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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 07-15-98MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting Wednesday, July 15, 1998 The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on July 15, 1998, the notice for which had been legally noticed and posted, at 6:30 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. Roll was taken and the following Councilmembers were present: Councilmembers Chavez, Ashiku, Kelly, Mastin, and Mayor Malone. Staff present: Assistant Redevelopment Director DeKnoblough, City Manager Horsley, Public Works Director Kennedy, Associate Planner Lohse, Planning Director Sawyer, Senior Planner Stump, and City Clerk Ulvila. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Councilmember Mastin led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Special Order of Business a. Presentation from the Shade Brigade Nancy Roca, representing of the Shade Brigade, presented information to Council concerning the shade tree program. Their purpose is to contribute to Ukiah's Community Forest through public/private partnership, and advocate parking lots with trees. The program received a grant from ReLeaf for $1,000 in trees to be planted on City sidewalks with volunteer participation. They have agreed to replace 15 trees in the downtown area this fall, which will finish the grant funds. She discussed their partnership with the City to provide a budget design concept for the City Parking Lot C located next to the library. The City and the Shade Brigade are sharing design costs in matching grant format. Shade Brigade has also pledged to raise additional funds for planting trees in Lot C if needed. The Shade Brigade requested support from the City to join Tree City USA, reactivate the Community Forest Committee, provide an inventory of existing trees in the downtown area, provide a booklet for citizens as a guide to tree planting on City sidewalks, parking lots, or parks, and obtain a clear City directive advocating shade tree canopies in the City as well as a pedestrian friendly component to the community. City Manager Horsley reported that the City was a member of Tree City USA when she was staff representative on the Urban Forest Committee several years ago. She will check on the City's status. Phyllis Curtis advised that shade trees can reduce temperatures in parking lots by as much as 10 degrees, as well as reducing hydrocarbons. She noted that several months ago an article on the Shade Tree Brigade was published in the Ukiah Daily Journal, resulting in five trees being planted as a demonstration to the community. They secured a commitment from the owners for their care. They are delighted to be working with the City on the parking lot near the library. City Manager Horsley noted that grant funds could be used to cover maintenance cost for those business owners who do not provide tree maintenance. Several private owners have requested the cutting of trees on their property and would like to replace those trees. The Shade Brigade is willing to assist these property owners with new tree plantings. She discussed her participation as a founding member of the Urban Forest Committee and the possibility of obtaining additional park trees. The Planning Department has integrated the current tree inventory with landscaping requirements within the City. 4. Approval/Correction of Minutes a. Special Meetings of June 23 and 24, 1998 (Budget Sessions) b. Joint Meeting with Ukiah Valley Sanitation District of June 24, 1998 c. Regular Adjourned Meeting of July 1, 1998 (Interviews) d. Regular Meeting of July 1, 1998 A correction was noted by several Councilmembers to the minutes of June 23, 1998, Page 5, third paragraph, first sentence, to read "Consensus of the Council was to establish a fund, totaling $2,000 for the Council as a whole, with Council approval on each requested expenditure." MIS Mastin/Malone to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of June 23, and June 24, 1998, with correction to page 5, the minutes of the Joint Meeting with Ukiah Valley Sanitation District of June 24, 1998; the Regular Adjourned Meeting of July 1, 1998; and the Regular Meeting of July 1, 1998; as submitted, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Chavez, Ashiku, Kelly, Mastin, and Mayor Malone. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION Mayor Malone reviewed the appeal process. Regular Meeting - July 15, 1998 Page 1 6. CONSENT CALENDAR MIS Mastin/Chavez to approve Items a-k of the Consent Calendar as follows: a. b. d. eo g. h. j. Awarded Bid for 45, 50, and 55 Foot Class 3 Western Cedar Poles to McFarland Cascade in the Amount of $14,033.66; Approved Report of Disbursements for the Month of June 1998; Awarded Contract to Ferranti Construction for the Construction of the Sidewalk Replacement and Drainage Improvement Project, Spec. No. 98-08 in the Amount of $74,979.42; Approved Mendocino County Board of Supervisors Request for the City of Ukiah's Support for Mobile Recycling Provisions of AB 2309 (Bowen); Received Report Regarding the Acquisition of Services from Tim Narvaez for Slope Stabilization Work at the Ukiah Landfill; Approved Request to Replace the City of Ukiah Representative on the AB 939 Task Force; Adopted Resolution 99-2 Calling for General Municipal Election, Consolidating General Municipal Election with Statewide General Election, Presenting Ballot Measure To Make Mayor Position Appointive Rather Than Elective, Transmitting Measure to City Attorney For Impartial Analysis, and Authorizing Arguments and Rebuttal Arguments in Favor of Measure; Denied Claims for Damages Received From Fred Williams Jr., Gregory Severson, and Sue Cuellar and Rosa Mendez, and Referral to the Joint Powers Authority, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund; Received Report Regarding the Acquisition of Services From Meyer General Equipment Construction for Rental of Truck and Driver; Approved Budget Amendment and Received Report for the Purchase and Installation of Replacement Heating and Air Conditioning Units at Civic Center.; Accepted Report Regarding Purchase of Chlorine Tablets for Municipal Swimming Pool from Lincoln Equipment, Inc., in the Amount of $5,834.40, The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Chavez, Ashiku, Kelly, Mastin, and Mayor Malone. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Phil Baldwin, 627 Willow Avenue, expressed his concern with aircraft noise pollution in the City. It was his opinion that the Ukiah Airport is increasingly a source of noise pollution. He recommended the City invite the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to Ukiah to discuss noise abatement at the Airport. He was unsure if wind is a factor that causes northerly take-offs and landings to have high levels of noise. He felt that helicopter noise over residential neighborhoods has increased significantly since Council approved the lease for helicopter service. Commissioner Mastin discussed the flight path of planes as they travel in a southerly direction to the Airport. It was his understanding that there is a shorter route from the Airport to the east that pdvate planes are supposed to utilize. He felt the City should have some control over the flight paths, noting safety is also an issue with aircraft flight patterns. Mayor Malone discussed planes flying at Iow altitudes over the city. Commissioner Ashiku discussed the flight path along Low Gap Road and the west side of Ukiah being disruptive and noisy to residents. He reported discussing the matter with Airport Manager Bua. City Manager Horsley advised that she will report back to Council concerning regulations governing the Ukiah Airport on the issues discussed. Due to the hour, other items on the Agenda were moved ahead of Item 8, Public Hearing, which was legally noticed for 7:00 p.m. 9. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS No one came forward to address the Council. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Report from Solid Waste, Inc. Status and Schedule for Ukiah Solid Waste Transfer Station City Manager Horsley distributed a letter to Council which was received by the City this week from Ray Hall, Department of Planning and Building Services for Mendocino County, regarding the Use Permit. Stuart H. Katte, representing Solid Waste Systems, Inc., discussed the schedule for the design, permitting and construction of the Ukiah Transfer Station proposed for the Taylor Drive site. He advised Steve Debain from EBA Wastechnologies, an engineering firm from Santa Rosa, which Regular Meeting - July 15, 1998 Page 2 Solid Waste, Inc. has contracted with for the design and supervision of the transfer station was also in attendance. Mr. Katte reported it is the intent of Solid Waste Systems, Inc. to submit the Use Permit application and Initial Study on July 24, 1998. He advised that in order to submit a completed application to the California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA), they need to include information from the Initial Study. They anticipate having their application to CPCFA by August 7, 1998, with an initial resolution by CPCFA on August 26, 1998, and hopefully approval by early 1999. Solid Waste Systems is confident they will have the station constructed and in operation by November 1999. With the latest closure date for the Ukiah Landfill set for the May 1, 2000, trial loads could be made during the interim period of time. It is their goal that the transfer station be in operation prior to the closure of the landfill. Councilmember Mastin inquired if there would be additional costs if the Landfill remained open between November 1999 and May 2000. Public Works Director Kennedy advised there would be no additional costs as the City would still be receiving fees and the fees would offset the cost. Staff has had discussion concerning a severance program to encourage the Landfill employees to remain until the Landfill actually closes. In order to do that, it is felt the City should guarantee them a certain amount of months' employment, after the Landfill closes, by having them work in other City departments. He felt the best time to utilize these employees would be after May. It would be to the City's advantage to work until the last possible date. He noted that seven employees are involved. 11. NEW BUSINESS Sunday's In The Park City Manager Horsley inquired as to which Councilmember wished to volunteer to attend the upcoming Sundays in the Park Concert. Mayor Malone and Councilmember Ashiku will check their schedules and contact the City Manager later. 8. PUBLIC HEARING a. Introduction of Ordinance Amending Article 15 of Chapter 2 of the Ukial- Municipal Code Senior Planner Stump discussed the proposed revision to the Zoning Code, which updates the regulations for the City of Ukiah Public Facilities (PF) Zoning District. The purpose of revising these regulations is to bdng the provisions into conformance with the Ukiah General Plan, to create a more ordedy and readable set of regulations, and to make the format consistent with other Zoning Code Articles. He noted the Planning Commission, at their June 24, 1998 meeting, conducted a Public Hearing and voted unanimously to support the revised language and to recommend City Council adoption of the Ordinance. The proposed amendments to the Public Facilities Zoning District concern reformatting, the Purpose and Intent Section, Allowed and Permitted Lane Uses, Development Standards, and Landscaping Requirements. Public Hearing Opened: 7:02 p.m. No members of the audience came forward to speak at the Public Hearing. Public Hearing Closed: 7:04 p.m. MIS Mastin/Kelly to introduce Ordinance Amending Division 9, Chapter 2, Article 15, by title only, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Chavez, Ashiku, Kelly, Mastin, and Mayor Malone. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. City Clerk Ulvila read the Ordinance by title only. MIS Mastin/Kelly to introduce Ordinance Amending Article 15 of Chapter 2 of the Ukiah Municipal Code, carded by the following roll call vote: AYES: Chavez, Ashiku, Kelly, Mastin, and Mayor Malone. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Kelly distributed copies of Ukiah Unified School District's (UUSD) school site acquisition plan, unanimously adopted by UUSD on July 14, 1998, which targets the former Montgomery Ward property on South State Street for the potential new school site. She discussed the School District's plan to relocate the Adult School in order to expand Frank Zeek School. The School District is encouraged by the support given by the City and County, and is looking forward to working with both entities. She advised that she was cautious about making a (City) commitment to the School District, however, she did read them portions of the minutes from the City's Budget Hearings with regard to the City using Redevelopment funds for this project. She discussed the upcoming community services meeting in Monterey in August where they will Regular Meeting - July 15, 1998 Page 3 have school, county, and city partnership discussion about current collaborate activities. In addition to the School District's attorney, Suzanne Weed, others from the School District and the County plan to attend this conference. Councilmember Mastin commented on the article in today's issue of the Ukiah Daily Journal which indicates the City will contribute $170,000 in Redevelopment Funds. He expressed concern with the possibility of the public misunderstanding the City's prior commitment to this project. Commissioner Kelly cladfied the matter by saying that the article indicates the City has "discussed" offering redevelopment funds to the School District. Commissioner Kelly reported that the Sun House Guild met today and they are happy with their meetings with City staff regarding the five-year plan. She advised that the University of Pennsylvania has agreed to long term loans of baskets. The Guild will be able to borrow up to 60 baskets at a time for an unlimited loan. A new sign is being prepared for the Guild which will describe the current exhibits on display and will be a great addition to the museum. Councilmember Mastin reported on the meeting of Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority (MSWMA) on July 1, 1998. The North Forks Improvement Group requested MSWMA's support of a delay for filing an appeal relating to the North State Street property, which was purchased by MSWMA for a transfer station. MSWMA voted not to support another delay, based on the need to go forward. The North Forks Improvement Group plans to go all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary, to finalize the decision. He reported meeting with Eric Anderson and Martin Millek during his visit to the Cold Creek Compost on July 9, 1998. He commended them for their effort to mitigate problems and issues related to the project. He discussed their leachate system and how impressed he was with the site and its operation. He spoke with neighbors and they indicated having no problems with noise or odors, however, some blue tarps covering the compost sight are visible from their property and can be easily mitigated. He reminded Council that July 18 is opening night for Dames At Sea and Bernadette Peters, who starred in the original production, may be present for opening night. David Christmas, who is directing this production, was Ms. Peters' leading man in the original production. Mayor Malone reported that the City of Willits is foreclosing on the Ukiah railroad property and Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) is considering the purchase of the depot property. He advised that the City of Willits had originally considered declaring the property surplus. He described the procedure for North Coast Rail Authority (NCRA) "abandoning a right-of-way". Councilmember Ashiku reported on the approved funding of the revenue bonds for the hydroelectric plant, with a savings of $48 million. He discussed how the net savings from the Northern California Power Agency (NCP^) would be applied to the geothermal debt and the City will be able to pay it off earlier. Approximately $5 million in savings will go to the City. Commissioner Kelly advised that David Faulkner is leaving his position with the Mendocino County Air Quality Control District. The report concerning the air quality study, which was funded by the Board of Supervisors and MCOG and includes an emission inventory, meteorology study, and a mitigation study, should be available soon. Commissioner Ashiku advised that the study is now available and he has read portions of it and will lend Councilmember Kelly his copy. Councilmember Kelly advised she will be on vacation during the first week of August and will not be able to attend the City Council meeting on August 5, nor the MCOG meeting on Monday, August 3, 1998. Mayor Malone advised that he will not be able to attend the City Council meeting on August 5, 1998, since he will be out of town from August 1-11, 1998. Commissioner Ashiku advised that he is the alternate for MCOG and will attend the August 3 MCOG meeting. Mayor Malone advised that the last League of California Cities' Policy Committee meeting for Community Services will be on August 13 and 14, 1998 in Sacramento. He will attend the August 13 meeting and it was noted that Commissioner Kelly will also be attending the August 13 meeting regarding community services. He reported that a joint meeting of the Empire Division and the North Bay Division of the League of California Cities will be held on Thursday, September 3, 1998 in Rohnert Park. It will be the last Regular Meeting - July 15, 1998 Page 4 division meeting before the fall conference. Councilmembers should be receiving agenda information soon. 13. None. CITY MANAGER/DIRECTOR REPORTS 14. None. CLOSED SESSION 15. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Malone adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Marie Ulvila, City Clerk Regular Meeting - July 15, 1998 Page 5