Tiburon’s sister city (Zip Code 94920 is technically Belvedere-Tiburon, CA according to USPS info, etc) Belvedere, California has launched a new website. It is brand spanking new, so don’t expect everything to be fully functional yet, but it looks like it will be  a fantastic vehicle for the City of Belvedere to communicate with its residents.

http://www.cityofbelvedere.org/

Tiburon and Belvedere are located in Marin County on the North Shore of the San Francisco Bay. Belvedere-Tiburon, CA has breathtaking views of the San Francisco Skyline, The Golden Gate Bridge and Angel Island State Park. It’s adjacent neighbors are Sausalito, Mill Valley, Strawberry and Corte Madera.

Construction Activity on the Uptick

The rain has slowed and work begins on numerous construction projects, both public and private, in Belvedere.  As you drive around the City streets you will likely find an increase in the number of roadway encroachments, road closure activity, and equipment storage in the public rights-of-way and on private property.

All of these areas will hopefully be well marked, signed, and coned for safety if they are in the public right-of-way.  Permits are required to conduct work or store material within the public right-of-way and the City’s E-News attempts to provide you with advance warning of any such activity.  But all of this activity will present some navigational challenges.

Encroachments

Encroachments include virtually anything that goes over, under, upon, or uses any right-of-way or watercourse in such a manner as to prevent, alter or interfere with its normal use.  City permits are required for all encroachments that affect the use of right-of-way for any significant period of time.

Exceptions are made for common sense activity such as refuse cans during normal collection and intermittent or transient activity lasting a minimal amount of time – this is totally discretionary on the part of the City and if anything ends up lasting longer than anticipated or presents an unacceptable roadway hazard an encroachment permit may be required.  If you are planning on constructing, placing or maintaining any material on, over, under, or within a right-of-way or constructing, placing or maintaining any pathway, sidewalk, driveway, curb, gutter, paving or other surface or subsurface drainage structure or facility, or any pipe, conduit, wire or cable in, on, or upon the right-of-way – an encroachment permit and more may be required.

In general, most temporary encroachments in Belvedere involve the storage of materials or debris related to an ongoing construction project or temporary repairs or roadwork.  A list of permitted encroachments is maintained at City Hall and we try and put as many known encroachments into the weekly E-News as are available at the time of publication.  Often, the need for an encroachment is realized just before it occurs and permits are obtained (hopefully) in advance of their occurrence.

Road Closures

Road closures occur when traffic in an area is either diverted or controlled in such a manner as to limit passage.  The City discourages road closures because they are very challenging to coordinate for emergency response.  But sometimes, projects will require a roadway to be closed because allowing the continuance of pedestrian or vehicular traffic would be unsafe.  Common road closure situations involve emergency or scheduled road work, sewer system work, underground or overhead electrical or gas line work, water system work, large equipment delivery, or construction project deliveries.  All require a permit.  The roads in Belvedere are narrow and winding.  Signage and/or flag personnel are necessary for road closure activity.  Advance warning is given whenever possible.

As mentioned, the City discourages road closures because they have a significant impact on traffic flow and emergency response.  For example, a road closure on Corinthian Island will prevent public safety access using normal traffic routes beyond the closure location.  Public safety vehicles and normal traffic flow has to be diverted and rerouted in the opposite direction of normal traffic flow to coordinate the closure.  A road closure on mid-Bayview, for example, requires public safety response to “back up” from the Beach/Bayview intersection to get to a response at the road closure location (fire engines cannot make the Beach to Bayview turn) or traverse entirely around Belvedere Island to come in directly.   In an emergency, a timely response is paramount.

This situation arises at numerous locations around Belvedere Island.  Road closures must be coordinated across the entirety of the City simultaneously to facilitate continuous public safety access.  During heavy construction periods when private and public projects compete for time outside of the rain season to get work accomplished the City will receive numerous requests for road closures.

