HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 10-15-03 MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2003
The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on October 15, 2003, the notice for
which had been legally noticed and posted, at 6:30 p.m. in the Civic Center Council
Chambers, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. Roll was taken and the following
Councilmembers were present: Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson.
Staff present: Customer Service Supervisor Archibald, Community Services Director
DeKnoblough, Finance Director/City Clerk Elton, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris,
City Manager Horsley, Associate Planner Keefer, City Attorney Rapport, Executive
Assistant Riley, Deputy Public Works Director Seanor, Director of Public Works Steele,
and Deputy City Clerk Ulvila.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Customer Service Supervisor Patsy Archibald led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INTRODUCTION
3a. Introduction of New Receptionist/Secretary Karen Maguire
Executive Assistant Riley introduced Karen Maguire as the City's
receptionist/secretary and discussed her work experience, family, and interests.
new
Karen Maguire stated she is happy to be working for the City.
3. INTRODUCTION
3b. Introduction of New Administrative Clerk, Deborah Pollock
Executive Assistant Riley introduced Deborah Pollock as the City's new administrative
clerk and discussed her work experience, family, and interests.
Deborah Pollock stated that the employees at the City are great to work with.
3. INTRODUCTION
3c. Introduction of New Employee: Lori Martin, Customer Services
Representative III
Customer Service Supervisor Archibald introduced Lori Martin as the City's new
customer services representative III and discussed her work experience, family, and
interests.
1
Lori Martin stated she likes working at City Hall.
3. INTRODUCTION
3a. Introduction of New Employee: Carrie Corbet, Meter Reader
Customer Service Supervisor Archibald introduced Carrie Corbet as the City's new
meter reader and discussed her work experience, family, and interests.
Carrie Corbet stated she is happy to be working for the City.
PRESENTATION
Presentation by Jim O'Laughlin Regarding Open Sl~ace Preservation
Regular City Council Meeting
October 15, 2003
Page 1 of 8
City Manager Horsley introduced Tim O'Laughlin who is an attorney specializing in
open space land trusts and nature conservancies. Some members of the Paths, Open
Space, and Creeks Commission are in attendance as this is important information for
them as well.
Tim O'Laughlin provided the City Council with an outline regarding open space
preservation. Funding is provided by private, federal, state, and local organizations. In
the past five years, conservation easements have been the major tool by all entities to
preserve and protect open space. There are usually three key features to conservation
easements: 1) Monetary payment to the landowner for the fee conveyed, 2) The
landowner retains ownership of the property and is responsible for maintenance of
property, and 3) The property development rights are stripped from the property. He
went on to discuss the fee title, and noted that 10-15 years ago this was the preferred
method. However, it is no longer the preferred method except for extremely unique or
valuable properties. He noted that there are a myriad of agencies that the City can
model its goals after. He discussed government entities partnering with non-profit
corporations on projects. He went on to discuss riparian habitat. He noted that the
state and governmental agencies are not very active at the present time due to the
state's fiscal situation. In conclusion, he stated that the most successful programs he
has seen or worked with are programs that have well defined goals and objectives and
the parties stick to them.
Discussion followed between Mr. O'Laughlin, the City Council, and staff with regard to
open space land acquisition, obtaining conservation easements, funding sources or the
lack thereof, and public access. Maintenance of acquired lands was also discussed.
Members of the audience that participated in the discussion were Dan Holbrook,
Robert Weara, and Eric Crane.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4a. Regular Meetinq of Auclust 6, 2003
Council discussed the meeting minutes concerning the motions made regarding item
"7a. Consideration and Action Regarding the Appeal of the Planning Commission's
Conditional Approval of the Nix Second Dwelling Unit Use Permit #03-17". Deputy City
Clerk Ulvila reported that she listened to the tape recording of the meeting to record
what transpired and transcribed the motions accordingly. After a review of the minutes,
it was determined that the minutes accurately reflect what transpired at the meeting.
