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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 12-09-64H INUTES OF THE HEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH DECEMBER 9, 1964 The City Council convened in regular session in the Council Chambers at 8:00 P.M. with Mayor Banker, Councilman Norgard, Buxton, and Scotto present. Councilman Smalley was absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On a motion by Councilman Norgard, seconded by Councilman Scotto, it was unanimously carried the minutes of December 2, 1964 be approved as corrected. RESIGNATION OF COUNCILMAN JACK K. SMALLEY A letter from Councilman Smalley dated December 9, 1964 submitting his resignation as a member of the Council was read by Mayor Banker. Mayor Banker pointed out that an appointment filling this vacancy should be made as soon as possible, particularly in view of his resignation which will become effective on January 1st. At this point, 8:03 P.M., the Council retired to adjoining chambers for a closed personnel session as called by the Mayor, after which the meeting was resumed in open session at 8:15 P.M. RES. NO. 65-24 APPOINTING MEREDITH HARLOWE TO THE CITY COUNCIL. On a motion by Councilman Buxton, seconded by Councilman Norgard, it was unanimously carried Resolution No. 65-24 be adopted and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign same, "Resolution Appointing Meredith Harlowe to the City Council." FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL BY R. W. BECK & ASSOCIATES RE. NATURAL GAS STUDY The City Manager read a memorandum dated December 7, 1964 to the City Council relative to the proposal of R. W. Beck & Associates to conduct a detailed study of all phases of the project to obtain natural gas. The City Manager reported that he had received a letter dated December 8th from Mr. Day of P. G. & E. restating that one of the conditions precedent to their making natural gas available was the purchase of the City's gas system. The letter stated that in their opinion, agreement on price could be reached prior to the end of the year, and that any delay ~ight make it impossible for the Company to meet the Fall of 196 heating season target date. The letter also advised the City that representatives of P. G. & E. would be at the Council meeting of December 9th. Several representatives of P. G. & E. were in the audience with Mr. Wallace Joyce, Vice President, acting as spokesman. In addressing the Council, Mr. Joyce made the following statements: l) Negotiations are proceeding on a satisfactory basis and are planned to continue on this basis until a reasonable in- vestigation can be made by both the City and Po G. & E. and a definite conclusion reached regarding the value of the gas system. 2) He expressed the feeling that P.G. & E. had committed itself to supplying natural gas by the 1966 heating season and that it was his opinion that time had become a critical factor and any delay would result in their not being able to maintain their original schedule. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH DECEMBER 9, 1964 - PAGE 2 3) He explained very generally that this is the first time the economics of the entire project have indicated the program to be feasible on the basis proposed and that P oG. & E. feels that the project would be self-supporting after the first 3 years of operation. Members of the audiance addressed the Council as follows: Mr. Robert Kaufman representing the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, expressed the opinion natural gas would be a major asset to the community and urged the Council to do everything possible to expedite the program. Mr. William Cleland pointed out the benefits which natural gas would provide to himself as an individual and urged the Council to do everything possible to meet the time schedule proposed by P.G. & E. Mr. Robert McCormick spoke urging the use of the City personnel in Conducting the studies required and avoiding use of outside engineering on the basis that it was his opinion information developed locally is adequate. Mr. Robert Bell spoke cautioning the Council against hasty action and suggesting that a definite determination be made re- garding what would be best in the long run for all of the citizens of the City. Each member of the Council expressed his opinion in regard to the recommendation to retain the firm of R. W. Beck & Associates with Councilmen Norgard and Buxton stating they felt that based on information available at this point they were not in a position to make a determination and they would require sub- stantial additional facts on which to make a decision. Councilman Scotto and Mayor Banker outlined their thinking as feeling the scope of the proposed report was too extensive to be beneficial to the City and that only minor portions of the proposal should be consideredo On a motion by Councilman Buxton, seconded by Councilman Norgard, it was carried by the following roll call vote the City Manager be~ instructed to negotiate with the firm of R. \~. Beck & Associates to fulfill Items No. 6 and 7 of their proposal and submit a report at the next meeting, and that negotiations with Pacific Gas & Electric Co. relative to natural gas be continued. AYES: Councilmen Norgard, Buxton, Scotto and Mayor Banker. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. RAYMOND A. JEAN REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF TIME - VARIANCE NO. 64-9 1200 S. DORA STREET The City Manager reviewed a request by Raymond A. Jean for approval of an extension of time for completion of construction of an apartment building at 1200 S. Dora St. under Variance No. 64-9 and the minutes of the Planning Commission meeting held December 3, 1964 in which it was recommended the request be granted. On a motion by Councilman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Norgard, it was unanimously carried the City Attorney be instructed to prepare a resolution .granting the request of Raymond A. Jc..an for an extension of t~me under Variance No. 64-9 to permit completion of construction prior to January 15, 1966. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH DECEMBER 9, 1964 - PAGE 3 VARIANCE APPLICATION NO. 65-9 P. G. ANZlLLOTTI - 400 W. CLAY ST. Application for Variance '#'65-9 by P. G. Anzillotti to permit construction of a storage room and carport at 400 W. Clay St., plot plan and minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of December 3, 1964 were reviewed by the City Manager. The Plan- ning Commission recommended the variance be granted subject to the conditions recommended by the Director of Public Works in his memorandum dated December 2, 1964. On a motion by Councilman Buxton, seconded by Councilman Scotto, it was unanimously carried the City Attorney be instructed to prepare a resolution granting Variance No. 65-9 to P. G. Anzillotti in accordance with the recommendations of the Planning Commi ss ion. CITY-FAIR GROUNDS RIGHT OF WAY AGREEMENT The City Manager reported that due to current negotiations for earth removal between the 12th District Fair GrOL~ and the contractor for the freeway, the Board is pressed for a decision by the Council in regard to the existing agreement between the City and the Fair Grounds which reserves 50' on the north bound- ary of their property for possible street construction. Mr. T ocher, Fair Grounds Manager, reported that the Fair Board has .,:expressed the opinion that a street in the proposed location would be of no benefit to ~heiroperation and that they would be agreeable to cancelling the agreement under certain conditions. After discussion, the Council authorized the preparation of an agreement for action by the Council which would relieve the City of any obligation to construct a street in the area under discussion in return for the construction of a fence generally on the north boundary of the Fair Grounds property from the State Highway to an extension of Mazzoni Street, including a gate at the extension of Mazzoni Street. The agreement is also to include the granting to the City of a 20' utility ease- ment on the north boundary of the Fair Grounds property. U.S. ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS MEETING RE. WATER DEVELOPMENT The City Manager reported that a meeting will be held next Wednesday, December 16th at Frank Zeek School by the Army Corp of Engineers in regard to future water development north of Ukiah and felt that thc,. City should be represented at this meeting. SALES TAX The City Manager reported that Sales Tax receipts for the period of July through November were $129,220.19 which is 15.4% above last year's collections for the same period. COUNCILMAN NORGARD Councilman Norgard requested and was granted permission to be absent from the United States from December 12th, 1964 until January 12, 1965. Councilman Norgard brought up a statement which had been furnished to the City by the Division of Highways in regard to a National Scenic Roads and Parkways Study. The letter pointed out that the Division of Highways would accept recommendations for local roads or streets which in our opinion would meet the criteria for scenic roads. Mr. Norgard stated that he felt that any future major improvements on Low Gap Road might comply and that the City should consider the possibility of furnishing a recommendation to the State. It was agreed by the Council that each member be furnished with a copy of the report. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH DECEMBER 9, 1964 - PAGE 4 Councilman Scotto Councilman Scotto commented on the recent traffic fatality at the intersection of KUKI Road with the State Highway and it was felt this tragedy may inspire some action on the part of the State to improve the conditons at this intersection as previously recommended by the Council. ADJOURNMENT As there was no further regular business, Mayor Banker declared the meeting adjourned at 10:59 P.M. ATTEST: '\