HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 05-21-03 MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2003
The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on May 21,2003, the notice for which
had been legally noticed and posted, at 4:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Council
Chambers, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. Roll was taken and the following
Councilmembers were present: Rodin, Andersen, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson.
Councilmember absent: Smith. Staff present: Community Services Director
DeKnoblough, Finance Director Elton, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris, City
Manager Horsley, Accounting Manager McCann, City Attorney Rapport, Community
Services Supervisor Sangiacomo, Director of Public Works Steele, Planning Director
Stump, Police Chief Williams, and City Clerk Ulvila.
INTERVIEWS WITH APPLICANTS FOR APPOINTMENT TO PATHS, OPEN SPACE,
AND CREEKS COMMISSION
The City Council conducted interviews of the following applicants for appointment to the
newly created Paths, Open Space, and Creeks Commission: Robert Clark, James
Connerton, Howie Hawkes, Dan Holbrook, Fred Koeppel, Mary Misseldine, Suzanne
Pletcher, William Randolph, William Smith, David Taxis, and Igor Zbitnoff.
6:26 p.m.- Recessed
6:40 p.m.- Reconvened
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
URGENCY ITEM:
Mayor Larson announced that there is an urgency item and there is a need to take
immediate action, and the need for action came to the attention of the City subsequent
to the agenda being posted.
City Manager Horsley advised the staff has been working on a railroad depot project
located on East Perkins Street and were informed after the agenda was completed that,
due to timelines, it is urgent that the City Council take action at this meeting. The
urgency item concerns Authorization for City Manager to Execute an Amendment
to the Contract with CIRCA: Historic Property Development, for Additional Work
on the NCRA Depot Rehabilitation Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $7,000.
M/S Andersen/Baldwin to add the Urgency Item to the Agenda as item "10g", carried
by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Baldwin, and
Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith.
3. PRESENTATION
3a. Presentation By American Red Cross
1A-27
Marcia Sanderson, Mendocino County Disaster Services Chair of the American Red
Cross of Mendocino County, voiced her appreciation to the City Council for supporting
their efforts in serving the community. She made a presentation of appreciation to the
Regular City Council Meeting
May 21,2003
Page 1 of 16
City for providing the Todd Grove Room in January 2003 for training disaster health
services personnel.
Mayor Larson accepted the document on behalf of the City and thanked the Red Cross
for their efforts in all the things that they do.
3. PRESENTATION
3b. Presentation By Boys and Girls Club President
1A-48
Mike McCann, President of the Boys and Girls Club in Ukiah, provided a status report
on the Club, their history, and what they have been doing in the community for the past
four years. He discussed working in coordination with the Ukiah School District on a
Summer Program that will serve children kindergarten through sixth grade this summer.
4. INTRODUCTION
4a. Introduction of New Employee -Maya Azzaro - Event Coordinator
1A-140
Community Development Director DeKnoblough introduced Maya Azzaro as the
new Community Services Event Coordinator. While she will be serving the community
primarily at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center, her wide variety of skills will provide
many opportunities to be an integral part of all of the City's community events.
Ms. Maya Azzaro voiced her appreciation for being hired by the City.
4. INTRODUCTION
4b. Introduction of New Employee - Bill Ballagh, Code Compliance Coordinator
1A-156
Planning Director Stump introduced Bill Ballagh as the City's part-time Code
Compliance Coordinator. He has been an employee of the City's for the past three
months, working with the Planning, Public Works, and Fire Departments.
Bill Ballagh expressed his appreciation for being hired by the City.
City Manager Horsley advised that she has received several compliments about Mr.
Ballagh in the short time that he has been with the City about how pleasant he is to
work with.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5a. Regular Meeting of May 7, 2003
1A-188
City Clerk Ulvila requested that the draft minutes for the May 7, 2003 regular meeting
be continued to the next City Council meeting of June 4th.
It was the consensus of the Council to continue the minutes to the next meeting.
6. RIGHT TO APPEAL
Mayor Larson read the appeal process.
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May 21,2003
Page 2 of 16
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
1A-198
Councilmember Baldwin expressed concern with item #7c and noted that the Agenda
Summary Report mentions a number of projects and it seemed vague to him,
considering the potential for a $50,000 contract. He recalled that the City had already
contracted with Mr. Kennedy and set money aside specifically for him to work on the
Orchard Avenue bridge separate from this project.
