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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin 01-06-82MINUTES OF THE ~ETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH - JANUARY 6, 1982 The City Council convened in regular session at 6:30 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, Harris, Johnson, Frame, Shepard, Gutierrez, Melvin. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The invocation was given by Mayor Myers and Councilmember Snyder led in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL/CORRECTION OF MINUTES M/S: Snyder/Riley to approve the minutes of November 30, 1981 as amended and the minutes of December 2, 1981. 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 Councilmember Feibusch requested that Agenda Items 6h and 6j be pulled. M/S: Hickey/Feibusch to approve Consent Calendar Items 6a-g and 6i as follows: a. Payroll Warrants, #17418-17558 in the amount of $68,858.82; #17559-17700 in the amount of $69,676.37; b. General Warrants, #18859-18984 in the amount of $207,286.35; #18985-19058 in the amount of $635,450.21; c. Approved Resolution No. 82-39 indicating intent to participate in cost of installing protection devices at Talmage Road crossing of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad; d. Approved consolidation of jail facilities with County; e. Approved Resolution No. 82-40 accepting the negotiated exchange of property tax revenues for the Airport-South State Street Reorganization (No. 81-10); f. Awarded bid to Cox Motors of Ukiah for one (1) four-door midsize sedan in the amount of $8,739.17 including sales tax; g. Denied claim for damages of Charles & Shirley Beauchamp and referred the matter to the City's insurance carrier; i. Approved NCPA Joint Powers Agreement amendment. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey, Feibusch, Snyder, Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None Mayor Myers stated that Agenda Items 6h and 6j would be considered under New Business. PETITIONS & COMMUNICATIONS 8a. PRESENTATION OF PETITION BY MENDOCINO COUNTY COALITION FOR THE ERA Lucy Mason, Hopland, requested that Council pass a resolution giving their support to the ERA and that telegrams be sent to President Reagan and to the governors of the five unratified states. She read for Council the resolution passed by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors. Reg.Mtg. 1/6/82 Pa§e 1 M/S: Riley/Feibusch to approve Resolution No. 82-43 supporting the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Councilmember Hickey stated he strongly believed in equal rights for both men and women but pointed out that councilmembers were elected to the Council to attend to the business of Ukiah and to take action on a matter that does not directly bear on the welfare of the City would be inappropriate. Councilmember Riley stated that the ERA does affect the Ukiah residents' right s. Councilmember Snyder supported the proposed resolution but requested that it be amended as follows: Third paragraph to read: "WHEREAS, many state statutes are contradictory and ineffective in rendering fairness toward males and females; and". Fifth paragraph to read: "WHEREAS, some people in America have consistently and historically been the victims of discrimination in the political, social, occupational, financial, military, educational and criminal justice systems." The maker and second of the motion were agreeable to the amendment proposed. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Feibusch, Snyder, Riley, Myers NOES: Hickey ABSENT: None Carol Park, ERA representative, requested that Council inform the governors of the five unratified states and President Reagan of their action. M/S: Snyder/Riley that a letter regarding Council's action be sent to President Reagan and to the governors of the five unratified states together with a copy of the resolution approved by Council. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. NEW BUSINESS 9a. SCHOOL STREET UNDERGROUND PROJECT City Manager stated that as the contractor has completed the installation of the underground conduits, the second phase is scheduled to begin with the pulling of primary cables, setting transformers, switches and making the required connections to individual businesses. He further stated that it has been his understanding, because of the nature of the electric utility, that City staff would provide labor and equipment during this phase and if Council wishes staff to proceed, the City Manager should be authorized to sign the project approval request. M/S: Hickey/Snyder to authorize the City Manager to sign the Project Approval Request. Councilmember Riley stated, she did understand the contractor's issues but based upon the City Attorney's opinion regarding the nature of legislation dealing with the City's proprietary rights as the owner of an electrical utility not being restricted by the competitive bidding procedure, she would vote in favor of the motion. Councilmember Feibusch was of the opinion that the City should not be in competition with private enterprise but since this has been planned for a long time and it was anticipated that City forces would do the work, he would vote in favor of the motion. He stressed that this must be the last time the City goes into competition with private enterprise. George Davis, Mendocino Builders Exchange, stated local contractors would like the opportunity to bid on this portion of the project and felt approval by Council would be~a violation