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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin 02-02-77 228 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH FEBRUARY 2, 1977 - PAGE 1 The City Council met in Closed Executive Session at 6 : 30 p.m. for a legal action settlement discussion. At 7: 00 p.m. the Council met as the Policy and Standards Committee to consider a request from Kennedy Homes for review of electric system improvement fees and review of how it relates to final unit of Oak Manor Subdivision. The City Council convened in regular session at 8 : 09 p.m. with Councilmen Feibusch, Brannon, Simpson, and 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 #9077 to #9207 inclusive in the total amount of $69, 953 . 92 for the period of 1-9-77 to 1-22-77 inclusive, 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 #5162 to #5283 inclusive in the total amount of $86, 204 . 93. Councilman Feibusch referred to payment for uniform allowance for the Police and Fire Departments. He stated he has never seen the Police Chief in a uniform even though he is entitled by con- tract to have an allowance. The City Manager explained that the Police Chief maintains a dress uniform and a blazer for non- ceremonial occasions. Councilman Feibusch amended the motion to withhold Warrant #5206 and #5245 and asked that a screening committee be appointed to check into travel allowances and dues before they appear on the warrant register. The motion to amend died for lack of a second. General Warrants were approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Brannon, Simpson, Mayor Wood NOES: Councilman Feibusch ABSENT: None APPROVAL OF 1MINUTES Councilman Feibusch referred to Page 2 of the Minutes where the Mayor made appointments to the Building Appeals Board _id asked if there were any amendments to be made. The Mayor explained that appointments were made on the basis of close proximity to the City. The intent was, in the event someone declined, to contact other members of the County Board of Appeals until a full board was obtained. He stated further that he had not been advised a full board had not been obtained. Mayor Wood amended the Minutes to make appointments from the County Appeals Board until a sufficien't number is obtained to staff the appeals board for the City. Councilman Feibusch referred to Page 3 of the Minutes concerning releasing persons from inoperative elevators . He reported the fire department responded promptly, received instructions, and performed a test run which took less than 5 minutes. Mayor Wood corrected the first paragraph of the minutes to state that the Council met as the Standards and Policy Committee to become informed on geothermal activities . MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH FEBRUARY 2, 1977 - PAGE 2 On a motion by Councilman Simpson, seconded by Councilman Brannon it was unanimously carried to approve the Minutes of January 19, 1977 as corrected. CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION Certificates of Commendation were presented from the League of Cali- fornia Cities to the City Clerk and former Council member Lorraine Pearson for their work as Secreatry and President of the Redwood Empire League of California Cities during the year 1975-76. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilman Feibusch requested Item No. 3 be pulled from the Consent Calendar to be considered separately. On a motion by Councilman Feibusch, seconded by Councilman Brannon it-was unanimously carried to approve the Consent Calendar as set forth below: 1) Resolution No. 77-65 authorizing amendment to NCPA Joint Powers Agreement relating to designation of Treasurer. 2) Deny Claim for Damages filed by W. F. Holmes, 280D San Jacinta Drive. RESOLUTION NO. 77-66 ESTABLISHING CONSOLIDATED VOTING PRECINCTS FOR SPECIAL ELECTION MARCH 8 ;. 1977 Councilman Feibusch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Simpson to adopt Resolution No. 77-66, "Resolution Establishing Consoli- dated Voting Precincts For Special Municipal Election, Consisting Of Regular and Consolidated Voting Precincts, Fixing Polling Places Therefor and Hours Polls Will be Open, And Appointing Election Officers and Fixing Compensation Thereof" . Councilman Feibusch referred to Line 25 on subject resolution and asked what the City' s prportionate share of the cost of Che polling places and election officers would be. The County is conducting the election for the city. An exact charge for these services had not been given the City Clerk. The City Attorney confirmed the names of the Election Officers in Voting Precinct 1161' . Resolution No. 77-66 was adopted by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Brannon, Simpson, Mayor Wood NOES: Councilman Feibusch ABSENT: None DENIAL OF VARIANCE APPL. NO. 77-18 EMPIRE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Subject