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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 04-07-04MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2004 The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on April 7, 2004, 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: Community Services Director DeKnoblough, Police Captain Dewey, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris, City Manager Horsley, Water Treatment Plant Operator Jamison, Interim Public Utilities Director Kennedy, Associate Planner Lohse, Accounting Manager McCann, City Attorney Rapport, Interim Airport Manager Richey, Executive Assistant Riley, Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo, Planning Director Stump, Police Chief Williams, and City Clerk Ulvila. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Shannon Riley led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. PROCLAMATIONS 3a. Workers Memorial Day in the City of Ukiah: April 287 2004 Mayor Larson read the Proclamation designating April 28, 2004 as Workers Memorial Day in Ukiah in recognition of workers killed, injured, and disabled on the job and informed all residents of the valley about the gathering at 5:30 p.m. at Alex Thomas Plaza on April 28 that is put on by the working men and women in Mendocino County to observe this special day. Scott Miller accepted the proclamation on behalf of the working men and women in Ukiah and in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the line of work. 3. PROCLAMATIONS 3b. National Volunteer Week Mayor Larson read the Proclamation proclaiming April 18-24, 2004 as National Volunteer Week and in conjunction with all City of Ukiah staff and the people of the City of Ukiah, to commend the volunteers for their steadfastness on behalf of the entire community and thank them for their efforts which always lead the way. Dotty Coplen accepted the proclamation on behalf of the volunteers in community. 3. PROCLAMATIONS 3c. April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month Mayor Larson read the Proclamation proclaiming April 2004 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and commending this observance to all citizens, and encouraged everyone's participation in "Denim Day", April 21 and "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes", April 24. Michele Roberts accepted the proclamation on behalf of Project Sanctuary and thanked the City for its support. She explained events scheduled during the month of April to extend a better awareness of sexual assault. Regular City Council Meeting April 7, 2004 Page 1 of 13 3. PROCLAMATIONS 3d. Poetry Month in Ukiah Mayor Larson read the Proclamation proclaiming April 2004 as poetry Month in Ukiah and urged all citizens to attend scheduled poetry readings throughout the community, participate in the "Poem of the Day" program at the Ukiah Library, enjoy the ukiaHaiku Festival, participate in the Mendocino Countywide High School Poetry Slam, and learn poetry power, which can flower, into a better life. He thanked Mr. Brint for all his volunteer years of service to the community. Armand Brint, former Ukiah Poet Laureate, accepted the proclamation and provided a status report on the state of poetry in the Ukiah valley and upcoming activities planned. He voiced his appreciation to the City's for its support of the arts in the valley. Mayor Larson requested Council consider taking item 1 la next on the agenda and the recommendation was carried by a unanimous consensus of the Council. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11a. Appointment of City of Ukiah Poet Laureate Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris briefly discussed the Laureate Committee's recommendation for a new Poet Laureate since the term is limited. Nominations were solicited and the Committee recommends the City Council appoint Linda Noel as the City of Ukiah's second Poet Laureate. She is a long term resident of the Ukiah Valley, well spoken of within the poetry community, and has an extensive publication record. M/S Smith/Baldwin appointing Linda Noel as the City of Ukiah Poet Laureate, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. Linda Noel expressed her gratitude to the Committee for their recommendation and stated she is looking forward to serving as the City's Poet Laureate. 4. PRESENTATION 4a. Individual Councilmembers Read Selected Poems Councilmembers Rodin and Andersen each read a poem. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5a. Council Priority Workshop and Regular Meeting of March 17~ 200,!. Councilmember Rodin referred to page 5, third paragraph, and inquired if the statement "If a Notice of Determination is not filed, then a 180 day time limit on filing suits applies" is correct. City Attorney Rapport confirmed the wording is correct. M/S Andersen/Smith approving the Council Priority Workshop and Regular Meeting Minutes of March 17, 2004 as presented, and carried by unanimous consent. 6. RIGHT TO APPEAL Regular City Council Meeting April 7, 2004 Page 2 of 13 Mayor Larson read the appeal process. 7. