HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 01-17-01(2) MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting Wednesday, January 17, 2001 The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on January 17, 2001, 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: Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. Staff present: Public Utility Director Barnes, Finance Director EIton, Assistant City Manager Fierro, Accounting Manager Fusco, Interim Fire Chief Grebil, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris, City Manager Horsley, City Attorney Rapport, Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo, Public Works DirectodCity Engineer Steele, Planning Director Stump, Police Chief Williams, and City Clerk Ulvila. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Libby led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. PRESENTATION 3a. Presentation Regarding Status of West Side Hills Fire Hazard Reduction Proiect Interim Fire Chief Grebil explained that the West Side Hills Fire Hazard Reduction Project began six years ago with the concerns of fire and life safety for the residents of this area. Three years ago, in a cooperative valley-wide effort with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), the Ukiah Valley Fire District (UVFD), and the City of Ukiah Fire Department (UFD), a West Hills Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) was created. The goal of the VMP is to work cooperatively to establish a shaded fuel break, running north/south at about 800' elevation, re-establish fire breaks along the hilltops, and develop a hazard reduction plan to reduce the fire Icad on the south facing slopes. Todd Derum, Ukiah Battalion Chief with CDF, discussed the various phases of the project. A portion of the project is to establish a shaded fuel break and fire roads that follow the ridge line and are assessable to fire apparatus. Agencies involved in the shaded fuel break include CDF Fire Protection, California Conservation Corp, and the California Department of CorrectionS. He explained that a grant proposal has been submitted for approximately $25,000 to complete the shaded fuel break and to allow funds to be used jointly by the CDF, UVFD, and the UFD. It was noted that some landowners in the area had concerns with regard to water quality and archeological sites; however, all issues have been mitigated. The road improvement project will begin in the spring or summer of this year. The roads were described as fire trails rather than access roads to various properties. 3. PRESENTATION 3b. Presentation Concerning Web Page Design for the City of Ukiah Assistant City Manager Fierro advised Digital Odyssey has produced the City's Web site. City Manager Horsley explained that it is anticipated that a link will be provided on the City's Web Page for the City Code and additional items will be included in the future. Regular Meeting January 17, 2001 Page 1 of 11 :Sandy Mac Dougall, an associate with Digital Odyssey, provided a demonstration of the City of Ukiah's final Web Page design. She explained that Digital Odyssey has a good working relationship with City employees. She reviewed various aspects of the Web Page and discuSsed forms that could be added to the site in the future. Consensus of Council was that the City's Web Page has been developed very professionally and provides important information to the public. 4. INTRODUCTION OF EMPLOYEES 4a. Introduction of Employee of the Year - Sage San~iacomo City Manager Horsley advised that the two employees of the year for 2001 are Airport Assistant Paul Richey, who was introduced at the last City Council meeting, and Community Services Supervisor Sage Sangiacomo. Sage was selected as Employee of the Year as a result of his hard work and his willingness to accept a continual expanding role within the department, and is always there for anyone who requests his assistance. Sage Sangiacomo stated that it is an honor to receive this award especially with the caliber of staff at City Hall. 4. INTRODUCTION OF EMPLOYEES 4b. Introduction of New Employee - Gloria Fusco Finance Director Elton introduced new Accounting Manager, Gloria Fusco. Ms. Fusco brings experience in both the private and government sectors to the City's Finance Department. In her previous positions, Gloria has worked with budgets, analysis and forecasting, supervision and policy development and implementation. He is looking forward to Gloria providing the accounting expertise necessary for implementing the new financial reporting rules the City is facing and providing financial information that customers require. Gloria Fusco stated she is happy to be part of the City's staff. 5. MINUTES 5a. Regular Meeting of December 20, 2000 City Clerk Ulvila apologized for not having completed the minutes of December 20, 2000 for Council's review. 6. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION Mayor Ashiku read the appeal process. 7. CONSENT CALENDAR M/S Larson/Smith approving items a through k of the Consent Calendar as follows: a. Approved Disbursements for Month of December 2000; b. Adopted Resolution No. 2001-37 Approving City of Ukiah Qualified Contractors List for 2001; c. Approved Notice of Completion for Street Striping 2000, Specification No. 00-12; d. Rejected Claims from Cornelio Martinez and Yolanda Garcia and Referred to Redwood Regular Meeting January 17, 2001 Page 2 of 11 Empire Municipal Insurance Fund; e. Awarded Bid for Purchase of Liquid Polymer-Emulsion SW-057 to Polydyne, Inc. for the Sum of $10,800; f. Received Notification to the City Council Regarding the Purchase of a Digital Copier from The Systems Network, in the Amount of $6,426.75; g. Awarded Bid for Two Gorman-Rupp T4A3-B 4"x4" Self-Priming Centrifugal Pumps to Thomas and Associates for the Sum of $15,316.00 Plus Tax; h. Adopted Resolution No. 2001-38 Waiving the 60-Day Notification Requirement for Establishing a County Facility in the City (400 Talmage Road), Pursuant to Government Code §25351; i. Approved Funding for Inland Water and Power Commission for Preparation of a Participation Agreement with the Sonoma County Water Agency in an Amount Notto Exceed $1,000; j. Approved Notice of Completion for Civic Center Roof Overlay, Specification No. 00-1; k. Awarded to Other Than Low Bidder the Acquisition of Forklift to Accurate Forklift in the Amount of $19,153. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 8. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Gather Lowenstein, 748 South Oak Street, discussed code violations at 744 South Oak Street with regard to the accumulation of assorted garbage at this location and that the violation has not been abated. 9. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 9a. Consideration of Letter From Mendocino County Employers Council City Manager Horsley advised that the City received a letter from Al Beltrami, Executive Director of the Mendocino County Employers Council, requesting that the City Council consider appointing a Planning Commissioner who lives outside the City limits. Albert Beltrami, Executive Director of the Mendocino County Employers Council, discussed the letter to Council dated December 18, 2000, and felt that it is a serious concern with regard to the City's future relationship with the area around the City limits. On behalf of the Employers Council, he proposed that Council consider one of the appointments to the City's Planning Commission not be a resident of the City. The Employers Council has found that many business owners and employees within the City live outside the City boundaries. He felt it has become more and more difficult for the City to find individuals for appointment to various commissions. Discussion followed with regard to the Mendocino County Employers Council proposal. The concept of establishing a regional planning authority to address both County and City issues was briefly discussed. Setting restrictions or parameters for appointment of a non- City resident was addressed. It was noted that several Planning Commission terms will expire in June and it may be worthwhile to explore changes in the current appointment process. Concern was expressed that a non-resident would not be interested in protecting Regular Meeting January 17, 2001 Page 3 of the interests of citizens of Ukiah. Councilmember Baldwin proposed that the matter of changing the procedure for appointment to the Planning Commission should be brought before Council in March for consideration. In this way, any changes to the procedure would be implemented by June when terms expire, and would affect the tenure of existing Commissioners if adopted. It was the consensus of Council not to direct Staff to pursue amending the current Ordinance with regard to appointment of the Planning Commission at this time. 8. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS John Young, 610 Donner Lane, spoke to Council about an ongoing problem with an individual at 614 Donner Lane who is operating a business out of his home. He discussed safety concerns with the large vehicles blocking the view of stop signs and also with noise issues generated by the large trucks. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10a. Adoption of Resolution Making Appointment to the Planning Commission Mayor Ashiku discussed the appointment process. Councilmember Libby explained that there is a need to work on the disharmony that seems to exist between the City Council and the Planning Commission. She expressed a need to create a Planning Commission that is affective and can work well with the City Council. She voiced her support for Brenda Levaditis to be appointed to the Planning Commission. M/S Libby/Larson nominating Brenda Levaditis to fill an unexpired term on the Planning Commission; motion failed by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmember Libby. NOES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. M/S Smith/Ashiku nominating James Mulheren to fill an unexpired term on the Planning Commission. Councilmember Baldwin discussed his views concerning changing the appointment process for the Planning Commission. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: Councilmembers Larson and Baldwin. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. M/S Smith/Ashiku adopting Resolution No. 2001-39 making appointment of James Mulheren to the Planning Commission to fill the unexpired term of office that expires June 30, 2001, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Regular Meeting January 17, 2001 Page 4 of l! Council thanked all the applicants and it was noted that several openings would be available on committees on June 30, 2001. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10b. Approval of 2000/01 Mid-Year Budget Amendment Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris presented his Staff Report regarding 2000/2001 Budget Amendment. MOdifications to the budget at this time allow for a greater degree of accuracy when actual revenues and expenditures are compared to budgeted figures at the end of the year. in addition to the individual Department and Fund items, staff has included the Civic Center addition costs and personnel costs that were created through the Memorandum of Understandings that have occurred since June, 2000. He recommended Council approve the Mid-Year Budget Amendment. City Manager Horsley advised that prudent planning requires the reservation of funds for upcoming improvement projects that are anticipated by the City within the next three to five years. The funding for the projects identified in the Staff Report will be set-aside in anticipation of completion of these projects, however, if the Council revises its priorities, the funding can be used for other project purposes. Discussion followed concerning the widening of Talmage Road, replacement of playground equipment due to a state law that became effective this year, Educational Revenue Augmentation Relief (ERAF) reimbursement funds, a Public Works Department project for replacement of the Orr Street Bridge, and various projects outlined in the Staff Report. Councilmember Baldwin recommended that rather than subtract from any of the existing projects, $300,000 of the $1,140,633 be set aside for open space acquisition, Gibson Creek Canyon and the Westside hills, with reductions in the other categories to be determined by the City Manager. There was discussion related to costs associated with the City Newsletter and it was noted by staff that the City is saving printing costs by publishing the newsletter in house and including the Newsletter with the utility bills so no additional postage is necessary. The procedures for acquiring property and Imminent Domain were also discussed. Motion Baldwin that of the total amount recommended for set aside funds, $300,000 be placed in a category for open space acquisition in the Gibson Creek Canyon and other west hills, with the reductions in the other categories to be determined by the City Manager. Motion died for lack of second. M/S Smith/Libby approving Mid-Year Amendment to the 2000/2001 Budget as specified in the Staff Report. Discussion followed concerning the motion and also regarding setting aside funds for open space acquisition, if those areas were unspecified areas, and if the funds were allocated to be used with matching grant funds. There was discussion of amending the motion to review the proposal to staff to determine if it is feasible to set aside a portion of the funds Regular Meeting January 17, 2001 Page 5 of ll tor open space acquisition and the Council review the concept of acquiring lands for open space use. It was noted that the Staff Report recommendation does not mention the memorandum for improvement project funding. City Manager Horsley explained that it was Staff's intention that the recommended action include all the supporting documents of the Mid-Year Budget Amendment as noted in the Staff Report. M/S Smith/Libby withdrawing the previous motion. M/S Smith/Baldwin approving Mid-Year Amendment to the 2000/2001 Budget as presented in the "2000/2001 Mid-Year Budget Amendment Summary of Transact/ons" on seven pages of the Staff Report, excluding Attachments 1 and 2. Discussion of the motion followed. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. M/S Baldwin/Larson directing staff to return at the next City Council meeting with a moderately revised memorandum on approved project funding set aside funds that will include an open space acquisition section with an amount to be discussed by Council, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Recessed: 8:27 p.m. Reconvened: 8:35 p.m. NEW BUSINESS 10f. Adoption of Resolution Approving CalHome Program Application Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris advised that the Mendocino County Community Development Commission (CDC) is requesting the City of Ukiah apply for funding through the CalHome Program administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Previously, Council adopted a similar resolution for the Federal HOME program that has similar standards. CDC would administer the grant. Staff recommended adoption of the resolution making the application in the amount of approximately $200,000. It would be administered in the same manner as the Federal program, with the same type of income regulations and resale requirements. It is staff's belief that this is another significant opportunity to assist in securing affordable housing for Iow and moderate-income families within the Ukiah community. Roy Tindle, Community Development Manager for the Mendocino County Community Development Commission, discussed the purpose of CDC to fund a single down payment assistance program for lower income households. With the addition of the CalHome fund, they would fund the first $20,000 with the CalHome program and any additional with the existing HOME funds, for a total of up to $50,000 funded. All of the loans are currently Regular Meeting January 17, 2001 Page 6 of l! deferred and the loans are repaid when the homes are resold. M/S Baldwin/Smith adopting Resolution 2001-40 authorizing the Submittal of an application to the California State Department of Housing and Community Development for funding under the CALHOME Program; the execution of a standard agreement if selected for such funding and any amendments thereto; and any related documents necessary to participate in the CALHOME Program, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. NEW BUSINESS 10c. Approval of Gibson Creek Habitat Enhancement and Public Access Study Planning Director Stump explained that the General Plan has directed staff to prepare restoration or enhancement studies for all of the City's creeks. Council approved the Orrs Creek Plan some time ago and plan to study Doolan Creek is anticipated to begin this spring. Once all of the studies have been completed, they will be combined into the Ukiah Creeks Master Plan document. The goal is to protect the creeks, return them to their natural state where feasible to restore the fisheries and habitat, and to provide public access where possible. He discussed the Gibson Creek Study and some major challenges were found along Gibson Creek. The plan indicates that public education will be a key component