City Engineer Steele explained that Mr. Kennedy was acting as a temporary employee
which can only be done for a certain amount of time and that's why the City is proposing
a consultant agreement. She explained that the goal is get the projects out as they are
funded so that we don't risk losing money on projects that don't get finished within
timelines.
Councilmember Andersen inquired about item 7b regarding the $200,000 line of credit
that the City would give to Mendocino Emergency Services Authority (MESA). He
inquired if other jurisdictions in the County are doing that as well.
City Manager Horsley explained that the City of Ukiah is the fiscal agent for MESA and
pays all their bills and handles the revenue and grants. The City offered to provide
financing because it is already handling all of the checks and the money. The City will
receive a service charge, a percentage interest, and an additional amount depending on
whether or not we get the money back in a month. The City feels it is being sufficiently
covered for its time and efforts for this line of credit.
M/S Baldwin/Rodin approving items "a" through "e" of the Consent Calendar as
follows:
a. Approved Disbursements for Month of April 2003;
b. Adopted Resolution 2003-39 Approving Line of Credit For Mendocino Emergency
Services Authority;
c. Authorized City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement Between
the City of Ukiah and Consultant Rick H. Kennedy in an Amount "Not to Exceed"
$50,000 Without Approval of City Manager;
d. Approved Agreement To Stay Filing of Litigation With River Watch;
e. Received Report to The City Council Regarding Acquisition of Services From City of
Light Sound and Recording For Sound Management of the 2003 Sundays in the
Park Concern Series in the Amount of $6,000.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen,
Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES' None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT:
Councilmember Smith.
8. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEM~
1A-288
No one came forward to address Council.
1
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion and Appointment of Committee Members to the Council's_
Bilingual Committee
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May 21,2003
Page 3 of 16
1A-297
City Manager Horsley advised that at the April 16, 2003 City Council meeting, there
was discussion of improving bilingual services, particularly between the Police
Department and the Latino community. City staff had already begun discussions and
implemented several improvements in other departments of the City, however, the City
Council asked that a committee be formed and that names be brought back to the City
Council for discussion and decision. There would also be a meeting with community
members, staff, and Council regarding the relationship and service with the City and the
Latino community, with a focus on the Police Department. The Police Department and
City Manager's office contacted several community members and tried to reach out to a
wide variety of agencies and groups in the Ukiah area. Staff has contacted these
individuals and a list of names was provided in the Staff Report with Marlene Ruiz
added as a representative of the Alliance for Human Rights. She also discussed City
employees that would serve on the committee. All of the individuals have stated that
they are interested in serving on this committee.
Councilmember Andersen inquired as to how some of the people were selected to be
on the list of committee members.
Police Chief Williams explained that they are individuals in the local community and
the City of Ukiah that are involved in various community activities, businesses and
would provide positive input to the community.
Ms. Araiza explained that she has had good working relationships with all of the people
listed and it would be a good working committee with the City.
M/S Baldwin/Larson directing staff to form a bilingual committee with the list provided
in the Staff Report, adding Marlene Ruiz to the committee membership, and appoint
Councilmembers Andersen and Rodin to the committee.
Discussion continued with regard to the purpose, composition, and naming the
committee, however, no official name was adopted. Besides bilingual services, other
issues that the Police Department would like the committee to consider include
community outreach, recruitment, outreach to the youth, gangs, business issues and
other issues.
City Attorney Rapport discussed the Brown Act regulations as it would pertain to the
committee and read a section of the Brown Act that says that "A commission,
committee, board or other body of a local agency, whether permanent or temporary,
decision making or advisory, created by charter, ordinance, resolution or formal action
of a legislative body." If the committee is any of those things, the committee is subject
to the Brown Act.
M/S Baldwin/Larson restating the motion that the City Council direct staff to form a
lingual committee with the list included in the Staff Report, adding Marlene Ruiz to the
list, and appointing Councilmembers Andersen and Rodin to the committee, carried by
the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Baldwin, and
Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith.
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May 21,2003
Page 4 of 16
Sm
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion of the Issues and Questions To Be Included in the Community
Survey
1 B-24
City Manager Horsley advised that in March 2003, upon approval by the City Council,
the City signed a contract with Data Trends Survey Research to develop a survey
instrument to sample public opinion among Ukiah residents and businesses on issues
of concern to the City.
