsburgh police department.
hpc completed the framework in july 2019 and worked alongside staff
to develop the draft plan. On june 20, 2022, the city
council approved resolution that adopted the youth and development
master plan with programs and funding specific
to pittsburg youth and young adults.
implementation strategy 2.2 of the youth and young adult services
master plan is to establish local branches of youth support initiatives
and collaborate with youth mentors, to increase the number of at risk
and minority youth with positive and professional role models. In
spring of 2022 and in alignment with mbk, the city of
pittsburgh joined hundreds of cities and tribal nations across the country
engaging in cross sector citywide collaboration to create critical
and transformational systems, to address disparities for pittsburgh's
youth and men of color.
it's beneficial not only to the youth and men of color but to the
economic viability and overall health of the residents in the city of
pittsburgh. In spring of 2022 and in alignment with mbk, the
city of pittsburg joined hundreds of cities and tribal nations with
the effect of us in this effort, underway
.
additionally in partnership with improve your tomorrow, the pittsburg
unified school district is now providing mentorship for young men
attending martin luther king jr.
high school, pittsburg high school and black diamond
high school.
the city of pittsburg has a population of
76,544, with 23.44% under the age of 18,
43.3% identifying as latin acts, 34% white,
19.4% asian, 13.6% black or african and.9%
american indian a percentage
of male youth meet eligibility requirements.
females graduate meeting uc eligibility nearly
20% more than their male combined,
they represent about 80% of the
linear rest of you thunder the 17
across the county. In other words, racial disparities
-- on june 20, 2022, the council requested staff to work with the
unified school district to develop a joint resolution to further the
work and commit opportunity expressed specifically and women of color.
the other was brought before the board of trustees as an information
item on november 9, 2022. The word unified school district and the
city support my brother's keeper of pittsburgh emphasize the commemorative
partner on closing opportunity gaps for all young men
and women of color with an overall goal of ultimately ensuring all
were supported as they pursue a promise with a promising future
and promising healthy life. Staff is recommending tonight that the
council adopt a resolution a pledge to address opportunity gaps expressway
young men and women of color and what with the pittsburgh unified
school district.
that's all I have for my presentation.
I am ready for questions.
>> thank you. Dave our colleagues have any questions or
comments they would like to make at this time?
councilmember?
>> I would like to think collect, staff, for all of the work we are
doing on this. I want to thank as we
have in the conversation as we created the mbk ad hoc, this
is one of the items during back resolution and so definitely looking
forward to the continued partnership and working with the school
district in terms of holding ourselves what we are laying out with resolution.
it is in general, in terms of the commitment to address
these disparities through the identified
programs that we have looked like did and continue to look like in
terms of those targeted results.
I know that they there is definitely a sentiment
and I want to think staff even when we heard in the presentation,
those that care about data and those that don't and so I think that one
of the things that we really want to do in terms of this
effort we are leading into is really looking not only at the data that
the impacts and the allocations of the dollars
for none of that we are spending as a city but leveraging with all
of our community part nurse. I'm going to steal this from our ceo
at the chamber of commerce.
he shared the specific sentiment a number of times around
the booking window with you ray.
and so when we see the disparities in terms of young men
of color and we are seeing in terms of academic outcomes
and engagement with the justice system, and a number of other things,
this isn't to overlook anything else in the
city or any other subgroups, but it does say there is a specific
need that is having a tremendous impact, a negative impact
in our community and a focused effort to address it. That will really
stem the tide in terms of what we are seeing
communitywide. So I really want to lift that up because it is
not, once again, even as we have the conversation before with different
policy matters with the us versus them,
but as we look at the specific framework and look at this resolution, it
is more so identify that there is a specific problem we are trying
to address and trying to have the right partners, stakeholders at
the table in order to address it because when we look at some of
these disparities, what it ends up poring over to in terms of where
looking at trying to address whether it is crime or we look at safety
comments in our schools or things that can go across the board. I
think strategic focus on areas like this will help us address
a lot of these common issues we are seeing in our community. And
then be able to create a path forward in terms of, once
again, I think the adoption of the master plan, that really looks to
see all of our youth involved in the
community regardless of the barriers they are facing. I am definitely
in support of this effort on the resolution and the
continued effort that we have with our partners that is being led by
colette in these efforts. We are really trying to make sure that
this is done in a strategic action, that
all of the right stakeholders and partners are at the table. But once
again, getting the outcomes that we desire as a counsel, as these
that he, to really see better outcomes overall for our youth here in the
city. With that, I will definitely support the motion to adopt this
resolution moving forward, unless there is some other comments
by councilmembers?
