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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 12-03-03 MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2003 The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on December 3, 2003, the notice for which had been legally noticed and posted, at 6:30 p.m. 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 Elton, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris, City Manager Horsley, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor. Jamison, Interim Public Utilities Director Kennedy, City Attorney Rapport, Executive Assistant Riley, Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steele, Planning Director Stump, and Deputy City Clerk Ulvila. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Rick Kennedy led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. INTRODUCTION/COMMENDATIONS 3a. Introduction of New Service Support Clerk- Richard Benson Executive Assistant Riley introduced Richard Benson as the City's new Service Support Clerk, a full-time employee who is responsible for the vast majority of the City's mail and duplication work. She reviewed his work background and interests. Richard Benson stated he is pleased to be working for the City and discussed the spirit of cooperation throughout the various departments. City Manager Horsley introduced Rick Kennedy, former City Engineer, who has been hired as the Interim Director of Public Utilities since Darryl Barnes' departure. 3. INTRODUCTION/COMMENDATIONS 3b. Fire Department Commendations Mayor Larson advised that this matter is postponed to the next regular meeting. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4a. Regular Meeting Minutes of September 177 2003 Approval of the September 17, 2003 minutes was continued to the next meeting. Santa Claus came to the meeting and announced that Saturday, December 6, 2003 is "Ukiah's Small Town Christmas" and encouraged everyone to attend. 5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION Mayor Larson read the appeal process. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR M/S Smith/Rodin approving items "a" through 'T' of the Consent Calendar as follows: a. Approved Disbursements for Month of October 2003; b. Rejected Claim For Damages Received From Joseph And Sandra Talamo And Referred To Joint Powers Authority, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund; Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2003 Page 1 of 8 c. Received Report Regarding Emergency Purchase Of VFD Drive Controller From Lake County Electric Supply In The Amount Of $34,790.86 And Approval Of Budget Amendment; d. Received Report Of Acquisition Of Engineering Services From EBA Engineering For An Amount Not To Exceed $5,160, To Prepare Landfill Corrective Action Financial Assurance Package For Approval By Regulatory Agencies; e. Approved Budget Amendment In The Amount Of $20,340 For Payment Of Waste Discharge Requirements Fee; f. Received Report Of Sole Source Procurement Of Miscellaneous Engineering Services From Coastland Civil Engineers, In The Amount Not To Exceed $10,000; g. Approved Notice Of Completion For Street Striping 2003, Specification No. 03-12; h. Rejected Bids For Home And Business Energy Inspections; i. Received Report To City Council Regarding The Purchase Of Services From Roberts Mechanical & Electrical, Inc. For The Replacement Of Interior Electrical Wiring At The Ukiah Civic Center In The Amount Of $6,900. City Manager Horsley referred to item "e" and reported the State Water Resources Control Board has increased the fee for the City's waste discharge requirements from $20,000 to $40,340. The reason for the increase is due to state budgetary cuts, with the cities being charged for the difference. 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. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9a. Discussion of Improvements to Thomas Plaza Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo addressed the various improvements made, as well as possible future improvements to Thomas Plaza. Staff sought bids for the construction of an "interactive fountain" which will exceed $50,000. Additionally, staff made cost inquiries concerning the construction for interactive dry deck fountain. Council may consider removal of the remaining concrete circle in the center of the Plaza creating a large open planter and replace the fountain with a signature oak tree and circular benches. The dry deck fountain is very expensive because of the necessary operational components, including the manner in which it is implemented and long-term maintenance costs for safe upkeep. It was noted that staff provides a minimum of five hours a week for maintenance-related services. A general discussion followed regarding operational and maintenance costs of fountains in other communities. Councilmember Rodin supported implementation of a fountain rather than planting a tree where the former fountain was located, noting the best approach may be to formulate plans for the improvements prior to making a decision on funding so that specific operation and maintenance costs can be appropriately determined. Councilmember Baldwin supported the implementation of a fountain that could enhance the scene for theatrical or musical presentations. He recommended