Coordinating road closure requests from Marin Municipal Water District for emergency and non-emergency repairs, PG&E for utility improvement projects, private property owner lateral connections, underground box placement, Sanitary District No. 5 for emergency and non-emergency repairs, routine maintenance of both public and private property, AT&T and Comcast for service connections and system upgrades both public and private requests, City projects for road resurfacing, retaining wall work, tree trimming, etc. all together with private construction projects, large equipment and furniture deliveries, tree trimming work, large landscape projects, private utility improvements, moving and moving vehicles, UPS and FedEx deliveries, etc. – all coordinated with normal traffic activity – it’s quite a feat and not without considerable challenge.  One or two unplanned emergency repair needs and the whole system is thrown into limbo delaying work scheduled by private property owners, public projects, and utility companies.  The whole situation is magnified by the City’s narrow and winding roadways.  It is not an envious spot to be in to tell a private property owner that their delivery cannot occur as scheduled, their concrete pour for their construction project cannot happen or advise a City contractor that work cannot occur as required because a water main or gas line needs an emergency repair.  But it happens and it happens quite often so your understanding is truly appreciated.

How You Can Help

Inconvenience for those directly impacted by the immediately adjacent work is only one part of the headache factor.  Inconvenience for those passing by, seeking to get through the area, etc. is another.  The faster the work can get accomplished the faster the crews will be out of the area.  Your patience is greatly appreciated.  We understand one’s personal sense of urgency for appointments, schedules, meetings, etc. so here are few tips for navigating through the City during times of heavy activity:

1)  Stay aware.  Know your alternative routes.  If there is alternate route you can take to avoid the construction or road closure activity, it is advised that you do so.
2)  Stay informed.  Subscribe to the City’s weekly E-News to stay informed of permitted road closures and encroachments.
3)  Stay alert.  Road closures and public construction work requires advance signage.  Cones and barricades are often out in advance alerting you to upcoming activity.  Distracted driving (the use of cell phones, texting, hand-held devices etc.) prevents one’s ability to stay alert for directional signage, flag personnel, or sudden changes in roadway conditions.
4)  Stay calm.  If a road closure is occurring and you are delayed, stay calm as you navigate through the area.  On the City’s narrow roadways, turning around is always easier in a calm state of mind.
5)  Stay in communication.  If you are approaching a flag person give visual indication of your intentions if possible.  If you desire to turn at the intersection controlled by the flag person, use your signal indicators so that they are aware of which direction you are seeking to go.  This is helpful as they direct the traffic flow.  Cars and pedestrians should only pass through the upon the direction of the posted flag personnel – proceeding otherwise may be unsafe for you, the construction personnel, and/or potential on-coming one way traffic.

It is easy to predict that in the coming months there is likely to be continuous construction activity on virtually every major street in Belvedere at some point in time.  Your cooperation, understanding, and patience is truly appreciated as these public and private projects progress and complete.  Should you have concerns about encroachments or road closures in the City, feel free to contact our Public Works Manager Scott Derdenger at 435.3838.

George Rodericks
City Manager
City of Belvedere
450 San Rafael Avenue
Belvedere, CA 94920
415.435.3838 – Office
415.412.1281 – Mobile

SEE MORE AT THE BELVEDERE CITY MANAGER’S BLOG

The Highs and Lows of the Lagoon

Life on the Belvedere Lagoon could be described as idyllic, but it is not without its challenges.  From water life to water levels the Lagoon is a living, breathing eco-system that seeks balance between nature and science.  The most recent science challenge for the Lagoon is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood base floodplain map adopted in 2009.  Recognizing that compliance with the new floodplain map could be a significant challenge to property owners on the Lagoon, in 2010 the City initiated a Citizens’ Flood Zone Committee to sort out a few key issues.

The Map

The first issue, was a healthy discussion with FEMA on the requirements of the 2009 Floodplain Map and its implications for the protection of life and property on the Lagoon.  In short, this issue will involve studies to identify the current viability of the existing levees along San Rafael Avenue and Beach Road together with a study to identify key threats related to local hydrology – all with an eye toward reducing the overall flood threat.

Design solutions could include anything from fortification of the existing levees, to construction of new levee systems, to construction of elaborate drainage control systems, to enhancement of Lagoon management requirements, to nothing at all.  The outcome of the studies, the City’s partnership with FEMA, and community input will dictate the necessary outcome – after that, it becomes a policy discussion for the City Council.   That discussion will revolve around timing, feasibility, and cost.  This will be a long and involved process – in reality, it will be several years from present day to a solution.  Cost and apportionment of that cost will also be an issue that will need considerable discussion.  There will be no immediate solutions that will be acceptable to everyone.