of government code sections dealing with force accounts and the use of public funds. Councilmember Hickey asked if the City had the money to pay for this phase if it went out to bid? City Manager stated he could not recommend that this proceed if it is not done by force account. If the Council chose to proceed by call for bid, they could anticipate not proceeding with the project until the next fiscal year. Reg.Mtg. 1/6/82 Page 2 Councilmember Feibusch felt that the City Manager's statement assumed that the cost would be higher if the job were done by private enterprise. He further stated that the materials for the project had already been purchased and Council is dealing only with labor. He suggested that local contractors get a 9ariance from the Davis-Bacon Act in order to establish local prevailing wage rates rather than using Bay Area wage rates. Ed Busch, Busch Electric, objected to the City making the required connections to individual businesses. Director of Public Works stated that business owners are responsible for the work done on their own buildings. Councilmember Snyder questioned the use of City staff for labor. City Manager stated the City does not have the cash flow to pay for the project or any additional costs involved. Director of Public Works stated this project requires specialized work and there are not many contractors in this area who could handle the cable. He pointed out that when the project was proposed, Council was advised that this type of work could be done by City staff during the winter months. Councilmember Snyder felt the project should be put out to bid and did not see a problem with delay of the project since closure of the jail facility could provide more funds. City Manager stated the electric utility is an enterprise fund. George Pinnell, Ukiah, did not feel it would be advantageous to go to bid on this project but did want the opportunity to bid in the future. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey, Feibusch, Riley, Myers NOES: Snyder ABSENT: None PUBLIC HEARING - 7:00 P.M. 7a. HAIKUKIAH PROPERTY ABATEMENT City Manager stated, as contained in Planning Director's December 31, 1981 memo, the Council has three alternate actions available: 1) drop the matter completely and declare the buildings not hazardous; 2) adopt a resolution ordering the structures abated by the City after 30 day notice to the property owner; or, 3) continue the public hearing to a specific time to receive further input on the project. Planning Director recommended that Council continue the matter to March 3, 1982 so that the Site Development Permit application can be reviewed by the Planning Commission at their January 13, 1982 meeting. He felt any other action taken would not be appropriate because of the effort being made by applicants. He further stated that if by March 3 abatement is necessary, Council could approve the resolution, property owners would be noticed and thirty days after that notice, the property would be abated. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: No audience participation. M/S: Riley/Hickey to continue Haikukiah property abatement public hearing to March 3, 1982. Councilmember Snyder stated there is a definite hazard and expressed concern that there is no assurance the property is actually sold and Council could be delaying a process that they would end up doing anyway. M/S: Snyder/Feibusch to amend the original motion by continuing Haikukiah property abatement public hearing to February 3, 1982. Amendment to original motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey, Feibusch, Snyder, Myers NOES: Riley ABSENT: None Original motion as amended carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey, Feibusch, Sndyer, Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None NEW BUSINESS Reg.Mtg. 1/6/82 Page 3 9b. CONSIDERATION OF AGREEMENT WITH CADDY MATE GOLF ASSOCIATION Parks and Recreation Director Frame stated that the proposed Caddy Mate Golf Association agreement would allow discounts for all golfers at all participating courses. He further stated that members of the association would be allowed 50% off the green fee once each quarter of the year. Councilmember Feibusch stated his main concern was financial risk on the part of the City. Parks and Recreation Director stated that only those planning to travel to other golf courses would sign up and felt this was an opportunity for increased revenues and use of the City golf course. M/S: Snyder/Hickey to approve contract with Caddy Mate Golf Association. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Hickey, Feibusch, Snyder, Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None 9c. CONSIDERATION OF GRANT APPLICATION FOR SUN HOUSE FROM INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM SERVICES Linda Wickert, Sun House Director, requested that Council approve a $5,000 grant proposal to the Institute of Museum Services and proposed the grant be used to employ a part time, temporary curatorial assistant, to supplement operational expenses associated with conservation activities and to maintain and resurface the hardwood floors in the Sun House. She further added that no additional funding is required from the City. Councilmembers Hickey and Riley congratulated the Sun House Director on a well prepared application. M/S: Riley/Hickey to approve grant application to Institute of Museum Services and authorize the Mayor to sign the application. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey, Feibusch, Snyder, Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None RECESS: 7:35 P.M. 9d. APPOINTMENT OF ARCHITECTS: CIVIC CENTER FACILITY City Manager reviewed the process to date regarding the proposed Civic Center facility. M/S: Riley/Snyder to continue subject matter for review of short term alternatives to the City Hall space problems. Councilmember Riley stated that a Civic Center site had been approved but felt a City Hall was a long.term solution' and short term solution should be considered, financial problems must be solved and she was not sure the City is financially able to go ahead with a City Hall at this time. Councilmember Feibusch stated he was in favor of postponing a decision on this matter and requested that the City Manager verify how long the proposals submitted would be honored, that financing available be investigated and investigation made of the certificates of participation mentioned by the architectual firms. Councilmember Riley stated the intent of her motion was that financing available be investigated. City Manager requested that the matter be continued to following the Executive Session. It was the consensus of Council that the matter be continued as recommended. 9e. FACILITIES REPORT~ RECREATION & PARK DEPARTMENT Reg. Mtg. 1/6/82 Page 4 5O City Manager stated Council referred to staff the matter of fees and application procedure for City owned facilities and to develop clear cut guidelines for their use. Councilmember Riley felt the report should first be reviewed by the Recreation Commission. M/S: Riley/Hickey to send the Facility Report to the Recreation Commission for their review before Council action is taken. Councilmember Feibusch asked if the various organizations that use the Municipal Clubhouse free could be charged a clean up fee? Parks and Recreation Director Frame stated that the organizations allowed to use the Clubhouse free are all responsible groups and there has never been a complaint regarding the clean up by these groups. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 9f. AUTHORIZATION TO DEPOSIT WITH U.S. TREASURY FUNDS FOR MENDOCINO HYDRO PROJECT FOR SERVICES City Manager stated that the Corps of Engineers has requested the City to deposit $30,000 to cover their estimated costs for their work on this project. It is requested, since the work will extend over a period of 12 to 18 months and the difficulty with City cash flow, that the City ask the ~Corps to agree to $10,000 deposit now with additional deposits supplied as they are depleted. M/S: Snyder/Hickey to authorize the deposit of $10,000.00 with the Treasurer of the United States for Corps of Engineers' work on Lake Mendocino Power Project and that the Corps be asked if they would be ~agreeable that the remaining deposits be in stages as required. Councilmember Riley asked if this amount is all the Corps will require from the City? Director of Public Works stated that there is no guarantee but this is the Corps' best estimate. City Manager suggested that Council authorize $30,000 at this time with the understanding that only $10,000 is deposited now so the matter need not be brought back. No action was taken by Council. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey, Feibusch, Snyder, Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None 9g. REQUEST BY VICHY HILLS POWER COMPANY FOR ANNEXATION OF PROPERTY SANITARY DISPOSAL SITE City Manager stated that Vichy Hills Power Company has requested annexation of approximately 10 acres of sanitary landfill site for utilization of their refuse fired power plant project. The Public Works and Planning Departments are recommending that the annexation area be increased to 20 acres. He further stated that the significance of the City proceeding with this annexation is that it would properly provide lead agency status for the City on any development at that site. Councilmember Feibusch asked what the maximum limit on annexation of noncontiguous acreage is? City Manager stated that City is allowed to annex 160 acres. Councilmember Feibusch suggested that a larger area be annexed to receive additional benefits. Director of Public Works stated that 60 acres have already been annexed and this annexation is an additional 20 acres. City Attorney stated that in the event the 160 acres is not used up, Council could reconsider annexing additional area at the landfill site. M/S: Riley/Snyder to continue subject matter to Council's January 20, 1982 meeting. Reg. Mt g. 1/6/82 Page 5 51 Councilmember Riley stated she had concerns with the proposed use of this land and requested the matter be continued for further investigation. City Manager pointed out that annexation is the first step in a long process and that no negotiations or lease for the land have taken place yet. Councilmember Riley was of the opinion that with approval of the annexation it could be construed that Council is in support of the proposed project. Ed Titlow, Vichy Hills Power Company, Inc., stated that the process of obtaining all necessary permits is a tedious one. He stated that time is of the essence and that no negotiations can take place until the annexation goes through. He pointed out that annexation will establish Ukiah as the lead agency. He reported that earlier concern had been expressed regarding dioxane and tests conducted by EPA have shown no such problem. Mayor Myers felt approval of annexation would still give councilmembers ample time to review all necessary information as far as the