HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 04-21-99(a)MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 21, 1999
The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on April 21, 1999, the notice for which had been
legally noticed and posted, at 5:34 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 300 Seminary
Avenue, Ukiah, California. Roll was taken and the following Councilmembers were present: Libby,
Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin. Councilmember absent: Ashiku. Staff present: Public Utilities
Director Barnes, Community Services Director DeKnoblough, Police Sergeant Dewey, Finance
Director Elton, Assistant City Manager Flad, Personnel Officer Harris, Risk Manager/Budget Officer
Harris, City Manager Horsley, Public Works Director Kennedy, Police Administrative Captain
McBride, City Attomey Rapport, Fire Chief Sandelin, Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo,
Planning Director Sawyer, Police Captain Walker, Police Chief Williams, and Deputy City Clerk
Yoast.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Baldwin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. BUDGET GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: REVIEW OF 1998-99 ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND 1999-
2000 OBJECTIVES FOR VARIOUS CITY FUNCTIONS
City Manager Horsley noted that the Departments will touch on the highlights of their Goals and
Objectives and Council can then ask questions, as needed.
Public Works
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Kennedy explained the major street projects accomplished
during the past year by the Administration/Engineering Division include Perkins Street
rehabilitation, State Street remediation, commencement of Orchard Avenue rehabilitation, and the
1998 STIP Street Rehabilitation Program. Goals for next fiscal year include traffic signal
replacement and intersection improvements at State and Gobbi Streets, construction of the traffic
signal modification at State Street and Low Gap, establishment of a GIS system, complete traffic
studies for posted speed zones, and work toward the goals of the General Plan. Additionally, they
are asking to restate a position lost two years ago.
Judy Pruden, 304 S. Hortense, requested that staff investigate possible funding sources to provide
for left-turn lanes on State Street.
Mr. Kennedy explained the City was granted $40,000 to re-stripe and install left-turn lanes on State
Street from Mill to Washington two years ago. When it came before the City Council concern was
expressed by MTA and two local businessmen, plus the fact that some parking would need to be
eliminated along State Street, and the project was deleted.
Ms. Pruden requested that this item be returned to Council for reconsideration. She further stated
she did not see goals in the 1999/00 Budget to landscape Perkins Street, and asked Council to
include a goal to landscape the gateway corridors, Perkins Street in particular.
Discussion followed relative to storm drain problems on Leslie Street between the railroad depot and
mobile home park, which have been included in the goals for next year.
City Manager Horsley noted that relative to landscaping of the corridors, there are Redevelopment
Agency funds available for landscaping and staff will be bringing forward for the Redevelopment
Agency's consideration a matching funds agreement with the Fairgrounds and a group of individuals
to landscape and install sidewalks on State Street in front of the fairgrounds.
Discussion followed relative to landscaping Perkins after all the easements are obtained. This would
go to Council for consideration with the undergrounding project, which should be completed first.
Additional discussion was had relative to the Downtown Master Plan calling for left-turn lanes from
Mill Street to Low Gap Road, and that the project would take approximately 40 man-hours for design
and if it came in under $25,000 City crews could do the work. Mr. Kennedy noted they would
concentrate on intersections such as Mill, Freitas, Cherry, and State Streets.
It was the consensus of the Council to include left-turn pockets in the Goals for further consideration
during the upcoming fiscal year.
Mr. Kennedy announced that MCOG will be considering a Traffic Enhancement Program under the
T21 funding mechanism that provides $1.8 million. These monies are sought on a competitive basis
by all the agencies and are to pay for above-and-beyond mitigations such as pedestrian/bike issues,
etc., and he would determine whether landscaping could be part of that program.
Councilmember Baldwin advised that his greatest concern is the congestion at Orchard Avenue
and Perkins Street during commute time.
