Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 08-07-02MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2002 The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on August 7, 2002, the notice for which had been legally noticed and posted, at 6:33 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. Roll was taken and the following Councilmembers were present: Larson, Libby, and Vice Mayor Baldwin. Absent: Mayor Ashiku and Councilmember Smith. Staff present: Public Utilities Director Barnes, Interim Fire Chief Cohn, Community Services Director DeKnoblough, Assistant City Manager Fierro, Personnel Officer Harris, City Attorney Rapport, Planning Director Stump, and City Clerk Ulvila. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Larson led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. PRESENTATION 3a. Presentation by the City of Ukiah Grant Recipients for the California Boys' State Program Harold Maxwell, Commander/CEO of Lewis White Post 76, the American Legion, advised that the American Legion was awarded a grant from the City last year to send some students to the California Boys State Program. Ralph Paulim, Boys State Chairman, thanked Council for sponsoring the Boys State Program through the American Legion. The American Legion sent three boys from Ukiah High School to the statewide program, which included a weeklong course on government. The boys selected were Andre Pollesel, Scott Welch, and Jerry Ward. Andre Pollesel discussed his experiences as a participant in Boys State and stated it is a very rewarding program. 3. PRESENTATION 3b. Introduction of New Employee within the Electric Utility Division of the Public Utilities Department Public Utilities Director Barnes advised that Cynthia Sauers has assumed the position of Electrical Distribution Engineer in the Electrical Division of the Public Utilities Department. She graduated from New Mexico State University in 1995 with a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering. Immediately following graduation, she worked as a design engineer for Qwest Communications in Denver. Cindy has spent the past five years doing Power Distribution for a large open pit copper mine in Miami, Arizona. Cynthia Sauers expressed her appreciation for being selected for this position with the City. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Adjourned Regular Meeting of June 25-26, 2002, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting August 7, 2002 Page 1 of 8 M/S Larson/Libby approving the Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes of June 25 and 26, 2002, as presented, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Mayor Ashiku and Councilmember Smith. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4b. Regular Meeting of July 17, 2002 Councilmember Libby recommended the following corrections to the minutes: Page 3, second sentence should read, "She approves of the resolution in theory, but would prefer to see it approached as a neighborhood beautification plan, put together in a more sound business manner with a clear stated vision." Page 3, second to last paragraph should read, "Council majority agreed to maintain their previous ruling that the banners are in violation of the sign ordinance." Page 5, fifth paragraph, second sentence should read, "She doesn't approve of selling the Fire Station property to pay for the Clay Street site; instead, she would prefer the money be used to upgrade City parks or fund the Parks and Recreational Program." Page 7, second paragraph, second sentence should read, "She felt that it is unfair for applicants to not be informed that the City Council may appoint an applicant to a commission he/she had not applied for. Page 9, first paragraph should read, "Councilmember Libby reported that the Ukiah Valley Cultural and Recreation Center received just under $190,000 in private pledges, $50,000 grant from Coca-Cola, and will benefit from an Applebee's-sponsored fundraiser in July". M/S Larson/Baldwin approving the Regular Meeting Minutes of July 17, 2002, as amended, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES' Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Mayor Ashiku and Councilmember Smith. 5. RIGHT TO APPEAL Vice Mayor Baldwin read the appeal process. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Libby requested item 6c be pulled from the agenda. Consensus of Council to hear the item as 9c under New Business. It was the M/S Larson/Libby approving items a, b, d, and e of the Consent Calendar as follows: a. Rejected Claim For Damages Received From Gabrielle Johnson and Referred to Joint Powers Authority, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund; b. Received Notification to the City Council Regarding the Emergency Purchase of Repair Parts for Influent Grinders From JWC Environmental for the Sum of $27,101.36; d. Received Notification of Purchase of 17 Six-Inch Milliken Plug Valves and Two Wrench Arms from the T & T Valve Company in the Amount of $6,404.97; e. Approved Extension of Contract with Ruff and Associates for Architectural Services for the Civic Center Addition in the Amount of $20,443.02. Regular City Council Meeting August 7, 2002 Page 2 of 8 Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Mayor Ashiku and Councilmember Smith. 7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Arlene Shipey, 43 Lorraine Street, Ukiah, addressed Council concerning the matter of pedestrian safety in Ukiah crosswalks. She recommended that crosswalks on State, Gobbi, and Perkins Streets could be painted with diagonal stripes so motorists will be more aware of crosswalks. She also felt the Police Department should be more visible during noon and at 5:00 p.m. at some of the crosswalks for enforcement. City Manager Horsley responded that the City would be preparing more crosswalks with the diagonal stripes in a contract bid that will be due later in August. The Police Chief has met with his staff and has asked them to upgrade all of their pedestrian safety and speeding patrols, and focus on enforcement. Patrick Bergstead, 201 Watson Road, Ukiah, wanted to acknowledged the wisdom of the City Council's predecessors who made the electric utility a City utility. He also thought the City should look into obtaining control of the Cable TV in Ukiah and obtaining fiber optic outlets readily available for commerce in the City. