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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin 12-05-73 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH DECEMBER 5, 1973 - PAGE 1 The City Council convened in regular session in the Council Chambers at 8:00 p.m. with Councilmen Weinkauf, Norgard, Buxton, Pearson, and Mayor Simpson present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The pledge of allegiance was given by Councilman Buxton. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On a motion by Councilman Norgard, seconded by Councilman Pearson, it was unani- mously carried the minutes of the meeting of November 21, 1973, be approved as submitted by the Clerk. PAYROLL WARRANTS On a motion by Councilman Weinkauf, seconded by Councilman Norgard, it was unani- mously carried Payroll Warrants #1065 to #1199 inclusive for the period of November 1st to November 15, 1973, inclusive be approved in the total amount of $59,937.12. GENERAL WARRANTS , On a motion by Councilman Pearson, seconded by Councilman Buxton, it was unani- mously carried General Warrants #3015 to #3043 inclusive in the total amount of $47,550.00 be approved and ordered paid. ORAL COMMUNICATION RE WATER & SEWER CHARGES Mr. Del Kennedy, representing approximately 100 mobile home owners, was present in the audience to speak on subject matter. Mr. Kennedy stated the group is protesting actions taken by the Council on August 1, 1973, with the adoption of Resolution Nos. 74-10 and 74-11 charging mobile home owners a water and sewer charge. Said protest alleged subject matter was discriminatory, unconstitutional, not publicized prior to Council action, acted upon without a full Council, affected low income people more than others. Protestants were of the opinion subject resolutiol should be rescinded, otherwise further action could result in a suit or circulation of recall petitions. Mr. Kennedy stated there is no opposition to the rate increase, that everyone should pay his fair share; but one particular group should not be singled out to pay the increase. Two requests were made - that each Councilman state their opinion on subject matter, and that several questions be answered concerning subject matter. The questions were answered by the City Manager. The City Manager explained that all legal requirements had been complied with. The rate increase was discussed during budget discussions and was featured in the local newspaper in July 1973, between the time of adoption and effective date of the rate increase. The Council has enacted an ordinance requiring a public hearing prior to Council action effecting all future utility rate increases. City Manager reported there have been two actions by the Council recently pertaining to rate increases - a general rate increase that affected all residents in the city and adjustment in rate for mobile homes and apartments. The basis for the rate increase affecting mobile home owners was a question of equity. Others were bearing the major cost of the water system - a cost which should be borne equally among all users. City Manager explained further that the water system is a separate entity, that a surplus was genera.tedfrom the system several years ago; but the surplus has been depleted, thus necessitating a rate increase. v The following persons spoke in opposition to the rate increase and/or the manner in which said increase was accomplished: Michael Zola, Legal Services Sam Rowe Neal Murphy Michael Elbert Robert Kooter Mitch Bogner Dorothy Barber, protesting for the out of town users. R �R MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH DECEMBER 5, 1973 - PAGE2 Each Councilman spoke concerning subject matter. It was pointed out that the rate increase had been agreed upon in principle by the Council prior to adoption of the resolution. The City operates on a budget, revenues are needed to meet the expenditures, and this was determined to be an equitable way to increase revenues for an efficient up to date water system to meet present and future needs of the City. Councilman Buxton suggested that a committee be appointed to work with staff in making recommendations concerning subject rates. On a motion by Councilman Buxton, seconded by Councilman Pearson it was carried by the following roll call vote to appoint a fact finding committee consisting of Mr. Kennedy and four other mobile home owners, one Councilman, and the City Manager to study subject rate increase in more detail. AYES: Councilmen Norgard, Buxton, Pearson, Mayor Simpson NOES: Councilman Weinkauf ABSENT: None MAYOR SIMPSON DECLARED A RECESS AT THIS POINT IN THE MEETING - 9:20 P.M. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 653 TO PROVIDE UNIFORM PROCEDURES FOR AMENDMENT OF UTILITY RATES On a motion by Councilman Pearson, seconded by Councilman Norgard, it was carried by the following roll call vote to adopt Ordinance No. 653 and the Mayor and Clerk beauthorized to sign same, "An Ordinance Of The City Of Ukiah Amending The Ukiah Municipal Code By Adding Chapter 3 To Division 4 Utilities To Provide Uniform Procedures For Amendment Of Utility Rates And Adding Section 2156 To Division 2 Of The Ukiah Municipal Code". AYES: Councilman Weinkauf, Norgard, Buxton, Pearson, Mayor Simpson NOES: None ABSENT: RESOLUTION NO. 74-31 EXTENDING GREETINGS TO PEOPLE OF ENNIS, IRELAND & OFFERING TO PARTICIPATE IN A SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP Action concerning subject resolution is a result of Councilman Buxton's recent trip to Ireland and the friendship that developed with a Mr. Honan who owned a pub in the City of Ennis, Ireland. On a motion by Councilman Norgard, seconded by Councilman Pearson, it was unanimously carried Resolution No. 74-31 be adopted and Councilman Buxton be authorized to sign same as Mayor, "A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ukiah, California, United States Of America Extending Greetings To The People Of Ennis, Ireland And Offering To Particiapte In A Sister City Relationship With That City". RESOLUTION NO. 74-32 APPOINTING MEMBER TO RECREATION & PARKS COMMISSION (BRAD SHEAR) On a motion by Councilman Norgard, seconded by Councilman Buxton, it was unanimously carried Resolution No. 74-32 be adopted