HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 07-07-04MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2004
The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on July 7, 2004, the notice for which
had been legally noticed and posted, at 4:15 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, Finance Director Elton,
City Manager Horsley, Water Treatment Plant Manager Jamison, Police Officer
Johnson, Fire Chief Latipow, City Attorney Rapport, Police Chief Williams, Public
Utilities Director Ziemianek, and Deputy City Clerk UIvila.
4:15 to 6:00 p.m.:
INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR AIRPORT COMMISSION AND THE PARKS~
RECREATION AND GOLF COMMISSION
The Mayor and City Councilmembers addressed the interviewees, based on the
applications they had previously reviewed. The Council was informed prior to the
meeting that Mr. Robert Beltrami would be unable to attend his interview because he is
getting married this week. Council interviewed the following individuals for the Airport
Commission: Eric Crane, Mark Davis, Dottie Deerwester, Ken Fowler, and Allan
Hunter. Council interviewed the following individuals for the Parks, Recreation, and Golf
Commission: Chamise Cubbison, Dottie Deerwester, and Joe Chiles (Ukiah Men's Golf
Club representative)
Recessed: 6:00 p.m.
Reconvened: 6:35 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Phil Dow led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3a. Re_clular Meeting of June 27 2004
Mayor Larson referred to page 8, third paragraph, under "City Manager Reports".
City Manager Horsley advised that the sentence should read, "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."
M/S Rodin/Smith approving the Regular Meeting Minutes of June 2, 2004, as
amended, and carried by unanimous consent.
4. RIGHT TO APPEAL
Mayor Larson read the appeal process.
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July 7, 2004
Page 1 of 9
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Baldwin requested that item "5e" be removed from the Consent
Calendar and discussed later in the meeting.
Mayor Larson advised that item "5e" would be heard as item "8f" under New Business
on the agenda.
M/S Smith/Rodin approving items "a" through "h" of the Consent Calendar
a. Rejected Claim for Damages Received from Marie Steinisch and Referred to Joint
Powers Authority, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund;
b. Adopted Resolution 2005-01 Setting the Limitation on City Expenditures for Fiscal
Year 2004-2005;
c. Authorized Acquisition of traffic Signal Repair Services from Republic Electric in the
Amount of $24,755 and Approved Budget Amendment;
d. Received Report of Payment to Creative Workshop for Color Copying of
Voluntary/Water Conservation Program Brochure in the Amount of $8,618.61;
f. Awarded Bid to Northwest Industrial Scrub for the Cleaning of the #1 Anaerobic
Digester at the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Amount of $21,750;
g. Authorized Amendment to Agreement for Professional Consulting Services with
SHN Consulting Engineers, to Provide Land Surveying Services, in an Amount Not
to Exceed $10,000;
h. Awarded Bid to Ukiah Ford in the Amount of $25,480.46 to Purchase a used 4-
Wheel Drive Emergency Response Vehicle/Pickup Truck with Suitable Equipment.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen,
Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Michael Decker voiced his disapproval with development of agricultural lands.
Bruni Kobbe stated that she is opposed to the City using local money to help Caltrans
with the Hopland Bypass. She recommended that, instead of installing a fountain at
Alex Thomas Plaza, the fountain in front of City Hall could be utilized as an area for
people to enjoy.
Jennifer Puser, representing Senator Chesbro's office, discussed Senator Bill 1648
regarding changing the management of Jackson State Demonstration Forest. She
requested Council's support of the bill.
Ana Araiza stated that, as a bilingual committee member, she was disappointed with
the recent immigration sweeps in Mendocino County. When she contacted local
agencies, she was informed that they did not know anything about the situation.
Susan Knoff addressed the issue of noise in the City and expressed her opinion that
the loud July 4th music intruded on the lives of many people in Ukiah.
City Manager Horsley explained that the next City newsletter will have an article
concerning noise.
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July 7, 2004
Page 2 of 9
Police Chief Williams explained that the procedures than an officer must follow when
responding to a call. He advised that he is unaware of any immigration sweeps in the
Ukiah area, other than what Ms. Araiza told him.
Richard Johnson discussed recent immigration sweeps that occurred in Ukiah.
Two other people spoke concerning the immigration sweeps.
