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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 10-21-98MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting Wednesday, October 21, 1998 The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on October 21, 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, Kelly, Mastin, and Mayor Malone. Absent: Councilmember Ashiku. Staff present: Airport Manager Bua, Community Services Director DeKnoblough, Finance Director Elton, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris, City Manager Horsley, City Attorney Rapport, Deputy Director of Public Works Seanor, and City Clerk Ulvila. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Chavez led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. PROCLAMATIONS: 3a. Proclamation: National Business Women's Week - October 18-24,1998 Mayor Malone read the proclamation supporting National Business Women's Week of October 18-24,1998 in the City of Ukiah. Gail Fillman, President of the Business and Professional Women's group in Ukiah, accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the National Women's Political Caucus, the Association of University Women, Soroptimist, and other women's organizations throughout Ukiah, and thanked Council for their support. 3b. Proclamation: Recognition of Harry and Shirley Botham for Original Pumpkin Festival City Manager Horsley discussed the history of the PumpkinFest which was originated through the efforts of Harry and Shirley Botham. She noted that they organized the first festival themselves. Each year there is increased enthusiasm and interest for the PumpkinFest by participants, vendors and visitors. Based on the Botham's vision, the Chamber of Commerce and other community based organizations are now sponsoring the event. She noted that Mike Harris wrote the Proclamation. Mayor Malone read the Proclamation in recognition of Harry and Shirley Botham's involvement in the Ukiah Country PumpkinFest and invited everyone to join in the fun and festivities October 24 and 25. He reported that there is a huge demand for booths at the festival, which is in its fifth year of operation. Mr. Harry Botham advised that he retired to Ukiah 11 years ago from Half Moon Bay, where he and his wife were actively involved in the annual Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival, which is the second largest in North America. They brought their love of the pumpkin to Ukiah and are happy with the support the community has shown them. Mrs. Shirley Botham advised that the Ukiah PumpkinFest would not have gotten off the ground had it not been for her husband's enthusiasm. She recalled that Judy Pruden was also helpful when they first displayed their pumpkins at Safeway and assisted them in making it a community event. It is a great festival and should continue to be successful. 4. APPROVAL/CORRECTION OF MINUTES a. Regular Meeting of October 7, 1998 Councilmember Mastin recommended corrections to page 6, last paragraph, first two sentences to read: "Councilmember Mastin expressed his concern with the City Council standing by its word and people going forward based on decisions that the Council makes. He supported Council considering the ordinance at a later date, however, he opposed its retroactive use relative to the demolition of the church." He also recommended the following corrections to page 7: first paragraph, second sentence to read: "...people have spoken to him...", and the second to last sentence to read: "... noting MTA is looking for partners to develop the property." October 21, 1998 Page 1 MIS Mastin/Kelly approving the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 7, 1998 with corrections as noted by Councilmember Mastin, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Kelly, Mastin, and Mayor Malone. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: Chavez. ABSENT: Ashiku. 5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION Mayor Malone reviewed the appeal process. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR MIS KellylChavez approving Items a-i of the Consent Calendar as follows: a. c. d, e. f. h. Approved Disbursements for the month of September 1998; Rejected Claim for Damages received from James Russell; and referred to Joint Powers Authority, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund; Approved Notice of Completion for the Sidewalk Replacement and Drainage Improvement Project, Specification No. 98-08; Adopted Resolution 99-21 Establishing a "No Parking" Zone on the East Side of Orchard Avenue Adjacent to the Exit Driveway For The New Post Office Annex; Adopted Resolution 99-22 Establishing a No Parking Zone/Bus Loading Zone on the West Side of South State Street From the Southwest Curb Return of Observatory Avenue to 84 Feet South of Observatory Avenue; Approved Budget Amendment for Police Department Video Equipment; Received Report regarding Acquisition of Storm Drain Pipe Material For The Ukiah Landfill from Wyatt In the amount of $13,236.80; Received Report regarding Expenditure for Uniforms for Youth Basketball; Rejected Bids for four Police Department Lap-Top Computers. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Chavez, Kelly, Mastin, and Mayor Malone NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Ashiku. 