HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin 09-17-80fi20
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
UKIAH, CA.
111W. Church
September 17, 1980
AGENDA
ACT I O.N TAKEN
CALL TO ORDER
6:31 PM. Mayor Hickey presiding
at City Council Chambers.
Councilmembers present: Riley,
Feibusch, Snyder, Myers, Hickey.
Staff present: Ti!lotson,
Orchard
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hickey
Counci lmember Feibusch
ADJOURNMENT
6'35 PM. Cafetorian, Ukiah High
School
RECONVENE
6:45 PM. Mayor Hickey presiding.
Councilmembers present: Riley,
Feibusch, Snyder, Myers, Hickey
Staff present: Swayne, Orchard,
Harris, Kruth, Roper, Ford,
Tillotson, Melvin
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Hickey proclaimed September
1980 as Ukiah-St. Jude Children's
Research Hospital Day in Ukiah
Mayor Hickey proclaimed the week
of September 17-23, i980 as
Constitution Week. Mrs. Simmerly
accepted the proclamation.
CONSENT CALENDAR
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Snyder requested that Item #3 be pulled; Councilmember Riley
requested that Items #4 and 6 be pulled.
M/S' Myers/Riley to approve Items #1, 2 & 5 on the Consent Calendar as
follows'
1. Payroll Warrants, #1!lO0-11265, $107,208.10;
2. General Warrants, #15456-1558,1, $448,639.4.7;
5. Award of bid to Ukiah Datsun for three compact pickups in the total
amount of $15,419.82.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote' AYES' Riley, Feibusch,
Snyder, Myers, Hickey NOES' None ABSENT' None
3) Minutes, September 3, 1980 Councilmember Snyder stated she
was absent at the September 3,
1980 meeting and would abstain
from the vote on the. minutes. Councilmember Myers asked that the following
statemen't be added to Item #12, after the second paragraph: "Councilmember
Myers, althougi~ in agreement with some of C(~uncilmember Riley's concerns,
felt that the9 would be mitigated because of other considerations."
Councilmember Riley requested that on page 2, Item #12, second paragraph,
the words "An opirlion was" be deleted and "Councilmember Riley" be inserted.
M/S' Myers/Feibusch to approve minutes of September 3, 1980, as amended.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote' AYES' Riley, Feibusch,
Myers, Hickey NOES-' None ABSENT' None ABSTAIN- Snyder
4) Award of bid for water main and Councilmember Riley stated
casings on Brush.Street and Talmage she had discovered an error
Road-Contract No. 80-14 in tile budget on page 181; .she
stated her objection to this
project was that it was outside
central Ukiah, that only $66,000 had been budgeted and felt the project should
be tabl ed. ' ~
Public Works Director Kruth stated the project consists of two phases-
1) replacement of inadequate casings under Talmage Road and 2) replacement
of existing line.on Brush Street which is presently leaking and has been
shut off. He further stated that the leak is inside an existing pipe and
that portion will be abandoned completely and new pipe laid.
Councilmember Riley asked if the pipe size would be increased? Director
of Public Works stated that the size of the pipe would be increased from
16" to 18".
Councilmember Feibusch stated, in his opinion, it was a well designed
project and the lines need to be replaced.
M/S- Riley/Feibusch to award bid for water main and 'casings on Brush
Street and Talmage Road to Huffman and Sullivan, Inc. for construction of
the project in the total amount of $96,951.97.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote' AYES' Riley, Feibusch,
Snyder, Myers, Hickey NOES' None ABSENT' None
6) Award of bid for taxi type
vehicle
to hire a new general manager.
Councilmember Riley requested
that subject matter be tabled
until MTA has had a chance
M/S: Riley/Myers to table award of bid for.taxi type vehicle.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote' AYES' Riley, Feibusch,
Snyder, Myers, Hickey NOES- None ABSENT' None
'REPORTS FROM BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS
REPORTS FROM BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMI SS IONS
8) Policies and procedures for Councilmember Snyder suggested
Sun House Property the following changes: Items
1 & 3: Delete all remarks not
pertaining to policies and procedures. Councilmember Snyder stated that the
City has the responsibility to protect and preserve the building, grounds
and artifacts and organizations could use the park next to the Sun House.