M/S Smith/Baldwin approving the Regular Meeting Minutes of August 6, 2003, as
presented, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Andersen,
Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Rodin.
ABSENT: None.
5. RIGHT TO APPEAL
Mayor Larson read the appeal process.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Regular City Council Meeting
October 15, 2003
Page 2 of 8
M/S Andersen/Baldwin approving items "a" and "b" of the Consent Calendar as
follows:
a. Approved Disbursements for Month of September 2003;
b. Awarded Acquisition of Rotary Screw Air Compressor From Ingersoll Rand
Equipment Sales in the Amount of $13,977.09 For the Department of Public Works.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen,
Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one came forward to address the City Council.
8. PUBLIC HEARING
8a. Public Hearing For Consideration of Close Out of Community Development
Block Grant #00-EDBG-0738, Economic Development Allocation, and
Revision of Community Development Block Grant Program Income Reuse
Plan
Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris advised that the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) program requires several public hearings to be held throughout the grant
process. The CDBG Program Income Reuse Plan portion of the public hearing is to
determine if reuse for housing purposes is desired by the Council and the community.
He recommended the City Council consider this matter, provide direction to Staff, and
continue the Program Income Reuse Plan portion of the public hearing to November 5th.
Discussion followed with regard to the first time homebuyer program and income
guidelines, as well as other options available for use of the funds. It was noted by Staff
that the project must meet Iow and moderate-income perspectives. Grants and micro
enterprises were also discussion. The parameters in which the funds could be used
were addressed.
Councilmember Baldwin voiced his concern that the assistance the City could provide
for home purchases would not increase the housing stock for Iow-income housing.
Councilmember Andersen stated that these funds would be better used as a micro
enterprise or business loan, rather than for housing loans.
Public Hearing Opened: 7:59 p.m.
Gordon Elton, 417 North Oak Street, spoke on behalf of his business, Party Supplies
of Ukiah, and advised that the criteria were difficult to meet. He encouraged Council to
look at the parameters in this plan and make them as flexible as possible. Once the
plan is in place, it can be amended as needed.
Public Hearing Closed: 8:01 p.m.
Councilmember Smith voiced his support for broadening the scope and that it is
included in the reuse plan.
Regular City Council Meeting
October 15, 2003
Page 3 of 8
M/S Smith/Andersen determining the accomplishments of Grant #00-EDBG-0738,
Economic Development Allocation, have been satisfactorily presented to the public,
authorize submittal of final Grantee Performance Report, carried by the following roll call
vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson.
NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
M/S Smith/Andersen that the Public Hearing be continued to November 5, 2003 for
Revisions to CDBG Program Income Reuse Plan portion of the Public Hearing, carried
by unanimous voice vote.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9a. Discussion and Possible Adoption of Resolution Regarding Public Safety
Sales Tax Ballot Measure For March 2004
City Manager Horsley distributed a copy of SB 566, which signed into law last week.
The bill authorizes cities to impose a general-purpose transaction and use tax at a rate
of 1.25% or increments thereof with the approval of a majority of the voters voting on
the issue. The City would not need to request special legislation and can therefore go
forward with a public safety sales tax measure. The measure will require a great deal of
preparation in order to meet the deadlines for the March election.
Mayor Larson stated that he would work with the City Manager to prepare the measure
to the voters and a budget showing how the increase in funds would be spent. He
noted that funding could also assist the Fire Department as well as the Police
Department in meeting their needs.
Discussion continued with regard to the staffing of police officers, the need for bilingual
officers, and the need for increasing officers on patrols. There was also discussion of
whether the sales tax increase should be one-half a cent. It was agreed that education
of the public to the current conditions of the City and state were important for such a
measure to pass.
Recessed: 8:25 p.m.