application is to allow an additional free-standing sign on a sing16 parcel located at the northeast corner of Leslie and Gobbi Streets. City Manager reviewed Planning Commission action and findings. Planning Commission determined that granting the variance would constitute granting a specia'1 privilege inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the vicinity and under identical zoning classifications and therefore recommended denial. There was no one in the audience who spoke in favor or in opposition to the granting of the application. Councilman Brannon made a motion, seconded by Councilman Feibusch to grant Variance Application No. 77-18 . , Councilman Brannon expressed the opinion that the report from the Planning Commission was complete. 230 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH FEBRUARY 2, 1977 - PAGE 3 The following roll call vote resulted in the denial of Variance Application No. 77-18 as recommended by the Planning Commission: AYES: None NOES: Councilmen Feibusch, . Brannon, Simpson, Mayor Wood A13SENT: None WRITTEN COMMUNICATION-BOYD G. DRENNAN Subject communication was a statement of objection to the X rated movies shown at the local theatres. It was his understanding that the courts have ruled that this is up to the local governing body to set the standards for its community and in his opinion it is time that we do so. Mayor Wood stated this is not an action item. Councilmen Brannon and Simpson stated they had received similar complaints as well as display of pornographic literature . Some people feel restrained going to a GP movie when an X rated movie is shown at the adjoining theatre. Councilman Feibusch stated he felt it is up to the indivi- dual or family as to whether or not they attend the movie. Mayor Wood stated he felt the balance has been good - that there were enough movies to send his children to. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION-SOUTH LITTLE LEAGUE REQUEST TO LEASE OLD SEWER FARM PROPERTY Subject communication was a request to discuss leasing the old sewer farm on Levaggi Road for a future home of Little League baseball fields . It was pointed out that several conditions must be dealt with - flooding, the noise factor, and agricultural uses. Mayor Wood stated there is a tentative plan of running _. Gibson Creek through this property. Councilman Feibusch made a motion that Mr. Moore come back after the drainage problem is resolved. Mayor Wood stated he would let the motion die for lack of a second and ask to submit the- question to the Parks and Recreation Commission. On a motion by Councilman Simpson, seconded by Councilman Brannon it was unanimously carried to refer subject matter to the City Engineer and Parks and Recreation Commission. HANDICAPPED PARKING SLOTS On a motion by Councilman Brannon, seconded by Councilman Simpson it was unanimously carried to advance Agenda Item No. 11 - Handicapped Parking Slots - for discussion at this time. City Manager reported the State Legislature has adopted a resolution authorizing cities to designate handicapped parking for those with. license plates indicating disability. The matter has been referred to the Traffic Committee and the Parking Advisory Commission. Each felt there were not sufficient spaces available on a regular basis and hard data to establish a need could not be obtained. This request is back for Council consideration at the request of Mayor Wood. Mayor Wood asked Mr. McNerlin, who is a quadraplegic, to speak concerning the matter. Mr. McNerlin stated he uses a van with a lift rig. This unit needs 1 1/2 spaces to allow adequate room. He stated all such units are standard in design - they either open on the right or in the rear of the vehicle. He was of the opinion that 12 spaces could be utilized. Council discussed, various feasible locations. Mayor Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Simpson to create two parking spaces for the handicapped on an experimental basis - across the street from the Telephone Company and in front of the courthouse. 231 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY• COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIA11 FEBRUARY 21 1977 - PAGE 4 Councilman Feibusch amended the motion to support the Traffic Committee -and locate an alternate space at the corner of the Ben Franklin store. The motion made by Mayor Wood, amended by Councilman Feibusch carried unanimously. REVISED SOCIAL ELEMENT REFERRED TO PLANNING COMMISSION On a motion by Councilman Feibusch, seconded by Councilman Simpson it was unanimously carried to refer the revised Social Element to the Planning Commission for the required public hearings. LIABILITY INSURANCE Davis-Saxon and Kindler and Laucci had revised proposals for the City' s insurance coverage for the coming year. The City Attorney stated in his