Item #4: Artifacts should not be loaned or removed from the premises; Item
#6: Photography not be allowed because of the possibility of theft. New
Item #10: Tour paths be marked and everyone be instructed to stay within
those bounds.
M/S' Snyder/Feibusch to approve Sun House Policies and Procedures as
amended.
Councilmember Riley felt photography should be allowed for scholarly and
educational purposes.
M/S' Ri l ey/Fei busch to amend original motion to retain Item #6, allowance
of photography.
Motion carried by tile following roll call vote: AYES' Riley, Feibusch,
Myers, Hickey NOES' Snyder ABSENT' None
Original motion carried by the following roll call vote' AYES' Riley,
Feibusch, SnyJer, Myers, ttickey NOES' None ABSENT: None
Reg. M t.g.
9/17 /80
Parle 2
fi22
PUBL I C HEAR I NG
PUBLIC HEARING
7) Public hearing to cohsider City Manager Swayne presented,
electric rates with graphs, a rundown of the
electrical-energy'situation
and the cause of the'rise in costs. He pointed out: 1) 100% of Ukiah
power'is supplied by PG&E; 2) Retail rates charged by PG&E are covered
by FERC; rate increases are. normally allowed without a public hearing.
PG&E filed several months ago for a rate increase which went into effect
9/1/80; 3) Residential rate increase requests are covered by PUC; public
hearings are held first; 4) Ukiah residential rates were set by the City
Council. The following graphs were present:
1. PG&E Sources of Generation Output
2. Cost of Low Sulfur Oil Delivered To PG&E
3. City of Ukiah Fuel Cost Adjustment
4. California Energy Commission Fuel Cost Estimates
5. Breakdown of Monthly Power Costs
6. City of Ukiah Monthly Energy Costs Per KWH
7. City of Ukiah Annual Energy Use
8. Comparison of Capital Cost, Fuel Cost, and Total Cost Of Power For
Geothermal, Nuclear and Fossil Fuel Generating Facilities
9. City of Ukiah Typical Residential Rate 1/79-8/80
10. City of Ukiah Lifeline Residential Compared To Average Cost Of Power
Delivered To Customers
11. City of Ukiah Electric Department - Where The Dollar Goes 6/30/80 Fund
Report
12. City of Ukiah Action Plan For Lower Rates
13. City of Ukiah Lifeline Residential Compared To Average Cost Of
Power Delivered To Customers
14. PG&E's Average Cost For Purchased Natural Gas
Don Ford, Conservation Coordinator, spoke to the'City's audit program of
inspecting homes. He reported that there is a backlog due to lack of
staff and that requests will be taken care of as soon as possible.
Councilmember Feibusch stated he had voted against the increase because
he felt being 2% below PG&E is not a valid reason for increasing the
City's rates; developers should pay for all improvements against transfer
of electric fund to general fund; City needs to become independent and
develop its own power to maintain electrical rates and suggested review
of current budget to arrive at immediate savings for electrical consumers.
Those that spoke to the electric rates were:
Tom Crofoot, 156 E. Standley,
representing the opposition
Barbara Parducci, 700 S. Oak Street
Merv Hoberg, 51 Lorraine
Art Hildreth, Ukiah businessman
Carroll Ornbaun, 1100 Maple
Jean Robertson, Gobbi Street
.Nancy Parker, 1400 Lockwood
Harold Daniel, 344 Washington
Louie Tollini, 301 Gibson
Alice Allen, 665 Live Oak
Betty Hein, 648 O~chard
Mary Phillips, 112 S. Hortense
Elsie Feibusch, 240 S. Highland
Burt Banzhaf, 40 Betty
Ray Worster, 115 S. Spring
Don Spurlock, 119 Carolyn
Lin Floyd, 850 Mohawk
John Crofoot, 99 Rancho Grande
Larry Kemp, 1109 W. Perkins
Dan Ryan, 498 Luce
Nick Tibbets, Assistant to
Assemblyman Bo.sco
Orville Thomas, 460 E. Gobbi
Adel ine RiI~e}~art, Ridge Road
Dchbie lloberg, 51 Lorraine
Reg. Mtg.
g/17/~O
Page 3
The following statements were made'
1.' Presentation of petition to place subject matter on t'he agenda and
to reopen the' public hearing to allow those present to express their .
positions to said electric rate increase.