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Andersen stated that he has questions concerning item 7f and he would like the item discussed. City Rapport advised that if the matter calls for a legal discussion, it should be discussed in Closed Session. Mayor Larson advised that item 7f would be taken off the Consent Calendar and moved to item 11 i. M/S Rodin/Andersen approving items "a" through "e" and "g" through "1" of the Consent Calendar as follows: a. Adopted Resolution 2004-25 Certifying Results of March 2, 2004 Municipal Election; b. Received Notice to City Council Regarding Equipment Purchased from Air Solutions Group in the Amount of $5,114.75; c. Approved Lease Extension with Norman Hughey for a Portion of City Owned Property Adjacent to the Ukiah Municipal Golf Course; d. Approved Budget Amendment in the Amount of $6,215 for March 2004 Election Costs; e. Awarded Bid for New Copier to The Systems Network for $14,042 Plus Tax and Approved Budget Amendment; g. Approved Lease Extension with Mendocino County Farm Supply for a Portion of City Owned Property Located at the Ukiah Regional Airport; h. Received Report on Disposition of Surplused Used Equipment; i. Awarded Bid for Purchase of Two Patrol Vehicles in the Amount of $52,286 to Northlake Ford Mercury and Approved of Budget Amendment. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. 8. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Mike McCann, President of the Boys and Girls Club of Ukiah, provided an update on the situation with the Club and noted this is its fifth summer program. The non profit club is currently experiencing financial difficulty. He invited Council to the Club's annual dinner/auction on May 1st Bruce Foster, Chairman of Chamber of Commerce introduced their new Executive Director, Cherie Blower to the City Council. Jim Mulheren discussed the Council's Workers Memorial Day proclamation and noted that it should reference both union and non-union workers. 9. PUBLIC HEARING 9a. Adoption of Resolution Approving the Building and Land Use Development Plan Guidelines for the Ukiah Municipal Airport Regular City Council Meeting April 7, 2004 Page 3 of 13 Associate Planner Lohse advised that in July of 1996, the Ukiah City Council adopted the Ukiah Municipal Airport Master Plan (Plan) to serve as a framework for the implementation of individual development projects on the airport grounds. He noted the guidelines include more concisely defined development standards, such as minimum building footprints, parking, and landscaping. They also include textual explanations and a flowchart describing the processes required for discretionary permits. The proposed Guidelines do not alter the existing land use requirements of the airport's Master Plan or the means for reviewing and approving development projects. They will, in fact, provide the Airport Commission, City staff, and the general public with a more readable and more easily understood blueprint for potential development projects on designated areas of the airport, making the implementation of the Master Plan's policies and compatibility criteria even more effective. He recommended adoption of the Negative Declaration prepared for the project and adoption of the Resolution approving the Ukiah Municipal Airport Building and Land Use Development Plan Guidelines. Discussion followed with regard to the 1996 Airport Master Plan, the new Initial Study, and it was noted by Staff that there is no exemption in the categorical exemption in CEQA. There was also discussion concerning limiting the air traffic capacity of the Airport Tape lb Airport Assistant Richey discussed the number of flights per year and noted that operations have decreased over the years. He also discussed fuel sales. Public Hearing Opened: 7:23 p.m. Alea Waters and La,ng Russell, Ukiah, supported helicopter services in Ukiah for fire protection. They opposed pilots flying Iow on the western side of the City. Public Hearing Closed: 7:28 p.m. Extensive discussion followed with regard to the Buildinq Area and Land Use Plan Development Guidelines with questioning by Councilmember Baldwin concerning requirements for the majority of the land use areas with regard to allowed and permitted uses. Associate Planner Lohse responded by stating that many of the allowed or permitted uses relate to businesses that are supportive or related to airport activity and discussed some examples of potential uses. He noted that the Plan is not about expanding airport operations, but will be able to direct staff as well as developers regarding potential projects at the airport. Councilmember Smith expressed his support of Staff's recommendation. Councilmember Andersen inquired about the area to the east of the airport and the potential for the California Department of Forestry (CDF) air attack base to be relocated in that area. Regular City Council Meeting April 7, 2004 Page 4 of 13 Airport Assistant Richey discussed the two connectors for CDF and the locations for each. He noted that when there are winds, CDF would depart from another location. Upon questioning by Councilmember Andersen with regard to CDF needing a Site Development Permit for the Air Attack Base, Planner Lohse stated that a Site Development Permit would be required and have specific conditions. M/S Smith/Andersen adopting Negative Declaration prepared for the project, Councilmember Baldwin continued to discuss with staff issues regarding CEQA review or an EIR for future projects. Planner Lohse advised that a Use Permit would be required for certain types of manufacturing and there would need to be a determination as to environmental impacts. Councilmember Baldwin was of the opinion that it would not limit private helicopters or aircraft at the airport. He recommended Council amend the plan and adopt the city of Santa Monica's nighttime take off plan that includes aircraft touch and goes on weekends, and no practice flying because of potential danger. Councilmember Rodin was of the opinion amending the Master Plan is a separate issue and supported Staff's recommendation. Mayor Larson voiced his support of the Guidelines and noted that he was on the Planning Commission when they had to deal with airport issues and is familiar with the issues. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, and Mayor Larson. NOES: CouncilmemberBaldwin. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. M/S Smith/Rodin adopting Resolution 2004-26, adopting the Ukiah Municipal Airport Building and Land Use Development Plan Guidelines, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, and Mayor Larson. NOES: Councilmember Baldwin ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 9. PUBLIC HEARING (6:45 P.M.) 9b. Public Hearin_~ Regarding Notification of Award of Supplemental Law Enforcement Service Fund Citizen's Option for Public Safety (COPS) Grant in The Amount of $100~000 FY 03/04~ Reallocation of Funds for FY02-03 COPS~ And Discussion of Fund Allocation Police Chief Williams advised that this grant is intended to be used to supplement and enhance existing law enforcement services to communities. These funds cannot be authorized to supplant existing authorized funding. For this funding, staff is recommending two purposes: 1) remodeling the space gained from the evidence room move, and 2) equipment purchases for the departments use of force training program. He further recommended the City Council approve a spending plan in two areas: 1) $150,000 be authorized to revise the department's use of force training program and the Regular City Council Meeting April 7, 2004 Page 5 of 13 purchase of equipment to support the program, and 2) $50,000 be authorized to remodel the old evidence room workspace for the department. Tape 2a Considerable discussion followed between Councilmembers and staff with regard to possible future funding and it was noted by Chief Williams that reports received from the state indicate that future funding may be in jeopardy. Possible collaboration with other jurisdictions was discussed with regard to training. Public Hearing Opened' 8:16 p.m. No one came forward. Public Hearing Closed: 8:16 p.m. Councilmember Andersen stated that he is not supportive of the proposal because the City should use the money to hire more officers on the street. Police Chief Williams discussed the amount of funding needed to maintain the officer with the grant funding before the expiration date of the grant. He went on to discuss spending approximately $20,000 each year for training and that most of the funding is reimbursed by the state and a portion is for firearms training. Consideration of overtime and equipment costs was discussed. He discussed previous grant programs approved by the Council. Councilmember Smith stated it is important that the City pursue training for the officers that are employed with the City. Councilmember Baldwin expressed interest in using some of the grant funds for bilingual training and provide an increased stipend to bilingual officers, however, Police Chief Williams explained that the grant could not be used to increase the stipend; however, he will explore the possibility of using some of those funds for bilingual training purposes. He explained that there is a strong interest among the officers to improve their bilingual skills. Councilmember Andersen noted that since the Department is short staffed, it would make sense to use half of the funds towards hiring another officer and explore shared training with other jurisdictions. He expressed his opposition to remodeling the evidence room. Discussion followed with regard to the grant spending deadline of July 1st and possibly allowing staff additional time to provide Council with more options. It was noted that it would assist staff to know how the funds can be legally used. Councilmember Rodin was of the opinion that providing training for officers would be investing in the infrastructure of the Police Department and it will save the City money in the long run. She supported the project. Regular City Council Meeting April 7, 2004 Page 6 of 13 Police Chief Williams discussed the remodeling of the evidence room and the hardship on officers. He went on to discuss the traffic enforcement officer position and that the Police Department no longer uses the firing range. Mayor Larson discussed state budget issues and reimbursement. He opposed hiring an officer for only one year and preferred modifying the grant spending plan so that some of the remodeling funds could be used for bilingual training. M/S Smith/Rodin authorizing the Police Departmental spending plan for both FY 2002/03 and FY 2003/04 grants. M/S Baldwin/Andersen to table the motion to the next Council meeting while staff researches other spending options; motion carried to tabled the previous motion and continue the Public Hearing the April 21, 2004 City Council meeting, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, and Baldwin. NOES: Councilmember Smith and Mayor Larson. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. Recessed: 8:50 p.m. Reconvened: 8:56 p.m. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 10a. Review of Rehabilitation Efforts and New Lateral Work at the Ranney Collector and Presentation of the Water Supply Development Feasibility Assessment Prepared by Reynolds~ Inc. Interim Public Utility Director Kennedy discussed his Staff Report to Council which was in response to concerns expressed by some members of the City Council regarding the results of the rehabilitation efforts and the new lateral work at the City's Ranney Collector. He presented a review of the results of the work performed as well as a water supply development assessment (assessment) prepared by Reynolds, Inc. (formerly Layne Christensen Company) as authorized by the City Council on November 20, 2002. He continued to answer questions of Council with regard to information provided in the Staff Report. Tape 2b Scott Reigert, Project Manager/Hydrologeologist with the Layne Christensen Company, which is part of the Ranney Division that is now owned by Reynolds, Inc., discussed the original cost estimate of how possible increases in water could be attained and how it was based on the standard rehabilitation techniques and the amount of capacity from rehabilitation. Based on these estimations, the safe yield of the well may be increased between 5.5 MGD and 8.0 MGD. He noted that it is their belief that a significant portion of the loss in capacity of the City of Ukiah's Ranney Well is due to changes in the Russian River water level, flow rate, width, and distance from the Ranney and river bottom permeability. Upon questioning by Councilmember Baldwin regarding other surface water options, Mr. Reigert explained that the surface water was drawn from the river and it is important to stay within the constraints of the City's water rights. Regular City Council Meeting April 7, 2004 Page 7 of 13 It was the consensus of the City Council to received the Report regarding rehabilitation efforts and new lateral work at the Ranney Collector and Water Supply Development Feasibility Assessment. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 10b. Authorization of Mayor to Execute an Impasse Letter to Adelphi~ Communications and Approval of Increase in Expenditure for Cable Franchise Negotiations Consultant Services Community Services Director DeKnoblough advised that the City of Ukiah, in partnership with the County of Mendocino, and Cities of Fort Bragg and Willits, have engaged in informal negotiations with Adelphia Communications for the renewal of the cable franchise within each respective jurisdiction. As negotiations have extended significantly beyond expectations, funding for the consultant's (CSG) contract has expired and additional funding in the amount of $12,000, of which the City's portion is approximately $3,500, is needed to complete negotiations. It was his belief the assistance of CSG to complete negotiations is essential and requested additional funding in the amount of $3,500. M/S Andersen/Baldwin authorizing the Mayor to execute a letter to Adelphia Communications and approve increase in expenditures for cable negotiations consultant services, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 10c. Discussion and Possible Action to Withdraw Approval for Completin.n. Final Design of the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project City Attorney Rapport discussed information contained in his memorandum to the Council and recommended that the City Council direct that completion of the final design for the treatment plant upgrade and the approval of that design await certification of Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) for the Orchard Avenue Bridge and the City's application to the State Water Resources Control Board (WRCB) for an extension of time to perfect its water rights under the City's permit to appropriate water from the Russian River. After those EIRs have been certified, the City Council should reconsider a revised environmental document for the water treatment plant upgrade project (Negative Declaration or EIR). He discussed these recommendations and the analysis contained in his memorandum. Tape 3a Dotty Coplen, Ukiah, discussed the granting of water to the RCHDC project even though it will be located outside the City limits. Emmett Jones, Ukiah, advised that the RCHDC project would allow for more affordable housing. In order for RCHDC to obtain funding for their project, they must show they can obtain water and sewer. RCHDC will request an Out of Service Agreement from LAFCO and then apply to annex into the City limits. Regular City Council Meeting April 7, 2004 Page 8 of 13 Lee Howard, resident outside the Ukiah City limits, discussed the CEQA process and the City should obtain a firm contract with the Russian River Flood Control District. City Manager Horsley explained that the City has already submitted an application to the Russian River Flood Control District. M/S Rodin/Smith (1) withdrawing the City Council's authorization to proceed with completing the final design of improvements to the water treatment plant, including the addition of