HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin 01-20-82MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF UKIAH - JANUARY 20, 1982
The City Council convened in regular session at 6:33 P.M. in the City
Council Chambers. Roll call was taken and the following Councilmembers
were present: Hickey, Feibusch, Snyder, Riley, Myers. Staff present:
Payne, Orchard, Kruth, Beard, Harris, Tillotson, Gutierrez.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The invocation was given by Councilmember Hickey and Vice Mayor Riley
led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL/CORRECTION OF MINUTES
M/S: Riley/Snyder to approve the minutes of January 6,1982 as amended.
Motion carried by the following ~roll call vote: AYES: Hickey,
Feibusch, Snyder, Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None
RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION
Mayor Myers reviewed Section 1094.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure
regarding appeal procedure.
CONSENT CALENDAR
M/S: Snyder/Riley to approve Consent Calendar Items 6a-6d as follows:
a. Payroll Warrants, #17701 to 17838 in the amount of $67,337.29;
b. General Warrants, #19069 to 19198 in the amount of $ 612,549.68;
c. Award of bid for 18,000 ft. 4/0 aluminum cable to Bayside of Santa
Rosa, in the amount of $17,858.88
d. Report of Administrative Actions & Proposals
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey, Feibusch,
Snyder, Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
7a. UKIAH VALLEY ASSOCIATION FOR THE I-IA~DICAPPED REGARDING FREE DUMPING
PRIVILEGES AT THE DISPOSAL SITE
The City Manager explained that the UVAH is requesting they be allowed
to dump 100 cubic yards free for the year 1982. He said staff's
position is that if we allow it, then we would be opening the door to
hundreds more who would have similar requests. Staff recommends denying
the request. Discussion by Councilmembers reflected that there are many
deserving non-profit organizations, but if this request is granted, it
would be difficult not to allow other requests. Councilmember
Feibusch, who requested that the matter be placed on the agenda, stated
this is an unusual situation, and should not be compared with other
organizations. Councilmember Riley stated this is a unique situation
and if granted, would not open the door for others.
M/S: Hickey/Snyder that the request be denied.
Motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey,
Snyder, Myers NOES: Feibusch, Riley ABSENT: None
7b. REQUEST FROM WAYNE HALL, REDWOOD EMPIRE CAB, FOR DELETION OF
CERTAIN PORTIONS OF THE CITY CODE PERTAINING TO TAXI OPERATION
City Manager explained that the City has received written communication
requesting that section 2559 of Article II of Chapter 5 be partially
deleted in order to expand employment opportunities in the City of
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Ukiah. It is requested that the wording "under the age of twenty-one
years of age, or by any person who does not have a chauffeur's license
issued by the state of California", be deleted.
City Manager stated that the Police Chief has reviewed the request and
that he has no objection. City Manager explained that if the Council
~approved the request, action would be to refer to the City Attorney for
preparation of an ordinance.
M/S: Riley/Hickey to refer this to the City Attorney to remove the
chauffeur's license and to lower the age to 18.
Motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey,
Feibusch, Snyder, Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8a. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY VICHY HILLS POWER COMPANY FOR
ANNEXATION OF SANITARY DISPOSAL SITE PROPERTY
8al. (9d) CONSIDERATION OF VICHY HILLS POWER COMPANY SOLID WASTE TO
ENERGY PROJECT (RILEY)
City Manager suggested that the Council may also want to consider Agenda
Item 9d at the same time.
M/S: Riley/Snyder that 9d be considered concurrent with 8a and be
referred to as 8al.
Motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey,
Feibusch, Snyder, Riley, Myers. NOES: None ABSENT: none
City Manager explained that the VHPC requested at the last regular
Council Meeting that a portion of the landfill site be annexed to the
City. Staff recommended a larger area also be annexed. The VHPC feels
this would put the City in lead agency status, as far as use permits,
licences, etc. are concerned. However, if the City does not annex the
property, the City could still lease the property to VHPC, if the
Council chose to do so.
Councilmember Riley stated she has received many phone calls from people
who are opposed to the plant. She is opposed to the annexation and is
requesting a study session to consider this. It has been suggested that
the proposed annexation is a separate issue but she would like to argue
that it is not a separate matter. Mr. Titelow's feasibility study
states that the first stage in his first element is to annex the land-
fill site. In her opinion there is no reason to annex if we do not
intend to build the power plant, since it is outside the westside
annexatiOn policy.
Councilmember Riley made a motion to deny the request for annexation.
Motion died for lack of a second.
M/S: Riley/Feibusch that the annexation request be continued until after
the work study session. Study session set for January 27, 1982 at
3:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers.
The study session will consider plant proposal and annexation together.
Councilmember Riley had new material to give to the City Council. It
will also be provided to VHPC.
Motion was carried by the following roll call vote: Hickey, Feibusch,
Snyder, Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None
8b CONSIDERATION OF LAS CASAS DENSITY STUDY
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City Manager stated the City has received a request from Jared Carter,
attorney for Las Casas, for density bonus. He further stated that the
mfitter had been continued from Council's last meeting.
