HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 06-02-04MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2004
The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on June 2, 2004, the notice for which
had been legally noticed and posted, at 6:32 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,
Finance Director Elton, City Manager Horsley, Water Treatment Plant Manager
Jamison, Police Officer Johnson, Interim Public Utilities Director Kennedy, Fire Chief
Latipow, Firefighter/Para Medic Miller, City Attorney Rapport, Community Services
Supervisor Sangiacomo, Deputy Public Works Director Seanor, Planning Director
Stump, Police Officer Walker, Police Chief Williams, and Deputy City Clerk Ulvila.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. PRESENTATIONS/INTRODUCTION
3a. Annual Review of Investment Policy and Presentation by Nancy Jones
Nancy Jones, representative of 'Public Financial Management (PFM), the
consultant for investment decisions, presented an annual update on the
investment portfolio.
City's
City's
3. PRESENTATION/INTRODUCTION
3b. Presentation by Ukiah Grows the Arts
Kate McGruder, Ukiah, discussed the formation of Ukiah Grows the Arts and advised
that she would provide an update on the Ukiah Players Theater (UPT) and SPACE,
funded by the James Irvine Foundation. She discussed the importance of the arts and
culture in the community.
3. PRESENTATIONS/INTRODUCTION
3c. Introduction of Public Services Worker Jimmy Lozano
Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo introduced the Community Services
Department's new Public Services Worker, Jimmy Lozano, to the City Council. Mr.
Lozano's primary function is animal control, but he also assists the Parks Division with
maintenance and project development.
Jimmy Lozano stated he began working for the City about five months ago and is
looking forward to a long career.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4a. Regular Meeting of April 21, 2004
Councilmember Baldwin explained that he would like to review the cassette tapes
concerning his comments on pages 2 and 9 before making a recommendation.
M/S Baldwin/Andersen to continue the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 21,2004, until
the June 16th meeting, and carried by unanimous consent.
Regular City Council Meeting
June 2, 2004
Page 1 of 8
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4b. Regular Meeting of May 5~ 2004
M/S Baldwin/Andersen approving the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 5, 2004, as
presented, and carried by unanimous consent.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4c. Re_~ular Meeting of May 19~ 2004
M/S Baldwin/Smith approving the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 19, 2004, as
presented, and carried by unanimous consent.
5. RIGHT TO APPEAL
Mayor Larson read the appeal process.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Baldwin advised that he has some questions with regard to items "1"
and "j".
City Manager Horsley advised that item "k" has been revised due to an error in
calculations from the Police Department.
M/S Andersen/Rodin approving items "a" through "h" and 'T' of the Consent Calendar,
and that items 6i and 6j be heard under New Business, items 9c and 9d.
a. Received Report To The City Council Regarding Acquisition Of Services From City
Of Light Sound And Recording For Sound Management Of The 2004 Sundays In
The Park Concern Series In The Amount Of $6,000;
b. Received Report To City Council Regarding Purchase Of 12 Inch Automatic Check
Valve From Bermad In The Amount Of $8,075.58;
c. Received Report Of Acquisition Of Replacement Computer Equipment From Dell
Marketing, L.P. In The Amount Of $8,676.90;
d. Awarded Bid For Sewer Main Lining To J.F. Pacific Liners, Inc. For The Sum Of
$79,509;
e. Authorized Execution Of Amendment No. 1 To The Agreement With Omni-Means,
Ltd. In An Amount Not To Exceed $23,288 For Traffic Circulation Study Phase 2
(Signalization Impact Study) And Approval Of Budget Amendment In The Amount Of
$23,288;
f. Adopted Resolution No. 2004-28 Establishing Prohibition Of Parking Vehicles Six
Feet Or More In Height At 1282 South State Street Pursuant To Ukiah City Code
Section 7154.5;
g. Authorized Fire Chief To Execute Automatic External Defibrillators Grant Contract;
h. Received Notification To Council Regarding The Award Of Bid For 5,000 Feet Of
500 MCM Aluminum, 600 V, Single Conductor Cable To Lake County Electric In The
Amount Of $6,864.00;
k. Awarded Bid To Wildcat Supply Company In The Amount Of $45,941.07 For The
Purchase Of Department Firearms;
I. Awarded Bid To FATS Training Inc. In The Amount Of $84,579 For The Purchase Of
Department Firearms Training Simulator.