and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign same, "Resolution Appointing Member To Recreation And Parks Commission". RESOLUTION NO. 74-33 CONSENTING TO CONSOLIDATION - OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION FOR OFFICE OF COUNCILMAN WITH THE ELECTION FOR MEMBERS OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR MENDOCINO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT (3-5-74) On a motion by Councilman Pearson, seconded by Councilman Buxton it was unanimously carried Resolution No. 74-33 be adopted and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign same, "Resolution Of The City Council Of The City of Ukiah Consenting To The Consolidation Of The Municipal Election For The Office Of Councilman To Be Held On March 5, 1974, With The Election For Members Of The Board Of Trustees For The Mendocino Community College District To Be Held The Same Date". MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH DECEMBER 5, 1973 - PAGE 3 RESOLUTION NO. 74-34 AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH COUNTY FOR PROVISION OF ELECTION SERVICES AT CITY ELECTION 3-5-74 On a motion by Councilman Pearson, seconded by Councilman Weinkauf, it was unanimously carried Resolution No. 74-34 be adopted and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign same, "Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ukiah Authorizing Execution Of Agreement With The County Of Mendocino For The Provision Of Election Services At The City Election To Be Held March 5, 1974." APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR REMOVAL OF OPEN HANGAR AT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT The following action is a result of previous Council action August 15, 1973, at which time no bids were received to demolish subject hangars. On a motion by Councilman Pearson, seconded by Councilman Buxton it was unanimously carried to approve subject contract and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign same, "Contract for Removal Of Open Hangar AT Ukiah Municipal Airport". REPORT ON BIDS RECEIVED FOR DISPENSING AVIATION GASOLINE AT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT City Manager reviewed the following tabulation of bids received for subject gasoline and recommended the bid be awarded to the low bidder, Hire's Flight Center subject to drafting of an agreement for performance of work and subsequent approval by the Council: Cents per Gallon Cents per Quart Bidder of Gasoline of Oil Ukiah Flying Service 7.5 cents 10 cents Martin P. Smith 7 cents 25 cents Hire's Flight Center 5.8 cents 19 cents On a motion by Councilman Pearson, seconded by Councilman Weinkauf, it was unanimously carried to award the bid for dispensing aviation gasoline at the Municipal Airport to Hire's Flight Center subject to approval of an agreement as recommended by the City Manager. CORRESPONDENCE FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES RE SURPLUS PROPERTY AT FORMER MENDOCINO STATE HOSPITAL City Manager reported recent correspondence from the State Department of General Services inquired of the City's interest in acquiring, for public use, all or a portion of the farm land of subject property. If there is an interest, notifica- tion should be indicated prior to December 31, 1973. A copy of subject letter had been furnished the Council along with a memorandum from the Airport Manager dated November 5, 1973, listing reasons why subject property should be considered for an airport relocation project. During Council discussion, it was pointed out that the proposed relocation would be financed on a 90%Federal/10% City basis. The sale of the present site would cover the City's share in the total project. Council comments were as follows: 1) The operation of commercial airlines and fire bombers from the airport in the future is a matter for speculation. 2) The airport does not generate an appreciable amount of revenue 3) Proposed site is within an unincorporated area and therefore appears to be a determination for the County; not the City. 4) There is a need to plan for the future - not just to consider our immediate needs. The following persons were present to express opposition to the proposal for relocation of the airport: 1) Morgan Ruddick 3) Roy Sorenson 2) Stan Hildreth 4) Rod Shippey MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH DECEMBER 5, 1973 - PAGE 4 Comments from the opponents to the proposal were: 1) Acquisition of hospital ground will not build the airport. 2) It was suggested that the Council look at the cost and income figures. 3) Area under consideration is prime agricultural land which cannot be replaced. 4) Consideration should be given to the availability of gas and oil at the present time. On a motion by Councilman Norgard, seconded by Councilman Buxton, it was carried by the following roll call vote to refer subject matter to the County Administrator and ask if the County is interested in utilization of the state hospital land as a County airport. AYES: Councilman Weinkauf, Norgard, Buxton, Pearson, Mayor Simpson NOES: None absent: None. REPORT ON POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS TO GIBSON CREEK A memorandum from the City Engineer concerning subject matter was reviewed. After discussion, Council determined this to be a city and county problem which could be ideally solved through cooperation. On a motion by Councilman Norgard, seconded by Councilman Buxton it was unanimously carried to authorize the Public Works Director and the City Manager to contact the County regarding control of subject problem and report back to the Council. COUNCILMAN NORGARD Councilman Norgard reported talks are continuing between the City and the Fire District. COUNCILMAN BUXTON Councilman reported he wanted to go on record as being opposed to moving the Council Chambers from its present location. MAYOR SIMPSON Mayor Simpson asked the status of the Bush Street Street Bridge. City Engineer stated the completion date is dependent upon the arrival of steel. Mayor Simpson requested that when the City and County meets that the matter of the condition of the road to KUKI be brought to their attention. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Simpson adjourned the meeting at 10:50 p.m. M ayor ATTEST: City Clerk