April 21, 1999
Page 1 of 10
Mr. Kennedy turned to the accomplishments of the Street Maintenance Department. The highest
pdodty for the current year and next year is the continuation of the Permanent Street Repair Program
(inlay patching system) and Preventive Maintenance Program (crack sealing). He is requesting
additional funds for materials so that the streets do not continue to deteriorate faster than they can
be repaired. He continued discussion relative to the Corporation Yard. He explained that soil and
water contamination was found around the underground fuel tank and it is necessary to do further
studies to identify the extent of the contamination. In the Garage Division, the primary responsibility
is maintaining Public Works equipment. In the Landfill Division, staff just finished Selecting a
consultant for preparation of the Final Closure and Post Closure Maintenance Plan. ,The Local
Enforcement Agency is currently reviewing the City's application for a revised permit to increase daily
tonnage at the Landfill. For objectives, staff will be concentrating on completing the Final~,Plans and
the other items of work required with that Plan. The closing date of the Landfill is tied to (~ompletion
of the Transfer Station.
Discussion followed relative to the EIR process for the Transfer Station and that the prc
schedule.
Public Utilities
Director of Public Utilities Barnes noted that the Water Division goal is to keep main
system. There is a program of identifying high leak areas with services and main,,
repairing or replacing those services and mains. They also want to do an in-house audit o
meters to test for accuracy. He continued with the Sewer Division, which will continL
inspect the high trouble sewer mains and do some major replacements, add some
manholes for maintenance, and upgrade some obsolete equipment at the Wastewat~
preparation of the pdmary expansion. They also want to complete the trickling filter impr
which will increase capacity on the primary side for the primary expansion and als,
sedimentation for the secondary site.
He continued with discussion of the Electric Division. The Meter Calibration and Re
Program is halfway complete. Some transformers need to be replaced to meet CalOSHA
for PCB content and staff will continue to replace the old 4kv distribution lines. There
new projects implemented to meet regulation changes by the California Public Utilities Ce
Judy Pruden noted that she read in the recent Director's report for the Electric Utility Wor
$665,000 is paid to the City for a franchise fee. She expressed concern over the poss
kilowatt hour rate increase to make up for this amount should it be eliminated or reduce
cess is on
Iaining the
and then
the water
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additional
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3vements,
~ help the
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kshop that
ble 5¢ per
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Discussion was had relative to the report presented at the recent Electric Utility Worksh~)p and the
City's plan to be at market by 2007 without raising rates. ,
Mayor Mastin added that the only change in the rates being considered is a reduction
Ms. Pruden stated she does not want to see electric rates carry the rest of the City's BuC
backs of electrical users.
n 2007.
get on the
Police Department
Police
Chief
Williams
noted
the
two
major accomplishments this year have been staffing of the
COPS Program and installation of the new computer dispatch and records managemen~ systems.
/
City Manager Horsley added that the Police Department has been working with her, th~ Mayor, a
representative of the Department of Justice, and an ad-hoc group to discuss different Icivil-rights
related topics, including how to deal in a more effective way with the mentally ill. The gr(~up signed
off on the Notes from these discussions today and she distributed copies of the Notes to ti' e Council.
Discussion followed relative to personnel retention issues, and Chief Williams noted that the Police
Department has been very fortunate in the past several years of not having a high turnover. Though
the City cannot match the salaries of many other agencies, he feels the City provides several things
that are important, such as how the City treats its employees.
Chief Williams continued with next year's objectives. They will be increasing activitie~ under the
COPS Program. Additionally, he outlined training goals and highlighted space limitation.~ the Police
Department is faced with, and they will be coming up with a short- and long-term plan fo what can
be done to use the space available to the utmost. Lastly, they will be developing a plan :o provide
better security for the Department.
Discussion followed relative to parking, the Narcotic Task Force, and Dispatch goals. It~as noted
that for the first time there will be a Supervisor over dispatchers to coordinate Fire~nd Police
dispatch duties.
Director of Parks and Recreation DeKnoblough joined the staff table at this time to cl
Parking District budget.
April 21, 1999
Page 2 of 10
iscuss the
Mayor Mastin questioned whether the ADA objectives in the parking lots have been completed at
this time because they are not carried over into next year's objectives.
