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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin 1976-09-15 164 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAlf Sr'll-TI MBER 15, 1976 - PAGE 1 The City Council convened in regular session at 8 : 00 p.m. with Councilmen Feibusch, Brannon, Simpson, Councilwoman Pearson and Mayor Wood present. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Simpson gave the invocation and Councilwoman Pearson _ led in the Pledge of Allegiance. PAYROLL WARRANTS On a motion by Councilman Simpson, seconded by Councilman Feibusch it was carried by the following roll call vote Payroll Warrants in the amount of $74, 115 . 25 be approved. AYES: Councilmen Feibusch, Brannon, Simpson, Councilwoman Pearson and Mayor Wood NOES: None ABSENT: None GENERAL WARRANTS Councilwoman Pearson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Brannon to approve General Warrants #4284 . to #4408 inclusive in the total amount of $329, 652 . 58. Councilman Feibusch stated that the City treats its department heads well. He referred to the propriety of the wages of the newly hired Planning Director. At this point Mayor Wood ruled Councilman Feibusch out of order on the basis that his statements were abusive to department heads. Councilman Feibusch made a motion to disallow the moving expenses in the amount of $2202. 87 to Mendocino -Van and Storage for Mike Harr: The motion died for lack of a second. The following roll call vote resulted in approval of General Warrants AYES: Councilmen Brannon, Simpson, Councilwoman Pearson, Mayor Wood. NOES : Councilman Feibusch ABSENT: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES On a motion by Councilwoman Pearson, seconded by Councilman Simpson it was unanimously carried to approve the Minutes of August 18 , 1976 as submitted by the Clerk. On a motion by Councilman Simpson, seconded by Councilman Brannon it was unanimously carried to approve the Minutes of September 1 , 1976, as corrected. Clerk Councilman Feibusch and Mayor Wood complimented the/on the preparation of the Minutes of the September lst meeting. PROCLAMATIONS - FIRE PREVENTION, UNITED WAY, & HUNTING & FISHING Mayor Wood reviewed subject Proclamations and made the following declarations : The week beginning Sunday, October 3, 1976 to be Fire Prevention Wee _ The week of. September 19 -- 25, 1976, as United Way Week Saturday, September 25, 1976, as Hunting and Fishing Day. 165 4 MINUTES OF THE MEETINri OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UYIAIF SF�PTFF:MI3L:R 15 , 19-76 - PAGI.' 2 RESOLUTION NO. 76-29 ADOPTING ELECTRIC RATES On a motion by Councilman Feibusch, seconded by Councilman Brannon T- it was cirri"ed by the following roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 76-29 and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign same, "Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ukiah Adopting, Rates For Electric Service" . AYES: Councilmen Feibusch, Brannon, Simpson, Councilwoman Pearson Mayor Wood NOES: None ABSENT: None RESOLUTION NO. 76-30 ADOPTING CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE On a motion by Councilman Simpson, seconded by Councilv,oman Pearson it was carried by the following roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 76-30 and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign same, "Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ukiah Adopting, A Conflict Of Interest Code Applicable To The Members Of The C_ty Council Pursuant To The Political Reform Act of 1974" . AYES: Councilmen Feibusch, Brannon, Simpson, Councilwoman Pearson, Mayor Wood. NOES : None ABSENT: None RESOLUTION NO. 76-31 ADDING APPRENTICE FIREFIGHTER Mayor Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Simpson to adopt Resolution No. 76-31, "A Resolution Of The City Council Of T'--,e City Of Ukiah Amending The Classification Plan To Add. The Classification Of Apprentice Firefighter" . The request is to recruit two employees under the CETA Progr-.m and assign each to the Apprentice Firefighter classification. Mayor Wood asked if this would create a permanent position w--en the CETA money runs out. City Manager stated it would not. The employee would be assigned to a training program for the first 18 months . City Manager stated this is a method of recruitment for the Fire Department and is consistent with the affirmative action plan. Resolution No. 76-31 was adopted by the following roll call rote: AYES : Councilmen Feibusch, Brannon, Simpson, Councilwoman Pearson, Mayor Wood. NOES: None ABSENT: None APPROVAL OF MTA TAXI AGREEMENT Councilman Simpson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Brannon to approve the amended contract, "Taxi System Management Agreement" City Attorney noted the changes requested by MTA as set forth in his memo dated September 8 , 1976 . . He stated there were no substantial legal alterations made. The City Attorney answered Councilm=en Brannon' s question regarding hold harmless on Page 4 , Lines 4-7 of subject agreement. The motion to approve subject agreement carried unanimously. '166 i MINUTES OI' TIIE MEETING OF