Regular City Council Meeting
June 2, 2004
Page 2 of 8
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen,
Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None.
7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
William French, Ukiah, invited the City Council to a Mental Health forum at the Todd
Grove Clubhouse tomorrow night (June 3rd).
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8a. Approval of Lease By The City Of Ukiah With Northern California Railroad
Authority In The Amount Of $300 Per Month For A Portion Of The Ukiah
Railroad Depot Property~ Assessor's Parcel 002-232-12
Community Services Director DeKnoblough discussed his Staff Report to Council
with regard to leasing a portion of the North Coast Railroad Authority (NCRA) Depot
property for the purpose of fulfilling a long-term community goal of building a skatepark.
The terms of the agreement are for 20 years with an option to purchase the property by
the City. Payment is $300 per month. He noted that the Skatepark Committee is very
enthusiastic about this site.
Discussion followed relative to the terms and conditions of the lease.
M/S Andersen/Smith approving lease with North Coast Railroad Authority for a portion
of the Ukiah Depot property in the amount of $300 per month and authorizing the City
Manager to execute the agreement.
Justin Capri, Willits, voiced his approval of the site and recommended a sign be placed
on the property stating that it is the future site of a skatepark.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen,
Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8b. Discussion and Possible Direction Regarding a Public Safety Sales Tax
Ballot Ordinance For The November Election
City Manager Horsley advised that at the April 21, 2004 meeting, the City Council
discussed placing a public safety sales tax ballot measure on the November 2004
election. A public forum to discuss possible wording of a new ordinance was held on
May 20th at the Conference Center. She noted that a letter was received from the
Employers' Council on May 3rd delineating their suggestions for a sales tax ordinance.
She discussed with Council six of the major comments staff felt are important, as
described in her Staff Report to Council. She explained that the City Attorney provided
the wording for the expenditure plan and the remainder of the requirements are
mandated by the State Board of Equalization.
Police Chief Williams and Fire Chief Latipow provided a Power Point presentation in
which they explained the current status of personnel and equipment in their individual
departments.
Tape lbT 2a~ 2b
Regular City Council Meeting
June 2, 2004
Page 3 of 8
Considerable discussion followed with regard to the estimated amount of funds needed
to maintain the level of service for the public safety departments in future years and
developing projections for the future. Concern was expressed for maintenance and
replacement of equipment as well as staffing the departments. Including a sunset
clause in the ordinance drew discussion. Staffing needs in the Fire and Police
Departments were discussed as well as continued growth of the City and the strain on
the public safety departments with an increased population in the community. The
Ordinance denotes a "minimum" guarantee and it will provide a base for the
departments to work from. It was noted that the public needs to understand the
expanding need for public safety funding. The expenditure plan and whether or not to
specify numbers was discussed as well as the formation of a Public Safety Advisory
Committee There was discussion regarding the option of including a "trigger" in the
Ordinance so it would require an audit to place as well as reporting to the State Board of
Equalization. Alternatives A & B of the expenditure plan were discussed.
Recessed: 8:42 p.m.
Reconvened: 8::50 p.m.
Council reviewed the major comments staff felt are important:
1) The language of the ballot measure ordinance was difficult to understand:
Change as discussed.
2) There was a general mistrust of Council's possible movement to non-public
safety uses of current General Fund allocations to public safety: All of the
proceeds should go to public safety uses. Take out the option for being able to use
existing General Fund revenues currently allocated to public safety for other public
services.
3) Better define the need: Support public safety personnel and equipment needs.
4) Quarter cent versus the half cent sales tax: Consensus was to have a half-cent
sales tax with a possible reduction in 5 years. Within four years, the entire additional
ballot revenue would be used for public safety operations and additional General Fund
revenues would likely be needed to maintain capital equipment replacement.
5) Hiring of Spanish-speaking officers: This information will be emphasized in the
next campaign.
6)There should be a sunset clause: No sunset clause or trigger.
It was the consensus of the Council that the clearer the language, the better.
It was the unanimous consent of the City Council to dedicate funding, that the entire
amount be spent on public safety, and to incorporate the minimum level of increases to
public services.
Public comment opened: 9:34 p.m.