Planning Director reviewed for Council points covered in his memorandum
of January 14, 1982. He made reference to needed policy direction from
Council, possible modification to the use permit and referred back to
the Planning Commission and applicant's request for further density
bonus to increase the dwelling units from 316 units previously approved
to 395 units.
Councilmember Riley asked if applicant had already gotten a density
bonus from six units per acre to seven units per acre? Planning
Director stated that is correct due to design innovation and open space.
He further pointed out that the 3 acres purchased by Rural Community
Housing Development Corp was not included in the original use permit
containing the density bonus.
Councilmember Feibusch was of the opinion that negotiations with the
developer should take place on density per acre only.
Councilmember Snyder referred to the resolution apprOved by Council on
April 15, 1981 and asked if there is a time constraint? Planning
Director stated the resolution would be in effect for one year with an
option for a 6-month extension, based on the City Code.
Councilmember Riley stated her concern with the complexity of the issues
and questioned whether this wasn't a legal matter. She questioned the
use of the old General Plan figures and felt the alternatives suggested
by applicant regarding different types of units were sketchy and contain
no statement regarding what type of housing or guaranty of unit price
and felt these issues must be clarified before Council can consider the
matter.
Councilmember Hickey asked if the government code provides that a 25%
density bonus must be given and cannot be negotiated? City Attorney was
of the opinion that the 25% density bonus now would apply to future
phases as the first phase has been dealt with without consideration to
density bonus.
Councilmembers Riley and ~$nyder questioned the ability of applicant,
when a valid agreement has already been made, to come back later and
request a density bonus. Councilmember Snyder was of the opinion that
to make changes could result in having to start all over. Councilmember
Riley requested an executive session.
Jared Carter, attorney for developer, stated the Legislature is saying
they want to facilitate, not impede, the development of low and moderate
housing and impediments to it are illegal. The density bonus law stated
that after a project is approved, and in addition to any other density,
applicant is intitled to density bonuses or other alternative bonuses in
order to provide a significant contribution to economically feasible low
and moderate housing. There is no authority contained in the
legislation for the City to say whether those housing units are rentals,
purchase housing or to put other terms or conditions on those units. He
further felt that something should be worked out as expeditiously and as
fair as possible that compliments the density bonus program in order
that this project may proceed. He pointed out that during all
discussions with st'aff, Planning Commission and City Council, it was
made clear that the density bonus issue would not be resolved at that
time. He proposed a work session as a way to resolve issues or have the
Planning Commission give a more comprehensive look to the issues and
make their recommendation to the Council.
Councilmember Hickey asked for clarification regarding~if legislation is
retroactive if not so stated. Discussion was had regarding the question
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of legislation being retroactive, approval of resolution in connection
with this legislation and the concept of the whole project in relation
to the legislation.
M/S: Snyder/Riley to set a work study session and have the developer
and any represnetatives and the Planning Commission attend.
Discussion was had regarding Councilmember Riley's request for Executive
Session. Mr. Carter asked that the reason for Executive Session be
clarified. Councilmember Riley felt, as there is a potential for
litigation in this matter, it would be appropriate to discuss that in
Executive Session. Mr. Carter was of the opinion that as no reference
was made to legal action, it would not be appropriate under the Brown
Act to retire to Executive Session to discuss matters. The City
Attorney determined Executive Session was in order.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey, Feibusch,
Snyder, Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None
It was determined that the work session would be February 1, 1982 at
4:30 P.M. in City Council Chambers.
8c CONSIDERATON OF WOOD WASTE TO ENERGY PROPOSAL
City Manager explained this matter was briefly reviewed at the 1/6/82
City Council meeting and was continued to allow more time to study the
issue.
Councilmember Feibusch stated he has received new information from the
Federal Grants and Contracts Weekly, dated January 5, 1982 that energy
research grants are available and applications due April 9, 1982.
City Manager clarified that the City would have to prepare the grant
application unless the Council wanted to reverse it and hire a firm to
do the study if they prepare the grant application for us.
Councilmember Snyder stated she does not approve of the study. She
spoke with the raw materials manager at Masonite who expressed the fact
that there are a number of problems and that they have had difficulties
with their raw materiea~ procurement. It was her opinion that we should
vote on the concept and ~lf it is something we want to do, then apply for
the grant. ·
Councilmember Hickey stated that if we get the grant and have a study
done, then we would be in a better position to make a decision.
Councilmember Feibusch stated that wood waste is an efficient way of
heating; that it depends on the burning facility.
M/S: Feibush/Hickey that the City make an application for a grant and if
we are successful in getting the grant, then to hire someone to do the
feasibility study.
Motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey,
Feibusch, Riley, Myers NOES: Snyder ABSENT: None
8d CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT REGARDING LITIGATION
City Attorney Orchard informed the Council that the Lockhart litigation
was heard on Wednesday, January 13, 1982 and the City's position was
upheld. He requested that matters relating to this litigation be
discussed in a personnel session.
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NEW BUSINESS
9a MATTER OF INSURANCE FOR HANGARS AND TIE DOWNS AT AIRPORT
City Manager explained that new agreements have been sent to hangar and
tie down renters which include liability insurance in the amount of
$1,000,000 for bodily injury and property damage. He said there are two
points that should be considered:
1) How did we come up with the amount?