to the restoration of Gibson Creek. He discussed funding sources for the study. The Planning Commission reviewed this study and found it excellent, however, they did direct staff to add some language concerning the history of Gibson Creek as well possible public access issues in and around Gibson Creek Canyon. That language has been added and is included in Attachment 2 of the Staff Report. Due to the availability of funding for this type of project, staff is very optimistic that pOsitive changes can occur for the creek. Staff is recommending Council approve the Study. Upon Council's approval, staff will act accordingly and try to implement the plan. Councilmember Larson explained that he voted on this project as a Planning Commissioner, however, he did not vote on the historical aspects. He inquired if information could be included in the Study as to how individuals can obtain further historical information about the Gibson Creek area. Mr. Stump advised that references would be included in the document. He noted that the historical references were not included in the document itself, but are included in Attachment 2. Councilmember Baldwin felt that the history of Gibson Creek is very valuable. He inquired as to the significance of the words "should" and "shall" throughout the document and if Council can change "should" to "shall" in this document before it is adopted. Mr. Stump explained that Council can change the wording, however, the word "should" leaves room for flexibility. Regular Meeting · January 17, 2001 Page 7 of 1! Judy Pruden, 304 South Hortense, explained that she provided a small history of Gibson Creek to match the document style for the Study. She discussed documentation and advised that she has an extensive file and further information on Gibson Creek and the Gibson Creek Canyon. Once the Study is completed, additional historical documentation will be provided to staff on the history of Gibson Creek. Mike Correll advised that he lived in New Zealand for several years, and noted that he found several species of fish from California. Bill Townsend, Ukiah, advised that he has been involved with fishing for over 50 years. He is a representative of the Ukiah Rod and Gun Club and also sits on the County Fish and Game Advisory Commission. The Advisory Commission has studied many creeks and steelhead and he noted that Gibson Creek has good headwaters. He explained that staff should look for spawning gravel. He discussed the fishery in Gibson Creek. He offered to meet with Mr. Stump concerning the project. He would also like to review the Gobbi Street Park project and felt that there is a good chance that funds could be found for that project. Further discussion followed concerning the Study of Gibson Creek. M/S Larson/Smith approving the Gibson Creek Habitat Enhancement and Public Access Study and Attachment 2. Discussion followed with regard to page 16 and whether the word "should" should be changed to "shall" with regard to studying other opportunities. It was determined that no changes should be made to the wording. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Bill Townsend advised that the Ukiah Rod and Gun Club has a recovery plan for salmon and steelhead in the Russian River and he will provide Planning Staff with a copy. NEW BUSINESS 10d. Discuss and Set Date for a Joint Meeting with the Planning Commission Planning Director Stump advised that the Planning Commission recently asked staff to explore the possibility of arranging a joint City Council-Planning Commission meeting. The purpose of the meeting would be to discuss the status of the General Plan implementation program, prioritize implementation projects, and to discuss local planning issues. Consensus of Council was to set the date of January 31, 2001 at 5:30 pm for a Joint Meeting with the Planning Commission. NEW BUSINESS 10e. Discussion and Direction to Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) Representative Regarding MCOG Policies City Manager Horsley provided Council with a rating sheet that the MCOG Technical Regular Meeting January 17, 2001 Page 8 of l! Advisory Committee uses to evaluate projects. This sheet is very specific to certain types of projects, and may not be the best type of rating sheet for overall use. Councilmember Larson referenced another sheet that has been distributed to Council that goes with the tables in the Staff Report regarding funding percentage allocations, etc. He discussed the recent MCOG Workshop designed to clarify some issues of MCOG as to how SB45 money will be allocated within Mendocino County for roads. MCOG developed a formula for the distribution of funds for local rehabilitation work. Some question arose as to the validity or fairness of this formula and whether it should be changed or modified. He discussed the tables and the use of sales tax.revenues as an indicator of traffic volumes in a given jurisdiction. Most of the funds are allocated on the basis of population and road miles. He stated that the criteria by which the projects are evaluated in competitive funding are in question and the Technical Committee will address this issue and report to MCOG on their findings. He noted that a percentage of the funds that Ukiah receives vary from 14.5% to 25% of the funding depending on which formula is used. He also noted that the formula also calls for a 5% base divided equally between all agencies from the full STIP funding amount in addition to the formula. He reported that at MCOG's next meeting, a formula will be adopted. One formula that was proposed involves 65% of the funding being set aside for competitive projects. Ukiah and the other entities would be eligible for these funds and 20% of the funds would be set aside for transit, rail, bike, and