Are there obvious, easy solutions?  Yes.  The City could simply authorize an increase in the height and fortification of the existing levees on Beach Road and San Rafael Avenue.  This would protect the majority of homes and this was discussed several years ago when the City first heard rumblings from FEMA that the maps would be revised.  There was mixed opposition and support from property owners on the Lagoon as well as the Island for the single proposal addressing San Rafael Avenue.

Costs were estimated to be upwards of $2 million.  Yet now, looking back, if the City had authorized the project (assuming the cost issues and permitting approvals from outside agencies could be dealt with – BCDC, Army Corp of Engineers, CEQA, etc.) the design would have been insufficient for the still changing mandates of the FEMA map requirements and the project would not have met the goal of life and property protection.  It would have been a waste of time and resources.  Another easy solution is to do nothing.  Property owners in the flood zone are required to obtain flood insurance with any federally backed mortgage. Cost and risk is allocated directly to each property owner and development of the property must comply with the flood requirements by raising the finished floor of structures to points above the floodplain.

Careful study and analysis is needed.  The cost of a real and final solution that addresses the global issues is far more than the $2 million project discussed several years ago.  Full circle, the City Council must ultimately decide on a project or decide on no project at all that addresses the protection of life and property of the affected property owners considering design, aesthetics, community acceptance, feasibility, timing, cost, and apportionment of that cost.  The community itself may likely have an opportunity to vote on some of these issues.  But even now, you have an opportunity to be involved.  The Flood Committee is the first place to start.  In reality, we are several years away from initiation of an actual construction solution, but the discussion of how to get to that solution is occurring now – and you’re invited to participate.

The Zoning

The second discussion revolves around land use.  Presently, homes in the floodplain face development challenges.  If a property owner wishes to remodel the home, the threshold for FEMA compliance is 50% of the appraised value of the home.  If the remodel or renovation results in a development that represents more than 50% of the appraised value of the home, the finished floor of the entire structure (livable spaces) must be raised above the floodplain.  If the development is less than the 50% trigger, the finished floor does not have to be raised.  One issue this presents is that it encourages serial development projects.  One year, a property owner develops 50% of the home, the next they do the remainder – in an attempt to circumvent the requirement to raise the finished floor.  Neighborhoods could be under construction continuously, homes and projects would be “piecemeal” construction, and homeowners would not be able to develop their homes in ways that they may otherwise desire to develop their homes.

So now, let’s assume someone pulls the trigger and decides to remodel or rebuild their home.  In order for the City to issue a permit, the project must comply with the current FEMA floodplain requirements – i.e. raising the finished floors.  A permit cannot be issued for development that occurs in violation of the floodplain requirements.  Because of the topography of the lagoon properties and the current zoning restrictions for heights, setbacks, and design review requirements, each property owner will face different challenges with bringing their property into compliance.  Some property owners may seek a second floor that will inevitably encounter elevation challenges as the finished floor height rises and the roof height remains the same – essentially squishing the home between the floor and roof – making the inside ceiling heights less than desired.  Since the zoning regulations are static and the finished floor height requirements are dynamic based on one’s lot elevation in relation to the floodplain, different properties are affected in different ways.  All of this and we haven’t even begun to discuss side yard fencing issues, windows, privacy, screening, and overall design aesthetic.   A challenging issue to say the least.

The Flood Committee is working to address these issues as well.  The discussion is centering around what to recommend to the Planning Commission so that they can work out the details.  Ultimately, the City Council would be the body adopting any ordinance changes.  There are always alternatives and in this discussion there are many.  But overall, the goal is to provide equity for development to affected property owners while also providing a set of definitive guides for development – a set of expectations that property owners and neighbors can plainly see and interpret relating to potential property development.  The City has engaged the services of a land use consultant to help with the discussion.  The consultant is the very same consultant used for the City’s General Plan so there is already a healthy understanding of the City and the issues.  To help, the City’s engineering consultant for the project has produced maps of structure high points on the lagoon using the survey data provided by FEMA.  The maps show structure high points, lowest ground points within 7′ of structures, nearest relevant curb heights, parcels and building footprints.  Looking at the maps (available for viewing at City Hall and digitally via the City’s website), you can get an idea of to what elevation your finished floor would need to be increased.  At the end of the day, you would need to have the information validated via a survey, but the maps can give you a general idea.