Gig Hitao, Director of Data Trends, distributed an outline of topics and requested
Council's input regarding potential questions for the survey. Discussion followed among
Council, staff and Mr. Hitao regarding how the survey would be completed, who should
be targeted, and the topics of concern to the Council. He discussed the methodology of
the survey, however, he noted that he would prefer to address the topics of concern at
this time. Topics suggested for citizen input were:
Councilmember Andersen: Traffic within the City during peak hours.
Councilmember Rodin: Do some people feel that there are problems and if they would
be willing to pay taxes in order to address some of the problems? Would the citizens be
willing to pay more money to solve the problems?
Mayor Larson: Ask specific questions that deal with attitudes towards traffic congestion
and alternatives? Would City residents support a sales tax increase dedicated to street
maintenance?
Councilmember Rodin: How people would rank their willingness to pay taxes for parks
but not for roads? What are people willing to pay taxes for?
Councilmember Andersen: What does the public think about the effectiveness of the
City, overall, broken down by department. He recommended changing the "City
Manager's office" to "City Administration" on the survey, changing "Utilities" to "Electric
Utilities", and removing "Redevelopment" and make it "Economic Development". The
"Main Street Program" is not a City service and should be included under "non-
government City issues". What do people feel about the big issues that are ongoing,
such as traffic, crime, parks, and the electric utility service? Have you been a victim of a
crime? Was the Police Department responsive? Have you been to the park lately? How
often to you use the parks? Do you attend Sundays in the Park? Do they attend
programs that the Community Services Department provides? Have they taken a class
with the Community Services program? He would also like to see some sort of
evaluation of the City Council, such as what kind of job is the City Council doing and
what they can do better?
Mayor Larson: Questions focused around how the citizens would like the Council to
not spend the money that we are not going to be getting from various revenue sources
this year.
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May 21,2003
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Councilmember Baldwin: Suggested that the survey stay away from anything that we
automatically can assume from a rhetorical question. Rather than talk about budget
cuts, since we do pass resolutions in support of State legislation, there is the concept of
piggy backing of local income tax that is being discussed now. Maybe there should be
a section that is positive and more progressive rather than to meekly give in and
suggest where we are going to cut, lets suggest, "sales tax" and then as an option have
a "real estate transfer tax" or "fee". Would taxpayers support a small 3% piggy back on
the State income tax? Could we list three or four optional means of raising revenue
while we can also point out that if we don't raise revenue, we will have to cut programs?
Mr. Hitao explained that the questions are designed to be neutral and discussed
prompting questions as well as asking opened ended questions.
City Manager Horsley noted the need to find out what people think is important for
Ukiah and what they feel is so special about Ukiah.
Councilmember Andersen: Suggested that we utilize the vision statement from the
General Plan in the community survey and gage levels of acceptance, or positive or
negative feelings towards general statements in the General Plan. Reduce some of the
statements into something that represents what the vision statement really is and find
out how people rank its importance or do they agree with it. Issues concerning
businesses should be included in the survey.
Mr. Hitao, what about crime prevention, schools, bicycles, markets, Chamber, home
ownership, apartments, visitors, tourism? Ask questions concerning business issues
related to City government services, business in general, and recruitment of new
businesses.
Councilmember Andersen: We hear a lot that the City is not friendly to businesses,
and if that's the case, why? What is the perspective of business owners in the City?
Councilmember Baldwin discussed his concern with ranking the questions and felt
that the swimming pool should not be listed separately from the Parks and Recreation
items.
Councilmember Andersen: With regard to housing, he encouraged that the survey be
broken down among renters and homeowners, income categories, and where people
live in town (demographics).
Mayor Larson: Rather than asking the question of "Do you think we need more
affordable housing?" he preferred more specific questions that ask "Would you live in an
apartment complex if it was really neat looking, had a pool, a garden court, or
something that had some appeal that compensated for the negative qualities of being
an apartment dweller? Would creating condominiums out of rental units make it more
appealing to people who are looking to build some equity and own their home? He
recommended questions concerning Police Officers and focusing on what we would like
them to do, such as busting speeders, drug dealers, and having an officer on duty at the
high school, etc. Would citizens like the City to put money into maintenance, major
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May 21,2003
Page 6 of 16
improvements, or increased maintenance? Would you support a valley wide parks and
recreation district (a tax supported district)?