2. Objection to electric rate increases alleged to be from 75%-125%..
3. Senior citizens and handicapped going without electricity because
they cannot pay their bills.
4. City should not be making a profit on electric rates.
5. Electric revenues should not be put into General Fund.
6. Do not circumvent Prop. 13 by trying to get funds from Electrical
Department.
7. City employees should not receive an electric discount.
8. Reevaluate City's position with NCPA and the necessity of involvement.
9. City should not be in competition with PG&E
10. Turn Ukiah electric system over to PG&E and cut 25% on administration
costs.
ll. People on fixed income should get a break;
12. How much profit did the City make after the 'latest increase in
electric rates?
13. Lifeline rates should be increased.
14. Request for proration of new electric rates;
15. Supply City with mopeds for transportatioh purposes;
16. City should get out of the electrical business and give to private
industry.
17. Taxes that PG&E would have to pay if they took over City's electricity
would make it not necessary to have school taxes.
18. If PG&E had Ukiah's electricity, rate increases would have to be
heard by Commission and City would be represented by larger consumer
groups.
19. Need for public education for energy conservation; information be
provided in utility bills.
20. Why are residents charged $1.10 for street lighting.
21. Withdrawing from action plan projects.
22. Need to conserve energy.
23. Advantage of dealing directly with elected officials regarding
electric rates rather than through PG&E hearings in San Francisco.
24. What was tile percentage of increase fro,a PG&E'and why was Ukiah's
electrical rate increase 55%?
Reg.Mtg.
9/22/80
['age 4
fi24
25. Does the City have definite insulation guidelines for developers?
RECESS: 8:50 P.M. - RECONVENE: 9:05 PM
Councilmember Riley' stated that she was sorry a majority of the 'audience
had left. She stated that if the City were to sell to PG&E, she did
not think it would be a victory; if rates were reduced, 'it would'only
be a temporary relief in an energy crises; it will never be what it was.
She stated she was pleased the City is 2% below PG&E; the 2% differential.
is a policy question. She further added that the return of the general
fund transfer to consumers would not really reduce the rates in a
substantial manner; if services are to be provided,, the City must colqect
the money. She felt the following changes might be made: As the 2% is
.... based on Council policy, we could change that rate or change to a
floating rate; different rate structure for low and fixed income
consumers; go back to double tier and increase lifeline; educate more;
selling the system, but added that this would not be a wise thing to
do. She pointed out that the City budget in relation to the price -
index has not increased.
Councilmember Snyder stated the members of the City C'ouncil appreciated
the people coming and expressing their concerns and the Council did
listen to each one. She further stated that the profit the City is making
on the electrical rates is not going into the Council's pockets; certain
expenses and income must be met. She stated' that one of the speakers
asked that the City educate the people more and this'is presently being
done through the program that Don Ford spoke on. However, if that
inspection is made and people don't weatherstrip or insulate, they can't
be forced to do so. She also stated that another speaker spoke to
reevaluation of the City's participation in NCPA. In 1978, the voters
approved City participation in the Shell project and it would take another
vote to change that.
Councilmember Myers stated that he hoped that many of the comments heard
tonight would be explored and fully delved into. He further stated, at
the time of the rate increase, his concern for the unfairness of
increasing the rate immediately, that the 2% differential not being
appropriate and the need for creation of an'energy commission. He also
felt that alternative forms of energy needed to be looked into. He
further stated that he would be willing to reexamine the budget for
areas where expenditures could be reduced. He recommended a task force
be created.
Councilmember Feibusch stated what he heard the various speakers say
was: 1) objection to transfer to the General Fund; 2) Increases in
lifeline rates are necessary along with new rates; 3) get a good operating
conservation program with necessary financing for residents to do the
work necessary to make their homes energy efficient; 4) approach PG&E
to see if they are interested in the City's system; 5) review the budget
to accomplish savings; and 6) establish a task force to find better
sources of energy.