7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Ted Hester, 1771 Wildwood Road, Ukiah, advised that last year Chris Fetzer, of Fetzer Cycles, started the Coyote Mountain Bike Race at Lake Mendocino. This year they expect approximately 300 bike enthusiasts to participate in the October 25 event. It is their hope that enthusiasm and support for this event will continue. He discussed the 33-mile route and noted they are also sponsoring a salmon barbeque which is open to the public. 8. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by California Department of Forestry On Its Proposed New Air Attack Base Facility At The Ukiah Regional Airport City Manager Horsley introduced California Department of Forestry (CDF) and Fire Protection Assistant Chief Loyde Johnson to Council. She reported that a few years ago CDF was considering moving out of the area, but the City has been meeting with them to find a way for them to keep a presence at the Ukiah Regional Airport (Airport) and CDF was receptive to the City's proposal. Loyde Johnson, CDF and Fire Protection Assistant, gave a slide presentation to Council outlining their proposed new air attack base at the Airport. CDF has maintained a firefighting air attack base facility at the Airport since 1965. The original facility was intended to be temporary and after 30 years of use, does not meet current health and safety codes, nor does it address CDF's operational needs and requirements. In 1995, CDF was considering moving out of the Ukiah Valley to join forces with the CDF facility in the Santa Rosa area. City staff immediately met with local CDF representatives to advocate for the continued existence of a local CDF air attack base within the Ukiah region and to discuss a joint partnership effort between the City and CDF as well as possible funding alternatives. In March 1996, he led an effort to approach the State legislature to fund a new air attack base on the southeast portion of the Airport. The City in turn passed a resolution in May 1996, which stated the City's intention to enter into a ground lease with CDF for at least 25 years. He informed Council that the State legislature has approved $5.2 million for this CDF expansion project. Due to the limited space available on the parcel, the current facility design does not meet October 21, 1998 Page 2 current working operations and cannot be redesigned for future needs. The proposed air attack base is a three-year Major Capital Outlay project beginning with Fiscal Year 1999- 2000 for acquisition of site, Fiscal Years 2000-2001, and 2001-2002 for the construction phase. Completion is schedule for June 2002. Construction costs are estimated at $5.2 million, with a total project cost estimated at 7.3 million. The new facilities will include an Air Operations building, Warehouse/Shop building, Aircraft hangar, Hazardous Material building, aircraft taxiways, four large aircraft loading areas with one pad approved for landing helicopters, 5,000 sq. ft. of security fencing, and a new retardant delivery system with an integrated recovery system to each pad that will meet Water Quality Control Board regulations in the future. He discussed increased operational safety and enhancement to the Airport for possible partnerships with such agencies as local fire protection departments that could share the facilities and provide mutual air response when needed. Anticipating that the public may be very interested in their operations, a planned public viewing area to the north of the helipad will be constructed to include picnic benches and a fenced-in area for public safety. Council discussed the project design and the location of the proposed structures. Concern was expressed that the activities and structures located in the southeast corner of the Airport not impact the residential area to the south of the Airport. Alternative access routes to the site were discussed. A recommendation was made that the planting of trees or other vegetation would effectively create a barrier between the CDF facility and the residential area to the south. Mr. Johnson thanked the City Council for their cooperation and advised that, with the development of this project, CDF is making a long term commitment to Mendocino County. 9. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Kelly reported meeting with representatives from Ukiah Unified School District (UUSD), Mendocino County, and the City Manager concerning a preliminary site plan for their proposed school on South State Street. She distributed site plan drawings for Council's review. City Manager Horsley advised that the UUSD is now considering the Community Center and a Skateboard Park in their design. She felt the meeting was very encouraging. Councilmember Kelly reported that the City Council Candidate Night held last night was very informative. All eight candidates felt the UUSD project is a great idea. Discussion followed concerning the condition of the existing buildings on the school site, many of which are not up to code. Council discussed the proposed design and layout of the school site. Councilmember Kelly reported attending the 25th anniversary of the Ford Street Project, noting that much renovation has been done to the property. The Ford Street Project