Discussion was had regarding ADA requirements and that the City is following a plan, which was
approved by the Council, by phasing completion of all requirements over a period of 10 years.
Director DeKnoblough noted that installation of the parking stalls should be completed this fiscal
year, in cooperation with the Public Works crews.
The Parks and Recreation Department was taken out of order at this time.
Parks and Recreation
Director DeKnoblough started with the Parks Division. Some key projects over the last year were
ongoing ADA upgrades in the parks, the continued public safety program which consists of lighting
and improved pruning techniques to open areas up for visibility, and reconstruction of the Anton
Stadium infield. Their objectives are to continue with ADA requirements and safety upgrades. The
Sun House exterior will be re-coated, and completion of Observatory Park and Orchard Park is
expected.
Discussion followed relative to the maintenance agreement for the High School Tennis Courts.
Councilmember Baldwin noted access to Gibson Creek above Standley Avenue should be
addressed again.
Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo noted that the Recreation Department has
continued to provide an increased variety of recreational activities and sports this year, primary
support for the Ukiah Country PumpkinFest and Sundays in the Park, increased outreach activities
to increase awareness of possible employment opportunities for college students in recreation, and
secured and installed a new day camp office and restrooms in Todd Grove Park. Their objectives
are to create new sports programs, provide sports clinics, and team up with Mendocino County
Public Health Department to incorporate safety and social awareness activities in the Summer Safari
Day Camp and sports programs. They also will be expanding training for the seasonal and part-time
staff.
Relative to Aquatics, Mr. Sangiacomo stated the Municipal Pool continues to be the only public
facility that provides all American Red Cross certified lessons. Staff has initiated proactive and
preventive lifeguard techniques which have ensured the safety of the pool's patrons, and continue
to develop programs which focus on teenagers who want volunteer experience in these activities
but aren't old enough to become lifeguards and swim instructors. This next year they plan to review
and revise operating procedures and policies and develop an updated pool manual. They will be
reviewing methods of doing business to decrease costs and increase revenues.
Director DeKnoblough addressed the Grace Hudson/Sun House Museum budget. He noted
Museum Director Sherri Smith-Ferrie has accomplished an amazing amount of activity at the
Museum this fiscal year. The primary objective includes a new wing to the museum. The Sun
House Guild and Endowment Board are very conscientious of the cost of the ongoing operation of
the new wing and are raising funds that will contribute to the ongoing maintenance of the building
after it is built.
Councilmember Baldwin questioned whether the City should be contributing to the billboard blight
by having the Museum signs to the north and south of town, and whether there have ever been
discussions about this issue.
City Manager Horsley advised there have not been discussions regarding matter this in the past.
Discussion followed relative to the goal of continuing to increase the number of works the Museum
owns. They recently received a donation of 37 more sketches worth over $94,000.
Mr. DeKnoblough turned the discussion to the Conference Center, which continues to look at ways
to increase revenues. They will be developing a wedding brochure for distribution.
City Manager Horsley noted that Assistant City Manager Flad is looking at a strategic plan for the
Conference Center and how to integrate marketing and other things to lower costs and become more
efficient. Conference Center Manager Bruce Jenney is very busy with day-to-day operations and it
will be very beneficial to have someone look at it from an administrative perspective.
Mayor Mastin discontinued discussion of the Goals and Objectives at 6:40 p.m. to proceed with the
next item on the agenda.
April 21, 1999
Page 3 of 10
4. PROCLAMATION: Senior Center Awareness Week: May 9-15, 1999
Mayor Mastin read the Proclamation proclaiming May 9 - 15 as Senior Center Awareness Week,
and presented it to Melissa Phillips.
Melissa Phillips, Executive Director of Ukiah Senior Citizen Center, thanked the City for the
proclamation and highlighted the sponsors involved in the event.
Mayor Mastin returned the meeting to Budget Goals and Objectives.