>> are there any other comments that my colleagues would like to
make at this time?
>> I have a question for staff. In terms of
the youth services master plan and the youth and young services
master plan, would you mind sharing how much has been allocated toward
automation realizing this plan?
>> directly through the aarp surplus major I'm finding
875,000 dollars just for the youth and young adult
services master plan, plus an additional $750,000 for
mbk and another $750,000 on top
of that for women of color.
>> so in total?
>> in total, that is what? $2.3 million plus the other programs
that this counsel also did on top of that, but those are the three
major ones.
>> thank you. The reason I asked you to share that for the public
is that that level of investment could not and would not be
possible if it weren't for the commitment and the partnership
of this counsel. I think when we first started, we talked a lot about
seizing an opportunity because we are
a minority counsel. We are the first minority counsel.
and this is a strategic intervention which is something well know in
our community as being an issue, a chronic issue point and so I think
if any of you leave tonight, I hope you leave with the desire and ability
to pat yourself on the back point I truly believe that the beneficiaries
of the strategic action and this thinking are going to be
the ones that will benefit from programs like the my brother's
keeper initiative and the my sister's initiative. The other things
we have developed are within the youth and young adult services
master plan.
it has already been stated that there are several programs in our
community that currently work with youth and young people today.
but never in our city's history have we been able to identify
a subgroup of young people who have been disproportionately
impacted. We have actually
passed a strategic and to help improve outcomes as they work through
the school district and move into building healthy
lives for themselves. I also want to say that never in the city's
history has the city and the school district signed a joint
resolution on any strategic imperative that although we have
had a two by two subcommittee, I hope this is the beginning and a
testament of hopefully what can happen if we continue
to work together. The school district and the city, to help
move our community forward. We understand the city has a job.
and the school district has a job.
I think it is really cool that we can look at our community and say,
you know, we both are here to serve our community
in this way and are we committed in this way to actually seeing that
to fruition. We have had some tough dialogue, but I want to thank
each and everyone of you for showing up and not checking out of the discussion.
I am completely convinced that your desire to stay in the discussion
is because you understand, because you either have children or you
have family in the school district and you have been a young person
of color in this city before. You understand the need.
I just want to thank you all for continuing to move this
forward. Much like I reminisce on the story of
shanelle scales-preston and
I and the tv interview, I also remember asking you, councilmember
, jelani killings, at the time before I was elected, what can I
do to be helpful? You told me youth services is the most important thing
on my mind. And so I hope with this, we
have you in the community and everyone else
appear, that we bring you justice.
councilmember merl craft?
>> yes, you are absolutely right.
this is an amazing time in pittsburgh and that we are prioritizing our
youth. Our youth of color, our youth of all
colors. And so, making sure that everyone understands that we
are prioritizing right now because when
there is a burning building, you put the fire out first and then
you move forward.
that is to continue to accomplish the goal you want. And so
understanding that right now, that is the priority now. There is a
fire and we are putting out fire out and we are moving forward with
this pledge. But that does not mean that that is at the exclusion
of every other youth in our community. And so
we want people to understand that this pledge that this counsel made
in setting the dollars, setting those aside for our youth,
we plan on moving that forward with
our youth and moving all of our youth forward. Thank you.
>> thank you, councilmember merl craft. If there are no further
comments, I will entertain, there is a motion, a second?
>> yes, I will make a motion to
adopt city council resolution to adopt a pledge to address persistent
opportunity gaps six variance by young men and women of color.