Mayor Hickey thanked the audience for their comments and felt it was
very important that each person do everything to conserve energy.
City Manager Swayne stated that the direction' from the City Council is
as follows: 1) expanded education program; 2) follow up in
conservation area; 3) possibility of expanding Council's charge to
the solar energy committee already established; 4) look at the rates
with the idea of expanding the lifeline allowances particularly for
fixed income people; 5) general fund transfer is a policy question
and up to the City Council; 6) investigation of sellout to PG&E; and
7) budget money for newsletter.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 9:45 P.M.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
9) Greater Ukiah Senior Citizens
Center reque, st for Department of
Tra~sportation funds for l~us
tiousing a~d inaintenance facilities
Rog. Mtg.
g/17/l~O
I'a(l(? 5
M/S: Snyder/Feibusch to lend
the support of Ukiah City'
Council for the Greater Ukiah
Senior Citizens Center's request
225
for Department of Transportation fun'ds to build'a structure for housing
three buses and maintenance facilities. Motion carried by unanimous voice
vote.
10) Reconsideration of extension of City Manager Swayne stated that
time for Park West Condominiums applicant has requested
reconsideration of Council.'s
action at the 9/5/80 meeting. Staff recommends approval.
M/S: Snyder/Myers to approve request for six month extension of
Tentative Subdivision Map No. 79-113.
City Attorney Orchard stated that Council could approve or disapprove
the request for extension if no changes were made. Any changes made
would have to be. volunteered by applicant.
Councilmember Riley stated that if Councilmembers have any doubts regarding
the project now is the time to get further information. She expressed
concern regarding the topography error.
Howard Bashford, project engineer, stated that the project is a difficult
and complex one. He stated that the error found on the tophographical
map affected two units' at the lower end of the project.
Councilmember Snyder asked if any changes 'have been made since Council's
original approval of the project? Mr. Bashford stated that none had been
made.
Councilmember Snyder asked if the dollar figure set originally by City
Council for the fire pumper was correct? It was her understanding that it
was to be a percentage and not a dollar figure.
City Manager Swayne stated that the oriqinal int'ent of Council was that
applicant would pay 50% of the cost of {he tactical fire pumper.
John Maudlin, applicant, stated that the $40,000 figure was originally
quoted with an extra cushion built in and he felt the issue had been
settled at the time of the original approval.
Larry Kemp, 1109 W. Perkins, stated he was not opposed to the project,
but asked if additional signs and ~afety measures would be included in
the project.
Mayor Hickey stated that the primary access of entry'would be in the golf
course area and this access had been approved.
In answer to Counci!member Riley's question regarding Standley Street
access to the project, Mr. Bashford stated that Standley Street could
also be used as access to the project.
Planning Director Harris stated that the original use permit Contained
contained traffic mitigation on Standley at Highland. Also included were
traffic controls and warning devices on Standley Street and also some
modifications to Park Boulevard at the golf course. He further added that
this is the responsibility of the developer not the City.
Mr. Bashford stated that the EIR and traffic study have been prepared
and approved and in his opinion Council wanted to go back to the original
question of the subdivision itself.
Co'uncilmember Riley stated that if the request for extension is not
granted, the tentative map approval would be void.
Councilmember Feibusch stated he did not feel that people of the City of
Ukiah should pay for the improvements on Standley Street nor pay a
larger percentage for the tactical fire pumper than originally approved.
Council~llember ~iyers stated that at the time of original approval, City
Council set 50% 'as the developer's share of the tactical pumper but
Cou~cil also felt at that time that a dollar figure should I)e set. He
further stated that, in his opil~ion, 'it would not be fair at this point
Reg. Mt~l.
I~,',!!~; 6
fi26
to change his vote.
Councilmember Snyder pointed out that it is not the Council's fault that
there was an error in the topographical map which has caused this delay
and the City should not pick up the difference in the cost of the
tactical pumper because of this delay.
M/S' Snyder/Myers to continue subject matter to a future meeting so
Council .can review the matter more fully. Unanimously carried.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS
ll) Property tax transfer and Gann Planning Director Harris
appropriations for Las Casas stated that prior to the
reorganization effective date of an annexation
or reorganization, transfer of
property tax and spending appropriations must be accepted by the County
and City.