An unidentified man expressed his concern with the immigration sweeps and wanted
them to stop.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7a. Adoption of Resolution Calling an Election and Authorizing Execution of
A_~reement with the County of Mendocino for the Provision of Election
Services at the City Election to Be Consolidated with the Regular Statewide
General Election
Deputy City Clerk Ulvila advised that historically the City has consolidated its elections
with Mendocino County. A proposed Resolution calling an election on November 2,
2004, consolidating the election with the Statewide General Election and contracting
with the County of Mendocino for election services was presented to Council for
consideration. The election is necessary to fill the vacancies created by the expiration
of two Council terms, the term of Mayor, and the term of the City Treasurer, as well as
any ballot measures.
M/S Andersen/Smith adopting Resolution 2005-02, Requesting the Mendocino
County Board of Supervisors to request the County Clerk to conduct the Municipal
Election of the City of Ukiah on Tuesday, November 2, 2004, and to consolidate said
election with the General Election held on that same day, carried by the following roll
call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson.
NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7b. Discussion and Adoption of Revised Public Safety Sales Tax Ordinance for
the November 2004 Election
City Manager Horsley advised that at the June 16, 2004 Council meeting, the City
Council reviewed a public safety sales tax draft ordinance and made revisions to the
ordinance verbiage. The revised version is presented to the Council for review and
approval.
It was the consensus of Council that they are satisfied with the redline version of the
Ordinance and directed Finance Director Elton to make other revisions, as discussed by
Council and staff, and return later in the meeting with those revisions.
7,
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Hopland Bypass Funding-
Vice-Mayor Baldwin
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July 7, 2004
Page 3 of 9
Councilmember Baldwin requested Council formally oppose any City of Ukiah, County
of Mendocino, or Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) funding for the Hopland
bypass. He felt there are far more critical transportation projects in Mendocino County
and that it is a project that will induce auto dependent, sprawling subdivisions in Ukiah
and in Lake County by cutting commute time to Santa Rosa and San Francisco.
Phil Dow, Executive Director of MCOG, discussed the way in which funding works for
state highway projects in California, the State Management Capital Improvement
Program, the Regional Transportation Planning Agency, and how MCOG allocates
funds to Mendocino County jurisdictions. He went on to discuss the Willits and
Hopland bypasses and noted that these two projects have always been in MCOG's plan
as very important major highway projects. The Hopland bypass is now Caltrans' #1
project; making the Willits bypass #2 on the list of importance.
Tape lb
Mr. Dow discussion the importance of the Hopland bypass with regard to relieving
congestion during peak hours and safety aspects that a four-lane highway would have
in this area. He stated that 60% more traffic along that route is expected in next 20
years. He noted that the state is looking to partnership for these projects.
Michael Deckard spoke in support of funding for the Hopland bypass.
Members of the audience speaking against funding for the Hopland bypass were:
William French and Bruni Kobbe.
Discussion followed with regard to the cost of the project and funding for rural
communities. The area of Highway 20 east to Lake County was noted as being very
congested during peak hours.
Tape 2a
Motion Baldwin to direct the City's MCOG delegate to oppose funding for the Hopland
bypass. Motion failed due to no second on the motion.
Councilmember Andersen expressed concern that once Highway 101 is widened, it
will induce growth along Highway 20 toward Lake County and Fort Bragg.
Councilmember Smith expressed his support of the project and did not agree to direct
the City's delegate to not vote on funding for the Hopland project.
Councilmember Rodin expressed concern with safety and response times for medical
personnel to respond to accidents on a two-lane road.
Councilmember Baldwin reiterated his views, as contained in his letter to Council.
By a consensus of four to one, Council directed its MCOG representative to take no
action with regard to the issue of funding the Hopland bypass.
Recessed: 8:36 p.m.
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July 7, 2004
Page 4 of 9
Reconvened: 8:45 p.m.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7b. Discussion and Adoption of Revised Public Safety Sales Tax Ordinance for
the November 2004 Election - Continued.
Discussion ensued with regard to three revisions prepared by Finance Director Elton.
It was the consensus of the City Council to delete the second to last sentence in
revised version 2.
City Manager Horsley noted a typographical error in the title of the Ordinance.
M/S Smith/Andersen adopting Ordinance 1056, An Ordinance of the City Council of
the City of Ukiah adopting Chapter 8C of Division 1 of the Ukiah City Code Imposing a
Transactions and Use Tax to be administered by the State Board of Equalization,
amending the title of the Ordinance, and to include revised version 2, as amended, into
the Ordinance., carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin,
Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
8. NEW BUSINESS
8d. Award of Contract for Financial Advisory Services
Finance Director Elton discussed his Staff Report to Council and explained the three
phases of the financial advisory services with regard to both the wastewater and the
water utilities improvement projects.