>> thank you, vice mayor shanelle scales-preston.
>> yes, I would like to second.
>> please cast your votes.
all right, motion passes unanimously. I'd also like
to thank our consultant for being
here. It is a far trek from where you live and it is late and I appreciate
you committing your heart and your mind in your resources to help with
these meetings.
moving on to consideration item number
seven. Mr. City manager?
>> thank you very much, mr. Mayor.
it is the third consideration item is a consideration to hire a retired
annuitant with government code sections
7522. 56, 21221 and 21224.
the resources director is here for the presentation. Jennifer?
>> the director of records and counsel services intends to
retire effective december 29, 2022.
the employee, alice evenson, has opportunities serve as a retired
annuitant on a temporary basis so operations
can continue moving forward.
in order to maintain
a seamless -- over 25 years as institutional knowledge
has been integral to city clerk operations, serving as an executive
leader as well as a city clerk since 2006.
calpers has a 180 day waiting period for government
code sections and that section can be made for critically needed positions
sooner than 180 days.
this section applies to alice evenson's
as a retired militant due to technical skills and knowledge needed to transition
the scope of responsibilities during this period.
alice evenson will work as an extra help, extra help, retired annuitant
with the city clerk office to transition the director of counsel services
such as maintaining the city's estate of history and providing
assistance to the public and other departments and outside agencies
effective january 9, 2023.
that is the end of my presentation.
are there any questions I can answer for you?
>> thank you. And if my colleagues have any questions or staff? If
not, I will entertain a motion.
we have a motion.
>> yes.
on the motion of a city council resolution for consideration to
hire a calpers retired annuitant in accordance
with code section 7522 point 156, 2221
and 21224.
>> and a second?
>> I will second the motion.
>> please cast your votes.
motion passes unanimously. Moving on to consideration item number
eight, mr. City manager?
>> thank you very much, mr. Mayor.
as of the city council, for the consideration item is
the authorization to the city manager to know shape and execute
an agreement with local addition creative for eddie wide are planning
and neural installation services. Jordan davis, director of
development is here with the presentation. Jordan?
>> thank you, mr. City manager. Good
evening, mayor, vice mayor, and members of the city council.
this item was first brought before the economic development waterfront
development committee in august of 2021. At the time, the discussions
centered around opportunities to improve aesthetics of the city as
well as to drive tours and celebrate the city's immense history and diversity.
in may of this year, 20 50,000 was earmarked for public art
installations and this returned to the waterfront subcommittee
in september of this year and then again just last week as councilmember
jelani killings mentioned earlier. The purpose
of this project is to create a blueprint for
the city's approach to creating public art into activities and developments
that are going to be coming to the city. This is
more than just murals. This is place making. That is what we are
focused on achieving as part of this. Are looking at having morals,
but also sculptures a potentially even an immersive art experience.
think about those who travel throughout
the country this year. Something emma may be on a smaller scale,
but along those lines where folks will come and visit and, you know,
take place or participate, I should say, in an immersive
art experience and also shop and dine. Any of those types of things
in our city. We are hoping to send her this around events. We are
you want to meet people where they're at, as the saying goes.
and also clued folks like the pittsburg high school marching
band for that is one of the feathers in the cap of the city, if you will.
and a group that we have already had discussions with this contractor
about incorporating. This also would potentially include film and photography
services added dedicated website if you so choose.
and mainly, or perhaps most importantly, I should
say, project managers. This is somebody was not a track record in doing
these types of implementations throughout cities. This company worked
on the creative concord initiative last year and is also worked in
the city of the creek and other private firms to enhance public
art in those areas.
this is the proposal from local addition creative that we
are working on. And we are proposing to allow the city manager to negotiate
a execute a contract consistent with this proposal includes installation
of five murals as well as
the renting of a home and a scissor lift to
get to some of those tough to reach areas. The uv protective coating
for all of murals and the coating.
this also includes the anti-graffiti coating
that is going to be necessary for some of these this proposal also
includes sculpture installation of one large sculpture that will
provide some examples of what I can look like for a six to eight
month period.
that includes all of the logistics.
and then alteration organization and facilitation of this project
. We have also noted on there, while it is not included in this
because we have to financial scope and location
or duration of the immersive art experience, but we have sort of
identified $20,000 as being an approximate amount for what something like that
might cost us.
as mentioned, staff is receive the promotional from local edition.