Councilmember Andersen: Recommended asking questions concerning bike lanes
and sidewalks.
Mayor Larson: Should the City proceed to improve pedestrian sidewalks in both
commercial and residential areas? Should the City be creating jobs? Do people
understand that there is a direct correlation between water processing and wastewater
treatment that the City is obligated to provide? Do citizens understand that there may
be a necessity in the future for taxpayers to pay for future water, and wastewater
treatment, and other basic services at an increase in fees?
Councilmember Andersen: Recommended a question be asked of the citizens
regarding their level of satisfaction with the City utilities, such as power outages,
upgrading the utilities, water issues could also be included.
City Manager Horsley: In terms of a fee increase for utilities, would the public be
willing to pay more to underground utilities?
Councilmember Baldwin: To what extent are the City's constituents supportive of fee
increases to create a significant new water source for the Ukiah valley? How are we
going to pay for the $40 million wastewater treatment plant expansion? He advised that
he would support Mayor Larson working with the City Manager to finalize a list of priority
questions.
Mayor Larson preferred to obtain more staff input and compile a list, then prioritize the
list. He would then submit the list to the Council for review and comment. It would then
be submitted.
.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Selection of Potential Ballot Measures and Election Date Preference
2A-28
City Manager Horsley advised that at the April 2, 2003 Council meeting, the City
Council received information from the City Attorney regarding wording for a potential
ballot measure, which requests the citizens to determine whether the Mayor's position
should be appointed or elected. She expressed the need for Council to discuss what it
wants to have on the ballot. There is a deadline for the November 2003 election to
provide a Resolution to the Board of Supervisors by July 8th requesting a consolidated
election. If approved by Council, staff would begin working on the Resolution and
associated documents.
Discussion followed concerning the pros and cons of placing a ballot measure on the
November 2003 or the March 2004 elections. It was felt by some Councilmembers that
there would be more voters at the polls in March since it would be a presidential
primary.
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May 21,2003
Page 7 of 16
City Clerk Ulvila advised that the City's share of costs would be greater in March
because Special Districts, School Districts, and County elections would take place in
November.
Discussion continued with regard to instant run off voting and it was noted that there
isn't any way for the City to do that at the current time. Implementation of a new voting
system for the County was discussed and it was noted that there would be additional
election costs once it is put into service.
Councilmember Andersen proposed an alternative ballot measure giving the voters
the option to increase the term of Mayor from two years to four years. He felt that it
would be better than eliminating the office of elected Mayor altogether and making it
appointed from the Council.
City Attorney Rapport explained that the last time this issue was on the ballot they
provided several options and it was one of the criticisms the City received from people.
They wanted it to be more focused and present a single choice to the voters rather than
giving them multiple choices, which tends to confuse the outcome.
Councilmember Baldwin was supportive of two competing measures on the ballot in
order to give the people more choice.
Mayor Larson discussed the personal commitment of someone serving as Mayor for
two years compared to a four-year term. He would be supportive of including it on the
ballot if they could assure him that it's not going to conflict and take away from the main
question on the ballot. He supported putting the issue on the ballot as to whether the
Mayor should be elected separately.
Councilmember Rodin was of the opinion that people are tired of the vacancy and
appointment issue and it seems like they want it changed. She preferred to move
forward with the wording that Council previously chose for the measure and place it
before the voters.
It was the consensus of the Council to look at March 2004 as the target election date
to present the measure to the voters.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10a. Adoption of Resolution Making Appointments to the Paths, Open Space,
and Creeks Commission
2A-189
City Clerk Ulvila advised that eleven applicants were interviewed by the City Council
earlier in the evening for the five vacant seats on the newly created Paths, Open Space,
and Creeks Commission. Three seats must be City of Ukiah residents and two
members may live within the Sphere of Influence.
Discussion followed with regard to the nomination process. The matter of Robert
Clark's residency was discussed and it was the consensus of Council to allow Mr.
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May 21,2003
Page 8 of 16
Clark to apply for upcoming appointments to other commissions once he has
established his legal residency.