Fire Department
Fire Chief Sandelin noted that construction of the fire training tower has begun, they reached an
agreement with the Red Cross to lease the North Fire Station, and will be adopting the new Fire
Code. For objectives, retention of quality employees is a high priority. He noted they are in the
process of initiating a Western Hills Vegetation Management Plan in partnership with CDF for the
entire Ukiah Valley. This new partnership will include the installation of some firebreaks and
maintain safety features without compromising the beauty of the west hills. He added that the debris
will be chipped and minor controlled burns taking place where appropriate.
Chief Sandelin noted that other objectives include replacing a bay door lift system that has failed,
and ongoing training to cover occurrences within the City's jurisdiction as well as other jurisdictions,
since the crews are called out for mutual aid in other parts of the County.
City Manager Horsley advised that she approves all training and ensures that it is relevant.
Recessed - 6:53 p.m.
Reconvened - 7:00 p.m.
5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION
Mayor Mastin reviewed the appeal process.
6. PUBLIC HEARING {7:00 P.M.)
a. Introduction of Ordinance Amending Article 21 (Definitions) of Chapter 2 {Zoning) of the
Ukiah Municipal Code {Hearing Continued from April 7, 1999 Meeting)
Senior Planner Stump advised that the ordinance recommends revisions to the Zoning Code
Definitions to reflect current planning practices and principles, and will include new terms used in
the text of the recently revised Zoning Districts. He explained the procedure for developing the
definitions with the help of the City Attorney, Planning Commission, as well as other Planning related
resources. He requested that Council introduce the Ordinance by title only.
Public Hearing Opened -7:06 p.m.
Public Hearing Closed -7:07 p.m.
MIS Baldwin/Libby to introduce, by title only, Ordinance Amending Article 21 (Definitions) of Chapter
2 (Zoning) of the Ukiah Municipal Code, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES:
Councilmembers Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT:
Councilmember Ashiku.
Deputy City Clerk Yoast read the Ordinance by title only.
MIS Libby/Baldwin to Introduce Ordinance Amending Article 21, Chapter 2 (Zoning) of Chapter 2
(Zoning) of the Ukiah Municipal Code, carded by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers
Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember
Ashiku.
Discussion returned to the Budget Goals and Objectives.
Planning Department
Planning Director Sawyer discussed, in response to an earlier question from the Mayor, the
progress the County has made in their General Plan update. He indicated City staff has been
working closely with them and providing information where needed. He does not know when it will
go to the Board of Supervisors as they are still working on the document to make it more "user
friendly."
Relative to the Budget Goals, during the last year eight to ten Zoning Code revisions and major
amendments to the Zoning Code have been processed. The Council adopted a Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan, staff prepared the Housing Element Status Report, applied for and received
a Coastal Conservancy Grant for the Gobbi Street Riverside Park Master Plan, and hired a
consultant to prepare the Stream Restoration and Enhancement Plan for Orr Creek. Next year they
will be bringing back a similar contract for Gibson Creek. They completed the computer-generated
April 21, 1999
Page 4 of 10
Zoning Maps and General Plan maps. For next year's goals they intend to continue revising the
Zoning Code, prepare an Airport Overlay Zone, a revised Hillside Ordinance, and complete the
Riverside Master Plan. They are underway with the Historical Resources Inventory and also hope
to have it adopted.
Discussion followed relative to the Hillside Ordinance, the City's Grading Ordinance, and it was noted
that the Code Enforcement Officer is currently working with an individual who is doing a great deal
of grading in the western foothills.
Airport
Assistant City Manager Flad spoke regarding the Airport Goals and Objectives. He noted that a
great deal of effort has gone into bringing Community Air on line. They have made facility
improvements and also changed the Airport from a General Commuter Airport to a Category 4
Commuter Airport. Additional property has been purchased at the south end of the Airport, they
have applied for grant funding for 90% reimbursement of that purchase, procured an additional fixed-
based operator which will bring jobs to the Airport and the City, and negotiated a long-term lease for
a 3,000 square foot facility. For the upcoming year, staff hopes to complete the Airport Action Plan
and Airport Noise Plan.