20 $50,000 was allocated for public art by the city council earlier
this year. At this time, staff is requesting that city council allocate
$200,000 for the contract, including phase
one. So the initial contract would be for
$147,500. The remaining funds would be available for the city manager
to execute additional work orders and task orders for perhaps more
murals along with our installation or
that which can grow in size to also the count for that. The
euro location, artist, and final designs would be selected in coordination
with pacf. And the final approval would be by
the city council. I will pause there and say the reason
I am bringing this before you tonight is because we don't just want to
select a few errors in point murals appeared we want to work
to identify the best location and figure what the process is going
to be. A lot of the girls are going to be on private
property and so we are going to need to record it with the property
owners to talk about maintenance and getting the proper permits in
place to handle that. But the final approval of all locations, mural
designs, and artist will be at the approval of the city
council. Artist preference is to be local, but as was mentioned earlier,
are economic meeting last week, we don't want to exclude the potential
for notable artists who might be able to do one of these murals
to drive more visitors to the city of pittsburgh. So
we have identified just kind of for the purposes of --
getting a feel for what this could look like. A few locations
in downtown and a few outside of downtown that might make good
backdrops for some of these murals. So here,
you can see five locations in downtown.
I want to be clear, we have not talked to these property owners.
we would need to talk with the property owners and identify what
our requests are going to be and what the requirements are going
to be for installing and maintaining these. And getting those access
agreements. But these are five locations that
local addition actually identified as being prime for potential murals.
and these are a few, not downtown locations. Probably
buried in their difficulty to work with the agency or the folks that
have jurisdiction over some of these areas, like the b.a.r.t. Station
. But frankly, a big link campus that would be
a real key entry feature to the
city of pittsburgh. There are also some areas that would have some
entry signage., for example, the bottom left-hand
corner, you'll probably recognize the terminus of the eastbound
harbor railroad offramp.
there is sort of a litany of signs, if you will,
that are haphazardly thrown together.
we have actually coordinated with the developer of
outlook storage who is hopefully going to be redeveloping the property.
we will get into some conversations to actually contribute to the
installation of a wii finding feature as you enter the city. This might
be an opportunity to combine that with some art really create something
that is special as folks get off one of our most frequently used
offramp's.
these are some sculpture ideas. I selected these two because
these were on the island. Where the pittsburg power company --
operate.
those islands, two years ago, underwent a similar type of contract
with local edition creative to install
murals but also to bring some of these cultures and for a limited
period of time and they drove tourism as folks came to some of those juries
or some of the other shops on their island, they stopped and
they took pictures and they work really stick him at nighttime so
they could take a picture of this dr. Who looking circle thing. At
nighttime. So that is the idea, to drive tourism, give people
a reason to come to different areas of pittsburgh, then
hopefully, when they are here, to shop, eat, do that type of thing
. But also to invest in our community and make it more aesthetically pleasing.
make the residents of the city also proud to live here, to have these
murals and to have the things that make people want to be downtown,
to want to be out and about. And not just sitting at home. It really
adds to the flavor of pittsburgh and it is something we think will
go a long way in really making pittsburgh the home of art
and across the county as a whole. With that,
the staff recommendation is to adopt resolution authorizing the city
manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with
local edition creative for public art installations but I would be
happy to answer any questions you have.
>> thank you, jordan. Do any of my colleagues have any questions
for staff? If not, I will entertain a motion.
councilmember?
>> yes, I just wanted to add some comments in discussions we had on
the economic subcommittee meeting.
