HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 08-20-97147
MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting - August 20, 1997
A regular meeting of the Ukiah City Council, the agenda for which was legally noticed and posted,
convened at 6:31 p.m. in the Ukiah Civic Center Council Chambers, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah,
California. Roll was taken and the following Councilmembers were present: Chavez, Kelly, Mastin,
and Mayor Malone. Councilmember Ashiku arrived at 6:32 p.m. Staff present: Public Utilities
Director Barnes, Finance Director Elton, City Manager Horsley, Public Works Director Kennedy,
Police Captain McBride, City Attomey Rappod, Planning Director Sawyer, and City Clerk Henderson.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Malone led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Special Order of Business
Introduction of New Employee - Norma DeKnoblough
Police Captain Williams introduced the new Police Records Clerk, Norma DeKnoblough, a former
City employee.
3b. Proclamation -Women's Equality Day
Mayor Malone presented a Proclamation declaring August 26, 1997 as Women's Equality Day
in the City of Ukiah to Val Muchowski.
i
Approval/Correction of Minutes
Regular Meeting - August 6, 1997
MIS AshikulMastin to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 6, 1997, with the
following addition requested by Councilmember Kelly: under item 8a, Discussion and Comments
Regarding 1996-97 Mendocino County Grand Jury Final Report, Councilmember Kelly also
requested an update on the progress of cooperative efforts by the County Sheriff's Office and the
City Police Department regarding the transport of prisoners and Courthouse security measures.
(Councilmember Kelly noted the update had been provided to Council by staff.) The motion was
carried by the following voice vote: AYES: Councilmembers Ashiku, Kelly, and Mastin. NOES:
None. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Chavez and Mayor Malone. ABSENT: None.
5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION
Mayor Malone reviewed the appeal process.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Malone asked if anyone in the audience would like to remove from the Consent Calendar
either item 6, Adoption of Resolution Establishing No Parking Zones on the North and South Sides
of Clara Avenue from the West Line of Orchard Avenue to 330 Feet West, or item 6f, Adoption of
Resolution Establishing No Parking Zones on the North and South Sides of Ford Street from the
West Line of Orchard Avenue to 140 Feet West. No one so indicated.
MIS KellylMastin to approve the Consent Calendar as follows:
a. Denied claims for damages received from John Wagoner, Sharon Paz, and Patrick Taylor and
referred to City Insurance Carrier, REMIF;
b. Approved disbursements for the month of July, 1997;
c. Approved termination of DWP Agreement No. 790140 relative to the operation and maintenance
of traffic signals at North State Street and KUKI Lane;
d. Awarded contract to Central Striping Service, Inc. for Street Striping 1997, Specification No. 97-
11 in the amount of $11,317.85;
e. Adopted Resolution No, 98-10, Establishing No Parking Zones on the North and South Sides
of Clara Avenue from the West Line of Orchard Avenue to 330 Feet West;
f. Adopted Resolution No. 98-11, Establishing No Parking Zones on the North and South Sides
of Ford Street From the West Line of Orchard Avenue to 140 Feet West; and
g. Approved Budget Amendment for Garage Department.
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The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Chavez, Ashiku, Kelly,
Mastin, and Mayor Malone. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one wished to address the Council.
0
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion of General Plan Park and Recreation Element
In response to discussion relating to City-owned property at the end of Gobbi Street, commonly
known as Riverside Park, at the July 16, 1997 Council Meeting, Planning Director Sawyer provided
the Council with a general overview of the Park and Recreation Element of the City's new General
Plan. The Element includes the development of several neighborhood parks, support for Community
Gardens, establishment of walking, hiking and equestrian trails, and planning provisions for bicycle
paths, routes and lanes throughout the City. The Parks and Recreation Element also describes the
need for a multi-use indoor recreation facility with the City serving as a catalyst for the creation of
a public non-profit group which shall raise money for the construction and completion of the facility,
and the City being responsible for the ongoing costs of operation and maintenance, once the Center
is constructed. This project is proposed for a planning period of 11-20 years from the adoption of
the General Plan. Mr. Sawyer noted the area surrounding Riverside Park is zoned "Agricultural" with
the City-owned land designated "Recreation." Removal of the property from public ownership would
necessitate a rezoning.
Mayor Malone suggested the City set aside funds each year to build up a park development fund
over time.
City Manager Horsley noted park expenses include maintenance costs as well as development
costs. Priorities for development are dictated by funds available. Orchard Park is being developed
and there has been a significant donation towards the development of a park on the Observatory
properly.
Mayor Malone welcomed comments from the audience.