It is hoped that zoning and land use solutions can be identified and implemented in reasonably short order (6 months or so from now) so that property development can continue on the lagoon in predictable ways.  One can develop now within the current standards, but there is little flexibility with respect to compliance with the FEMA floodplain requirements.  Recent concerns have been raised related to interim zoning and land use solutions that are not “backwards compatible” – meaning that if the ultimate solution of increased and/or new levees is implemented and the flood zone is eliminated or the floodplain level reduced, what happens to the standards and what happens to those properties that developed or are being developed under them?  Will these homes now “stick out” in the community?  Careful consideration in this regard must be taken to ensure that the standards developed are fair, aesthetically acceptable, and acceptable in the long-term.  Here too, you have an opportunity to be involved.  The Flood Committee is the first place to start.  The discussion of how to get to the acceptable solution is occurring now – and you’re invited to participate.

More information can be found on the City’s website – resources, surveys, maps, discussion alternatives, minutes, agendas, audio, etc.

George Rodericks
City Manager
City of Belvedere
450 San Rafael Avenue
Belvedere, CA 94920
415.435.3838 Office
415.412.1281 Mobile
grodericks@cityofbelvedere.org

SEE MORE AT THE BELVEDERE CITY MANAGER’S BLOG

As most Belvedere Lagoon property residents are aware, you are required to have flood insurance if you have a federally backed mortgage or line of credit. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) premiums are paid annually through your property insurance carrier.

Historically residents paid an annual “preferred rate” of $300 – $400 based on a FEMA flood plain map that included only two properties on the lagoon. In 2009, possibly due to property losses as a result of Katrina, FEMA revised the maps throughout the country encompassing many additional properties including every single lagoon property, portions of West Shore Road, and downtown Tiburon. This was accompanied by an approximate 400% rate increase from “preferred” to “standard” flood insurance rates. Recently, because of the significant impact, FEMA announced a roll back to preferred rates for a two year period to allow a more gradual financial impact. This should be reflected in your NFIP assessment for 2011 and 2012. Unfortunately some carriers are unaware of the roll back. In that case it is suggested that you contact them again and emphasize the rollback.  You can refer your carrier to the following website for more detailed information and an agent fact sheet:

http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/prp_agents.shtm

What is the City dong with respect to the new Flood Zone?  Soon after the new Flood Zone Maps were adopted and the new rate increases were announced, the City created a Citizens Flood Zone Committee consisting of 15 local individuals, many of whom have strong engineering and financial backgrounds. The Committee has been meeting monthly over the past year to consider options available to Belvedere.  The temptation to challenge FEMA, although perhaps personally satisfying, was determined to be ill advised as it might result in years of frustration, inordinate delays and legal expense, and failure to achieve any real changes. After consulting with the City Council, the Committee has elected to pursue a cooperative effort with FEMA directed toward assessing the real flood risk on the lagoon and identify possible mitigation measures that could be implemented.

Integral to the lagoon’s flood protection are existing seawalls (levees) at San Rafael Avenue and Beach Road, and diversion of run off from the Tiburon hills. To address that concern following the flooding in 1982, the City added additional rip-rap to the San Rafael Avenue levee and constructed a diversion project at significant cost.  Funds were provided via the Belvedere Lagoon Property Owners Association, the City of Belvedere, and FEMA.  In addition, the Belvedere Lagoon Properties Owners Association has installed mechanically operated gates and pumps to control lagoon water levels.  All these efforts collectively add substantial flood protection to the lagoon properties, witnessed by the fact that there has not been significant flood events since 1982.

However, FEMA’s recent 2009 map does not give these measures the viability they deserve.  That is one of the issues the Flood Committee will be addressing with FEMA.  What has now become apparent is that none of the City’s efforts have yet been “certified” by FEMA and the mitigation measures were not given full credit with the 2009 map.  By forming a Cooperative Technical Partnership (CTP) with FEMA the City will seek the necessary certifications.  To help the City reach this goal, we have engaged the services of an engineering firm with extensive FEMA experience to design and conduct the necessary studies to affirm the integrity of the seawalls and capacity of the diversion project.  FEMA will participate in the cost incurred. Once this is completed FEMA may require additional seawall height and/or additional diversion. Should that be required the City will seek additional financial assistance to defray the costs – primarily grant funding through federal or state agencies.  The City is also aware of the issues the new FEMA map requirements create in regard to residential construction on the lagoon and there is a subcommittee working proactively with the planning department and planning commission to deal with the concerns and potentially develop “interim” zoning and design review standards.

