HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 07-17-96 spec. meetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF UKIAH - Special Meeting
July 17, 1996
453
The City Council convened in a special meeting, of which the agenda was legally noticed and posted, at 6:02
p.m. in Conference Room 3 of the Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. Roll was taken
and the following Councilmembers were present: Mastin, Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker and Mayor
Schneiter. Absent: None. Staff present: City Manager Horsley, Planning Director Sawyer, and City Clerk
Giuntoli.
2. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
None.
3. PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICANT INTERVIEW
I. Paul Eveleth
Mayor Schneiter introduced Mr. Eveleth to those present and described the interview process. He indicated
there is one vacancy and, in addition to the existing pool of applicants, the incumbent Planning
Commissioner has re-applied for the position that is expiring.
Council queded the applicant relative to his employment with GTE, his two year elected term on Lomita's
City Council, and his opinions regarding that city's Planning Commission.
Mr. Eveleth replied the only complaint he had regarding Lomita's Planning Commission was the three month
pedod it took for Planning Commission items to come before the City Council.
Council further queded the applicant relative to his reasons for applying for the Planning Commission
vacancy, and his observations of the community since his arrival in Ukiah in October, 1995.
The applicant replied it was his intention to become an involved citizen, but that he had not followed City
Council or Planning Commission actions since he had become a resident of the City. His main observations
were the lack of available retail space for his expanding business, and the amount of traffic on State Street.
Council continued the interview by asking Mr. Eveleth to explain several of his statements on his application
related to growth, development, and design review.
Mr. Eveleth responded by stating that if a community wants something done and if the project is legal and
does not interfere with commerce and the safety of the community, it would be difficult to legislate against
preventing what is inevitably going to happen; however, to go forward with growth irrespective of the past
and what was formedy accomplished is irresponsible. He further stated that if there is a no growth issue
at the Council level, it should also be a no growth issue to the Planning Commission, and they should follow
those guidelines. Development often involves a compromise, with the decision meeting the needs of the
community as a whole. Design of commercial projects should remain consistent with the area in which it
exists; a "mix and match" policy disturbs the continuity of the area.
Council referred to the General Plan as being the underlying document used for current zoning and land use
policies, and described the four-year process involved with the community in getting it adopted. The
applicant was asked where his loyalties would lie in terms of a contested issue with the public, and whether
he would rely on the General Plan, his own opinion, or the loudest negative opposition.
Mr. Eveleth stated he did not think it fair to use his personal opinion as a basis for decisions. He would
base his actions on the safety and welfare of the community, and on the direction that he was given. He
would be frustrated to regularly be in a minority position on the voting on planning issues, but would work
to resolve the issues and come to some sort of compromise with everyone.
Council concluded the interview and thanked the applicant for his interest.
4. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:21 p.m.
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Special Meeting -July 17, 1996
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