Douglas Dove, PE, CIPFA, and principal with the firm of Bartle Wells Associates,
provided background on his firm's project history. He discussed financing alternatives
for funding the City's water and wastewater projects.
Tape 2b
M/S Smith/Rodin authorizing the City Manager to sign and an agreement with Bartle
Wells Associates not to exceed $100,000 plus reimbursable expenses as outlined in the
Staff Report, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin,
Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
8. NEW BUSINESS
8a. Adoption of Resolution Making Appointments to the Airport Commission,
Demolition Review Committee~ Investment Oversight Committee~ and the
Parks~ Recreation~ and Golf Commission
Deputy City Clerk Ulvila advised that earlier in the evening, Council had an opportunity
to interview applicants for the Airport Commission and the Parks, Recreation, and Golf
Commission. Currently the Airport Commission has two vacancies (one in Sphere of
Influence and one City resident), the Demolition Permit Review Committee has two
vacancies, the Investment Oversight Committee has one vacancy, and the Parks,
Recreation, and Golf Commission has three vacancies (one of which is the Men's Golf
Club representative).
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July 7, 2004
Page 5 of 9
M/S Smith/Baldwin nominating Ken Fowler to the Airport Commission, carried by an
all AYE vote.
M/S Larson/Baldwin nominating Dottie Deerwester to the Airport Commission, carried
by an all AYE vote.
M/S Baldwin/Smith nominating William French to the Demolition Permit Review
Committee, carried by an all AYE vote.
M/S Smith/Baldwin nominating Judy Pruden to the Demolition Permit Review
Committee, carried by an all AYE vote.
M/S Baldwin/Andersen nominating Monte Hill to the Investment Oversight Committee,
carried by an all AYE vote.
M/S Baldwin/Andersen nominating Chamise Cubbison to the Parks, Recreation, and
Golf Commission, carried by an all AYE vote.
M/S Smith/Larson nominating Robert Beltrami to the Parks, Recreation, and Golf
Commission, carried by an all AYE vote.
M/S Larson/Smith nominating Joe Chiles to the Parks, Recreation, and Golf
Commission, as the Men's Golf Club representative; carried by an all AYE vote.
M/S Smith/Andersen adopting Resolution 2005-03, making appointments to the
Airport Commission, Demolition Permit Review Committee, Investment Oversight
Committee, and the Parks, Recreation, and Golf Commission, carried by the following
roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor
Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
8. NEW BUSINESS
8b. Ur)date Re~ardin.q Refinancing of $238 Million of NCPA's Hydroelectric
Project Bonds
Public Utilities Director Ziemianek provided the Council with an update on the
refinancing of approximately $238 million of Northern California Power Association's
(NCPA) Hydroelectric Project Bonds. At the June 16th meeting of the NCPA
commission, they passed a resolution providing NCPA with the authority to go ahead
and the ability to call in the existing bonds. It is expected, based on the interest rates
that were prevailing around June 14th of about 4.25%, that this will typically yield a
present value of 7%. The overall total savings in terms of refinancing is estimated at
$276,379 through 2032.
8. NEW BUSINESS
8c. Adoption of Resolution Authorizing Northern California Power Agency
(NCPA) to AI~I~Iv Payments Due from P.G. &E.
Public Utilities Director Ziemianek discussed his Staff Report to Council and noted
that the Resolution has been requested by NCPA in order that "all right, title, and
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July 7, 2004
Page 6 of 9
interest in and to any payments that PG&E may make to NCPA arising from the PG&E
Obligations were hereby pledged and authorized to be applied as a set-off against the
alleged PG&E claim."
M/S Rodin/Smith adopting Resolution 2005-04, Authorizing the Northern California
Power Agency (NCPA) to apply payments due from Pacific Gas and Electric Company
(PG&E) to set off the alleged PG&E Claim, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES:
Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
8. NEW BUSINESS
8e. Approval of Improvements to the Civic Center Dora Street Frontaqe and
Placement of Portable Fire Apparatus Covers and Temporary Storage for
Fire Equipment
Community Development Director DeKnoblough advised that Council previously
directed staff to prepare for demolition of the old bicycle evidence storage building
located on the Dora Street frontage of the Civic Center. Staff is proposing to install a
lathe fence and extensive landscaping which will improve scrutiny as well as provide
screening for the Fire Department equipment and training materials stored in the rear of
the Civic Center.