acknowledged the City's participation and support over the years. She also reported on her attendance at an Oak Street Triangle meeting. She reported meeting with the Ukiah Valley Cultural Recreational Steering Committee. They have decided to merge their efforts with the Boys and Girls Clubs for the time being since they serve similar purposes. They are setting up additional committees and hope to open the Recreation Center by May 1999, with an eye toward acquiring additional facilities over the next five years. She discussed a news article in the San Francisco Chronicle concerning teen centers and the types of activities they provide. She reported that the Sun House will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary on October 30, and she was very excited about the new exhibit on display at the Museum of women and children's clothing of the Hudson's family. She noted that the Sun House Store will be a sponsor of the MTA trolley and the Museum will be an official stop on its route. They are investigating ways to attract more people to the Museum and store. October 21, 1998 Page 3 Councilmember Mastin reported attending the City Council Candidates Night and felt there are some good candidates in the election. He inquired about the Year 2000 compliance and how it will affect the flow of water coming off the grid and whether electricity will continue to flow. City Manager Horsley advised that the City is currently assessing all of its systems, such as electrical equipment, fax machines, air conditioners, and all items that may have computer chips installed. She has alerted all Departments of potential problems. Councilmember Mastin proposed that the City may be able to negotiate a temporary agreement with the Army Corp of Engineers and Sonoma County Water Agency with regard to controlling the flow of water through the City's hydroelectric plant in order to be able to generate some power locally that would not be affected by whatever happens on the grid itself. The City needs to be aware of the status of others in order to be better prepared for a potential interruption in service. He inquired if there are other short-term procedures that could be done to help the situation, such as generators, in case of a major problem. Councilmember Kelly reported meeting today with Supervisor Shoemaker, who reported that Solid Waste Systems in now requesting a Negative Declaration for the Transfer Station. She expressed concern that this could slow down the process. City Manager Horsley advised that she contacted Solid Waste Systems regarding this matter and they will advise her on the matter. Mayor Malone reported on the hearing of the Senate Transportation Committee in Ukiah on October 19, 1998 concerning the operations of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad. Senator Kopp was impressed that, for such a small district, there was a capacity crowd in the Civic Center Council Chambers. Senator Kopp questioned Caltrans if the money has been spent in the public interest and felt the railroad is worth keeping alive. The Senator is expected to obtain reports concerning the viability of the railroad from Caltrans. Mayor Malone advised that Proposition 5 was discussed at the Chamber of Commerce meeting today. City Attorney Rapport presented arguments to the Chamber in favor of the Proposition. He noted that the next City Council should appoint another representative to the Chamber of Commerce, since his term expires in November. 10. CITY MANAGER/DIRECTOR REPORTS City Manager Horsley advised the new street signs have arrived. These signs will be placed on Perkins and Gobbi Streets to direct the public to various City buildings, such as the Civic Center and Museum. She also mentioned that more visible Ukiah entrance signs are being constructed for the northern and southern entrance to the City. She noted that Mr. Mountanos has contributed $5,000 toward these signs, which are close to completion. She thanked Council for their input on rearranging the City Council office. Assistant Karen Yoast was instrumental in getting everything organized. Executive Discussion followed concerning the City Council joint meeting with the Planning Commission scheduled for October 28, 1998, at 5:30 p.m. Consensus of Council was to order food for City Council and Planning Commission members. It was noted that no regular Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for that night. Consensus of Council was to not set a time limit on the meeting. Mr. Eric Larson advised that the Planning Commission has reviewed the Housing Element. 7:45 p.m. - Adjourned to Ukiah Redevelopment Agency 7:56 p.m. - Reconvened as City Council October 21, 1998 Page 4 11. CLOSED SESSION Mayor Malone announced the Closed Session agenda as follows: G.C. §54957.6 -Conference With Labor Neqotiator Negotiator: Candace Horsley i. Employee Negotiations -All Units The City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 7:56 p.m. The Council reconvened from Closed Session at 8:45 p.m. No action was taken. 13. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Malone adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m. to October 28, 1998 at 5:30 p.m. for the Joint Meeting with the Planning Commission. Marie Ulvila, City Clerk October 21, 1998 Page 5