TI-iI, CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAII SEPTEJMBE R 15, 1976 -- PAGE 3 APPROVAL OF LAND LEASE OF AIRPORT PROPERTY BY VAS-KING CORPORATION Subject matter was brought back to Council for consideration as directed at the September 1st meeting. City Attorney noted the purpose clause had been changed to compatible uses at the airport and stated this is a policy consideration for the Council to make. Mayor Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Brannon to approve "Land Lease Agreement, Airport Property: Vas-King Corporation" . Councilman Feibusch asked the City Attorney what the City ' s obliga- tion is, if 30 to 40 years from now, the City moves the airport and we have a lease with the Savings Bank. The City Attorney stated the City has made no guarantee that the airport will remain. In the event this does happen, the restaurant would still be able to operate under its lease. During the lease term the provisions depend on how the airport is moved. The point was raised that a potential situation exists that it could be condemmed. Councilman Feibusch stated that the City is entering into a 50 year agreement and it is possible that an Industrial Park could be developed there. In this case he wondered what the City ' s liability would be. The City Attorney referred to Page 2, Paragraph 8 to- clarify this point. The motion to approve the land lease agreement with Vas-King Corpora- tion was approved by a 4 to 1 vote. Councilman Feibusch opposed. DETERMINATION MADE FOR PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYMENT ACT PROJECTS City Manager stated that since it has been learned that two of the projects initially discussed for subject funds may have problems in meeting approval, it was determined to move into the capital improvement plan to set additional priorities . The following pro- jects and comments were made for Council consideration: 1) Two fire stations - The Ukiah Fire Protection District has unanimously approved the proposed sites for the fire stations. Unanimous approval has also come from the Airport Commission for approval of the proposed headquarters fire station on airport prop- erty. Mayor Wood stated it would be well to have the Fire District contribute risk capital for the fire stations . 2) Child Development Center - The firm of Felciano and Jeffries , Santa Rosa, has been consulted for work on this facility as well as the fire stations. The City Manager stressed the importance of timing on submitting these applications for funding. Mr. Jeffries was present in the audience, made introductory comments about his firm, and stressed the time and task constraints involved in getting the applications in on time. It was pointed out that the decision for approval of applications is dependent on the number of jobs that wou_td be created for the number of dollars . It was pointed out that the CDC did not have the $5000 needed for front end costs and determination needs to be made whether or not the City will put up this amount. Buzz Hamburg, representing CDC, stated the Center does have resources to get the application together and they are willing to go ahead on that basis . 3) Gibson Creek Drainage - Council determined it to be advisable to go ahead with the plans to file for subject funding. 4) Reconstruction of Corporation Yard - Services of Architect Bob Axt has been requested for work on the corporation yard improvements. Cost of the preliminary work is estimated to be $4500. This cost - would be a risk if the application is not approved. 161 1 MINUTES OF THE MEETIN(a OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAIi SEI1"TI�1MI3ER 15f 1976 - PAGE 4 5) Cultural Center_ and Museum at the Carpenter property - It is proposed that Dr. Perri take the responsibility for preparation of the application at no cost to the City. If the project is funded he would take a leave of: absence from Sonoma State to become the Director for subject project and would at that time receive compensation for his work. 6) Joint project with County to improve traffic circulation in the KUKI Road area. 7) County Administrator has indicated the- Board of Supervisors is interested in construction of a park at the old sewer plant property. The proposal is for the County to prepare the application and the City to assume maintenance. City Manager stated that in order to get the CDC application underway it would be necessary to enter into an agreement with the Center in the amount of $1000, enter into a lease with the School District for Yokayo School site property, and enter into an agreement with the architects. Councilman Brannon made a motion, seconded by Councilman Simpson to proceed with the Child Development Center application on the basis of the City Manager ' s recommendation with a contribution of $1000. Mayor Wood stated his objection to putting City money in the Center; however, he had no objection to technical support. Mayor Wood interjected the thought of whether or not we would compete with ourselves by submitting all eight projects . Councilman Simpson stated his past dealings with grant applications is that the greater the request the greater opportunity in getting