I think jordan, through his presentation, really covered it well. Looking
at this to the lens of place making. I know we have had
a lot of discussions about the value of public art as it relates to beautification
efforts as well as, once again, what we are doing in terms of our
emphasis on roads and landscaping. And so really wanting to
drive that home in terms of this particular effort with the place
making. One area that I brought up in terms of our discussions
, as you see, we will be looking at potential locations in terms
of where these murals and sculptures can go. There is a lot of work that
has to go into that. So not necessarily trying to get
a consensus on the exact locations, but I did want to point out that
you saw in the first slide that there were a number of them
that were located in some really kind of hidden places in downtown.
one of the sentiments that I really want to be heard is that I really
want this to be in coordination, at least from my perspective,
with the beautification of our entryways.
really making sure there is a focus on the entryways. That is why you
see and I gave some suggestions about that part entrance, but for
some that you see right off of leverage. And of course,
california. When we are looking at the public storage. There is
been a lot of conversation that we have had in general, just about
new signs, whether it is we making, and even as we are now looking at
public art, really tying it into what we are trying to do overall
through our beautification process and really having a specific focus
around what areas we are trying to enhance first as we are trying
to drive.
I think we have some good conversations about wanting to continue to drive
traffic to downtown and also understanding that there are a lot of places around
town that need that as well. But wanting to ensure that when
people are passing through pittsburgh, weather is on highway 4 or
as soon as they get off the exit, what is that immediate kind of feeling
they get when they enter our community? I really feel like this could
be one of those projects that could help spearhead with creating a real
sense with not only identifying our diversity, our culture, our
history, but really that wow factor when you enter into our community
. Douglas and the other element as far as we want to make sure that
we are giving opportunities for local artists and there is a preference
there. If there is somebody that, you know, creates a piece of art
that is so compelling or maybe their work is prominent throughout the
bay area and it would add that element to our community by having it here,
being open to that as well. So I just share that we have had a
lot of conversations about this project. And ultimately, even in
looking at this specific program with how
we create and craft a public art policy for the city, in terms of
how do we sustain public art, whether it is a new development, whether
it is in terms of the type or the sculpture of this immersive
experience in other opportunities.
there is a lot more conversations around the public art concept here
in the city. But I think jordan
hit it on the head in terms of looking at it more so from the place making
and also the beautification efforts that we have ongoing here in the
city. I will just add those thoughts.
I would be happy to make a motion to approve this item if there are
no other thoughts or comments from the colleagues.
>> vice mayor shanelle scales-preston?
>> yes. Thank you, jordan, for the great presentation. Our
city could end up being one of those cities that are like the 10 most
instagrammable cities. Other cities are like that
where they have murals and they have sculptures and different artwork
and, you know, it would be listed, people come through just to take
a picture. Believe it or not, very young people. And so I just want
to make sure that as we are working in us, that we
get community input so that the community understands that, you
know, we are not doing this without them. We want to include
them and get their feedback from the young people as well. If we
can keep that in mind. Thank you.
>> I just wanted to add two things. I hope the community
takes it
to instagram, the city. And I also wanted to give a quick shout out
to rosemary for working with our local art community.
is there a motion
or any other comments that anyone would like to make on this item?
>> I make a motion for the adoption of the city council
relation to execute an agreement with the local edition
creative for citywide art planning and neural installation services
.
>> do I have a second?
>> yes, I will second that motion.
>> okay, please cast your votes.
motion passes unanimously.
moving on to our conflicts of interest
is any councilmember have a conflict of interest they would like to make
at this time?
I am seeing none.
we will now move to our combined city council pittsburgh immunity
foundation whispered power company successor agency and
southwest pittsburgh ghad ii calendar. Those have two
only three discloses for.
calendar items 14 and 15. Pursuant to governor
code extend 54953 c 3, 14, a recommendation to approve
the minutes to this to the attorney employment agreement. The amendment
includes a revision of the agreement terms and increase in
the salary by 5%.
the 21,252 monthly, affective july
10, 2022.
that provides for salary increases based on a consumer price
index, cpa, council approval.
for item number 15, pursuant to government code section 54953,
c 3, agenda item number 15 recordation to approve
the amendments to the city manager employment agreement
. The amendment includes a salary increase of 7 1/2%
to $23,097.83 monthly.
effective july 10, 2022.
a revision of the annual evaluation terms. I will now
take a motion and a second.