The process is challenging and will take considerable effort and time.  It is unlikely that solutions will be immediate and it is unlikely that whatever solutions are developed will be well-received by everyone.   But once completed, it is hoped that those properties presently in the flood zone will be either removed from the flood zone entirely or the impact will be mitigated to a significant degree.

To keep abreast of the issues, you are encouraged to monitor the weekly E-News and/or attend the regular meetings of the Flood Zone Committee (2nd Wednesday’s at 6:30 pm in City Hall), which are open to the public.  You can also visit the City’s Flood Committee website at the following link for resources and agenda links:

http://www.cityofbelvedere.org/cz_floodzone.html

SEE MORE AT THE BELVEDERE CITY MANAGER’S BLOG

CITY OF BELVEDERE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTE:  This is not an agenda. The agenda will be posted and available the Friday before the meeting.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 6:30 p.m., the Planning Commission of the City of Belvedere will hold a regular meeting at 450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere, California, to consider the following actions:

1. Resolution of approval for Demolition, Design Review, Second Unit Permit and Exception to Total Floor Area for construction of a new, 6,323-square-foot, three-story residence at 39 Belvedere Avenue and a new 598-square-foot second unit. CEQA status: categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301 and 15303, Existing Facilities and New Construction. Property Owner: 39 Belvedere, LLC. Applicant: Aidlin Darling Designs.
2. Design Review, Variance and Exception to Total Floor Area for modifications to plans for property at 339 Golden Gate Avenue, approved by means of Resolutions 2010-029, 2010-041, and 2010-042 adopted by the Planning Commission on May 18, 2010 and June 15, 2010. Changes include new windows and doors, as well as retroactive increase in the scope of demolition. Variance includes a new dormer which exceeds permitted building height. Applicant and Property Owner: Elizabeth Danel.
3. Use Permit for new exercise studio business at 1550 Tiburon Boulevard, Suite O. CEQA status: 15301 Existing Facilities. Property Owner: Belvedere Land Company. Applicant: Ireland-Robinson & Hadley.
4. Retroactive Design Review for property at 2 Britton Avenue including effectively removing four trees at the rear of the property, removing trees from the front of the property and partial construction of a new railing. Application includes additional trees and continuation of the glass railing system. CEQA status: categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15303. Applicant and Property Owner: Raj Pherwani.
5. Exception to Total Floor Area for property at 322 San Rafael Avenue for the addition of approximately 40 square feet for new translucent cover in an existing trellis at gate. Property Owner: Melanie Maier. Applicant: Studio Green Landscape Architecture.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that at the above time and place, all letters received will be noted, and all interested parties will be heard.  Please note that if you challenge in court any of the matters described above, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the above-referenced public hearing [Government Code Section 65009(b)(2)]. Please submit any correspondence by April 4, 2011 for inclusion in the staff report distributed to the Commission before the meeting. Items will not necessarily be heard in the above order, nor, because of possible changes or extenuating conditions, be on the actual agenda.  For additional information, please contact City Hall.

450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere, CA 94920  (415) 435-3838

SEE MORE AT THE BELVEDERE CITY MANAGER’S BLOG

Significance of voyage and initial settlement for Japanese Americans compared to the Mayflower journey and Plymouth Rock landing for European Americans

The Belvedere Tiburon Landmarks Society will be displaying an exhibit that tells the story of the first Japanese colony that sailed to America on the paddle steamer China in 1869. Gold had been discovered only 20 years earlier, and California was now the new frontier of opportunity. The original colony of eight farmers, craftsmen and Samurai came from Japan’s Aizu-Wakamatsu colony. At that time, Japan’s greatest export was tea and silk, and the plan was to start an agricultural colony. They gathered thousands of tea and mulberry trees to feed the silk worms, escaped the ongoing Civil War in Japan, and sailed to San Francisco on the China. Moving up to the Gold Country, they developed the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony from 1869 to 1871, recognized by the State of California as the first Japanese settlement in the U.S. Despite the short history of the colony, it was an important milestone that helped bridge Japanese and American cultures and pave the way for large-scale emigration of Japanese settlers to the United States.

