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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin 03-02-77 243 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH MARCH 2 , 1977 - PAGE 1 City Council met at 7 : 00 p.m. as Policy and Standards Committee to consider dump fees and to review electric capital improvement fees. City Council convened in regular session at 8 : 02 p.m. with Councilmen Feibusch, Brannon, Simpson, Mayor Wood present. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Simpson gave the invocation and Councilman Brannon led in the Pledge of Allegiance. PAYROLL WARRANTS On a motion by Councilman Simpson, seconded by Councilman Brannon it was carried by the following roll call vote to approve Payroll Warrants #9371 to #9500 inclusive and #9658 to #9664 inclusive for the period of 2-6-77 to 2-19-77 , inclusive in the total amount of $72, 841. 19 . AYES.: Councilmen Feibusch, Brannon, Simpson, Mayor Wood NOES: None ABSENT: None GENERAL WARRANTS Councilman Brannon made a motion, seconded by Councilman Simpson to approve General Warrants #5392 to #5394 , inclusive in the total amount of $24 , 443 . 14 and Warrants #5395 to #5446 inclusive in the total amount of $45,118. 93 . Councilman Feibusch questioned Warrant #5407 to Texaco for gasoline and oil for the MTA vehicles . It was determined .that he did not dispute the warrant, but wanted to discuss it during the MTA hearing further along in the meeting. General Warrants were approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Feibusch, Brannon, Simpson, Mayor Wood NOES: None ABSENT: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmen Feibusch and Brannon made the following corrections to the February 2, 1977 Minutes : 1) Delete the first paragraph, Page 7 2) Page 4 , first paragraph, second line, change the word "additional" to "alternate" . 3) Page 6, Paragraph 4 , last line, " . . . committee consisting of Councilman Feibusch, Councilman Brannon, Finance Director Brosig . . . " On a motion by Councilman Feibusch seconded by Councilman Brannon it was unanimously carried to approve the February 2 , 1977 , Minutes as corrected. CONSENT CALENDAR - USE PERMIT 77-1 Mayor Wood pulled subject Use Permit from the Consent Calendar. On a motion by Mayor Wood, seconded by Councilman Simpson it was unanimously carried to set the public hearing date to April 6 , 1977 , for the appeal of Planning Commission decision to deny extension of Use Permit No. 77-1 filed by Jim Kelley instead of the March 12th recommended date. PUBLIC HEARING - ELECTRIC RATES The proposed rates had been discussed extensively at previous Council meetings . Mayor Wood pointed out the rates , if approved, will put into effect the electrical rates and lifeline rate presently used in this area by PG&E. . .244__ MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH MARCH 2, 1977 - PAGE 2 Public hearing was opened at 8 : 18 p.m. City Manager pointed out that Item No. 4 on the resolution was similar but not the same as the PG&E rate. There was no one in the audience to speak in favor or in opposition to the proposed rates . Mayor Wood declared the public hearing closed at 8 : 19 p.m. Council action is set forth in the next order of business. RESOLUTION NO. 77-70 ADOPTING ELECTRIC RATES On a motion by Councilman Brannon, seconded by Councilman Feibusch it was carried by the following roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 77-70, "Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ukiah Adopting Rates For Electric Service" . AYES : Councilmen Feibusch, Brannon, Simpson, Mayor Wood NOES: None ABSENT: None WRITTEN COMMUNICATION - EVALUATION REPORT MENDOCINO TRANSIT AUTHORITY Council had been provided with the nine month evaluation report from the MTA. The Board will meet March 7th to determine whether to continue or stop the service. The County has asked for Council comments prior to this time. Mayor Wood opened the public hearing at 8 : 23 p.m. The following persons spoke in favor of the continuance of the bus service provided by MTA: Margaret Parker, 5075 North State, Calpella Mrs. Lemmerz, 9525 West Road, Redwood Valley Helen Sizemore, 989 North Oak Robert Kuder, 1789 Lockwood Drive, on the Citizens Advisory Committ for the system. Pat Lester, 540 Talmage, -"Women Against Rape" The points stressed by the above named persons were: 1) MTA serves a need, particularly to the handicapped in the area. 2) MTA has not been given enough time to prove itself. 3) The purpose of the existence of the system is to show a need - it has done that 4) To discontinue the service would be a step backward; its use would take vehicles off the highway and create less pollution. 5) The bus between Willits and Ukiah is running at full capacity 6) It is important to have transportation to protect young people and women from sex assault. Those who spoke for the discontinuance of the system were: 1) Walter Heady, 1380 Road A, Redwood Valley 2) Dan Sargentini, South Ukiah 3) Howard Little, 119 Barbara The points stressed by the opposition were: 1) Opposed to subsidy of any kind. -- 2) If there is a demand, private enterprise can handle it. 3) The existence of the route in the remote areas is totally unrealistic. 4) If the system has to be advertised, a need does not exist. 5) More services means more bureaucracy - reduce taxes and reduce government. 6) The psycology used by the need for handicapped children is unfair. 7) Tried to solve a problem, but created one. The buses have been purchased and now what do you do with them. 8) The MTA system was observed in Arcata, a college town. There was seldom 50% occupancy. 