Marvin Trotter, M.D., Mendocino County Public Health Department, provided the Council with the
Mendocino County Community Health Status Report (January 1996), outlining above average "at
risk" behavior of youth in this County. He also provided information regarding the Steering
Committee which has been formed to develop the Ukiah Valley Arts and Recreation Center. The
Steering Committee is convinced the best way to serve the youth of this community and to reverse
overall negative health statistics would be to construct a central art and recreation center where
multiple groups would provide youth and adult activities, day care, and parenting classes. There are
many already established groups who need a facility in which to offer youth, as well as adult,
programs. The City is being asked to be a partner in this endeavor.
Valerie Lawe, Alcohol and Drug Treatment, noted from the surveys of County youths, the statistics
regarding drug and alcohol use are similar from community to community throughout the County.
Dr. Trotter noted the Steering Committee is asking for a commitment from the City to make the Arts
and Recreation Center become a reality. He sees the City's involvement at about 15 percent of the
cost of the entire project.
The Steering Committee members in the audience provided a brief program reflecting the needs
of children and teenagers in our community.
Councilmember Ashiku agreed with the validity of the project; his concern was the availability of
City funding.
Councilmember Kelly asked the Council to recognize the Steering Committee as the appropriate
group to spearhead a Recreation Center in the community as outlined in the General Plan and to
recognize this effod as a priority within the Park and Recreation Element.
The Council gave direction to staff to bring back to it a proposal as noted by Councilmember Kelly
and the Steering Committee of the Ukiah Valley Arts and Recreation Center.
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.
NEW BUSINESS
Consideration of Compensation for City Clerk, Introduction of Ordinance Amending
Chapter 3, Article 5 of the Ukiah Municipal Code, and Approval of Budget Amendment
City Manager Horsley outlined the history of the City Clerk position, and the goal of the former City
Clerk to be certified with the City paying for the training involved as part of the salary of the position.
She noted she met with City Clerk Henderson and they agreed the position, though elected, should
have a performance evaluation yearly. City Clerk Henderson has brought considerable
professionalism, common sense, team ethic, and practical application to this post. The
compensation for this position has not been increased since July 1990. Since no raises were given
this year to other employees, City Manager Horsley suggested a 3.7 percent cost of living raise.
MIS MastinlKelly to introduce an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ukiah Amending
Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 350 of the Ukiah Municipal Code Regarding City Clerk Compensation
by title only. The motion carried by a voice vote of all AYE.
City Clerk Henderson read the proposed Ordinance by title only.
MIS Mastin/Kelly to introduce an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ukiah Amending
Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 350 of the Ukiah Municipal Code Regarding City Clerk Compensation,
carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Chavez, Ashiku, Kelly, Mastin, and
Mayor Malone. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
MIS MastinlKelly to approve a budget amendment of $741 from the General Fund Beginning Fund
Balance to Accounts 100.1101.110.000 ($688), 100.1101.154.000 ($10), and 100.1101.156.000
($43), carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Chavez, Ashiku, Kelly, Mastin,
and Mayor Malone. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
10. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Chavez gave no report.
Councilmember Ashiku gave no report.
Councilmember Kelly reported the Sun House Guild and Grace Hudson Museum have received
several new grants, and the Guild is planning a Museum benefit the evening of October 18, 1997.
The Skate Park development group is planning a fundraiser at the Plaza in early September. She
enjoyed the well attended final Concert in the Park on Sunday.
Councilmember Mastin also enjoyed the Sunday Concert in the Park and noted the other weekend
concerts open to the public in Lake and Mendocino Counties. He reported to Council the City of
Willits would not be changing its position of support for the proposed Mendocino Solid Waste
Management Authority Transfer Station, and noted a concern the City of Ukiah's AB 939 diversion
rates had decreased. City Manager Horsley replied those figures reflect a change in the way the
City measures the intake at the Landfill.
Mayor Malone noted the Northwestern Pacific Railroad is operating with unstable financing.
11. CITY MANAGER/DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS
City Manager Horsley mentioned an interest by Councilmember Kelly to view a videotape of the
proposed fire tower project. Other Councilmembers interested in seeing the tape should coordinate
viewing times with Karen Yoast, Executive Assistant to the City Manager.
MIS Kelly/Malone to recess to Closed Session, was carried by a voice vote of all AYE.
The Council recessed at 7:50 p.m.
12.
12a.
CLOSED SESSION
G.C, Section 54957.6 - Confer with City of Ukiah Labor Negotiator, City Manager
Candace Horsley. Regarding City of Ukiah Employee Bargaining Unit - Fire
A closed session was held concurrently with the Ukiah Redevelopment Agency closed session.
Confidential direction was given to the City Manager.
No action was taken in open session.
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13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m. concurrently with the Ukiah Redevelopment Agency
Meeting.
een B. Henderson, City Clerk
Regular Meeting - August 20, 1997
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