2) Is it an appropriate amount?
Council has the prerogative to change the amount.
Mr. Beard, Assistant Public Works Director, reviewed information which
had been provided to Council. He had checked with other municipal
airports to inquire about their insurance requirements and reviewed the
results of that survey. The insurance requirement of $1,000,000 is as
recommended by our insurance carriers, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurane
Fund.
He stated that a policy determination is needed as to the limits of
insurance for the City to carry on the airport in regards to leases and
tie-downs. Liability insurance basically provides protection for the
aircraft in the event that the aircraft occurs damage on other people or
property. In the event there is a suit over a damage, there is always
the potential of the City being named in that suit over and above the
insured. Therefore, we have asked that the City be named as additional
insured.
M/S: Riley/Feibusch that we reduce the insurance requirements to
$300,000 bodily and $100,000 property.
Councilmember Snyder asked for clarification of a portion of the City
Manager's recommendation pertaining to airport facility tenants and
also clarified that insurance pertains to per occurence - not each
person. Concerns had been expressed to her that there is a problem with
having the City named as additional insured. Persons from the audience
stated this is no problem.
Councilmember Riley stated she had talked with Ira Brannon, REMIF,
concerning the amount of insurance requirement and concluded that we can
safely protect the City for considerably less than a million dollars,
but there is some risk involved. Councilmember Hickey stated there is
always a risk involved.
Mayor Myers asked for comments from the audience.
Attorney Duncan James stated paragraph 15 of the lease regarding bodily
injury, as it is written, is impossible to insure in today's market.
Insurance brokers state that bodily injury refers to people in the
airplane. (i.e. if there were four people in the airplane, the aircraft
would have to have $1.2 million worth of insurance. He suggested strik-
ing out "combined", "single limit", skip the word "for" and strike "each
person"
M/S: Riley/Feibusch amend the leases to change the amounts to $100,000,
$300,000 and $100,000~,to change paragraph 15 in the hangar lease and
paragraph 14 in the tie-down lease as recommended by Mr. James.
The following people from the audience spoke: Dick Sarber, Mr. Joe
Johnson, Mr. Nickerman, Mr. Morman of Potter Valley, Charles Williams,
Dan Haley, Mark Davis and made the following comments.
It was pointed out that the FAA regulates air taxi charter service and
requires that they have adequate insurance. Each one was of the opinion
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that the proposal was not justified. The insurance requirement is not
obtainable. The exclusion of transient aircraft from this requirement
was considered to be unfair. A petition from the complainants was filed
with the City Clerk.
Motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey,
Feibusch, Snyder, Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None
9b FERC LETTER REGARDING CITY PROCEDURE FOR PURCHASING POWER FROM
CO-GENERATION AND SMALL POWER PRODUCERS
M/S: Riley/Snyder to send the letter to FERC.
Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
Feibusch, Snyder, Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None
9c MATTER OF CONSOLIDATION OF CULTURAL ARTS & PARKS & RECREATION
AYES: Hickey,
COMMISSIONS
M/S: Snyder/Hickey to approve the consolidation.
Motion was unanimously carried.
The City Attorney will draft the required ordinance.
COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Linda Foster of Gobbi St. thanked whoever turned on the heat in the
Council Chambers.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
l la. APPOINTMENT TO COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Mayor Myers asked for clarification if this was for one appointment or
two. Councilmember Hickey stated it was for one.
Councilmember Riley nominated Walter Hamburg.
M/S: Synder/Hickey to clqse the nomination.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey, Feibusch,
Snyder, Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None
Walter Hamburg was named to the County Chamber of Commerce.
Councilmember Hickey
Councilmember Hickey suggested we send a letter on behalf of the Council
to Senator Barry Keene in appreciation of his support of the City's
position against SB426, the compulsory and binding arbitration
legislation. City Council concurred.
Councilmember Hickey also stated that in regards to the suit by the 36
counties in the State that are challengeing State action in mandates
that don't provide funds to cover the costs involved, 8 of those do
pertain to cities, or at least affect them and therefore we should watch
them very closely and be ready to support the counties in any way we
can.
Councilmember Hickey attended a WAPA meeting in Sacramento regarding CVP
power and it looks like a contract will be approved, effective March 1,
1982.
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Councilmember Snyder
Asked if the crosswalk had been put in at Gobbi and Leslie. Public
Works Director stated that it has been authorized and will be completed
when weather permits.
Councilmember Riley
Asked what happened to the hillside ordinance.
Planning Director responded that it will be to the City Council in March
as part of the revised zoning ordinance.
Mayor Myers
Referred to the letter requesting Scouts in City Government Day during
the Febuary's Boy Scout Anniversary month.~ Council determined February
17, 1982 to be Scouts in Government Day.
Mayor Myers will be attending Mendocino Council of Governments meeting
2/1/82. Public hearings will be held on the regional transportation
plan and on consideration of the unmet needs for transportation.
Anything left over goes to streets and roads.
After Executive Session, City Council adjourned to January 27, 1982 for
work session concerning VHPC.
Sandi Gutierrez,
Deputy City Clerk
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