M¥S: Fei busch/Riley to table the matter until we have determined whether
we can annex the subdivision or not.
'Councilmember Riley stated that we still do not know how much it will
cost the City of Ukiah 'and the City should not go blindly into these
matters.
Councilmember Feibusch stated that the City cannot obligate the people
of Ukiah to unknown expenditures.
Howard Bashford stated he had been attending the Planning Commission
hea.rings on the housing element and a great deal of time and effort have
been spent on housing needs. He also stated that if the City Council
makes every decision based on revenue to the City, the City will cease
to exi st.
Mayor Hickey stated that the property tax is not applicable unless the
property is annexed.
Councilmember Myers felt that the matter should be tabled to receive
more information.
Councilmember Snyder asked when the CRIS model would be ready? City
Manager Swayne stated he did not know and suggested that each council-
member contact ABAG. Councilmember Snyder stated that it is not fair to
the developers to hold up the project pending completion of the CRIS
model.
Mayor Hickey stated that by delaying, the public who are seeking housing
are penal ized.
Motion carried by 3-2 voice vote: AYES: Riley, Feibusch, Myers NOES:
Snyder, Hickey ABSENT: None
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
None
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
12) NCPA Project #1 (RFL) Ci'ty Manager Swayne stated
that NCPA's Project #1 has
experienced difficulties primarily due to the bankruptcy of RFL; that
bankruptcy has concluded by an agreement between NCPA and RFL to buy out
RFL's lease interests. Tile City of Santa Clara has the major interest
in this project and they are proposing.to take.over management of the
project under certain terms and conditions.
Councilmembers Riley and Myers stated they had not had an opportunity
to review the contract and could not vote on it.
M/S: R~ley/Feibusch to table subject matte~. Unanimously carried.
Reg. Mtg.
9/17/~10
Page 7
227
13) Purchase of mid-size sedan M/S: Riley/Myers to
authorize the Public Works
Department to negotiate with local dealers for the purchase of a used
administrative sedan.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Riley, Feibusch,
Snyder, Myers, Hickey NOES: None ABSENT: None
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
14) ReSignation of Catherine It was the consensus of
Rolzinski from Airport Commission ~' Council that recognition of
Catherine Rolzinski's service
on the Airport Commission should be forwarded to her and advertisement
be made for her replacement.
15) League of C~lifornia Cities
Annual Conference-Selection of
Voting Delegate
carried.
M/S: Riley/Myers to appoint
Councilmember Snyder as delegate
to League of California Cities
Annual Conference. Unanimously
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE
Elsie Feibusch asked if Council had thanked Dr. Gearheart for his
presentation. Mayor Hickey suggested that Councilmember Feibusch express
City Council's appreciation to Dr. Gearheart.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Rilex hoped that all Council members received a copy of
letter sent to Kay Reynolds. Spoke to parking lot improvement bid at
Stephenson and Oak Street and referred Council to article from Sunset
Magazine. She also reported that Access members have requested that
City Council members attend their meeting to answer questions. Also, an
Access member has asked about licensing of solar contractors and the fact
that it is too easy to be licensed. She also suggested that comments
from the audience and agenda approval be at the beginning of the agenda.
Councilmember Snyder reported on the joint City-County Committee meeting
held. She stated that a joint building is no longer being considered
but consolidation of maintenance of small vehicles was considered with
location possibly at the Airport or Low Gap Road. The committee has also
suggested that the City consider moving into the old J.C. Penney building
and she asked if Council would like staff to check this out? It was the
consensus of Council that this matter be looked into by staff. She also
reported that the corner of Walnut Avenue and Todd Road as reported at last
Council meeting still needs attention. In addition to the need for
pruning, cars are parked there obscuring vision.
Councilmember Feibusch stated he opposed using the J.C. Penney building
for the City Hall becauSe the downtown needs a major store. He also
reported on an article appearing in Cal OSHA News dealing with
confinement of gas and asked the Director of Public Works to inv'estigate
the engine room at the sewer plant.
ADJOURNMENT - l l P.M.
MARY MELVIN
Deputy City Clerk
Reg.Mtg.
9/17/80