providing Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2003 Page 2 of 8 for some type of stage curtain for such productions to camouflage the existing audience's view. Alex Watson, Ukiah, stated the California Conservation Corps (CCC) could provide assistance with the construction aspects of the new fountain. Anthony Solstra, Ukiah, supported the implementation of a fountain that can be enjoyed by both local and out-of-town visitors. Councilmember Andersen supported the concept of constructing a fountain, noting implementation of a large tree in place a fountain may obstruct the view of the surrounding valley. He would like to encourage art and culture presentations in addition to providing a place for people to relax and/or socialize. He expressed concern regarding the problem of vandalism and the negative impacts created. Councilmember Smith recommended staff formulate a plan and review funding sources for implementation of an interactive dry deck fountain. William Wyatt, Ukiah, advised that the CCC would be willing to conduct fund raising events to help offset the cost of a new fountain. Mayor Larson recommended staff seek volunteer help from companies experienced with trenching and installation of dry deck fountains in addition to encouraging young people to provide creative design concepts that could be applied to the project. He supported the concept of installing an interactive dry deck fountain when money is available for the project. al PUBLIC HEARING Discussion of Recommended Revisions to The Industrial/Mixed Use Regulations In The Airport Industrial Park Planning Director Stump reported the Planning Commission recently reviewed the proposed revisions to the Mixed-Use Regulations for the Airport Industrial Park (ALP), as initiated by the City Department of Planning and Community Development. The Commission subsequently proposed changes to the zoning text for the 30+acre mixed- use area located west of Airport Park Boulevard and south of Commerce Drive. The intent of tonight's meeting is to consider the proposed revised AlP Light Manufacturing/Mixed-Use Area RegulatiOns and adopt the Initial Study of Potential Environmental Impacts, as recommended by the Planning Commission. The new Regulations for the Industrial/Mixed-Use area in the AlP are "performance" based in that they allow for light manufacturing, office, commercial, or residential land uses on the parcels within the designated 30+ acres or a compatible mix of one or more of these types of land uses in order to provide an opportunity for a diversity of land uses to be located near one another that would otherwise be viewed as incompatible. He went on to discuss various aspects of the new Regulations. Essentially, the "Performance Based Approach" eliminates the conventional mixed-use zoning designation and replaces it with a more flexible district by regulating all permitted Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2003 Page 3 of 8 land uses and developments based upon the impacts, even though the impacts may vary for the same use depending upon the intensity of the particular use. The Planning Commission recommended to Council that the Ordinance regulations be completely repealed with new ones. The key element is to ensure at the discretionary review level that the proposed uses would be "compatible" with one another. The Planning Commission recommends adoption of the revised AlP Industrial/Mixed-Use Regulations. Councilmember Baldwin inquired how the density requirements applied to Retail/Commercial uses. Director Stump responded the amount of square footage required for a project determines the size of the retail establishment that can be developed within the Airport Compatibility Zone. Development restrictions are contingent upon the density and/or the issue of allowing for 60 people per acre. It was noted that a traffic study was conducted to determine the existing levels of traffic, provide projections for traffic generation, and determine if the existing traffic related Capital Improvement Program was adequate to accommodate the traffic anticipated by development under the new regulations. The study evaluated two different scenarios to include (1) Full retail commercial buildout of the area and (2) A Mixed-Use 30% Retail/ Commercial, 35% Professional Offices, 30% Light Manufacturing, and 5% Residential) at buildout. Councilmember Baldwin addressed the traffic analysis and inquired whether the traffic impact fees, as currently structured, could sufficiently accommodate traffic at buildout. Director Stump replied that the existing Capital Improvement Program would be amended to generate additional funds to make the traffic impact improvements necessary at buildout. Councilmember Andersen requested clarification regarding the concept of the AlP Mixed-Use Regulations. Director Stump noted other communities do not mandate mixed-use as an ordinance requirement and provide the opportunity to include mixed-use in their ordinances. Communities may use other "tools" to provide incentives to promote mixed-use development. There are other ordinances that mandate specific mixed-use percentages for parcels. Director Stump reported there are other provisions in the Airport Industrial Park Ordinance that address land uses that cause nuisances. There are also provisions in the ordinance that preclude different land uses that would impact one another. Moreover, the performance-based concept allows for land uses that traditionally would not be considered compatible under former zoning designations such a residential unit adjacent to manufacturing land use. The intent is to articulate site plans to encourage mixed-use land developments to be compatible with one another. Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2003 Page 4 of 8 Councilmember Andersen inquired whether it would be realistic to anticipate that industrial uses would be developed in an area zoned for mixed-use. He expressed concern regarding this issue since the initial concept of development in the AlP was to allow for industrial use. Director Stump noted that one of the Ordinance revision objectives was to change the title from "Industrial/Mixed-Use" to "Light Manufacturing/Mixed-Use" to encourage mixed-use with live/work units, and to allow for a Light Manufacturing component relative to the 32-acre parcels. The Ordinance contains language that addresses nuisance issues pertinent to Industrial/Light Manufacturing uses. Light Manufacturing has been the use envisioned for the Park as opposed to heavy industrial. Current Light Manufacturing operational standards have changed over the years becoming more "high tech" in nature, which has reduced impacts to the environment, as well as reduced the factors creating nuisances. Councilmember Andersen noted that the existing Commercial/Retail establishments in the AlP are not high paying jobs. He supported the concept of promoting economic development by encouraging Industrial/Light Manufacturing uses. Councilmember Smith inquired regarding the number of acres outside of the 32 acres designated for industrial use. Director Stump replied 24.8 acres are designated for "pure" industrial use and, theoretically although not probable, the entire 32-acre designated for Mixed-Use area could be developed with Light Manufacturing. City Manager Horsley stated land and development costs must be configured together so the total cost figure is realistic. She commented on the development costs per square foot for areas outside of the City limits and areas with lower development standards as compared to land and development costs for the Redwood Business Park. Moreover, land costs are affected by the size and location of the parcel. Councilmember Rodin questioned the approach for establishing an incentive for housing development within the mixed-use areas, if the concept of mixed-use would not be mandated. Director Stump replied the goal of the new Ukiah General Plan Housing Element is to access housing needs, issues/concerns, the establishment of effective policy options, as well as examine ways to provide housing development incentives. Public Hearing Opened: 7:29 p.m. No one came forward. Public Hearing Closed: 7:29 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2003 Page 5 of 8 Councilmember Baldwin stated if the zoning provisions are proposed to be changed for the 32-acres, then the zoning classifications for other vacant or underutilized land in the community should also be reviewed for possible reclassification to promote maximum utilization of the land. Director Stump stated the Planning Commission has discussed the aforementioned issue, as two apartment projects are proposed in the C-2 zoning district near the railroad tracks/corridor. A pedestrian and bicycle pathway is envisioned adjacent to the railroad tracks where much of the remaining vacant land exists. He went on to discuss the disposition of vacant land within the City. Mayor Larson discussed identifying properties along the railroad tracks that would be good candidates for mandatory mixed-use zoning that would require a housing component as part of the project. He drew attention to Maverick Enterprises that is located across the street from a residential zone and near agricultural lands. Director Stump stated he would agendize the matter for discussion with the Planning Commission and would inform them of the changes made by the City Council. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9b. Possible Revisions To The Energy Conservation Program As Funded By The Public Benefit Fund Customer Service Supervisor Archibald advised that the Staff Report explains the City of Ukiah's Energy Conservation Program. She went on to discuss the four scenarios listed in the Staff Report and noted staff is recommending Scenario #3. Another recommendation is to adjust the overall commitment toward the Program to $100,000. As an added incentive, staff recommends offering rebates of $150 per window, up to $1,000 per address, for installation of energy efficient double paned windows. Staff also recommends rebates of $500 per address for installation of energy efficient central air and heating systems. Councilmember Baldwin proposed an option for Iow income individuals: increasing to $250, per appliance and up to a maximum of $600 per address, 2) for all residential customers: maintain the $100 per appliance type with a maximum of $300 per address, 3) for commercial customers: maintain the existing rebate level, 4) provide a new $200 rebate per double pane window, up to $600 maximum per address, 5) all customers provide a new $100 rebate per double paned window, up to $300 maximum per address, and 6) increase the eligibility level to 160% of the federal poverty guidelines. He also proposed waiting on the air conditioning rebates until we see how the new rebate levels work. Councilmember Rodin supported Supervisor Archilbald's recommendation of Scenario #3. Councilmember Andersen felt that the point is to encourage energy conservation, which will save money for the people and the utility. The program can be reevaluated as the program progresses. Many of the older homes in the community may be eligible for the double paned windows. Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2003 Page 6 of 8 Mayor Larson was also supportive of Scenario #3 and he went on to discuss the cost of windows. A general discussion continued with regard to the varying costs of windows and installation, as well as the rebate limits per address. M/S Smith/Andersen to increase the overall commitment toward the Energy Conservation Program to $100,000, Increasing the Income Guidelines for Iow-income recipients to 160% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, and Increasing rebates according to Scenario #3 in Attachment #1 to the Staff Report. Councilmember Rodin suggested that staff provide Council with a status report after one year. It was noted by Supervisor Archibald that only those applicants for the higher rebate provided to Iow-income households are required to provide proof of income. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin Andersen, Smith, and Mayor Larson. NOES: Councilmember Baldwin. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9c. Selection of Subcommittee Members For Public Information Campaign Regarding Sales Tax Ballot Initiative City Manager Horsley advised of the need to select two City Councilmembers to meet with representatives of the Police, Fire, and City Staff in order to coordinate a community education campaign regarding the sales tax ballot measure. Councilmembers Andersen and Rodin expressed interest in being on the committee. City Attorney Rapport advised that once the committee has been appointed, guidelines would be provided as to what they can or cannot do. 10. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Smith reported that he was unable to attend the NCPA Legislative Committee meeting this afternoon and some of the items on the agenda have to deal with state issues under the new governor. NCPA 2004 Strategic Planning Workshop is been scheduled in Sacramento for January 21-22,2004. Councilmember Andersen has expressed an interest in attending the workshop with him. NCPA will pay for up to three elected officials to attend from Ukiah. Councilmember Baldwin reported that he attended a meeting of the Russian River Watershed Association several weeks ago. There were various presentations and they are working on an analysis that will be computerized. He attended the last Inland Water and Power Commission meeting and reported on the discussion. Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2003 Page 7 of 8 Mayor Larson reported that he attended a LAFCO meeting this week and he voted on the recommendation to move forward with the out of service area agreement and proposed annexation for the Rural Communities Housing Development Corporation (RCHDC) project. He reported attending a MCOG meeting. The state traffic commission is not releasing funds for planning and if it continues, it may severely impact the MCOG staff. They are already looking at staff reductions and there is no money for transportation until probably 2006 or 2008. Ironically, there is still money available for pedestrian and bicycle projects, both with MCOG and through the state and federal agencies. He reported that so far, the Willits Bypass project has not been threatened but it could be delayed. He reported that he was asked to speak at the Light Up A Life ceremony that took place at the Plaza. Council might consider as part of improvements to the Plaza, a permanent plaque near the trees that are dedicated to this cause. This Saturday night he will assist in lighting the Christmas tree for the Chamber of Commerce. Councilmember Rodin reported receiving a notice in the mail from the League of California Cities requesting that the Mayor sign a letter to the Governor asking that he not allow the legislature go home for vacation until they figure out a way to fund the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) backfill. She inquired of Council as to their thoughts on the matter. Mayor Larson stated that he would sign such a letter and he encouraged the other Councilmembers to write the Governor a letter and express their thoughts on the VLF matter. 11. CITY MANGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS Deputy City Clerk Ulvila advised that John McCowen submitted a ballot argument with regard to the City Clerk measure. Mr. McCowen exceeded the number of words allowed and therefore his argument is not being considered. She also reported that she recently passed the exam to have her Notary commission renewed for another four years. Administrative Secretary Deborah Pollock also passed the Notary exam. They will use the commission to notarize City documents. 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m. Cath~ E~awad y, '' ~ Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2003 Page 8 of 8