approval . The motion carried unanimously. On a motion by Mayor Wood, seconded by Councilman Simpson it was unanimously carried to commit $4500 in securing back up work from Architect Bob Axt for the Corporation Yard application under the Public Works Act application. Fire House No 1 and No. 2. - There appeared to be no problem in filing application for Fire Station No. l at the airport since the City owns the property. However, there is a potential problem with Fire Station No. 2 proposed to be located on Ford Road since an EIR would be required in the process of purchasing the property. Mayor Wood and Councilman Feibusch were of the opinion proposed Fire Station No. 2 should not be considered for 2 reasons - excessive price and proposed location. On a motion by Councilman Feibusch, seconded by Councilman Simpson it was unanimously carried to approve application for Fire Station No. 1 at the airport under the Public Works Act application with a capital outlay of $9500. The Council then moved into the discussion of Dr. Perri ' s proposal for the muswum project on the Carpenter property. Council raised questions as to what his work would consist of and what the front end costs would be. On a motion by Councilman Brannon, seconded by Councilwoman Pearson it was unanimously carried to table the :natter until a presentation could be made by Dr. Perri at the next meeting. The proposal by the County for a park on the old sewage plant property was discussed. There was little enthusiasm expressed for the project based on the potential flooding problem there and the potential maintenance expense. Councilman Simpson also pointed out that the proposed Nokomis School park was turned down because the Council at that time felt the city could not pay for its maintenance. 168 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAfi SEPTEMBER 15, 1.976 - PAGI' 5 On a motion by Councilman Feibusch, seconded by Councilwoman Pearson it was unanimously carried to decline participation with the County for submitting an application for funds for a park to be located on Gobbi at the old sewage disposal site. On a motion by Councilman Simpson, seconded by Councilwoman Pearson it was unanimously carried to proceed with the drainage project of Gibson Creek with Public Works Act funds. In the discussion of the traffic problem on KUKI Road, it was reporte-r construction of the extension of Despina is scheduled by the County next spring and traffic signals are going in the area of KUKI road which should alleviate this problem. This appears to be a high risk venture. On a motion by Mayor Wood, seconded by Councilman Feibusch it was unanimously .carried to decline to submit an application for work; on KUKI Road. On a motion by Councilman Simpson, seconded by Councilwoman Pearson it was unanimously carried to authorize execution of agreements with Felciano/Jeffries and Kappeler/Axt as discussed earlier in the meeting. On a motion by Councilman Simpson, seconded by Councilman Feibusch it was unanimously carried to amend the motion to proceed with the CDC application to the extent that said approval is dependent upon receipt of $1000 from the Center. MAYOR WOOD DECLARED A RECESS AT THIS TIME - 10 : 18 P .M. CHANGE OF PROCEDURE ON BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS City Manager reported subject proposal would require formal transfer of funds in a surplus account to a deficit account. Utilizing this procedure would give a more precise picture with respect to the budget at any given time. It was recommended that the Council delegate to the City Manager the ability to authorize transfers within department budgets and require Council approval when funds are being transferred from one department to another. On a motion by Councilman Feibusch, seconded by Councilman Simpson it was unanimously carried to accept the City Manager ' s recommendaticn in adopting budget adjustment procedure and adopt the use of the Budget Transfer Authorization form. AWARD OF BID FOR PRIMARY CABLE TERMINATORS TO G. E. SUPPLY CO. City Manager reviewed subject bids as follows : Indu.stria.l Electric G. E. Supply Company Graybar Westinghcse $10, 167 . 61 $9 , 729. 84 $9 , 749 . 71 $10, 307 . 00 Less 1% discount 97 . 30 for all items - $9 , 632. 54 Maydwell & Hartzell -- Bid not acceptable -- Partial only. Amfac Electric Supply -- Bid not acceptable, cannot identify items, Bial is partial Wrathall & Krusi - No bid G. E. Supply -- Submitted alternate bid, not acceptable, cannot identify items and is only partial bid. Tax not included in tabulation 169 MTNUi'ES OF TILL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF TIIEJ CITY OF UKIAII SEPTEMBER 15, 1976 - PAGE 6 On a motion by Councilwoman Pearson, seconded by Councilman Feibusch it was unanimously carried to award the bid for primary cable termi- nators to G. E. Supply Company in the total amount of $9 , 632 . 