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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 02-07-96MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH - February ?, 1996 Page i The City Council convened in a regular meeting, of which the agenda was legally noticed and posted, at 6:33 p.m. Roll was taken with the following Councilmembers present: Mastin, Malone, Wattenburger, and Mayor Schneiter. Absent at roll call; Councilmember Shoemaker. Staff present: City Clerk McKay, City Attorney Rapport, City Manager Horsley, Senior Planner Stump, Public Works Superintendent Looney, Airport Manager Bua, Finance Director Elton, Assistant to the City Manager Harris, and Public Utility Director Barnes. 2. Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance Councilmember Wattenburger requested a moment of thought to the memory of Landfill Equipment Operator, Jim Hamilton and Mayor Fred led Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Special Order of Business - Dedication of Meeting to the Memory of Jim Hamilton Councilmember Wattenburger spoke of the dedication and respect of Jim Hamilton, who passed away on January 27, 1996. APPROVAL/CORRECTION OF MINUTES 4a. Regular Meeting of January 17, 1996 M/S Malone/Wattenburger to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 17, 1996, as submitted. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Mastin, Malone, Wattenburger, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. Absent: Councilmember Shoemaker. 4b. Regular Adjourned Meeting of January 30, 1996 M/S Malone/Wattenburger to approve the minutes of the regular adjourned meeting of January 30, 1996, as submitted. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Mastin, Malone, Wattenburger, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. Absent: Councilmember Shoemaker. 4c. Regular Adjourned Meeting of January 30, 1996 M/S Malone/Wattenburger to approve the minutes of the regular adjourned meeting of January 30, 1996, as submitted. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Mastin, Malone, and Wattenburger. Abstain: Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. Absent: Councilmember Shoemaker. 5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION Mayor Schneiter reviewed Government Code Section 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedures. CONSENT CALENDAR M/S Malone/Wattenburger to approve the Consent Calendar as follows; 6a. Accepted letter of resignation from Planning Commissioner Brent Smith and authorized the City Clerk to advertise for applications. 6b. Declared surplus property of 1992 Crown Victoria automobile and approve scrapping of vehicle. 6c. Rejected all bids for 12,000 feet of #2 AWG, 15KV cable received December 12, 1995. 6d. Awarded bid for five 25 KVA and five 37.5 KVA transformers to General Electric Supply Company in the amounts of $4,906.70 and $6,896.20, respectively. 6e. Awarded bid to Cues, Inc. for a Mini-Mainline Sewer Inspection Camera in the amount of $11,250.53. 363 Reg. Mtg. February 7, 1996 Page 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH - February 7, 1996 Page 2 6f. Awarded bid to Ail Pure Company for annual contract for Chlorine Products in the amount of $36,501.20. The motion on the floor was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Mastin, Malone, Wattenburger, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. Absent: Councilmember Shoemaker. 7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS No one came forward. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 9a. Consideration of Letter Received From Mendocino County Requesting Discussions Pertaining to Sales Tax Sharing Mayor Schneiter outlined information provided to Council and discussion with Council ensued. He indicated with the apparent information he cannot support loosing any sales tax. Councilmember Malone commented he understands the County's concerns, but the City also has similar concerns. He suggested we should both get together to stop sales tax leakages and possibly provide public services jointly. He reminded the Council that the City provides recreation for all County residents, and although analysis of who provides what, could be extensive, efforts should be directed to recover 5% and get the State to pay for the services they mandate the County to cover. County Administrator Scannell reported the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors just asked for initial discussions to begin regarding sales tax sharing. He outlined County funding statistics and noted the County and the City had a sales tax sharing agreement in the 1960's. He indicated the Board just wants to commence civil discourse regarding this issue. Mayor Schneiter indicated the Council's staff report reveals that the distribution of sales tax from sales inside our City reflects that the County benefits too, and does receive increased revenue. County Administrator Scannell explained cost allocations of percentage of sales tax dollars that are restricted with only 1% of portion being discretionary. He indicated it is this 1% that they wish to discuss. He noted as our retail sales drop, the County assumes they are going to the City. He recommended a similar Redevelopment mechanism be established to set up a base and then pay each year from growth on the base. Councilmember Malone noted statistics provided by the Friedman Brothers controller indicated $14 million goes down the road out of County. He explained that only one penny on each dollar spent in the City of Ukiah has to fund planning, police and fire services which are greatly impacted by these retail growths. County Administrator Scannell agreed that the issue of sales tax leakage should be addressed. He suggested discussions could include referrals to the City and planning efforts to Cities. The City Manager reported the State has eliminated revenues to Cities, and revenues have also been lost, so the City is in the same predicament. Mayor Schneiter volunteered to meet with the Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors and Administrators with one other Councilmember for an ad-hoc committee. It was the consensus of Council to form an Ad-Hoc Committee for discussions. Councilmember Wattenburger volunteered to be on this committee. 