pedestrian projects. He also noted that the formula also calls for a 5% base divided equally between all agencies with the balance of the formula allocated on a 75% population, 25% road miles formula from the full STIP funding amount in addition to the formula. Considerable discussion followed with regard to a formula for allocating funds and the benefits to the City of Ukiah. Various funding allocations, projects, and percentages were discussed including the Willits and Hopland bypasses. Councilmember Baldwin was of the opinion that there is a need to increase the total percentages allocated for the public transit, bicycle paths, and rail service. Councilmember Larson was of the opinion that the only way Ukiah will obtain any of the competitive funding is to allocate time and resources for City staff to put together the projects in the most technically precise manner possible. He discussed the criteria that the projects must meet. Mayor Ashiku was of the opinion that the base should remain the same and that Councilmember Larson should support the City Manager's remarks concerning a reduction in the percentage for competitive bidding. In this way, Ukiah would be allocated more funds based on population and road miles. Councilmember Libby was of the opinion that the allocation for pedestrian and bike paths be increased 10% and no funds be allocated for competitive projects. She was supportive of a formula with a small base with population, road miles, and sales tax calculations to be Regular 'Meeting January 17, 2001 Page 9 of ]2 used to allocate the STIP funds. 11. CiTY COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Larson reported attending an MCOG meeting. He also met with Mayor Ashiku and Community Services Director DeKnoblough regarding fountain designs and explained that various options are being pursued. He attended the Martin Luther King celebration on Sunday and again on Monday at City Hall where kids read their essays. He attended the Russian River clean up meeting yesterday. He attended a Parks, Recreation, and Golf Commission meeting as well as a Traffic Engineering Committee meeting and introduced himself to committee members. Councilmember Smith reported that he attended the first meeting of the MTA Board of Directors on January 4, 2001 in which they discussed the North Ukiah Transit Center. Three sites have been identified and negotiations are underway for the first site selection. The Board elected new officers with Charles Peterson elected chairman and he was elected Vice Chair. He is preparing to attend the NCPA legislativb rally in Washington, D.C. in early February. He attended a meeting of the Main Street Board and announced that Joy Beeler is their new Executive Director. She has been active on the Board and as an events chairperson. He was appointed to the Employee Relations Committee for the League of California Cities. Their first meeting is scheduled for tomorrow but he will be unable to attend. However, there will be three other meetings scheduled this year. He advised that he plans to attend the Firemen's Association Awards Dinner this Saturday night. Councilmember Libby reported that the Chamber of Commerce is having their installation luncheon next month and at the end of February there will be a workshop on the coast. Councilmember Baldwin reported that he walked with Rebecca Kress and reporters through different sectors of the Russian River in Ukiah. He found the walk very enlightening, frightening, and sad, especially among the homeless encampments. Mayor Ashiku reported that he attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hampton Inn with Councilmember Smith and City Manager Horsley. He attended his first meeting of the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Committee and it seems there will be a number of issues that the City will face related to the Russian River watershed and other items for funding. Sunday he attended a reception for the Attorney General where he looked at artwork at City Hall then toured the County offices. He attended the Martin Luther King celebration on Monday at the Civic Center where children read essays. He will attend the Chamber of Commerce meeting for swearing in new members. 11. CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS City Manager Horsley advised that although Willits and Anderson Valley had rolling black outs, Ukiah did not. City Hall converted to its generator for about three hours and was able to shed enough Icad to divert a blackout. Regular Meeting January 17, 2001 Page 10 of 13 She announced that on February 10, Ukiah would be hosting the Redwood Empire Division of the League of California Cities meeting at the Ukiah Conference Center. Arrangements have been made for Senator Chesboro to attend the dinner and speak to the group and Judy Pruden will take groups on a tour of historical sights in Ukiah. She advised that the City has volunteered to prepare grant research for clean up of the Russian River. City Clerk Ulvila advised that she served on Jury Duty for five days last week and it was quite a learning experience. She reported that the 2000-2001 edition of Form 700, Statements of Economic Interest, have been distributed to Staff and the City Council. The deadline for submitting this document to the City Clerk's office is April 9, 2001. Recessed: 10:06 p.m. Reconvened: 10:15 p.m. Adjourned to Closed Session: 10:15 p.m. 13. CLOSED SESSION a. G.C. §54956.9(3)(c) - Conference with Legal Council Initiation of litigation pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 54956.9 (1 case) No action taken. Reconvened: 11:10 p.m. 14. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 11:10 p.m. Marie Ulvila, City Clerk Regular Meeting January 17, 2001 Page 11 of 1!