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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 03-04-85CITY COUNCIL MINUTES City Council Chambers 111W. Church Street Ukiah, CA 95482 SPECIAL MEETING March 4, 1985 129 The City Council convened in special session at 5:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. The following Councilmembers were present: Kier, Hickey, Kelley and Mayor Myers. Absent: Councilmember Henderson. Staff present: Payne, Pedroncelli, Harris, Roper, Goforth and Stamelos. STUDY SESSION ARCHITECTURAL UPDATE ON YOKAYO SCHOOL SITE Mayor Myers requested an update from Architect, Victor Lopes on the Yokayo Site. The Council is anxious for the project to progress in a timely manner. Mr. Lopes requested input from Council on what their wishes are for the new City Hall and presented charts and graphs on Department Head input. Discussion ensued regarding the available space for offices; public access; police and fire; Council Chambers; offices for Councilmembers; the possibility of available space for other agencies; future expansion of offices. Mayor Myers stressed the importance of public access. Mr. Lopes reported it would be approximately 12 to 13 months before construction could begin. It was requested by Council that Mr. Lopes meet with them for the first 15 minutes of each Council meeting to give input and discuss the progress of the project. UPDATE ON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT Mayor Myers stated that although there is a tremendous amount of distinction between what has happened in Santa Rosa and what is happening in Ukiah, he felt it important that the Council be informed on conditions in Ukiah and if necessary see what steps should be taken to relieve any potential problems. The Director of Public Works and the Deputy Director reported on the back- ground of the last plant enlargement and what future needs will be. It had been anticipated that a new pond would not be needed until 1988. Due to recent conditions in the river, an additional pond is now needed. They reviewed how the wastewater system operates i.e., evaporation/percolation, output into the river, etc. The Director ask for Council to give him the authority to proceed with some short term construction methods at the cost of $50,000 to $60,000, and a long term solution by asking for the authority to hire an appraiser to acquire property of approximately 15 acres for a future sewage pond. The Director reported discussion was now in progress with property owners in the area regarding irrigating or spraying their fields with the effluent. There was discussion regarding th elimination of the buildup of effluent in the ponds i.e., irrigation of fields; spraying; trucking it out of the area; what effect the spraying and irrigation might have on crops; and the possibility of irrigation at the airport. Mayor Myers asked if the problem at the treatment plant could have been predicted. The Director stated that there was no way that the City could have been aware that there would be no further increase in flow in the river. Prior to what happened in Santa Rosa, it was felt that the pond levels were in better shape than ever. The Deputy Director pointed out to Council that the treatment plant is in a critical situation and requested direction from Council. He stated the Water Quality Control Board wanted to see that the City was moving toward a solution. Special Meeting March 4, 1985 Page 1 130 The Director stated that he would return to Council on March 20th for action items; however, this meeting was necessary in order to show the Water Quality Control Board that the City is taking some action. The City Manager stated that all resources must be explored in order to get by until the weather changes. He added that the City could not wait until the 20th day and the ponds are full to start implementing available resources. There was discussion on permanent pipes versus temporary for irrigation purposes; how much sewage the ponds will hold; the acreage of the ponds; pumping to a possible holding area at the airport, and the importance that none of the sewage be released. Councilmember Kier stated that he does not want the City to get into the same situation as Santa Rosa where there was no option but to dump into the river. He showed concern as to what the short term solution should be. Discussion proceeded with the possibility of a conservation plan for the City based on what was implemented in the drought years; staff to make the public aware of what they can do to conserve; the education of the public on what has transpired to create the present problem; the possibility of a state of emergency to decrease the amount of flow into the plant; and for staff to immediately implement a conservation program. M/S: Kier/Kelley to give staff the authority to pursue all avenues with the proviso that the piping be temporary wherever possible, and authorize an appraisal to acquire fifteen (15) plus acres. The Deputy Director stated that depending on the outcome of the meeting, and the decision that the Council makes, the Water Quality Control Board is prepared to issue a cease and abatement order to the City based on a cleanup order to keep the City from dumping into the river. Discussion ensued regarding underground versus above ground pipes; whether the pipes would be used on City property for future use; and implementation of the conservation program that was used in 1976. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Kier, Hickey, Kelley and Mayor Myers. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Henderson. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Mayor Myers stated that Michael Shapiro has indicated he would like to address the Council regarding the Rescue Mission. He asked direction from the City Attorney regarding litigation in this matter. The City Attorney advised the Council that Mr. Shapiro may speak on the subject; however, before any action might be taken by Council he would want to speak to Council in closed session. Michael Shapiro, 367 N. State Street, spoke on the matter of the lack of a public hearing and public input regarding the subject of the Rescue Mission. He questioned the decision that this facility could be designated a boarding house as this was a proposed use that has not been contemplated before. He expressed concern that this matter has been moved forward without more scrutiny as to its affect to the area and the City. He ask that Council take a close look at the zoning ordinance. He stated he would like to see a solution that would keep this matter out of the hands of the lawyers and the courts. It was recommended by the City Attorney that any discussion on this matter be addressed in Closed Session. CLOSED SESSION Adjourned into Closed Session at 9:00 p.m. to discuss the following pending litigation: Underground Construction Company vs Tudor Engineering and City of Ukiah; Amersfoort vs City of Ukiah; and Kennedy Homes vs City of Ukiah. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Nancy Stamelos Deputy City Clerk Special Meeting March 4, 1985 Page 2