Finance Department
Finance Director Elton noted there are four divisions within the Finance Department: Finance
Administration and Accounting, Billing and Collection, Computer Support Services, and the
Purchasing function. The major emphasis this year and next year is relative to the Year 2000
problem and the computer system. The software was purchased in 1980, and the AS400 computer
was installed in 1991. IBM has now classified this computer as non-upgradeable and in the future
they will stop their maintenance support on the computer so it is time to replace hardware and
software. One change in the budget is that Technology Support will become an Internal Service
Fund rather than part of the General Fund.
Personnel
City Manager Horsley stated that Melody Harris is doing an excellent job in her new position as
temporary Personnel Officer. Her goals for the coming year are to do conduct training with the
employees on an every three-year cycle, and will cover such things as performance evaluations,
supervisor .training, etc. She will also implement a performance evaluation system so that all
employees are included on a schedule even if they have reached their "E" step. She has continued
to meet ADA and Recycling Safety Compliance efforts.
Risk Management
City Manager Horsley stated that Mike Harris is doing a good job as the City's Risk Manager and
in the upcoming year will be receiving additional training on risk reduction and also awareness of
liability factors.
Secretarial Pool
Executive Assistant Yoast explained that in the past year the Secretarial Pool purchased two new
printers and relocated one Administration Assistant to provide support for the new Assistant City
Manager. Next year's main focus will be on upgrading all of the computers to become Year 2000
compliant. The software will be upgraded to Windows 98 or better and associated training will be
provided.
City Clerk
City Manager Horsley covered all the projects the City Clerk has accomplished, including the
implementation of many first-time organizational projects, continually working on the record retention
project, and taking advantage of many training opportunities on Election Law and other City Clerk
duties. In the next year she is hoping to obtain an alternative to the current imaging system, and will
continue to take classes to perform her duties.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Special Meeting of March 29, 1999
MIS Baldwin/Libby to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of March 29, 1999, as submitted,
carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin.
NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Ashiku.
7b. Regular Meeting of April 7, 1999
City Manager Horsley noted there is a correction on page 1, item 3b. The "unidentified lady" should
be changed to read, "Dianne Marshall, a Mendocino County employee."
Councilmember Libby made a change to the last sentence on page 2, to read as follows: "Mayor
Mastin complimented the Guild in the design of their invitations for the reception held on April 14."
MIS Libby/Baldwin to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 7, 1999, as amended,
carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin.
April 21, 1999
Page 5 of 10
NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Ashiku.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Horsley noted that she would like to make the following modifications to the Consent
Calendar before Council takes their vote: For item c, add "and authorize the City Manager to
execute the. contract" to the action, and for item e, the letter to the Department of Fish and Game
should be on behalf of the "Ukiah Valley Streams Coalition and the E Center."
MIS Libby/Baldwin to approve Items a-e of the Consent Calendar as follows:
a. Approved Disbursements for the Month of March 1999;
b. Approved Policy Resolution No. 31 Regarding Reimbursement of Travel Expenses to City
Officials and Employees;
c. Awarded Consultant Service Agreement to EBA Wastechnologies in the Amount of $89,200 for
the Preparation of Final Closure and Post-Closure Maintenance Plans and Other Work Items for
the Ukiah Landfill, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Contract;
d. Approved Contract with Richard Ruff Architects for Architectural Design Services and Related
Budget Amendment;
e. Approved Letter of Support to Department of Fish and Game for the Orr Creek Restoration
Project on Behalf of the Ukiah Valley Streams Coalition and the E Center.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Libby, Baldwin, and
Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Ashiku.
April 21, 1999
Page 6 of 10
9. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No comments received.