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 8a. Adoption of Resolution Declaring City Owned Property Located at 1800 North State Street, Assessor's Parcel No. 170-050-13, Surplus and Authorization of City Manager to 'Proceed with Appraisal and Disposition Process Community Development Director DeKnoblough advised that the City is obligated from time to time to review certain properties to determine whether they have a public use, and if they are not, declaring them surplus property. He explained that the North Fire Station has had little use since its closure as a Fire Station. The Fire Department does not see restoring the Fire Station in the foreseeable future and the building would be very expensive to rehab if it needed to be reopened as a Fire Station. He also noted that the Fire Department has agreements with CDF and there are already two existing fire stations in town. On this basis, he recommended the building be declared surplus. Staff researched the site for a parks maintenance location, however, due to its island location outside the City Limit, it doesn't seem to fit any public use for the City. He noted that the process requires several public agencies including the County, School District, or any joint powers authority that provides housing for the County be contacted to determine whether the property could be used by them for housing, parks, open space, or school facilities. Should any of those agencies respond and/or willing to pay the market value price, then the City would be obligated to sell the property to that agency. If none of these agencies respond, Council can then determine to put the property up for sale either through a real estate listing or through the public bidding process, which he recommended. He recommended Council declare the property surplus and to authorize the City Manager to proceed with the disposition process which includes contracting for an appraisal of the property. Regular City Council Meeting August 7, 2002 Page 3 of 8 Councilmember Libby noted that at the last meeting when this matter was brought before Council there was discussion concerning the matter of selling this property and purchasing the Fullerton property located next to the museum. However, it was noted in the newspaper that this is no longer an option. City Manager Horsley advised that staff had previously spoke to Mr. Fullerton and the Sun House Guild concerning the property adjacent to the museum, and Mr. Fullerton is still expressing interest in this sale, however, he does not appreciate his name being made public in the paper. Patrick Bergstead, Ukiah, advised that there is no longer a Mendocino County Chapter of the American Red Cross. It was his opinion that the site is good commercial property and the City should make some money off its sale. M/S Libby/Larson adopting Resolution No. 2003-02, Declaring Assessor's Parcel Number 170-050-13 Surplus Property, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Mayor Ashiku and Councilmember Smith. 3. PRESENTATION 3c. Introduction of Fire Department Career Employees Interim Fire Chief Cohn introduced the Fire Department's Career Employees, Wesley David and Scott Gamba, to the City Council. Both employees are Firefighter/Paramedics and he read their bios to Council. 9. NEW BUSINESS 9a. Discussion and Direction Concerning the Joint City Council-Planning Commission Meeting of August 21, 2002 Planning Director Stump advised that the City Council scheduled the annual joint meeting with the Planning Commission for 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on August 21, 2002. The Planning Commission recently discussed possible topics, agreed with the traditional format, and added a few suggestions. A draft Agenda was included in the packet and he discussed the topics suggested by Staff and the Planning Commission. Councilmember Larson was of the opinion that discussion of ways to improve the City Council-Planning Commission working relationship should be placed near the beginning of the agenda. He noted that residents have inquired as to why the City is not aggressively proceeding with annexations and he has responded that, per the General Plan, it is not the City's policy. He felt that it should be discussed at this meeting. Councilmember Libby explained that she, too, has been approached about annexation, especially with the shortage of housing in the area. She thought it would be a worthwhile topic of discussion. Vice-Mayor Baldwin was of the opinion that it makes sense for the City to annex property because it would allow the City to direct the quality and environmental nature of housing. Regular City Council Meeting August 7, 2002 Page 4 of 8 Councilmember Larson pointed out that the City's current General Plan policy is to not seek out annexations but to respond to requests for annexations only. Paul Andersen, 309 Jones St., was of the opinion that it would be more fruitful to have the joint meeting after the election because of possible turnover on the Council. Councilmember Larson requested an update from the Redevelopment Agency concerning the current financial status and potential for additional funding sources. City Manager Horsley explained that staff might not be able to provide much information to Council prior to the joint meeting and would schedule the matter for the next Redevelopment Agency meeting. gl NEW BUSINESS Adoption of Resolution of Intention and Introduction of Ordinance Authorizing Fourth Level 1959 Survivor Benefits-Police Unit Personnel Officer Harris advised that in the Police Unit Memorandum of Understanding approved by City Council May 3, 2002, the City agreed to increase their survivor benefits in their PERS Contract from the existing third level to the fourth level. The amortized amount would be $205 annually for the next five year and the employee cost remains the same at $2.00 per month per member. Staff recommended adoption of the Resolution of Intension and the first reading of the Ordinance by title only. M/S Larson/Libby adopting Resolution No. 2003-03, Resolution of Intention to approve an amendment to Contract between the Board of Administration California Public Employees' Retirement System and the City Council City of Ukiah, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Mayor Ashiku and Councilmember Smith. M/S Larson/Libby Introducing Ordinance by Title Only; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Mayor Ashiku and Councilmember Smith. City Clerk Ulvila read the title of the Ordinance, ",An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ukiah Authorizing an amendment to the contract between the City Council of the City of Ukiah and the Board of AdminiStration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System." M/S Larson/Libby Introducing Ordinance, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Mayor Ashiku and Councilmember Smith. 