365 Reg. Mtg. February 7, 1996 Page 2 366 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH - February 7, 1996 Page 3 PUBLIC HEARING - 7:00 p.m. 8a. Review and Conceptual Approval of Ukiah Municipal Airport Master Plan and Associated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact (Continued from January 17, 1996) I. Adoption of Resolution The Senior Planner reported on the history of the development of this Airport Master Plan and outlined the recommendations and deliberations of its review by the Planning Commission and Airport Commission. Dave Heal, Hodges and Shutt Airport Master Plan Project Manager, provided an overview for Council, detailed the function of the master plan, identified major issues, outlined the plan's time frame, procedures for future revisions, referred to plan drawings, reported on the Airport's present and future roles and activities, with activity forecasts and capacity analysis. Councilmember Shoemaker arrived and joined the meeting at this time of 7:10 p.m. Dave Heal continued his presentation regarding the recommendation to reduce the width of the Airport runway to a standard 100 foot width from 150 feet. Discussion ensued regarding maintenance costs, FAA funding, airfield improvements, potential development, and a helicopter landing pad. Mr. Heal continued his report for airport washing facilities, CDF Fire Attack base development with three possible sites, and acquisition of additional land to the south. Kenneth Brody, Senior Planner for Hodges and Shutt, reported on the portion of the plan pertaining to compatibility issues, noise, safety, overflights, land use compatibility, and Mendocino County land use compatibility plan. Council queried staff and consultants regarding purchase of air space, limits of height, overflight height regulation, density in B2 zone inconsistencies and density figures concerns of Dr. Light. Discussion ensued regarding a typographical error in table from ALUC plan, possible amendment to B2 zone density wording, and recommendation to re-identify these two zones. Council queried staff and consultants regarding zones; traffic patterns; inconsistences in land zoning; safety issues relating to residences, schools and hospitals noting possible recommendations after ALUC review; limits for flying areas; and how the Airport Master Plan is used as a planning document. Public Hearing Opened - 7:47 p.m. No one came forward. Public Hearing Closed - 7:48 p.m. Council queried the consultants regarding aircraft sizing limits; safety components future recommendations not listed because FAA does not mandate fire or emergency response plans for required level of response; FAA requirements; C130 operations discouraged as this airport's size will barely accommodate one; and other factors surrounding C130's would not meet standards; and wind cone costs. M/S Shoemaker/Wattenburger to amend the proposed resolution to include B3 zone density changes, retain the 150 foot runway and reject the runway length non-expansion recommendation. Councilmember Shoemaker stated he would like to leave the Reg. Mtg. February 7, 1996 Page 3 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH - February ?, 1996 Page 4 possibility for future extension. The City Attorney questioned how this motion impacts to the Airport Master Plan document. He recommended that this master plan can be amended in the future if expansion is desired at that time. The consultants indicated they received direction and approval from the City Council and the Airport Commission 1.5. years ago, to not pursue expansion of the runway. Discussion ensued with the City Attorney as to legal process for amendments. The motion on the floor was defeated by the following roll call vote: NOES: Councilmembers Mastin, Malone, and Mayor Schneiter. AYES: Councilmembers Wattenburger and Shoemaker. Absent: None. M/S Wattenburger/Malone to approve the Airport Master Plan with the amendments of; to leave the width of runway at 150 feet; add a B3 zone classification modification which changes the northern extended approach and departure zone from B2 to B3, and adopted Resolution No. 96-37 conceptually approving the Ukiah Municipal Airport Master Plan and Associated Negative Declaration. The motion passed with the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: Councilmembers Mastin and Shoemaker. Absent: None. Recess - 8:16 p.m. Reconvened - 8:27 p.m. Bb. Certification of Final Environmental Impact Report and Adoption of Appropriate Findings for the City Proposed Modification to its Solid Waste Facilities Permit for the Ukiah Municipal Landfill Located at the Terminus of Vichy Springs Road I. Adoption of Resolution Certifying Final EIR ii. Adoption of Resolution Making CEQA Findings The City Engineer/Public Works Director distributed a letter from Department of General Services and a letter received today from Gilbert Ashoff, owner of Vichy Springs Resort, of which both are to be entered into the record. He reported the City of Ukiah proposes to modify its 1979 Solid Waste Facilities Permit for the Municipal solid waste landfill in order to accommodate an increase in the permitted average disposal rate from 50 tons to per day, 7 days a week, to 190 tons per day, 5 days a week with a maximum daily waste input of 295 tons. He reported on California Environmental Quality Act requirements and the process of preparing a draft EIR, supplemental draft EIR, and EIR appendices, with public review and comment periods, public concerns and final EIR preparation. He