>> mayor, I make a motion to approve
this consent item calendar items that your 15.
>> I second that motion.
>> thank you. Please cast your votes.
motion passes unanimously.
all right. Now to the counsel requests for
future agenda items. Would any councilmember like to make a request for future
agenda items at this time?
moving on to councilmember remarks. Would
any councilmember like to make any remarks at this time?
vice mayor shanelle scales-preston?
>> yes, thank you, mr. Mayor. On saturday
, councilmember
merl craft and myself went out to -- known as motel 6. The
buffalo soldiers and supervisor provided a
thanksgiving meal. A hot meal.
councilwoman merl craft and myself played it close to 200 meals and
they all delivered individually, due to
covid. So someone took a meal to each apartment or
room there. I just appreciate them for constantly
thinking about doing this every year. I think this has
been done for the past couple years in the community there.
they were really happy to have a hot meal for thanksgiving. Also
, after we left from there [ laughter ] we went over
to attend a youth conference for young
women for ages 12 to 21. That was put
on by andrea taylor. She put on this conference annually.
we were happy to have some of our pittsburgh youth there
and they focus on confidence and self-esteem. Mental health
. It was just great to have some of our
young ladies on stage and be able to be confident enough to talk
about, you know, things like until health and
-- it is tough when you are that age. And to actually, they
did a, what was it called? They did a sketch
with a mere appeared she brought a mirror on stage, andrea did it
so she has these young ladies to look in the mirror and tell me what
you think of yourself. And for them to be there to stand on stage and
like I like this about myself, but I don't like that. But you
know? It's okay, I don't care what people think because I think I am
awesome anyway. Have that confidence with adults recognize the things
that they don't like. So I look forward to working with andrea more
with our young ladies here in the city. Thank
you.
>> thank you, vice mayor shanelle scales-preston.
would anybody else like to make any remarks at this time?
>> yes. We also, yesterday, we went, the soldiers put
on, they brought out so we can go see -- and so that is
the story and so afterwards, they had discussion
as to what did it mean to them are what did they understand
about it? And one of the things that was the most, I think, the
thing that really shook them was the fact that this story was from
1955. It wasn't until 2021, no, 2022, that
it was, lynching
was actually put on the books.
and so, the question was one of them asked was, why would that take
so long? And vice mayor shanelle scales-preston
said because it is about voting and putting
people in place and in power that can make those type of changes.
until that happens, change doesn't happen. So
that was a good learning experience for them.
it was a lot of youth there as well. We just appreciate
the soldiers for continuing to try to educate the community. Thank
you.
>> thank you.
are there any other comments at this time?
all right, seeing none, we will close this meeting in memory of
two individuals that passed away recently. Joan
and elaine cox works.
joan started her first common practice here in
partners in 1970, working for agencies throughout
the bay area, including pittsburgh.
following her retirement from the firm, she started, she worked
as a consultant.
recently, she especially loved working for pittsburgh
. She helped him enter some of the city's most largest and consequential
project throughout the years. Including the cable,
the expansion of the recycling center and transfer station,
columbia was solo through delta energy storage project
. While she was never formally part of the pittsburgh staff, she was
an important member of the team.
elaine cox works passed away today. She was a former
employee and she worked for the pittsburgh economic housing and
development corporation during the housing crisis of 2008. I would
also like to invite councilmember kraft
to share any additional comments or remarks about either one of these
individuals.
>> yes, and so along with rosemary, she was also, she
worked for -- which the downtown office and especially
during the crisis of 2008, trying to keep people in their homes.
and through today, she was at her office when she had a heart attack.
one of the things she was doing was working on homeless rights and
on housing that was the commitment she had made to this
community and to the county. That would be
elaine cox brooks.
>> we will close tonight's meeting in their honor.