Those speaking in support of a half-cent the sales tax measure were Fire Chief Kurt
Latipow, Police Chief John Williams, Police Captain Chris Dewey, Police
Detective Randy Johnson, Police Officer Glen Stark, Dick Arneson, William
French, and John McCowen.
Regular City Council Meeting
June 2, 2004
Page 4 of 8
Jerilyn Harris, representing the Employers Council of Mendocino County, advised that
the Employers Council proposes a quarter cent sales tax increase, that it be restricted
to public safety, and it have a sunset of five years.
Tape 3a
Public comment closed: 10:00 p.m.
Councilmember Andersen suggested that at the beginning of the Ordinance there be
a section of findings to incorporate the needs defined by the Fire and Police Chiefs.
This would help to educate the public.
Councilmember Baldwin requested that Councilmembers Rodin and Andersen assist
the City Manager and City Attorney with composing proper language of the Ordinance.
8. NEW BUSINESS
8c. Status Report concerning Revised Draft Sign Ordinance
Planning Director Stump provided a summary of his Staff Report to Council with
regard to the revisions of the 1983 City Sign Ordinance.
A brief discussion followed with regard to the Planning Commission's review of the
document, neighborhood commercial signage, and banners in the City. It was noted by
Director Stump that he had planned to contact businesses that make banners and
provide a public education process with regard to the new Sign Ordinance. He also
noted a need to discuss the proposed Sign Ordinance with contractors and the
Chamber of Commerce.
It was the consensus of Council to receive the report.
al
City
Councilmembers were present at the time the Ordinance was introduced.
the matter was not listed on the Consent Calendar.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Adoption of Ordinance Amending Ukiah City Code Section 1151 and 1152
Governing the Appointment and Term of Office for Members of the City
Planning Commission
Attorney Rapport advised that at the last Council meeting only three
Therefore,
M/S Rodin/Smith adopting Ordinance No. 1055 amending Ukiah City Code Section
1151 and 1152 governing the appointment and term of office for members of the City
Planning Commission.
Mayor Larson voiced his opposition to the Ordinance.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin,
Andersen, Smith, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: Mayor Larson. ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None
1
NEW BUSINESS
Approval of Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority (MSWMA)
Regular City Council Meeting
June 2, 2004
Page 5 of 8
Bud_clet
Deputy Public Works Director Seanor reviewed his Staff Report to Council with
regard to the Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority's (MSWMA) annual
budget before its final adoption by the MSWMA Board. On April 28, 2004 the MSWMA
Board approved the draft budget and referred to member jurisdictions for comment. He
explained that the fees for service have steadily increased.
Councilmember Andersen, the City's MSWMA representative, clarified that the City
Council directs its MSWMA representative how to vote on the MSWMA budget.
It was the consensus of the Council to direct the City's MSWMA representative to
approve the MSWMA budget.
6i.
9c. Reiected Bid For Well Services To Evaluate An Abandoned Well Located On
The City Of Ukiah Municipal Golf Course
Councilmember Baldwin inquired why staff
environmental issues after going out for the bid.
became concerned with regard to
Interim Public Utilities Director Kennedy explained that Staff needed to test the water
from the well prior to going out for the bid and most likely Staff will need to apply for a
Water Quality permit as the water could be discharged onto the property. He continued
with a brief discussion of the well and the goal of using the water on the Golf Course
with untreated water.
M/S Baldwin/Rodin rejecting bid for well services to evaluate an abandoned well
located on the City of Ukiah Municipal Golf Course; carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES:
None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
6j.
9d. Approved Expenditures In The Amount Of $107000 For Leqal Services Related
To The City's Water Right Amendment
Councilmember Baldwin inquired about the need for new legal services, the current
effort to have an extension of time, and if there are any problems with the permit.
Interim Public Utilities Director Kennedy explained that Weatherford and Taaffe have
been working for the City for the purpose of obtaining amendments to the City's water
rights on file with the State Department of Water Resources. There are no significant
problems, but these issues take time. He continued to discuss the legal process and
timeline.