project is concerned. Motion carried by 3-2 (Feibusch, Myers) voice vote. 9h. RESOLUTION APPROVING TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP, FOR CONDOMINIUMS, VILLAGE SPRING, WABASH AVENUE Planning Director Harris stated that the Planning Commission at its October 28, 1981 meeting approved an 11 unit residential condominium which included a variance from the recreational vehicle storage requirement. At the time of Commission approval, there was concern regarding consistency with the existing General Plan as the amended General Plan had not been approved. The amended General Plan designates this property High Density Residential and does correspond to the existing designation. Staff believes the project appropriate but is concerned with the allowance of on street parking to meet the parking requirement. M/S: Riley/Hickey to find the Negative Declaration adequate and complete. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey, Feibusch, Snyder,_Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None M/S: Riley/Hickey to adopt Resolution No. 82-42 approving Tentative Subdivision Map No. 82-15 for Village Spring Condominium. Councilmember Hickey asked what assurance there is that only 50% of the guest parking would take place on the street and that no recreational vehicles will be put on the street? Planning Director stated the only assurance would be during the CC&R review as a part of the overall final map processing. Councilmember Snyder has found through ownership of condominiums that a majority of people who own condominiums also own recreational vehicles. She felt that with no provision for recreational vehicle storage that problems would be created for the Police Department and for the people living in that area. M/S: Snyder/Hickey to amend original motion to eliminate on street parking and to add recreational vehicle parking back into the plan. Planning Director stated if there are changes to the map, he would suggest that it go back to staff and applicant so that Council's concerns can be taken care of. He poi_~nted out that to modify the map would be difficult and any changes to the map would have an effect on the use permit. Discussion was had regarding location of recreational storage within the project. Howard Bashford, representing applicant, stated he shared Council's concerns regarding ~arking. The developer does not want any recreational vehicles stored on the property and the CC&Rs will cover that. He reported Reg.Mtg. 1/6/82 Page 6 52 there are presently 24 parking spaces available for the 11 units and this exceeds the requirements. In addition, there is room for 6 vehicles on the street. He pointed out that if one unit is eliminated to provide recreational vehicle storage, the price per unit will increase. Amendment to original motion failed by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey, Snyder NOES: Feibusch, Riley, Myers ABSENT: None Original motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hickey, Feibusch, Snyder, Riley, Myers NOES: None ABSENT: None 9i. SET DATE FOR LAS CASAS DENSITY STUDY 1/20/82 M/S: Feibusch/Snyder to set January 20, 1982 for consideration of density bonus request for Las Casas subdivision. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 9j. FEASIBILITY STUDY, WASTE TO ENERGY City Manager stated Council should determine if a consultant should be hired to review the potential waste to energy proposal specifically in the Ukiah area. Discussion was had regarding request for proposal procedure in this matter. Councilmember Hickey was of the opinion that the proposal contemplates using garbage as part of the fuel and that would be a duplication of Mr. Titlow's project. He felt the City's money should be put into projects that will work and not for further studies. Councilmember Feibusch felt local resources were being ignored. With development of wood waste to energy, the local economy would be furthered by the creation of jobs and a plant located in our community. Pete Passof, University of California Extension, Ukiah, stated he has been involved with wood waste energy for many years. He felt the County has tremendous resources in wood residue on the ground. He spoke to the energy that can be derived from wood waste. Councilmember Snyder asked if Mr. Passof was refering to BLM property or private property with wood waste? Mr. Passof stated that it is primarily private land and felt this would also lend itself well to the private landowners situation of removing the waste from their land. Ed Burton, Willits, stated that for the past two years, construction of a plant for wood waste to energy has taken place. He pointed out that wood waste has no other value and does constitute a real danger to the forests. He was of the opinion that the study would provide information and data that would allow some private party to locate in the Industrial Park. Councilmember Feibusch made a motion to award the contract to Alta California Associates in the amount of $5,300 with the stipulation that their study will be phased just the way the request for proposal is worded. Motion died for lack of a second. Councilmember Riley made a motion to continue subject matter but it died for lack of a second. M/S: Riley/Feibusch to continue subject matter to Council's January 20, 1982 meeting. Councilmember Riley stated she did not receive the responses from the five firms that submitted proposals and would need to review this material before taking action. Reg.Mtg. 1/6/82 Page 7