54 . CONSIDERATION OF AGRICULTURAL CRITICAL ZONE Council had directed staff_ to prepare alternatives relative to land uses in proximity to active agricultural operations . The proposal believed to have the most direct application and provide the most control for the City is a "Critical Agricultural" (C .A. ) Combining Zoning District. Such a district could be directly applied to land currently within existing City boundaries and also utilized in any pre-zone/annexation proposal that the City would consider. The pro- posed Combining District would require the issuance of a Use Permit for any development within the subject area. A map illustrating the areas proposed for application of this Combining District was reviewed. The extent of this zone within the City would be minimal; however, the fringe areas surrounding the city limits would be directly involved . On 'a motion by Councilwoman Pearson, seconded by Mayor Wood it was unanimously carried to direct staff to prepare specific ordinance terminology for a proposed agricultural critical zone. COUNCILMAN FEIBUSCH Undergrounding of School Street - Councilman Feibusch asked the City Manager to delete his request for information on undergrounding School Street in view of the fact that the City Manager has been directed to solicit appraisals of the electric system. Councilman Feibusch asked the status of the appraisals . City Engineer stated the project is being worked on. Non-conformance with Personnel Policies - Councilman Feibusch referred to a ruling he requested of the City Attorney regarding subject matter, and asked if Council received copies . Council acknowledged receipt of subject ruling. Councilman Feibusch requested that a copy of the City Attorney' s ruling be entered in the record, a copy of which is set forth below: M E M O K A N ;) U M DATE: September 8 , 1976 TO: Cite Council FROM: Randall A. Hays , City Attorney SUBJECT: INTERPRETATION OF CHAPTER IV,. SECTION 3a. 1 Councilman Feibusch has requested that the above stated portion of the Personnel Policies of the City of. Ukiah be interpretecl by this office. The reason for this request is due to the hiring of Mr. Mike Harris as Planning Director at Step E in Ranc.ie 44 . 5 of the City ' s pay plan. The portion of the Personnel Policies under scrutiny reads as follows : "Step A This step is the norm,-il beginning salary for a liew employee: In cases where recruitment }problems occur or an E?ll ployce possess( � unusual qualifications file City M.znager is authorized to employ at Step B or Step C . " The Personnel Poli.ciCS were adopted first by the City C'oL3nci.t oil October 17 , 1956 . The ailthor:i.ty for thC..l.l" ��clal�t_i.on is Orc: c�� No. 508 , an i.ni.ti.Zitive ol:-clinance pi.lsgyred by the voters oi' tile. City of Ukiah in 1.956 . '1 he first et of. l'c'r onii ,]_ I'ol .�c:i.e 170 MINUTE'S OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAIi SEPTEMJ3ER 15, 1976 - PAGE 7 adopted apparently existed unchanged until I:'ebr_uary 1968 . The section in the original policies which is comparable to the section in question read as follows : "The beginning rate of compensation in cases of original appointment to a position shall. be at Step "A" providing , however, that the beginning rate of com- pensation may be fixed by the Appointinq officer , with the approval of the Council , at any -one of the estab-, lished salary steps if lie finds that such person is reasonabily entitled, because of his experience and ability, to a rate above the minimum, or that it is impracticable to obtain qualified appointees for such position at the established minimum rate. " Pursuant to Section 109 of the Ukiah Municipal Code, the City Manager_ is . the Appointing Officer . An ana lysis of the sections shows two things . First, the section which was adopted by the Council in 1968 gave more latitude to the City Manager in his capacity as Appointing Officer. Prior to that adoption the City Manager had no authority to hire on his own , any employee above Ster) "A" of a salary range. Since the adoption of the revised Personnel Policies in 1963 the City 1-lanager_ can hire at Steps "A"I "B" , or "_C" without Council concurrence. The second item which becomes apparent is that the two sections involved constitute a limitation on the authority of the Appointinc, Officer and not on the City Council . V7hile not stated , it is certainly implied that if it is desirous to hire someone at Step "D" or "E" this can be done with Council approval . It was evident from the discussion at the Council meeting of September 1, 1976 , that the City Manager contacted all Council members , except Councilman Simpson as he w,-ts on vacation, requesting permission to hire Mr. alike Barris at the top step of Range 44 . 5 . It was also apparent that this permission was given by a majority if not all of the Councilmembers contacted. It is therefore the opinion of this office that Mr . Harris was properly hired at Range 44 . 5 , Step E and that no violation of the Personnel Policies has taken place. rzai�nda11 A hays RAII:ht COUNCILMAN BRANNON Redwood Empire Workers Compensation Insurance Meetinq - Councilman Brannon reported he will not be able to attend su sect meeting tomorro�. A delegate from the City will attend. Iie reported a total of $900 expenditure has been made to date on claims . The fund has an excellent reserve position. COUNCILMAN SIMPSON Setting Amount of Moving Expenses - Councilman Simpson stated that sometime in the future the Council should reconsider setting amounts for moving expenses. 