M/S Baldwin/Rodin nominating Howie Hawkes to the Paths, Open Space, and Creeks
Commission, to a three-year term expiring June 30, 2006; carried by the following roll
call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson.
NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith.
M/S Larson/Baldwin nominating William Smith to the Paths, Open Space, and Creeks
Commission, to a three-year year term expiring June 30, 2006; failed by the following
roll call vote: AYES: Councilmember Baldwin and Mayor Larson. NOES:
Councilmembers Rodin and Andersen. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember
Smith.
Mayor Larson passed on making another nomination.
M/S Andersen/Baldwin nominating William Randolph to the Paths, Open Space, and
Creeks Commission, to a three-year term, expiring June 30, 2006; carried by the
following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Baldwin, and Mayor
Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith.
M/S Rodin/Andersen nominating Suzanne Pletcher to the Paths, Open Space, and
Creeks Commission, to a two-year term, expiring June 30, 2005/
Mayor Larson noted that Ms. Pletcher lives outside the Sphere of Influence and would
not be eligible for that seat.
Discussion followed with regard to the exact location of Ms. Pletcher's residence and
Planning Director Stump explained the location of the City's Sphere of Influence.
Council directed Director Stump to consult the Sphere of Influence map to determine
the location of the residence.
Recessed: 8:47 p.m.
Reconvened: 8:55 p.m.
Mayor Larson advised that Planning Director Stump has determined that Ms.
Pletcher does not reside within the Sphere of Influence.
M/S Rodin/Andersen withdrawing the motion.
M/S Rodin/Baldwin nominating Fred Koeppel to the Paths, Open Space, and Creeks
Commission, to a three-year term, expiring June 30, 2006 as a resident that may reside
outside the City but within the City's Sphere of Influence.
Mayor Larson noted that Mr. Koeppel's application was received two hours after the
deadline.
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May 21,2003
Page 9 of 16
Councilmember Baldwin was of the opinion that the appointment would create a
liaison with the Parks, Recreation, and Golf Commission and he is also a member of the
local business community.
Councilmember Andersen agreed with Councilmember Baldwin's comments and
noted that Mr. Koeppel is a younger person in the community.
Motion carried by the following roll
Andersen, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson.
Councilmember Smith.
call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin,
NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT:
M/S Baldwin/Andersen nominating James Connerton to the Paths, Open Space, and
Creeks Commission, to a two-year term, expiring June 30, 2005; carried by the
following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Baldwin, and Mayor
Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith.
M/S Larson/Baldwin nominating William Smith to the Paths, Open Space, and Creeks
Commission, to a two-year term, expiring June 30, 2005.
Discussion followed with regard to Mr. Smith's experience. It was noted that Mr. Smith
is a long term resident however; he mentioned during his interview that he travels a lot
and some members of the Council felt he would be unable to make the commitment to
the Commission.
Councilmember Rodin noted for the record that she wants someone to represent the
interests of the landowners in the western hills but didn't feel that Mr. Smith brings the
strength that the City needs to have on the Commission in terms of skills. She inquired
if Council would consider not filling all of the seats at this time.
Discussion followed with regard to opening the nomination to other candidates, keeping
the four seats already appointed to the Commission, and the option of interviewing other
candidates.
Motion failed by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Larson. NOES:
Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, and Baldwin. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT:
Councilmember Smith.
M/S Larson nominating Julie Barrington to the Paths, Open Space, and Creeks
Commission failed due to a lack of second.
Mayor Larson passed on making another nomination.
M/S Andersen/Baldwin nominating Dan Holbrook to the Paths, Open Space, and
Creeks Commission, as a resident who may reside outside the City, and for a two-year
term expiring June 30, 2005.
Councilmember Rodin explained that the City would not have any willing property
sellers if there may be a perception that the interests of the property owners are not
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May 21,2003
Page 10 of 16
being heard. She is hesitant to fill the fifth position and close the door on it. That is why
she would like Council to consider opening the nominations again and adding two more
members to the Commission.
Rex Eiffert, Ukiah, spoke to the issue of private property rights and that those living on
the western hills do not want people coming through their property.
James Connerton, 906 North Oak Street, discussed why he applied for appointment to
the Commission and noted that he is not educated concerning issues related to the
western hills. He felt it important to preserve and maintain the properties that the City
already owns, preserving the flow of the creeks through the City, and cleaning things
up.