reviewed the identified six significant impacts and recommended mitigations, five project alternatives of which four can be implemented immediately, and recommendations. The City Engineer/Public Works Director reiterated that a no project alternative would reduce the daily input to 50 tons a day, seven days per week, and current usage at the City landfill by County residents is 50%. He noted current volume level is at 106 tons per day which the landfill is accepting 5 days a week. Public Hearing Opened - 8:42 p.m. Miles Crail, 1494 Fawnwood Drive, noted he has been active in this process and has read the draft EIR, the supplement and the current EIR, and feels it does not address the issues he has raised plus others concerns. He understands that the dump has generated substantial revenue to City, but to keep this running full speed is immoral. He spoke to additional traffic, and his observations of activity at the landfill since 1978 and different closing dates projected. He noted increased earth moving appears to cause increased sedimentation flows and erosion during storms. He feels the EIR is inadequate and should not be adopted. 367 Reg. Mtg. February 7, 1996 Page 4 368 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH - February 7, 1996 Page 5 Judy Pruden, 304 South Hortense; expressed concern for the adequacy of the EIR. She urged Council to not expand the dump capacity to 100 tons per day, because Vichy Springs is a historic site and urged Council to read letter from State; she urged against overriding considerations and noted concerned citizens will file lawsuits. She stated that it appears to her that the letters of public concerns were not adequately addressed in the EIR, and she urged Council to address other alternatives, such as sending garbage out of the County. Phil Snider, AB 939 task force, noted this task force represents people from all over the County and spoke to the tasks of this committee when landfills have closed. He expressed his appreciation to the City of Ukiah for taking County garbage from these areas. He noted the Ukiah landfill will be the only landfill open to receive garbage until an alternative is activated. He indicated he hopes Ukiah will continue to be concerned for all of the County. Eric Sunswheat, PO Box 363, Potter Valley, he did not see his concerns in this document, but is unsure of what he sent in. He wonders why composting is not included as a mediation. He spoke to economic advantages of composting, referred to articles on recycling plastics, material recycling and transfer stations; and suggested the money spent on mitigations could be used for composting. Marjorie Ashoff, 2606 Vichy Springs, stated when she asked David Evans of the Water Quality Control Board for a layperson's interpretation of just how contaminated the Ukiah landfill is, he told her the Ukiah landfill is many times more contaminated than the Casper landfill is. She feels increasing tonnage in a contaminated dump is unreasonable. Public Hearing Closed - 9:13 p.m. Councilmember Malone questioned leachate at the landfill. The City Engineer/Public Works Director answered leachate is affected by variables such as surface area of the refuse cell, amount of rainfall and the amount of runoff into the refuse cell. He spoke to the need to keep surface area to a minimum for the purpose of reducing the amount of leachate production. He explained the test results. He explained the stipulation agreement requires us to amend this permit, for receipt of over 50 tons, 7 days a week. Council queried staff regarding options, diversion tonnage, California Integrated Waste Management Board requirements and definitions. Mayor Schneiter questioned staff whether the City has ever been informed or been in communication with Dave Evans as to how contamination at the Ukiah Landfill compares to contamination at the Caspar landfill. The City Engineer/Public Works Director stated no document or verbal correspondence from Dave Evans has ever been received which informs us that the City dump is many times more contaminated than the Casper landfill. Councilmember Shoemaker questioned the status of repair to Vichy Springs Road and questioned road standards minus other new developments. The City Engineer/Public Works Director referred to a letter from Budge Campbell to fix Vichy Springs Road with joint in house resources. Bob Parker, Mendocino County Deputy director, answered that accelerated loads will increase loads which is projected to significantly impact this road in the future. He noted both City Reg. Mtg. February 7, 1996 Page 5 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH - February ?, 1996 Page 6 and County could mutually agree to maintain and one time permanently fix it. He explained that residential use on a road, is not as substantial. Councilmember Shoemaker questioned if this sharing of resources has been approved by the Board of Supervisors. Bob Parker, Mendocino County Deputy Director stated from .the audience, for the record, that the County Board of Supervisors has reviewed the letters exchanged by Budge Campbell and Rick Kennedy, approved their proposal in concept, and authorized County staff to enter into discussions pertaining to a cost sharing agreement for Vichy Springs Road mitigations with the City. Council queried staff regarding hauling increases related to transfer stations, CEQA issue is increasing daily tonnage and future impacts due to this expansion of use of the landfill, current conditions as the environmental baseline for the proposed project tonnages from other cities, and Willits truck sizes and trip numbers. Environmental Science Associates EIR Consultants, outlined the criteria used for road and noise projections, and mitigation . Discussion ensued regarding transfer vehicles hauling 20-22 tons, thresholds of significance relative to the EIR, findings, and larger trucks reduce