The exhibit will be presented at the restored China Cabin, once the elegant social hall of the paddle steamer China that sailed between San Francisco and the Far East starting in the 1860s. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the restoration and opening of the China Cabin to the public. This year’s open season to the public starts with the recognition of the first Japanese immigrants.

Descriptive panels will track the history of the Wakamatsu Colony, and the exhibit will include Japanese swords and other artifacts. A private event will kick off the exhibit on March 31st; subsequently the China Cabin will be open to the general public every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1-4pm throughout April. The China Cabin is located at 52 Beach Road in Belvedere, California.

The Belvedere Tiburon Landmarks Society manages and maintains Old St. Hilary Landmarks and the surrounding wildflower preserve, Landmarks Art & Garden Center, the China Cabin, and the Railroad Ferry & Depot Museum. The Landmarks History Collection includes photographs, fine art, artifacts, maps, documents, and a reference library. The Landmarks sites are open to the general public from April through October each year.

For more information, visit http://www.landmarks-society.org/.

SEE MORE AT THE BELVEDERE CITY MANAGER’S BLOG

The Belvedere Community Foundation recently awarded two $10,000 gifts to Senior Access to launch a new program in Southern Marin. The first gift of $10,000 supports the initial launch of the program. The second gift of $10,000 is a matching challenge grant to drive expansion and community support.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6000 Marin County residents live with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia; most of them live at home and are cared for by family members. “We have an aging population on the Belvedere/Tiburon Peninsula,” said Claire McAuliffe, Vice President of the Belvedere Community Foundation, “and we want to be sure that our friends and neighbors are not isolated. Caring for a family member with dementia is a full-time job. Our mission at the Belvedere Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life of our neighbors. That’s why we are supporting the Club at Senior Access in Belvedere with this gift.”

The inspiration for opening a Senior Access program in Southern Marin is credited to Reverend Jim Ward, retired pastor at St. Stephen’s Church, who expressed concern about his community.  “Many of our congregants were missing church services and I knew that they were vulnerable, older adults, living alone or with a family member. Sometimes they would call the church just to have someone to talk to or dial 911 to be comforted by the local paramedics! That’s when I contacted Cris Chater from Senior Access,” said Reverend Ward.

“Senior Access is social club,” said Ms. Chater, Executive Director of Senior Access. “We provide specialized activities and a social milieu for older adults living with memory loss.”

Research scientists have been trying to identify a cure for Alzheimer’s disease for a longtime. There are pills and patches on the market, but nothing is proven to be effective. In the absence of a cure or treatment, the best option is quality care and aneducated caregiver. Research suggests that the key contributors to healthy aging are exercise, a healthy diet and socialization and Senior Access offers all three.

“The Club at Senior Access in Belvedere provides activities that are designed to engage people who live with dementia. Everything we do becomes a way to engage – morning coffee, intergenerational activities, memory games, and expressive arts,” said Ms. Chater.

“St. Stephen’s Church is proud of our community involvement, and in particular, our partnership with Senior Access. Senior Access offers those people, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, an engaged lifestyle. This engagement continues St. Stephen’s long tradition of supporting our community, especially older adults, in life- affirming ways,” said Reverend Gieselmann of St. Stephen’s Church.

In addition to specialized activities for people living with memory loss, the Club provides respite for family caregivers. Families become overwhelmed with the tasks associated with twenty-four hour caregiving. As a society, we value keeping the family together and “caring for our own” for as long as possible. “Respite can be the key to maintaining healthy relationships,” said Ms. Chater. “It can make the difference between providing care at home and premature institutionalization.”

“The Belvedere Community Foundation is proud to partner with Senior Access in providing much-needed care and respite for these emergent populations,” said Ms. McAuliffe. “Sitting at home in front of the TV is simply not an option for our neighbors.”

Senior Access recently acquired the last adult day services license for its new program. Because of the California budget crisis, no more licenses are being issued at this time. The club at Senior Access in Belvedere is open on Tuesdays from 10 AM – 3 PM. Senior Access also hosts a social club in San Rafael Monday – Friday from 10:00am – 3:00pm. The cost is $95 a day, which includes a lunch time meal and all activities. For more information about the Club at Senior Access, call 415-491-2500 or visit our website at www.senioraccess.org.

The Club at Senior Access is Marin’s favorite social club for folks with memory loss. The program is a mix of expressive arts, entertainment and personal care provided by professionally trained staff.