Mayor Larson explained that there is a significant segment of the community that is
going to consider the Commission as friends of Councilmembers Baldwin and
Andersen. It was his opinion that the whole of the Community is not being considered.
Councilmember Andersen expressed his curiosity as to if there is such an outpouring
of concern for property rights in the community why those people did not apply for a
position on the Commission. He felt that everyone on the list has private property rights
concerns.
Ross Mayfield recommended that if the public doesn't like the outcome of the
Commission they can still voice concerns to the City Council.
Motion carried by the following roll
Andersen, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson.
Councilmember Smith.
call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin,
NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT:
M/S Baldwin/Andersen adopting Resolution 2003-45 making appointments to the
Paths, Open Space, and Creeks Commission; carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, and Baldwin. NOES: Mayor Larson.
ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10b. Status Report Concerninq Code Compliance Program
2B-915
Planning Director Stump discussed the status report concerning the code compliance
efforts being undertaken by the Department of Planning and Community Development.
Staff is developing a programmatic approach to code compliance and will be returning
to the Council to discuss priorities, procedures, and overall philosophy. In the
meantime, staff has been responding to complaints and initiating code compliance on
their own from flagrant violations and/or unsafe conditions.
Code Compliance Coordinator Ballagh discussed sending letters to those individuals
that are in violation and has received about 50% compliance. He discussed the
establishment of a database for tracking violations. He will be developing a brochure
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May 21,2003
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related to banners and the City's sign program and distributing it to companies in Ukiah
that make banners so that they and their customers will be aware of the regulations,
Discussion continued with regard to portable car awnings that are placed in residential
driveways, trash cans that are left in the street all week, the City's banners over State
Street, sandwich board signs and concern with blocking sidewalks as well as their
design and size, banners on churches, overflowing dumpsters, poorly maintained rental
units, and current City regulations.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10c. Discussion and Approval of Commitment to Funding For First Year of
Coyote Dam Raising Project Feasibility Study
2B-112
City Manager Horsley advised that at the May 8, 2003 Inland Water and Power
Commission (IWPC) meeting, the IWPC requested that each of the five members return
to their agencies to request a commitment of funding, on an equal basis, for the first
year of the feasibility study to raise Coyote Dam. Depending on the number of agencies
involved, the estimated range of necessary funding through fiscal year 2003-03 equates
to $16,000-$20,000 per agency. Potter Valley, the Russian River Flood Control District,
and Redwood Valley boards have already committed to this funding. IWPC is making
the request in order to show commitment from the community to the Army Corps of
Engineers for the project and the feasibility study.
Councilmember Baldwin reported on the Board of Supervisors' meeting on Tuesday.
The Army Corps of Engineers will have a letter on file from IWPC, Mendocino County
Water Agency, and the Russian River Flood Control District all seeking to be the lead
agency. He felt the meeting was relative positive and that this recommended action
would be a positive step.
Mayor Larson concurred with Councilmember Baldwin's observations. He reported
that he has been attending a number of meetings lately with all of these agencies and
that a significant amount of progress has been made. He expressed his concern with
how much time it is going to take to achieve the kind of security that individual agencies
and collections of agencies would feel comfortable with before they relinquish any hold
they may have at the current time. He felt that all of the districts are taking this very
seriously and thinking in terms of each other's concerns, needs, and rights.
Tape 3A-10
Councilmember Rodin expressed her lack of understanding as to why there's so much
interest in being the lead agency for the feasibility study and what's the advantage for
any particular agency.
Councilmember Baldwin explained that there is a perception that the lead agency
would end up with the water rights.
Richard Shoemaker, Chairman of the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors and 2nd
District, spoke on behalf of the Mendocino County Water Agency and its interest in
raising the dam and being designated lead agency by the Army Corp of Engineers.
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May 21,2003
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Considerable discussion followed between the City Council, Staff, and Supervisor
Shoemaker regarding the project issues, such as designation of a lead agency, the
feasibility study, and water rights issues. The matter of how the raising of the dam
would affect other cities and towns within Mendocino County was discussed.
Mayor Larson expressed the need that the City of Ukiah receive assurance that it is not
going to be charged huge amounts of money for the water that they are helping to
create in order to finance other projects unless there is some reciprocal benefit to Ukiah.