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Introduction of Ordinance Providing for 5% Bidding Preference for Local
Businesses
City Manager Horsley explained the draft ordinance addresses the issues expressed by the Council
at the March 17 City Council meeting, specifically a 5% reduction factor to businesses within the
County, with a maximum preference of $5,000, to include the whole County. It also authorizes the
City Manager to develop a registration method to objectively identify qualified businesses, and
applicability to bids greater than $100. A letter from the Mendocino County Employers Council has
been distributed to Council for review, which is requesting that the Ordinance be introduced but not
acted upon.
Councilmember Libby commented on the local newspaper coverage on this matter to clear up a
few issues. She stated she has only dealt with the preference numbers as they were compiled by
staff, and furthermore, Council voted 4-1 to have this ordinance prepared. She feels the local paper
is only pdnting part of the story and she does not feel it is proper for them to attempt to direct Council
legislation. The Council has looked at the numbers and discussed this for a long period of time and
noted that staff and the City Attorney have put an enormous amount of work into this project.
Councilmember Baldwin determined that it would be required that a Ft. Bragg business obtain a
City of Ukiah Business License to be eligible for the preference.
City Manager Horsley indicated this is important so that there is no inequity between a business
within the City, who is required to get a license, and also for ease of identifying who is eligible.
City Attorney Rapport added that the City's ordinance that deals with business licenses states it
applies to anyone who conducts business in the City even if they do not reside in the City.
Councilmember Baldwin indicated he cannot support this ordinance unless the definition of local
business is changed to apply only to businesses where the majority ownership consists of residents
of this County. He felt this is a government subsidy to business, and does not want to give it to
businesses with a majodty of shareholders who reside outside this community. The profits to major
corporations do not stay in this community.
Councilmember Libby noted that in the bidding list provided by staff for the 1998 bids, there were
not a lot of competitive bids from these types of stores. Typically, purchases with these companies
were through open purchase orders. She stated it is important to remember how many people
these stores employ, who in turn spend their money locally. She indicated that Council should do
all that it can to reinvest in our community, to support local businesses and help stabilize the
economy.
Councilmember Baldwin indicated if the profits leave the community he does not feel that is
reinvesting in the community. If the Council can add wording to the Ordinance that ensures that the
majority of the ownership is local, he would support it.
Mayor Mastin indicated he will support the Ordinance, even though he does share some of
Councilmember Baldwin's concems. He advised that the Ordinance may be rescinded in the future
if it is not doing what is intended.
Councilmember Baldwin advised large corporations already have the advantage because of their
ability to warehouse and purchase in great quantities over the locally-owned businesses, and this
will give them another 5% advantage. He further questioned the wages these companies are paying.
Kathy Spencer, President of the Ukiah Chamber of Commerce, noted the Chamber is in support
of any policy or procedure that would support local businesses, and adopting this Ordinance would
send a message to local businesses that the City supports local area businesses. She
recommended approval of this important policy change.
Bruce Masterson, Masterson Communications, requested that Council adopt the Ordinance. He
noted supporting local businesses will allow them to continue to grow, hire new employees, and to
develop new technologies that benefit not only the City of Ukiah, but the community and all of
Mendocino County.
A Motion was made by Councilmember Baldwin to introduce the Ordinance Providing for a 5%
Bidding Preference for Local Businesses, with an amendment to the definition of a "local business"
to mean any business where the majority ownership resides within Mendocino County.
The Motion died for lack of a second.
April 21, 1999
Page 7 of 10
MIS LibbylMastin to introduce, by title only, Ordinance Providing for 5% Bidding Preference for
Local Businesses, carried by a majority voice vote of the Councilmembers present, with a no vote
cast by Councilmember Baldwin.
Deputy City Clerk Yoast read the Ordinance by title only.
MIS LibbylMastin to Introduce Ordinance Providing for 5% Bidding Preference for Local Businesses,
carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmember Libby and Mayor Mastin. NOES:
Councilmember Baldwin. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Ashiku.
11. NEW BUSINESS
a. Introduction of Ordinance Amending Division 6, Chapter 3, Articles 1 and 2, an,~
Chapter 6 of the Ukiah Municipal Code, Entitled Respectively, Fire Prevention Cod~
and Outdoor Burning
Fire Chief Sandelin introduced Fire Marshal Bruce Evans who will present the Ordinance to adopt
the California Fire Code with local amendments.