9) With capital expenditure and fuel cost what it is, to continue the buses , particularly in remote areas, seems un- reasonable. t 245 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH MARCH 2, 1977 - PAGE 3 Public hearing was. declared closed at 8 : 47 p.m. Councilman Simpson gave a brief report of how the MTA came into existence. He explained that public transportation was determined, after much study, to be the first on the priority list for SB325 funds . Determination has to be made if there is a need and if it is feasible and whether or not it has been operating. long enough to satisfy the criteria set and whether or not it should be modified if the program continues . Mayor Wood made a motion 'to disapprove the continuance of the MTA system. The motion died for lack of a second. Mayor Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Simpson to disapprove the continuance of the MTA system. Councilman Brannon stated that it was his understanding that motions should be placed in a positive vein and requested the procedure be followed in this instance. The following roll call vote upheld Councilman Brannon ' s point: AYES : Councilmen Feibusch, Brannon, Simpson. NOES: Mayor Wood ABSENT: None Councilman Brannon made a motion, seconded by Councilman Feibusch to recommend continuance of the Mendocino Transit Authority. Councilman Feibusch stated he had sympathy with both sides. It has been proven that the various transportation systems in the Bay Area did not make it. Neither did the local taxi company. However, a need for public transportation does exist even though such a system cannot make a profit. The Council must consider the people who need public transportation. At this point Councilman Feibusch referred to his previous state- ment when the General Warrants were being considered for approval . He noted that the City is paying full retail price for gasoline and oil to operate the local taxis - 63 . 9 per gallon of gasoline and $1. 25 per quart of oil . We should look for a better price for gasoline and the taxi operators should put the oil in the vehicles. Staff will see that this procedure is corrected . Councilman Feibusch also pointed out that in checking credit card slips it was determined that there was no notation of the license numbers. Councilman Feibusch stated it would be his recommendation that the bus and taxi -servic continue but watched closely to assure that they operate more efficiently. Councilman Simpson was of the opinion that one year is not long enough for evaluation of the needs and feasibility of the system. He also recommended that a monthly evaluation of the system be made. Councilman Brannon stated that in showing a need and feasibility of the system he had questions concerning the report. He questioned whether or not there is a duplication of service. Students use the service to get to school. School buses operate for this . purpose. His computation revealed that of the 59, 000 people in Mendocino County, less than . 6 of 1% benefit from this system. The annual cost of the MTA will build a quarter mile of road. The question is how many would benefit from that rather than the bus system. He stated he will not vote in favor of the continuance of the service. some of the Mayor Wood pointed out that/people who spoke were not residents of the City. He stated that he had a fear that if we go on record MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH MARCH 2, 1977 - PAGE 4 as turning the system down, that in 1980 we will need it to get around. The need has not been thoroughly analyzed. There appears to be a need to go another year. The motion to continue Mendocino Transit Authority carried by the following roll call vote: -- AYES : Councilmen Feibusch, Simpson, Mayor Wood NOES : Councilman Brannon ABSENT: None CONTROL OF OFF--ROAD MOTORCYCLE OPERATION City Attorney reported the Cities of Modesto and Stockton have ordinances concerning subject matter. Each has been contacted for an evaluation of how the ordinances are working and the problems of enforcement. Council suggested possible solutions to the problem. Mayor Wood expressed the need for strict en- forcement if violations occur. The City Attorney explained he did not want to bring the obligation on the property owner. City will report back on subject matter when the requested infor- mation is received. CONSULTANT FOR EXTENSION OF MAIN STREET SOUTH OF GOBBI Three proposals were received for subject work. It was recommended that the work be awarded to North Counties Engineering on a time basis the same way the study north of Gobbi was made in an amount not to exceed $5000. Councilman Simpson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Brannon to approve the recommendation for North Counties Engineering to do the required work for the extension of Main Street South of Gobbi in an amount not to exceed $5000 . Councilman Feibusch referred to Mr. Jack Cox request at a previous meeting wherein he requested a transportation planning study and EIR of subject area. In his opinion the City should not pay for an EIR for Mr. Cox. In looking at the proposals, he stated that it was not clear that any one of the three firms who submitted proposals have had experience in transportation planning studies . The proposal recommended is an open ended one. Councilman Feibusch had determined that the study can be obtained for less than $5000. In his opinion the City cannot afford the expense at this time. City Manager explained the intent was to have the Council authorize the contract and bring back to Council for approval . With respect to the EIR, it was his understanding that when Council makes a decision that wall have an impact, an EIR must be filed. The EIR could not be for the adjacent properties. Councilman Brannon expressed the opinion that the study made previously by North Counties could be drawn on to obtain enough information without a substantial