Fire Chief Latipow discussed the use of temporary storage facilities and the storage of
miscellaneous fire equipment from the North State Street Fire Station. He noted that
the area will be well screened.
M/S Smith/Rodin approving proposed landscape improvements and placement of fire
apparatus covers and storage in the western portion of the Civic Center property,
Chief Latipow advised that staff followed procedure on this project and that the area
will be improved. He noted the project required a Site Development Permit.
Councilmember Andersen requested a copy of the proposed diagram for the
proposed structure.
Councilmember Rodin suggested that vines be planted over the fence to make the
fence more aesthetically pleasing.
It was the consensus of Council directing Staff to plant vines along the fence.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen,
Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
8f.
(5e) Adopted Resolution 2005- Amending Procedure for Filling Vacancies On
City Commissions and Boards
Councilmember Baldwin wondered if the Council, after interviewing candidates today,
would still like to conduct personal interviews for the Parks, Recreation, and Golf
Commission and the Airport Commission, and if it still serves a valid purpose.
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July 7, 2004
Page 7 of 9
Councilmember Rodin was of the opinion that the City should research how this works
in other cities and then review those options.
Councilmember Andersen was supportive of striking the sentence on page one, item
"b" of "The City Council has determined that interviews will be conducted for applicants
of the Parks, Recreation and golf Commission, and the Airport Commission." He felt it
should be left to the City Council to determine if they want to conduct interviews. He
then discussed "Section 2. Exceptions" and felt that Council should be more involved in
those appointments and that all commissions and boards should be treated equally.
Councilmember Baldwin requested this matter be continued for about a month and
have staff and Councilmembers submit other alternative wording. An alternative would
be to wait a year and see how the Planning Commission process works.
Councilmember Baldwin was of the opinion that periodic meetings of the City Council
with all commissions. He suggested that the resolution be brought back a month prior to
the commission appointment, other than the Planning Commission.
9. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Rodin reported that she is a member of the Main Street Board and
attended some of their meeting. They are interested in the draft circulation study.
Today she was involved with a group and Allan Nicholson who has a film concerning
smart growth.
Tape 3a
Councilmember Rodin reported that the group met today about planning rcommunities
and they will meet every week until they come up with specific dates for forums. There
will be one hour forums where a series of films will be shown. The purpose of the group
is to educate people, like the Main Street Board, on circulation issues prior to the
circulation study being completed.
On July 4th she helped with the Chamber of Commerce sponsored fireworks display at
the Fairgrounds and it was fun.
Councilmember Andersen inquired if it would be possible for the City Council to have
input as to what films are shown at the Plaza that series.
Councilmember Smith reported that on June 24th he attended a NCPA Commission
meeting. On June 17th he filled in for Councilmember Baldwin at the Inland Water and
Power Commission (IWPC) meeting. The Commission voted to ask the Board of
Supervisors to withdraw their letter of intent for the Coyote Dam Feasibility Study. The
Russian River Flood Control District also decided to rescind their letter. He reported
that on June 22® the Board of Supervisors sent a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers
rescinding their letter of June 13th. The IWPC will now assume the full sponsorship of
the Coyote Dam Feasibility Study.
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July 7, 2004
Page 8 of 9
Councilmember Baldwin advised that he would like to ask for public
announcements on the radio regarding water conservation days.
service
City Manager Horsley explained that it will appear in the City's August newsletter.
Mayor Larson reported that he attended the picnic on 4th of July at Todd Grove Park
and it went well. He's invited to meet with the Mendocino County Employers Council
Policy Committee on Tuesday.
10. CITY MANGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS
City Manager Horsley reported she received email about the Truckers Light Parade
and it looks as if the Chamber is going forward with the event.
Deputy City Clerk Ulvila reported that candidate packets have been assembled and
the City Clerk's Department is ready to distribute packets. A Notice of Election will be
published on July 11th announcing the various offices and one ballot measure for the
November 2004 election. The filing date for candidates is Monday, July 12t' through
Friday, August 6, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. Should an incumbent not run for reelection, the
extension period for candidates other than incumbents is August 7t' through August
11th
11. CLOSED SESSION
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m
/
Ma-rio Ulvila, City Clerk
Regular City Council Meeting
July 7, 2004
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