Fire Marshal Evans explained that the ordinance before the Council would adopt the California Fire
Code, which provides for the regulation of fire and life safety throughout California. The California
Code is based on the Uniform Fire Code, which is a model Code updated every three years. The
state directs that the cities adopt the California Code but does allow local agencies the ability to
make modifications and amendments to the Code under certain circumstances as long as those
amendments are filed with the state before the effective date of the California Code, which is July
1, 1999. He described the current proposed amendments, which are intended to cover Definitions,
Remote Electrical Disconnects, and Residential Sprinkler Systems.
Mayor Mastin reported that the Council has received a letter from the Mendocino Employers Council
stating that the latest dictionary version is fine with them, however, they have a concern about the
key activated devices and sprinkling of large buildings due to the increased costs associated with
these items.
Discussion followed relative to the sprinkling system requirement for five contiguous units or more.
The secured key system is intended to be placed at large buildings, the smallest of which has been
an 8,300 square foot commercial building. It was noted relative to the associated cost, the key is
only $70 to $75, and the relay and breaker in the main panel can cost anywhere from several
hundred to $1,000. The Fire Department would give the developer the option of providing an exterior
entry that allows them to get directly into the electrical shut-off components and this can be
accomplished in the design process. This electrical room could have an access from inside and
outside the facility.
City Manager Horsley explained that the City provides alternatives wherever possible in many of
the City's requirements.
MIS Baldwin/Libby to introduce, by title only, the Ordinance Amending Division 6, Chapter 3,
Articles 1 and 2, and Chapter 6 of the Ukiah Municipal Code, Entitled Respectively, Fire Prevention
Code and Outdoor Burning, carried by a consensus vote of the Councilmembers present.
Deputy City Clerk Yoast read the Ordinance by title only.
MIS Baldwin/Libby to Introduce Ordinance Amending Division 6, Chapter 3, Articles I and 2, and
Chapter 6 of the Ukiah Municipal Code, Entitled Respectively, Fire Prevention Code and Outdoor
Buming, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor
Mastin. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Ashiku.
11b. Discussion of Recognition for City Commission and Committee Members
Assistant City Manager Flad noted there has been recent discussion concerning compensation for
Planning Commission members, as well as methods to acknowledge and provide recognition for the
community's volunteers. He explained there are 45 volunteer Commission and Board members,
excluding Councilmembers and staff. He outlined three types of recognition and their associated
costs for Council's consideration: Recognition events, written recognition, and identification. He
requested Council direction on how the City can acknowledge and recognize the efforts of our
community's volunteers and enhance the community's awareness of the commitment of these
individuals.
Mayor Mastin explained some history regarding this item and noted he would prefer an informal
barbeque or picnic.
City Manager Horsley explained that some items outlined can occur next fiscal year and staff would
budget accordingly.
Councilmember Libby felt a barbeque, T-shirt, and a card would be nice.
April 21, 1999
Page 8 of 10
Mayor Mastin invited anyone from the audience to address this issue.
Councilmember Baldwin indicated his agreement with whatever is decided.
Eric Larson, Ukiah Planning Commissioner, advised he doesn't care if he gets another T-shirt. The
idea of staff and the City Council barbequing for folks is not an unpleasant thought. However, the
point he tried to make when he previously addressed this issue before Council in conjunction with
the stipend issue, was that personal recognition from Councilmembers to Commission and
Committee members, such as a personal note, a handshake, a thank you, or a visit to the meetings
to introduce yourself and express appreciation, would be nice.
Mr. Flad advised that the Airport Commission very much appreciated a recent visit from
Councilmember Baldwin.
It was the consensus of the Councilmembers that a gift be presented this year to Commission and
Committee members, and a barbeque event, to be held in August or September, be included in next
year's budget.