cost. With the information contained therein, the work could be done in house. City Manager referred to the back log of work and time demands on existing staff Mayor Wood also expressed interest in the city doing more in house work. He suggested putting $5000 toward a yearly salary in the public works department. Councilman Simpson stated he would withdraw his motion with the consent of the second. Councilman Brannon consented. Mayor Wood made a motion to have subject matter appear on the next agenda with a staff report of the feasibility of doing the work in house. Councilman Simpson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 247 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH MARCH 2, 1977 - PAGE 5 MAYOR WOOD DECLARED A RECESS AT THIS POINT IN THE MEETING - 9 : 40 p.m. REPORT ON GIBSON CREEK - OAK MANOR DRAINAGE City Engineer reviewed four alternatives for disposal of drain- age from Oak Manor Subdivision Unit 4 - 1) a drain across Oak - Manor Park to Gibson Creek, 2) split drainage, part* to Gibson Creek and part to Oak Manor Drive, 3) relieve Gibson Creek by construction of a new channel from Babcock Lane to River south of Gobbi, 4) drain to Perkins and east to cross drain through Thomas property. The City Engineer pointed out that Alternative No. 3 is a project which is badly needed, but would not help the problem which exists in Oak Manor Subdivision, so participa- tion by the developer would not be reasonable in this case. The City Manager reminded Council that the tentative map of this subdivision had been approved subject to the requirement that the drainage meet the requirements of the City Engineer. The alternatives for Council to consider would be leave the matter as is and have the developer meet the requirements of the City Engineer, or modify the requirements on the map, or enter into a joint participation in the drainage construction project. Mr. Kennedy chose to enter into a joint participation effort. Mayor Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Simpson to require the developer of Oak Manor Subdivision Unit 4 to pay for the entire cost of construction of the drain within the subdivision and along Oak Manor Eeive to the corner of Oak Manor Drive and East Perkins and that the City and the developer each pay half of the cost of constructing the drain on East Perkins Street from Oak Manor Drive to the cross drain border- ing the westerly side of the Thomas property (also on the east side of the Oak Manor Subdivision) . Motion carried unanimously. PURCHASE OF BURROUGHS B-80 MINI COMPUTER Councilman Feibusch reported the committee composed of himself, Councilman Brannon, Finance Director, and Accountant met to discuss the purchase of a mini-computer. The recommendation was to purchase the Burroughs B-80 system. Councilman Feibusch stated he was not aware that the committee discussed the $3500 training fund referred to in the Finance Director' s memo. In the discussions, the committee was assured of the capabilities of the Accountant to operate the machine and the availability of one back up employee with no additional training necessary. Councilman Feibusch made a motion to authorize the Director of"_k,__ Finance to enter into an agreement with Burroughs for purchase of the mini-computer and transfer $10, 200 to pay off the old machine with a 30 day trial for the machine. The motion died for lack of a second. Mayor Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Brannon to pur- chase the Burroughs B-80 mini-computer, authorize an appropriation of $10, 200 to pay off the old machine, budget $3500 for training. Without unanimous consent of the committee for the cost of training the purchase would be cancelled. Motion carried unanimously. NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES CONFERENCE Mayor Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Simpson to place on the agenda consideration of an advance to Mayor Wood to attend the APPA meeting at the NLC conference. Motion carried unanimously. 248 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH MARCH 2, 1977 - PAGE 6 On a motion by Mayor Wood, seconded by Councilman Brannon it was unanimously carried to authorize a $300 advance to Mayor Wood to attend the National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C. COUNCILMAN FEIBUSCH - RECLAMATION OF SEWER PLANT WATER Councilman Feibusch reported subject committee inspected the sewer plant and was impressed with the manner in which the employees operate the plant. Surrounding farmers are interested in the proposed project. Supervisor Barbero is going to Sacramento to a water reclamation meeting. He will find out what funds will be available for such a project and his findings will be reported at a subsequent meeting. Poison Oak - Coucilman Feibusch stated an irate citizen called regarding oak in an area which belongs to the City and asked what could be done about it. City Manager explained the work was planned in the next budget. Councilman Feibusch asked if there was a way to expedite the matter. The area will be sprayed. COUNCILMAN BRANNON - REDWOOD EMPIRE COMPENSATION FUND Councilman Brannon attended subject meeting and gave a report of the review of rates . COUNCILMEN SIMPSON & BRANNON - REVIEW COMMITTEE FOR GENERAL PLAN Councilman Simpson reported the Chairman of the Planning Commission requested a review committee for the General Plan. Mayor Wood appointed Councilmen Simpson and Brannon to serve. Speeding on Elm Street - Councilman Simpson reported traffic continues to travel at a high rate of speed on Elm Street and asked if bumps in the street would help the problem. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wood adjourned the meeting at 11: 10 p.m. s/Barry Wood ATTEST: Mayor s/Hattie Tillotson City Clerk