Senior Access was founded in 1973 and is located in San Rafael and Belvedere. It is a nonprofit licensed adult day program providing services for older adults and their caregivers, specializing in Alzheimer’s care. Adult day programs reduce isolation and help maintain physical, cognitive and emotional health of the participants and their family caregivers.

For more information about the program, please call 415-491-2500, email info@senioraccess.org or visit us online at www.senioraccess.org.

SEE MORE AT THE BELVEDERE CITY MANAGER’S BLOG

CITY OF BELVEDERE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTE:  This is not an agenda. The agenda will be posted and available the Friday before the meeting.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 6:30 p.m., the Planning Commission of the City of Belvedere will hold a regular meeting at 450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere, California, to consider the following actions:

1. Design Review, Exception to Total Floor Area, Second Unit, Variances, and Revocable License for property at 285 Bayview Avenue for construction of a 876-square-foot second unit within the existing single-family residential structure, minor exterior modifications associated with the second unit including window and door replacement on east elevation at existing garage level.  Variances are for the size of second unit and non-conforming parking.  CEQA status:  categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301, Existing Facilities.  Property Owner:  Joy Reisner.  Applicant:  John Swain.
2. City of Belvedere Housing Element progress report, including SB 375 overview and presentation of ABAG’s One Bay Area Initiative. CEQA status: Exempt pursuant to 15378(b)(3), Not a Project. Property Owner: Citywide. Applicant: City of Belvedere.
3. Consideration of City of Belvedere’s Climate Action Plan. The Climate Action Plan presents existing and potential strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 15% below 2005 levels by 2020. CEQA status: exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3). Applicant and Property Owner: Citywide.
4. Design Review, Exception to Total Floor Area, and Variance for modifications to plans for property at 339 Golden Gate Avenue, approved by means of Resolutions 2010-029, 2010-041, and 2010-042 adopted by the Planning Commission on May 18, 2010 and June 15, 2010. Changes include new dormer, windows and doors, as well as retroactive increase in the scope of demolition Applicant and Property Owner: Elizabeth Danel.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that at the above time and place, all letters received will be noted, and all interested parties will be heard.  Please note that if you challenge in court any of the matters described above, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the above-referenced public hearing [Government Code Section 65009(b)(2)]. Please submit any correspondence by March 3, 2011 for inclusion in the staff report distributed to the Commission before the meeting. Items will not necessarily be heard in the above order, nor, because of possible changes or extenuating conditions, be on the actual agenda.  For additional information, please contact City Hall.

450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere, CA 94920  (415) 435-3838

Date Posted:  February 24, 2011

SEE MORE AT THE BELVEDERE CITY MANAGER’S BLOG

A recent email conversation with a resident has prompted me to put this into blog form and send it out for the rest of the community.  The resident noted that the information would not only do the community well to understand; but from the perspective of public education it would serve the City well too.  The issue originated due to a concerned citizen’s observation of multiple road closures in an area of the community already inundated by closures.

As most of the community realizes, the relationship between the City and the numerous public utilities is a delicate balance of needs, demands, and cooperation.  Often, the City has to resort to pressuring the utility to comply with what most of us would observe as common courtesy and basic cooperation.  It is a delicate balance as most utilities are already working on several different projects in the City with critical timing issues (Bayview/Bella Vista Undergrounding, Mid-San Rafael Undergrounding, the R20 Connector Project, and other small projects) and in those projects we expressly desire the cooperation of the utility.

Most utility projects in the City will involve road closures, encroachments, underground vault installations, etc.   Not to mention the requests by the utility for their own initiated utility maintenance requirements.  All of these services are “critical” services for residents (a matter of perspective – believe me, we get angry, frustrated, and repetitive calls when cable or telephone services are lost) – and rightfully so – but the City’s control over a utility is extremely limited by the State’s erosion of local control.

With respect to road closures (one area we CAN control), the City cannot authorize road closures that conflict given the City’s narrow streets and access ways.  All road closures and encroachments must be coordinated in advance and with each other as well as with fire and police services.  It is not simply a matter of notification, the closures and encroachments must be coordinated so that if fire services needs to “stage” an emergency service vehicle in the area to maintain access they are alerted that they must do so.  Each and every road closure must go through that process. In other words, we cannot allow closures on two parallel streets that would prevent or significantly hinder fire and emergency service vehicle access to an area.  Often, closure requests are denied and work is postponed.  When there is an unanticipated road closure (i.e. an emergency with or without advance warning), the whole schedule gets tossed out and has to be re-written.  This is often why some areas will experience serial closures or bumped closure dates in a particular area – utilities are trying to play catchup.