Mayor Mastin moved discussion of the Redevelopment Agency Goals and Objectives to this time
as they are not agendized on the Ukiah Redevelopment Agency meeting.
City Manager Horsley advised that even though there has not been an excess funds within the
Agency, staff has continued to do a lot of work. Staff is working with the Chamber of Commerce and
Main Street Program to accomplish many downtown projects such as planting. Additionally, the
housing setaside allocations continue to be made. For next year, staff will be continuing efforts to
obtain funding through CDBG funds for economic development projects. They will continue to have
the Facade Improvement Program in the downtown area and are forming new partnerships to get
projects completed. The Downtown Parking Improvement Program is in its third year and has been
very successful, and staff continues to do projects as identified in the Agency's Five Year
Improvement Plan, where possible.
Councilmember Baldwin questioned whether overhead utilities could be considered blight and
Agency funds could be used to underground utilities.
City Attorney Rapport advised that blight determines what the Redevelopment Area is, and that
area was established in the original Plan. Undergrounding is a permissible project and is in the
original Plan so the Agency has the authority, but lacks the money.
11c. Consideration and Adoption of Resolution Approving Memorandum of Understanding
for Employee Bargaining Unit - Fire Unit
This item is to be considered in Closed Session and Mayor Mastin stated any action on this item
would be taken after that discussion.
12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Libby advised she had attended the Sun House Guild Board of Trustees meeting.
They are busy getting ready for their June 6 fundraiser for the new wing. They have recently
acquired 37 sketches that were donated from a couple from Oregon who delivered them along with
a $100 check for the building fund. She noted that she attended the Chamber of Commerce
meeting, and they are working on their June 4 Annual Meeting for members where they will be
awarding Community Champion Awards.
Councilmember Baldwin noted that he missed the Inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC)
meeting. He did go to the Airport Commission meeting and was very pleased with their interest in
noise abatement. Assistant City Manager Flad and Airport Manager Bua will be working to educate
the pilots on appropriate flight patterns to alleviate noise.
Mayor Mastin advised he attended the IWPC meeting, which was scheduled one week before the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) meeting in order to strategize for the FERC meeting.
They are still discussing what to do, how to respond, and the best resources. He noted that former
Vice Mayor Kelly's last duty was to join him in meeting with representatives from the Board of
Supervisors and School Board to discuss the school site at the Ward's location. That meeting didn't
produce new or different information. He also attended the City Employee's Enchilada Cook-off at
the Todd Grove Room last Fdday. Everyone voted on their favorite dish and Kim Sechrest won first
place, Steve Harris, second, and Michael Harris came in third. He noted that MTA meets tomorrow
in Point Arena, and MSWMA meets next week.
13. CITY MANAGER/DIRECTOR REPORTS
City Manager Horsley noted it was very satisfying to be able to sign the formal Notes with the
citizen's group after eight months of meetings and discussions regarding effective ways with dealing
with the mentally ill. She noted it was a very good process and thanked the Mayor for joining in and
helping.
April 21, 1999
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Adjourned .to Ukiah Redevelopment Agency meeting at 8:32 p.m.
Reconvened as City Council - 8:44 p.m. and went into Closed Session.
14. CLOSED SESSION
a. G.C. §54957.6 - Conference With Labor Negotiator
Employee Unit: Fire Unit
Negotiator: Candace Horsley
Reconvened at 10:25 p.m.
MIS Baldwin/Libby to adopt Resolution No. 99-38 Adopting Memorandum of Understanding
between the City of Ukiah and the Ukiah Fire Unit, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES:
Councilmembers Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT:
Councilmember Ashiku.
b. G.C. §54956.9(b){1) - Conference With Legal Counsel Regarding Pendin?
Litigation - Existing Litigation - 2 matters:
Redwood Business Park v. City of Ukiah, Mendocino County Superior
Court Case No. 77517
Redwood Business Park v. City of Ukiah, Mendocino County Superior
Court Case No. 77252
No action was taken on this item.
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 10:26 p.m.
Karen Yoast, Dep~
April 21,1999
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