9. NEW BUSINESS
9b. Discussion and Possible Action Re_clardinq HoDland Bvl~ass Fundin.q- Vice-
Mayor Baldwin
Councilmember Baldwin advised that he has requested a discussion and possible
action regarding the recent Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) decision for
funding of the Hopland bypass. He asked that the City Council formally oppose any
Regular City Council Meeting
June 2, 2004
Page 6 of 8
City of Ukiah, County of Mendocino, or MCOG funding for the Hopland bypass and
direct the City's MCOG representative accordingly. He felt there are more critical
transportation projects in Mendocino County and that this is a project that will induce
auto dependent, sprawling subdivisions here and in Lake County by cutting commute
time to Santa Rosa and San Francisco. He expressed concern with the amount of
money asked by Caltrans for local jurisdictions to contribute and the City's contribution
may be as much as 25%.
Councilmember Rodin was supportive of making improvements in the City to relieve
traffic congestion. She explained that she wants to speak with some people about this
issue and requested the matter be postponed until Council's next meeting so she can
conduct further research.
Councilmember Smith was of the opinion that the City's contribution would be better
spent developing better access in the Ukiah Valley and providing relief for Talmage
Road. He suggested the City's MCOG representative inquire if it would be possible to
divert some of that money to making improvements to Ukiah's transportation system.
He discussed the Perkins Street improvements needed at the on and off ramps along
Highway 101.
Mayor Larson, the City's MCOG representative, advised that the money can only be
spent for transportation uses. There is no state funding this year because the state
borrowed all of the STIP allocations. He discussed MCOG's decision regarding a
regional share and to develop a regional transportation plan. He noted the traffic
dangers north and south of Hopland and noted that his concern and motivation for
seeing changes in Hopland is related to safety.
Councilmember Baldwin recommended the matter be agendized for Council's next
meeting.
William French, Ukiah, voiced his opposition to the Hopland bypass and felt that the
City should make a statement to Caltrans with regard to the needs of Mendocino
County and also the impact the Hopland bypass would have on businesses in Hopland
and traffic in Ukiah.
John Mc Cowen shared the concern that the Hopland bypass could be growth inducing
since Ukiah is close to Santa Rosa and home values in Ukiah are affordable for those
people working in Santa Rosa who receive good wages. He discussed using the
money for local needs.
10. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Baldwin advised that Council is invited to a tour of the Fish Hatchery
on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Judy Pruden will provide a narrative history of Gibson Creek.
Mayor Larson reported the Washington, D.C. trip went well and they received a better
reception from Senator Boxer's office and later received an email from her staff in San
Francisco. Senator Feinstein's Chief of Staff also acknowledged their visit. They
Regular City Council Meeting
June 2, 2004
Page 7 of 8
received some interesting
development sources.
direction for obtaining other money from economic
11. CITY MANGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS
City Manager Horsley inquired as to which Councilmembers are planning to attend the
Fish Hatchery tour. She inquired if any Councilmember had a copy of the document
requested by the Operating Engineers Union from the City. It was determined that no
Councilmember retained a copy of the document. She advised that there is currently
$2,000 in the commission appreciation fund and inquired what Council would like to do
this year. It was the consensus of Council to have a barbeque for the commissioners.
She advised that Mendocino County has formed a subcommittee to finalize the Brush
Street Triangle mitigation agreement. She inquired if Council would like the annexation
committee to be involved and Council agreed that Councilmember Rodin and Mayor
Larson should be involved.
She inquired if any Councilmember had a copy of a document that the Operating
Engineers Union had requested from the City and it was determined that no
Councilmember retained a copy of the document.
John McCowen discussed the poor condition of the NCRA railroad through the City.
Deputy City Clerk Ulvila reported that the News Release soliciting applicants to the
various commissions and committees has been faxed on a weekly basis to the media.
The deadline for submitting an application is Monday, June 28th at noon. Appointments
are tentatively scheduled for Council's first meeting in July. There was a brief
discussion with regard to applications from candidates and it was the consensus of the
Council that there would be no interviews of candidates.
12. CLOSED SESSION
Government Code ~54956.8 - Conference with Real Property Ne_qotiator
Property: Assessor's Parcel No. 02-232-12 (Depot Property)
Owner: North Coast Railroad Authority
Negotiator: Candace Horsley
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
No Closed Session needed.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Marie Ulvila, Deputy City Clerk
Regular City Council Meeting
June 2, 2004
Page 8 of 8