Supervisor Shoemaker suggested that the agencies bring their concerns and issues
before the Board's attention.
Ross Mayfield, Ukiah, supported the County Water Agency being the lead agency on
this project.
Rosalind Peterson, P.O. Box 499, Redwood Valley, expressed her support of IWPC
being the lead agency because all of the agencies involved with IWPC have a vote.
Councilmember Baldwin was supportive of staff's recommendation. He voiced his
concern that planners have been excluded from attending the Board of Supervisors'
meetings regarding this project. He also expressed his concern that the County seems
to be conducting a frantic search for water before there is an adopted General Plan. It
was his opinion that the City of Ukiah needs more assurances by the County and that
the City should support IWPC in order to obtain a legally binding commitment.
Councilmember Andersen felt that the Council has a very narrow perspective and all
we care about is protecting the City of Ukiah's water rights. He felt that we have to look
at it from a much larger perspective and guarantee our rights and concerns are met.
He voiced his support of the County Water Agency being the lead agency on the
project.
Supervisor Shoemaker advised that the County of Mendocino Board of Supervisors
has offered for him and Supervisor Campbell to meet regarding the issues of concern if
Mendocino County is the local sponsor, to create an advisory group that would include,
at a minimum, the IWPC and other water purveyors in the valley.
Discussion continued with regard to the matter of creating mutual trust between the City
of Ukiah and the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors.
Motion Andersen that the City Council take Supervisor Shoemaker's suggestion and
not make the commitment to funding specifically to IWPC but have language that the
funding should be for IWPC or any other agency that is designated lead agency status
for the Coyote Dam feasibility study. Motion failed for lack of a second,
M/S Baldwin/Larson approving commitment for funding to the Inland Water and Power
Commission share as lead agency with the Army Corps of Engineers from $20,000 -
$25,000 for the City's portion of this fiscal year's feasibility study funding.
Regular City Council Meeting
May 21,2003
Page 13 of 16
Mayor Larson recommended an amendment that should there be a change in lead
agency representation that's acceptable to the City; the City of Ukiah would still
consider financial support for the project.
M/S Baldwin/Larson approving amendment to the motion.
Motion restated for clarification: M/S Baldwin/Larson approving commitment for
funding to the Inland Water and Power Commission as the lead agency and making the
financial commitment of $20,000-$25,000 for the initial funding commitments as
required by the Army Corps of Engineers as the City's share for first year of Coyote
Dam raising project feasibility study, and should there be a change in sponsorship that
is acceptable to the City, the City would still be open and willing to consider continued
financial support for the project.
City Attorney Rapport interpreted the Staff Report to read that the contribution could
be from $16,000 to $25,000 depending on whether there are four or five participants.
He recommended that the motion be changed to read "up to $25,000."
M/S Baldwin/Larson amending the motion to state "up to $25,000". Motion carried by
the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson.
NOES' Councilmember Andersen. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember
Smith.
10.
10d.
NEW BUSINESS
Settinq Date and Time for Consideration of Fiscal Year 2003-2004 Bud_~e'
Accon~plishments and Objective~
Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris advised that a very relevant step in the budget
process is the City Council's review of the individual departments past year's
accomplishments and consideration of the upcoming year's objectives. He
recommended that a possible date for review of these items be just prior to the June 4,
2003 Council meeting, beginning at 4:00 p.m.
It was the Consensus of Council to meet on June 4, 2003 at 4:00 p.m. to present the
2003-2004 City of Ukiah Fiscal Year Budget Accomplishments and Objectives.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10e. Consideration and Ap;)roval of Letter to Assembly Member Laird Re_qardin£
Assembly Bill 1300 - Councilmember Rodin ~
City Manager Horsley explained that there was money under Proposition 50 allocated
to certain projects throughout the state based on merit and cost-effectiveness. There is
now discussion at the state level to use that money in other ways. Assemblyman Laird
is proposing AB 1300 that would ensure the funds be allocated towards those projects.
Councilmember Rodin asked that this be agendized and that Council send a letter of
support for this bill.
Councilmember Andersen advised that the City's Assesmblymember is currently a
cosponsor of this legislation.