review of the two proposals Davis-Saxon excluded liability coverage in the area of utilities, archi- tectural and engineering operations, bridge building, and canal and dry dock. He stated these exclusions are not found in the Kindler-Laucci proposal . Mr. Davis, with Davis-Saxon and Mr. Gottschalk, representative with Kindler and Laucci were present in the audience and answered questions posed by Council. Mr. Davis stated two companies were working on the utility portion of the proposal and a figure would be available tomorrow. Mr. Gottschalk stated he was prepared to sign a binder effective February 5th if the Council so directs . Mr. Ralph Buxton spoke in favor of the proposal from Davis- Saxon. Councilman Simpson stated it was unfortunate that Council did not have the information in chart form to compare the proposals from the two companies. Councilman Brannon asked that a com- parison be made and Council meet tomorrow at noon to make a final determination. City Manager stated there is no choice - we do not have a whole policy from Davis-Saxon. Mayor Wood stated Council has to face the issue. Mayor Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Feibusch it was carried by the following roll call vote to approve the self insurance plan from Kindler and Laucci and the fire blanket and bond coverage from Davis-Saxon. AYES: Councilmen Feibusch, Simpson, Mayor Wood NOES: Councilman Brannon ABSENT: None LIFELINE ELECTRIC RATES City Manager reviewed the lifeline rate which was adopted by the Council with the adoption of Resolution No. 77-29. The lifeline rate adopted at this time extended to the first 400 kwh used each month by reducing both the basic rate and the fuel cost adjustment. The California PUC has adopted a lifeline concept which provides a 240 kwh/month basic allow- ance at lifeline rates for all customers. If a customer uses an electric water heater, the allowance is 490 kwh/month May lst to October 31st and increases to 1200 kwh/month November lst to April 30th. The lifeline rates apply to both basic rates and fuel adjustment charges. City Manager recommended Council direct staff to prepare electric rate schedules for action at the next meeting based on PUC approved rates. Cindy McManus, 117 Waugh Lane, was present in the audience to make presentation to Council concerning the electric rates, which in her opinion are excessive and unreasonable. She presented a petition containing 383 signatures of people who asked to be informed as to what Council is doing to alleviate the problem. A portion of the signatures were PG&E customers. Mrs. McManus alleged that the city is not doing the best for the people and that the rates have been raised beyond theit 232 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH FEBRUARY 2, 1977 - PAGE 5 means. Those on a fixed income pay 1/3 of their income for electricity. She stated further that the utility rate has doubled whereas it has taken 9 to 10 years for rent to double and 3 to 4 years for groceries to double. The City Manager gave a detailed explanation of what was happening in the present energy crunch. The additional costs, which for a time were being absorbed by the City, had to be passed on to the customers. It was explained that the Council is presently engaged in a proposed settlement with PG&E which will hopefully reduce the rates for some. Mayor Wood explained that the Council is trying to work out an amicable settlement to a mutual problem. The City could sell the system and the people could take their problems to PG&E, then there would be no local recourse. The City does have a function; the crunch is getting us; the City is trying to stop a complete monoply. We are experiencing a setback on our stand- ard of living - the days of sitting in our living rooms in our shirt sleeves is over. George Weeks, 18 Highland Drive, was also present in the audience and asked questions of the Council concerning his bill . He asked if the traditional markup was 22% and the current markup 400, and if the City is charging more for service than pre- viously. MAYOR WOOD DECLARED A RECESS AT THIS POINT - 10: 47 p.m. Councilman Simpson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Feibusch to approve, in concept, the California PUC lifeline rate as recommended by the City Manager. Motion carried unanimously. Public hearings will be scheduled at a later date. APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL FOR ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES FROM SLINGER & ASSOCIATES On a motion by Mayor Wood seconded by Councilman Simpson, it was unanimously carried to advance Agenda Item No. 12 for Council consideration at this time. Mr. Bob Membrano, Slinger and Associates representative, re- viewed the agreement. City Manager recommended approval. On a motion by Councilman Feibusch seconded by Councilman Simpson it was