two treatment modules and related improvements; and (2) directing that such design not be completed until after the City Council approves and certifies either a Negative Declaration or EIR for that project. The City Council shall not approve the final design for the water treatment plant upgrade project unless it has determined that such design adequately addresses the mitigation of the identified adverse environmental impacts of the project; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11b. Status Report Regarding Bicultural Committee Activities Police Chief Williams discussed the concerns brought forward and the focus of the committee has been to study these specific law enforcement related areas: providing quality law enforcement service to non-English speaking residents; educating officers of cultural differences and awareness; and hiring bicultural/bilingual officers. In summary, he stated that the Department would like to acknowledge the support and dedication of all members of the committee who have devoted much of their personal time in making this a success. They will continue to work together to expand their expertise and address issues as they arise in the future. They are also hoping in the future to expand the committee to include members of the community who represent other cultural and minority groups. City Manager Horsley recognized Councilmembers Andersen and Rodin for their participation on the committee. Tape 3b Police Chief Williams stated that the Department has been working closely with the Mendocino Private Industry Council (MPIC) and MPIC is paying for a person to attend the Police Academy. It was the consensus of the City Council to receive and file the Status Report regarding Bicultural Committee. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11c. Establishment of a Fair Share Allocation of the Remaining Capacity at the Waste Water Treatment Plant Created by the CEPT Program Interim Public Utility Director Kennedy advised that the 1995 "Participation Agreement Between the City of Ukiah and the Ukiah Valley Sanitation District" (Agreement) and the "Amendment No. 1" to the Agreement executed on March 24, 1999 do not specifically authorize the City or District to limit the number of connections Regular City Council Meeting April 7, 2OO4 Page 9 of 13 to each others collection system. It was his opinion that this is an equitable distribution of ESSUs created by the Chemical Enhancement to the Primary Treatment Program (CEPT) and recommended the numbers be approved and the agreement amended to formalize the fair share split, 10:51 p.m. - Mayor Larson left the meeting and Vice-Mayor Baldwin assumed the chair of the meeting. 10:54 p.m.- Mayor Larson returned to the meeting. The risk of liability was noted by the City Attorney and he advised that the issue concerns the allocation of service units and advised that this issue may be resolved through an agreement and negotiations. It was noted by Director Kennedy that the City will phase out the CEPT program as soon as possible. He advised that the Sanitation District has adopted a different system. He expressed concern with the County requesting new connections and the City would fall short of its allocation. He recommended an allocation of 77% for the Sanitation District and 23% for the City. Mayor Larson recommended there be additional language in the agreement for growth projects. Councilmember Andersen recommended looking at conservation or reclamation issues. M/S Smith directing Staff to prepare an amendment to the 1995 Agreement between the City Council and the Ukiah Valley Sanitation District for further consideration and action; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11d. Request for Joint Meeting of the Ukiah Valley Sanitation District Board and the Ukiah City Council to Discuss Issues Related to Proposed Sewer Connection Fees Interim Public Utility Director Kennedy advised that the Ukiah Valley Sanitation District (District), at their meeting of March 24, 2004, requested a joint meeting between the District Board and the Ukiah City Council to discuss issues related to proposed sewer connection fees. Tape 4a It was the consensus of Council to schedule a meeting with the District an hour before the April 21st City Council meeting and directed Staff to contact the District to confirm that time and date, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 11. 11e. NEW BUSINESS Status Report Regarding Development of Perkins Street Pocket Park Regular City Council Meeting April 7, 2004 Page 10 of 13 Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo advised that at the time of Council's approval of the Perkins Street pocket park design, Council requested staff to seek partnerships and outside funding opportunities to minimize costs of construction. Staff has been successfully working with the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Coyote Valley Shodakai Casino, and the California Conservation Corps (CCC) to participate in the project's completion. The coordination of improvements with Coyote Valley and the CCC will allow the City to construct the park improvements with shared labor and reduce the Redevelopment Agency's expenditures to materials only. The City is looking forward to hearing from other groups with regard to sponsorship of projects within the City that would enhance the community. City Manager Horsley reported that grant money for the depot is still being received and now NCRA has received interest from vendors for use of the depot property since it is a major corridor into the City. She recommended installing a small sign on the site, at no cost to the City, to recognize those agencies that participated in the development of the pocket park. It was the consensus of the Council to receive the Report regarding development of a Perkins Street Pocket Park. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11f. Discussion Regarding Candidate Interviews for City Commissions and Boards - Councilmember Rodin Councilmember Rodin proposed the matter be continued to the next Council meeting. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11g. Selection of Councilmember and Other Representation to Participate on the Community Desi.qn Forum Or.qanizing Committee There was a brief discussion with regard to the Staff Report prepared by Planning Director Stump. It was the consensus of the City Council to select Councilmember Rodin to participate on the Community Design Forum Organizing Committee and directed Staff to seek a Committee member from both the Downtown Design Review Board and Main Street Program Downtown Design Committee, carried by unanimous consent. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11h. Set Date For Pre-Budget Workshop City Manager Horsley advised that staff is recommending a special workshop to allow adequate time for full discussion and review of the upcoming draft budget and she requested Council select a date for the workshop. It was the consensus of the City Council to set April 21, 2004 at 4:00 p.m. for a pre- budget workshop. Regular City Council Meeting April 7, 2004 Page 11 of 13 11i (Formerly 7f.) Rejected Claim for Dama.qes Received from Jack and Raynette Cox and John and Sandra Mayfield~ and Mary Snyder~ and Referred to Joint Powers Authority~ Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund; It was recommended that this matter be discussed in Closed Session. 12. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Rodin reported the Chamber of Commerce has appointed Cherie Blower as its new CEO. The Chamber is creating a membership directory which will be used to promote Ukiah. The City and the Chamber will be collaborating on the Fourth of July activities. She noted that the Chamber lease needs to be renewed. She attended a regional conference in Healdsburg and a session on jobs and housing. She reported that she also attended a California Budget Conference that addressed the state and local deficit due to declines in revenues. There was also discussion of fallen tax revenues. She went on to discuss various aspects from the state budget report and the possibility that the state will raise taxes. Councilmember Andersen reported that the Skatepark Committee is experiencing a great deal of frustration with the City's progress for securing a location. He requested staff prepare a status report to be discussed in Closed Session at the Ukiah Redevelopment Agency's next meeting. He briefly discussed MTA's project on Standley Street. He discussed the letter from the County Mental Health Department and how it will impact the County and City staff if the crisis center is closed. Councilmember Smith reported that he attended the NCPA meeting last week in which the 2003 annual budget summary was presented. There is approximately $189,000 that will be rolled into this year's obligation for credit. Mayor Larson reported that he met with representatives from Coyote Valley Shodaki Casino regarding their interest in becoming more involved in Ukiah projects. He attended a Soroptomist International dinner in the wine country. Last Monday MCOG met and the big topic was the Hopland bypass and its commitment to funding the project, however, Sacramento is considering dropping the project and all of the environmental work will go down drain. He explained that MCOG agreed to a $5 million commitment and they told Caltrans to forget the 100% of the City's S'I'IP funding. He reported that he collected signatures for petitions for the League of California Cities' initiative. 13. CITY MANGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS City Manager Horsley discussed an email that regarding Wal-Mart proposing to bypass zoning codes. Councilmember Andersen sent City Attorney Rapport advised that Wal-Mart lost the case. Adjourned to Closed session at midnight. 14. CLOSED SESSION Regular City Council Meeting April 7, 2004 Page 12 of 13 Consent Calendar item 7f: Reject Claim for Damages Received from Jack and Raynette Cox and John and Sandra Mayfield~ and Mary Snyder~ and Referred to Joint Powers Authorit¥~ Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund Reconvened at: 12:10 a.m. M/S Smith/Baldwin rejecting Claim for Damages received from Jack and Raynette Cox and John and Sandra Mayfield, and Mary Snyder, and referred to Joint Powers Authority, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund; carried by the following roll call vote:: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 14. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 12:10 a.m. Marie Ulvila, City Clerk Regular City Council Meeting April 7, 2004 Page 13 of 13