Regular City Council Meeting
May 21,2003
Page 14 of 16
M/S Andersen/Rodin approving letter to Assemblyman Laird regarding AB 1300.
Councilmember Rodin requested that the letter also be sent to other legislators who
might vote "no" on this matter, and to the author of the bill.
City Manager Horsley noted that the letter should also be sent to Assemblymember
Berg since she sits on this committee.
Motion carried by the following roll
Andersen, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson.
Councilmember Smith.
call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin,
NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT:
10. NEW BUSINESS
10f. Ad___~ption of Resolution Sup_p_~.~[~g Grant Application For the Oak Manor
Park Multi-Purpose Trail
Planning Director Stump advised that the City's grant writing consultants for
implementing the Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan have identified a grant opportunity for
the Oak Manor Park/School multi-purpose trail. The Safe Routes to School (SR2S) is a
grant program established in 1999 through the passage of Assembly Bill 1475. He
recommended Council adopt the draft Resolution supporting the grant application.
M/S Rodin/Baldwin adopting Resolution 2003-41 Supporting the Safe Routes to
School Grant Application for the Oak Manor Park/School Multi-Purpose Trail
John McCowen, Ukiah, recommended that the proposed fence used to separate the
school grounds from the pathway that leads to Oak Manor Park be a chain link fence
because it is less susceptible to vandalism and graffiti.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES' Councilmembers Rodin,
Andersen, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES' None. ABSTAIN' None. ABSENT:
Councilmember Smith.
10g. Authorization for ~ Man_~ to Execute an Amendment to the Contract
with CIRCA: Hi-~-oric Pro art D-~~dditional-~/~-~~
~ ~ Rehabilitation Project in the Amount ~-~ ~-~-~-~ ~~-~~
Public Works Director/City Engineer Steele advised that staff feels it is important to
move forward on the North Coast Railroad Authority (NCRA) Depot Rehabilitation
Project and she has asked Council to consider this as an urgency item. She reported
that the NCRA is authorized to receive $150,000 in TEA-21 federal funding to
rehabilitate the historic depot building on Perkins Street. NCRA is also committed to
providing additional matched funding in the amount of $18,000 to the City of Ukiah to
support the engineering, construction, and administration tasks and also to serve as the
fiscal agent. One requirement of the federal funding is that a Negative Archeological
Survey Report (ASR) be prepared and submitted for review by the State Office of
Historical Preservation (SHPO). An application was submitted but it was rejected as
incomplete. The City's consultant from CIRCA: Historical Property Development,
worked with SHPO to determine exactly what information is required for the review.
Regular City Council Meeting
May 21,2003
Page 15 of 16
The consultant feels confident that given the notice to proceed, the additional research
and documentation can be completed within one month.
M/S Andersen/Rodin authorizing City Manager to execute an amendment to the
contract with CIRCA: Historic Property Development, to perform additional work on the
NCRA Depot Rehabilitation Project in an amount not to exceed $7,000; carried by the
following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Baldwin, and Mayor
Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith.
11. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Andersen reported that he attended a League of California Cities
meeting in Sacramento. He went on a "ride along" with Community Services
Supervisory Sage Sangiacomo. Zackary Warmouth came up from the Bay Area
regarding the skateboard park. He met with Justin Capri, Matt Wilson, and Zackary
Warmouth and looked at the sites on Clay Street and on Low Gap Road. It was a very
productive meeting. He appreciated Mr. Sangiacomo offering the tour.
Mayor Larson reported that he also attended the League of California Cities meeting in
Sacramento.
12. CITY MANGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS
City Manager Horsley advised she has Water Bond
Councilmembers.
Coalition pins available to
Recessed: 11:26 p.m.
13. CLOSED SESSION
a. Government Code §54956.8 Conference with Real Property
Negotiator
Property: APN. 170-050-13
Owner: City of Ukiah
Negotiator: Candace Horsley
Under Negotiation: Price, Terms, and Conditions
b. Government Code §54956.8 Conference with Real Property
Negotiator
Property: APN. 002-281-02, 03, and 04
Owner: Fullerton
Negotiator: Candace Horsley
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
Reconvened: 1:20 a.m., May 22, 2003.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 1:20 a.m.
on May 22, 2003.
Marie Ulvila, City Clerk
Regular City Council Meeting
May 21,2003
Page 16 of 16