unanimously carried to approve the agreement for pro- fessional consulting engineering services and Project No. 1 feasibility for purchase of steam and installation of topping turbine. PROPOSAL TO PURCHASE MINI COMPUTER City Manager reviewed the history of the City' s bookkeepping system. The computer used at the present time is the first for the City. Since staff was inexperienced in the use of computers, a basic type machine was purchased which would create the least problems. Its ability to process data is limited. Costs have been developed by the Accountant who is knowledgeable in the field of computers, and a number of systems have been examined. Comparative information was given on the machines sold by Burroughs , Univac and IBM. The recommendation was for the purchase of the Burroughs system. 233 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH FEBRUARY 2, 1977 - PAGE 6 Mayor Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Brannon to purchase the Burroughs B-80 Computer System. Councilman Simpson asked if it would fit into the program for the budgeting system. Councilman Feibusch contacted the Xerox Company after seeing an ad for their on line system. The master system is in South San Francisco; the console is placed locally. Purchase of subject system would require no capital investment. In his opinion, it would be well to investigate this system inas- much as the other systems become obsolete almost at the moment of purchase. Councilman Feibusch stated the City of Petaluma has purchased the Xerox. He talked with the Finance Director concerning its performance and is pleased with the results. City Manager stated the Finance Director has investigated the Xerox but determined it was more expensive than the others investigated due to the line charges between Santa Rosa and Ukiah. Councilman Brannon stated he has had experience with different type systems. In his opinion the availability of soft wear is important and the investigation must be looked into very carefully before purchase. Councilman Feibusch suggested that staff work with a committee consisting of Councilman Feibusch, Councilman Brannon, Finance Director Brosig to investigate the matter to The motion to purchase the Burroughs computer system was defeated by the following roll call vote: AYES : Councilman Simpson NOES: Councilmen Feibusch, Brannon, Mayor Wood. COMMITTEE REPORT ON FILTRATION SYSTEM Councilman Brannon gave the committee report of the proposed installation of an in line filtration system at the Ranney Collector by Kennedy Engineers. The committee also traveled to the Coast Side Water District near Half Moon Bav to examine a similar filter plant that he had been installed at that location, and a plant at Yountville. It was determined that an in line filtering system is the best, and it is the committee' s recommendation that the City proceed with the study for financing a system, the design to go out for bid at a later date. Councilman Simpson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Feibusch to adopt the committee report and direct staff to proceed. Motion unanimously carried. COUNCILMAN FEIBUSCH Councilman Feibusch referred to the water shortage and asked a committee be appointed to study reclamation of treated water from sewer plants for irrigation purposes. Mr. Ericksen is interested in working with anyone interested in the subject. Mayor Wood appointed Councilman Feibusch chairman, and Council- man Simpson to work with Mr. Ericksen. COUNC•IEM.AN SIMPSON Councilman Simpson reported on the retirement dinner for city employees, Darwin "Alex" Alexander and Harold Houston and Fire Department Volunteer, Walter Lemmerz. The occasions were well handled by staff and was most important to those receiving the honor. 234 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH FEBRUARY 2 , 1977 - PAGE 7 Councilman Simpson stated Jim Moshovsky gave his report on the MTA system to the Technical Advisory Committee. The County Public Works Director was critical of the report. It will take between $80, 000 and $100, 000 to keep the system going. The question was could it be used better for roads . There was also the question of what to do as the gasoline continues to increase. MAYOR WOOD Mayor Wood reported he, the City Manager, and Director of Public Works will be out of town at the next regularly scheduled meeting. Council determined the next meeting of the Council will be February 15, 1977. PROPOSED MOTOR POOL - LOW GAP ROAD City Manager reported Supervisor Barbero has approached him concerning the motor pool on Low Gap Road. He wants Council support and expressed a willingness to meet with representatives of Council to discuss the problem. Council agreed. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wood adjourned the meeting at 12 :11 a.m. _ s/Barry Wood Mayor ATTEST: s/Hattie Tillotson City Clerk