171 MINUTES OF TILE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF TIIE CITY OF UKIAH SEPTEMBER 15o, 1976 - PAGE 8 Plans for Overlay in the El-m Street Area - Councilman Sim- son asked when sub- e'- ct plans will take place and was advised specifications are being prepared and could be ready for Council consideration within the next couple of weeks . COUNCILWOMAN PEARSON Request for Review of Establishment of Budget Committee - Councilwoman Pearson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Simpson to place on the agenda a review of the establishment of the Budget Committee. Mayor Wood called the Council ' s attention to the fact that ite:-_s were being added to the agenda on a regular basis . This proceJure does not allow sufficient notice to the public and is in violation of the procedure for conducting Council meetings which has bee-n adopt-ed by the Council. As a matter of principle, this could be ruled out of order for subject abuse. Councilwoman Pearson stated, in her opinion, the budget sets t'--ie ground rules for the Council to follow and any discussion of t^e budget should be done by the five members elected by the neopl - not by two members . She suggested that quarterly meetings be :.eld. Councilman Brannon indicated his approval of the statements made by Councilwoman Pearson and added that in his opinion all items s-:ould come before the Council for review. There is a danger in working on budget items;that undue pressures could be exerted. he concurred with Councilman Simpson indicated that/Councilman Brannon ' s stateme:-:ts and stressed the importance of the fact that the budget sets tie pokey for the direction the City will go. Mayor Wood stated at the Council meetings the Council members :;alk a, tight line trying to maintain balance. In his opinion staff has to be protected at all costs for its independence. Otherwise .:e have "yes" men wor,tno more than minimum wage. He indicated ~:is ` concern about ar his views as a Council member on to staff . He stated the Council is due for a work session on personnel revisions within confines of obligations and to allow time to talk about the budget committee. Councilman Simpson stated this is one reason he does not attend Commission meetings . He does not want to influence decisions . He stated further that it is easy to have pressure exerted and in his opinion there is a danger in that direction. Councilwoman Pearson withdrew her previous motion. On a motion by Councilwoman Pearson, seconded by Councilman Simpson it was carridd by the following roll call vote to disband the budget committee previously established. AYES : Councilmen Brannon, Simpson, Councilwoman Pearson NOES: Councilman Feibusch and Mayor Wood ABSENT: None COUNCILWOMAN PEARSON RESIGNS Mayor Wood acknowledged a communication from Councilwoman Pearson annbuncirg her resignation from the Council effective Septembe 24th. Councilwoman Pearson made the following statements to the Council : "The Council and my many friends in and around Ukiah have been aware for sometime that I have had to come to grips with electing between two alternatives - to remain in Ukiah or to relocate to an area closer to my Mother who needs now more than ever before, the love and personal attention I can give her in her twilight years. I have, due to the personal nature of this, elected the latter and therefore tender my resignation from the Ukiah City Council effective M.LNUTES OF 'PHE' MEETING OF TI3E CIr.VY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH S"",I) EMBER 15, 1976 - PAGE 9 as of September 24 , 1976 . One of the major tenents and the strength of our system is the right of the people to choose who will represent them and I am grateful for the honor and privilege to have participated in the affairs of local government as a chosen representative of and by the people. The Council is a policy making body, not an administra- tive one. Ukiah is high in my esteem and affection - it has been good to Jack and me and we in turn have supported the community in many ways which this Council and others have recognized and acknowledged. As my last official act, in addition to my expressions just stated, I encourage this body to keep the interest of the City foremost, to stand firm in all matters, to be humble and patient but none the less perseverant in the pursuit of all worthwhile goals and objectives to provide services common to all citizens . I wish you success and the blessings of God be upon you in all your just endeavors. " s/Lorraine C. Pearson Mayor Wood requested an agenda item at the next meeting setting forth the options the Council has and the procedure in the event of an election. Councilman Simpson suggested that a letter of appreciation be sent to Councilwoman Pearson. Jack Pearson expressed his thanks to the Council for its cooperation with him on projects he has sponsored. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wood adjourned the meeting at 11 : 17 Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk �L/