impacts. The EIR Consultants explained CEQA indicates that baseline for an EIR is for existing environmental conditions at 98 tons per day, which was occurring. They explained how analysis and projections were completed. Councilmember Shoemaker stated we know that there are some people that don't like this landfill, but we are not avoiding our liability as we are addressing state mandates, and we are doing what is proper for the land, the citizens, the City and the neighbors. We cannot ignore doing the right thing. We are planning properly with a projected closure date in October 1999, so any impacts will be only for a few years. He noted this EIR was a 24 month process, with expertise from engineers and attorneys,and it prepares the City to move forward and do the right thing. He stated this landfill has been scrutinized and he is very satisfied. M/S Shoemaker/Malone to certify the EIR as complete and in conformance with the requirements set forth in CEQA and adopted Resolution No. 96-38 Certifying Final EIR for Amendment to Solid Waste Facilities Permit for Ukiah Landfill as Adequate and Complete. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Mastin, Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. M/S Shoemaker/Malone to adopt Resolution No. 96-39, making findings pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21081 and California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15091 in connection with the Decision to submit an application to the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) and the California Integrated Waste Management Board to amend the Solid Waste Facilities Permit for the City of Ukiah Solid Waste Disposal Site. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Mastin, Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. M/S Shoemaker/Malone to approve the project and direct staff to implement the project by submitting an application to the LEA for modification to the Landfill's Solid Waste Facility Permit. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Mastin, Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. Councilmember Malone stated he concurs with Councilmember Shoemaker's statement. 369 Reg. Mtg. February 7, 1996 Page 6 370 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH - February ?, 1996 Page Councilmember Wattenburger stated it is his observation that Ukiah's landfill is the best run and cleanest site in Northern California. Sc. Adoption of Resolution Modifying Rental Rates and User Fees at City of Ukiah Regional Airport The Airport Manager reported on the recommendation from the Airport Commission to increase hangar rental rates, aircraft tie down fees, vehicle parking fees and operation fees at the Ukiah Regional Airport. He noted these proposed increases reflect an average of 2% increase per year since the last fee increase in 1990. The City Manager noted that comparisons to other Airports was difficult to complete due to the variables of hangar sizes and age, funding sources, content allowances and private or public ownership. Council queried staff regarding how parking fees are imposed and on what type of vehicle and trailers. Public Hearing Opened - 9:55 p.m. No one came forward. Public Hearing Closed - 9:56 p.m. M/S Mastin/Watt~nburger to adopt Resolution No. 96-40, modifying the rental rates and user fees at the City of Ukiah Regional \ . Airport. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Mastin, Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. NEW BUSINESS 10a. Approve Request from Ukiah P.A.L. to Use the Ukiah Regional Airport for an Air Show June 29 and 30, 1996 M/S Malone/Shoemaker to approve the request allowing Ukiah Police activities League (PAL) to use the Ukiah Regional Airport for the 1996 Air Show. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Mastin, Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. 11. CITY COUNCIL/REPORTS Councilmember Mastin - Reported the United Way allocation committee needs a volunteer for this upcoming year, as he has resigned. Councilmember Malone - Reported on the Chamber of Commerce meeting and noted a committee has been formed regarding the NCRA railroad depot property. Councilmember Wattenburger - Reported he attended the Ukiah Fire Department volunteer awards dinner; questioned EDFC membership; and noted he would like to dedicate the next meeting to Tom Neilson. Councilmember Shoemaker - Reported he knew Jim Hamilton and noted our loss of a great man; reported that the League of California Cities Redwood Empire Division is the most powerful due to highest membership on committees; and reminded Council of the MSWMA public hearing on Feb 21st here in evening. Mayor Schneiter - Reported last week he attended strategic planning in NCPA: reported on his APPC meetings in Washington DC and warned Council that very serious utility wars that are coming and requested a workshop in March for Council to discuss these issues; and noted a letter from City Treasurer is expected. Reg. Mtg. February 7, 1996 Page 7 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH - February ?, 1996 Page 8 12. CITY MANAGER/DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS The City Manager reported a new hub is ordered for the IBM AS400 for additional ports so that the Council office will have a personal computer in the next couple of months. CLOSED SESSION 13a. As per Government Code Section 54956.8 - Conference with Real Property Negotiator Regarding 825 North State Street Property, for Right of Way Acquisition from R. Shoemaker Parcel Councilmember Shoemaker left the meeting at this time. Council entered Closed Session at 10:20 p.m. Council came out of Closed Session at 11:00 p.m. The City Attorney noted no action was taken. 14. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the mee~ng was adjourned at 11:01 Cath~ Mc~, CMC//~E, City Clerk 371 Reg. Mtg. February 7, 1996 Page 8