SEE MORE AT THE BELVEDERE CITY MANAGER’S BLOG

CITY OF BELVEDERE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTE:  This is not an agenda. The agenda will be posted and available the Friday before the meeting.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 6:30 p.m., the Planning Commission of the City of Belvedere will hold a regular meeting at 450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere, California, to consider the following actions:

1. Design Review, Second Unit, Variances, and Revocable License for property at 285 Bayview Avenue for construction of an 876-square-foot second unit within an existing single-family-residence, and minor exterior modifications including window and door replacement at existing basement/garage level, and replace existing stone patio.  Variances are for second unit size and non-conforming parking of one full space where three are required.  CEQA status:  Categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301, Existing Facilities.  Property Owner:  Joy Reisner.  Applicant:  John Swain.
2. Design Review, Exception to Total Floor Area, Variance, and Revocable License for property at 140 Bayview Avenue for construction of a 362-square-foot living space under an existing covered deck and within an existing basement of a single-family-residence for a total floor area of 4,486-square-feet and install a new deck at the lower level.  Variance request is for lot coverage of 39.6 percent where 30 percent is permitted.  CEQA status:  categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301, Existing Facilities.  Property Owners:  Allan H. Cadgene and Catherine M. Beaulieu.  Applicant:  Roger Hartley.
3. City of Belvedere Housing Element progress report, including compliance with SB 375 and presentation of ABAG’s “One Bay Area” initiative. CEQA status: Exempt pursuant to 15378(b)(3), Not a Project. Property Owner: Citywide. Applicant: City of Belvedere.
4. Design Review and Revocable License for remodel and partial demolition of 41% of the exterior of an existing 4,558-square-foot residence built prior to 1963 at 3 Bellevue Ave. Remodel includes removal of nonconformities, and construction of a new building foundation and parking structure. Property Owner: Marcel Houtzager. Applicant: Steve Wisenbaker, AIA.
5. Extension of expiration of Design Review and Exception to Total Floor Area approvals for property at 298 Belvedere Ave granted by means of Resolution 2009-023 and 2009-024 adopted by the Belvedere City Council on November 9, 2009. CEQA status: 15303. Applicants and Property Owners: Roger and Penelope Snow.
6. Extension of expiration of Demolition, Design Review and Exception to Total Floor Area for property at 43 West Shore Road, granted by means of Resolutions 2008-053 to 2008-055, adopted by the Planning Commission on August 19, 2008. Project includes demolition of the existing residence and construction of a new 4,830-square-foot residence, dock and boatlifts. CEQA status: Initial Study and Negative Declaration. Property Owner: Peter Gerwe. Applicant: Hunter Architecture. Ltd.
7. General Plan Amendment incorporating updates to the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan in the Safety and Stability Element, including a new Flood Management Plan. LHMP and FMP include measures that the City has taken, is taking, or will take to identify hazards, remove hazards and study possible mitigations for hazards. CEQA status: Exempt pursuant to 15378(b)(3), Not a Project. Property Owner: Citywide. Applicant: City of Belvedere.
8. Zoning Ordinance Amendment to add new Chapter 19.75, Planned Unit Development, to Title 19, Zoning Ordinance, of the Belvedere Municipal Code. New regulations would permit Planning Commission and City Council review and approval of project-specific development standards for sites re-zoned “PUD – Planned Unit Development” on the City of Belvedere Official Zoning Map. Property Owner: Citywide. Applicant: City of Belvedere.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that at the above time and place, all letters received will be noted, and all interested parties will be heard.  Please note that if you challenge in court any of the matters described above, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the above-referenced public hearing [Government Code Section 65009(b)(2)]. Please submit any correspondence by February 3, 2011 for inclusion in the staff report distributed to the Commission before the meeting. Items will not necessarily be heard in the above order, nor, because of possible changes or extenuating conditions, be on the actual agenda.  For additional information, please contact City Hall.

450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere, CA 94920  (415) 435-3838

Date Posted: January 27, 2011

Planning Manager

SEE MORE AT THE BELVEDERE CITY MANAGER’S BLOG