9c. Award of Bid for Two-Year Contract to Print City Newsletter to SDN Inc. This item was list on the Agenda as item 6c on the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Larson noted that some of the bids included tax and others did not and inquired if there is anything in the bidding process that requires the bids to be more easily compared. Regular City Council Meeting August 7, 2002 Page 5 of 8 Assistant City Manager Fierro explained .that staff has asked the vendors to include the tax but for some reason they elect not to and thus there is an inconsistency. Councilmember Libby observed that it appears that the City is going to be spending over $7,000 per year for printing the newsletter. She did not think the public wants the City to spend this kind of money on public relations pieces, noting that anything newsworthy is reported by the news media. She asked Council to table the matter until the first meeting in September when she would present an option that would be more beneficial to the public as far as how the money could be used. Her alternative concerns emergency services. Discussion followed with regard to the City currently printing three issues per year and Councilmember Libby's request. It was the Consensus of Council present to table the matter to the September 4th meeting and Councilmember Libby will provide a presentation to Council. 10. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Larson reported attending an MSWMA meeting a few weeks ago. MCOG met on Monday. The draft housing allocation plan for the distribution of housing generation in the County was adopted fo~ circulation and comment. The allocation assigned to the City appears to be reasonable and less of a percentage than it has previously. One topic that was continued for more discussion concerns the state recommending or requiring that MCOG adopt a policy for a reallocation formula or policy as to how the housing allocations are shifted with an annexation or other changes. Part of that recommended policy is that the ultimate decision would be in the hands of the Housing and Community Development Department of the State of California. He raised the question as to whether the Housing Commission had the legal authority to do that or if MCOG, by passing this policy, would relinquish final authority on those allocations to the State. He requested the City Attorney research the matter. He continued to discuss this matter as it relates to the City's housing element. Another item discussed was the Environmental Impact Statement regarding the Willits Bypass. He attended the opening of Applebee's. He reported that the Senior Center's financial reports have been completed for the past three years and are available for review. Everything has been completed that's necessary to perform an audit. Councilmember Libby inquired about the MCOG agenda item regarding the Brush Street Triangle Study. Councilmember Larson explained that it is a traffic and infrastructure needs study and is similar to what the City had incorporated into the Draft EIR that the City is preparing for the bridge. The County is looking at it from the view of development. Vice-Mayor Baldwin inquired as to why MCOG is involved in this matter. Regular City Council Meeting August 7, 2002 Page 6 of 8 Councilmember Larson explained that MCOG is involved because it was part of the STIP funding and is considered an infrastructure project of regional significance. Councilmember Libby reported that she attended the Granite Construction reception and the Chamber of Commerce Mixer. She also attended the Applebee's reception/fund raiser for the Cultural and Recreation Center. The Cultural and Recreation Center Board is anxiously waiting to hear how much was received in proceeds from the fundraiser. At the Chamber of Commerce's last meeting they evaluated the Fourth of July program and what changes they may want to make for next year. 11. CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS City Manager Horsley advised that the City is ready to dedicate Gardner Park, located across the street from the post office. The Rotary designed the park and Frank Crane was responsible for putting the program together. A dedication is tentatively scheduled prior to the Council meeting on September 4th at 5:45 p.m. to thank the Rotary and to recognize and acknowledge Dr. Gardner and Frank Crane. Council would then return to their meeting at the Council Chambers. Councilmember Larson also reported that MCOG allocated an additional $200,000 for the train depot restoration of site improvements. City Manager Horsley advised that the City received a letter from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board regarding property on Leslie Street where in the 1920s the City used to run a gas plant. City Clerk Ulvila advised that she received notification from the Mendocino County Election Department notifying all cities in the County that in order for a candidate to qualify, their documents must be submitted and verified prior to 5:00 p.m. on August 9th. This means that all election papers must be filed with the City Clerk and verified for accuracy by the County Elections Department prior to the 5:00 p.m. deadline on August 9th. Discussion followed with regard to this matter and Council, by consensus, directed the City Clerk to contact the County Elections Department for legal clarification as to the deadline for filing. Council expressed concern that the legal filing deadline for submittal of election documents is 5:00 p.m., not earlier. City Clerk Ulvila also reported attending the Municipal Clerks Institute at Seattle University during the week of July 14th and found the training valuable. A $250 scholarship for this training was received from the California City Clerks Association and another $350 scholarship is expected from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. The scholarships paid for nearly half of the expenses incurred for this training. Adjourned to Closed Session: 7:50 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting August 7, 2002 Page 7 of 8 12. CLOSED SESSION a. Conference with Labor Negotiator G.C. §54957.6 City Designated Representative: Candace Horsley, City Manager Employee Organization: Miscellaneous Unit No action taken. Reconvened: 8:15 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Marie Ulvila, City Clerk Regular City Council Meeting August 7, 2002 Page ,8 of 8