Reconvened: 8:31 p.m.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10a. Discussion and Review of the City of Ukiah Storm Water Management Plan
Deputy Public Works Director Seanor explained Staff prepared the City of Ukiah
Storm Water Management Plan (CUSWMP) as mandated by the State Water
Resources Control Board (SWRCB). He explained that the implementation schedule
attached to the CUSWMP is the heart of the Plan and addresses six minimum control
measures. The primary measure they would like to complete is the construction site
storm water runoff control. As required by the SWRCB the City will submit annual
report to measure its progress toward meeting the best management practices (BMP)
and the activities identified in the implementation schedule. If the City elects to initiate
year round street sweeping, there will be an expense of approximately $55,000,
including benefits, for a full time street sweeper. The current replacement cost for a
street sweeper is estimated to be $130,000. He recommended that Council review the
draft version of the CUSWMP for comments and/or corrections prior to filing the plan
Regular City Council Meeting
October 15, 2003
Page 4 of 8
with the RWQCB. He noted that he has been in discussion with the Mendocino County
Water Agency regarding a cooperative effort to produce brochures for the City.
Discussion followed relative to the sedimentation of the Russian River, public education
and outreach, providing opportunities for citizens to participate in program development
and implementation, and distributing educational materials and performing outreach to
inform citizens about the impacts polluted storm water runoff discharges can have on
water quality. Grease collectors at restaurants were discussed and how the City
identifies those businesses that are in violation. Water runoff from construction sites
were addressed and it was noted that often times there are conditions associated to the
building permit to address that situation. Staff explained that there has been discussion
with the County concerning crossing jurisdictional boundaries.
It was the consensus of Council to receive the report.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10b. Authorize Execution of Amendment No. 7 to the Agreement with EBA
Engineering in an Amount Not to Exceed $158,021 for Environmental
Services at the Corporation Yard and Approve budqet amendment tin thc
Amount of $8,271
Deputy Public Works Director Seanor advised that the Interim Remedial Action Work
Plan at the Corporation Yard was submitted by EBA to the North Coast Regional Water
Quality Control Board. EPA obtained verbal approval the North Coast Regional Water
Quality Control Board to extend the deadline for submittal of the required report.
M/S Rodin/Smith authorizing execution of Amendment No. 7 to the Agreement with
EBA Engineering in an amount not to exceed $158,021 for Environmental Services at
the corporation yard, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers
Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
M/S Baldwin/Smith approving an amendment to the 2003/2004 budget increasing
expenditures in account 100.3301.250.000 by $8,271, carried by the following roll call
vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson.
NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10c. Update Regarding the Public Benefit Fund and Possible Revisions to thc
Ukiah C.A.R.E.S. and Energy Conservation Proqrams
Customer Service Supervisor Archibald advised that the City's Energy Conservation
Program provides rebates to any City electric customer for replacement of old
appliances with ones with an Energy Star label. There is currently $50,000 available to
distribute for rebates and cover administrative costs for this program. Solar power is
highly encouraged by the City of Ukiah and rebates are offered for installation of this
valuable and "green powered" generation source. Current rebate amounts of $18.000
and $100,000 for residential and commercial businesses respectively, are set aside
each year.
Regular City Council Meeting
October 15, 2003
Page 5 of 8
The most tenured program using Public Benefit money is Ukiah CARES that was
adopted in June of 1998. This program provides monthly discounts and emergency
funds to pay for electric charges to eligible Iow and moderate-income households. A
customer must be deemed eligible by meeting the income guidelines as stated in
Attachment #1 of this report.
Staff is recommending that several changes be approved tonight. For the energy
conservation program staff is recommending that Council increase the expenditure
amount to $200,000 to allow an increased rebate amount of 25% of the overall cost for
customers investing in double pane windows and/or central air conditioning and heating
systems.
Staff is also recommending that the CARES monthly discounts are increased an
additional $5 for each of the eligible senior and eligible non-senior customers.
Attachment #2 displays expenditures based on current participation in the program.
M/S Baldwin/Andersen increase benefits to Ukiah C.A.R.E.S. as stated in Scenario #2;
Increase expenditure amount to $200,000 for the Energy Conservation Program and;
Provide a 25% rebate based on the overall cost for investing in double pane windows
and/or central air conditioning and heating systems, carried by the following roll call
vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson.
NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10d. Al~proval of Eligibility Renewal Application with the Federal Surplus
Property Program, Authorization of City Manager to Execute Assurance of
Compliance with Government Services Administration Regulations, and
Adoption of Resolution Designating City Representatives for State/Federal
Surplus Properties
Deputy City Clerk Ulvila advised that in April 1994, the Ukiah City Council adopted
Resolution No. 94-44 authorizing designated City employees to acquire federal surplus
property from the California State Department of General Services (GSA) Office of
Surplus Property. Staff was informed by the Department of General Services
Procurement Division-Surplus Property in Sacrament that in order to update the City's
employee list, the City Council must adopt a new Resolution authorizing certain
designed employees to purchase Federal Surplus Property. Additionally, the City must
complete the "Eligibility Renewal Application" form and authorize signature of the
"Assurance of Compliance with GSA Regulations, etc.".
M/S Smith/Rodin authorizing Eligibility Renewal Application for Federal Surplus
Property Program, Authorize signature of Assurance of Compliance with GSA
Regulations, and Adopting Resolution authorizing designated City of Ukiah employees
as City representatives to acquire Federal Surplus Property from the California State
Agency for Surplus Property, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES:
Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
11. COUNCIL REPORTS
Regular City Council Meeting
October 15, 2003
Page 6 of 8
Councilmember Andersen reported that the Housing Element and Planning
Commission held a joint public hearing concerning the housing update. Proposed
policies have come forward and they are working on a draft. Today he attended a
meeting with the Ukiah Players Theater and Space and they are looking at encouraging
local jurisdictions to take an active role in arts and development. Next Saturday he will
be participating in Make A Difference Day. He also advised that his employer recently
released a report on the housing element in Ukiah and he will obtain some copies for
Council and staff.
Councilmember Smith reported that at the last meeting, Mayor Larson signed a letter
to the Department of Energy Secretary. Senator Feinstein opposed it based on the
information she received from her Washington staffer. It was felt that she is changing
her views and is now supporting it.
The NCPA legislative tour was held today that included California legislators and
Congresswoman Patty Berg. The group toured Maverick Enterprises, which they really
enjoyed. Next week he will be at a NCPA meeting in Healdsburg and on Wednesday
and Thursday they will tour the geothermal facilities in Geyserville.
Councilmember Baldwin reported that he attended a meeting of the Inland Water and
Power Commission (IWPC) last Thursday. One of the key items discussed was the
County Water Agency's relationship to IWPC. He also reported that yesterday he
attended a meeting with Caltrans and encouraged them to study the two-lane road for
the Willits bypass.
Mayor Larson reported that he attended the NCPA visit, luncheon, and tour of
Maverick Enterprises. He attended a Segway demonstration and was impressed. He
will be meeting with Mr. Ackerstrom tomorrow. There will be a meeting in Willits on the
28th for a presentation from the Executive Director of the League of California Cities with
regard to the youth picture project in Willits.
12. CITY MANGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS
City Manager Horsley reported that the League of California Cities' Priority Focus
issue this month discussed Governor Schwartzengger's campaign and cutting the VLF
from cities. Staff will closely monitor this situation.
She reported that the City had an audit and our fire insurance ratings for this area will
not increase. She distributed an article to Council regarding traffic hazards. The
Pumpkinfest is this weekend and she encouraged all to attend.
Adjourned at 10:32 p.m. to Ukiah Redevelopment Agency.
Reconvened at 10:35 p.m.
Adjourned to Closed Session at: 10:35 p.m.
13.
CLOSED SESSION
a. Conference with Labor Negotiator G.C. §54957.6
City Designated Representative: Candace Horsley, City Manager
Employee Organization: Management Unit
Regular City Council Meeting
October 15, 2003
Page 7 of 8
No action taken.
Reconvened at 10:45 p.m.
14.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
Marie Ulvila, City Clerk
Regular City Council Meeting
October 15, 2003
Page 8 of 8