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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 02-07-01MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting Wednesday, February 7, 2001 The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on February 7, 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, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. Absent: Councilmember Smith and Mayor Ashiku. Staff present: Public Utility Director Barnes, Community Services Director DeKnoblough, Finance Director Elton, Assistant City Manager Fierro, Personnel Officer Harris, City Manager Horsley, City Attorney Rapport, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steele, Planning Director Stump, and City Clerk Ulvila. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Libby led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. PRESENTATION 3a. Pacific Bell Presentation of Technology Grant to Nuestra Casa Norma Howard and Silvia Fernandez, representing Pacific Bell's External Affairs, presented an $18,000 Community Enrichment Contribution check to Nuestra Cosa. Ms. Howard explained that Pacific Bell's Community Enrichment Program had allocated $350,000 for organizations for the North and Central Valley areas, and received 178 applications. Approximately five non-profit organizations from Mendocino County applied for this grant. Santiago Simental accepted the check on behalf of the Nuestra Cosa staff. He acknowledged Interim Director Sharon Kiichli for her efforts to reach out to resources such as Pacific Bell, and enabling Nuestra Casa to show groups and organizations the efforts that are taking place at Nuestra Casa and the Hispanic community at large. Sharon Kiichli acknowledged Walter Kelly, member of Nuestra Casa Board of Directors who wrote the grant proposal, and Carlos Jacinto, their technological expert. The purpose of the grant is to create opportunities for the local Hispanic community to acquaint themselves with technology in an after school tutoring program as well as their adult services. 4. MINUTES 4a. Regular Meeting of December 20, 2000 There was discussion of possible changes to the minutes of December 20, 2000. M/S Libby/Baldwin to continue the minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 20, 2000 to the next meeting; carried by a unanimous consensus of Council present. 4. MINUTES 4b. Special Meeting of January 17, 2001 - Planning Commission Applicant Interviews Regular Meeting February 7, 2001 Page 1 of 13 (~ity Clerk Ulvila noted the date included in the footer on the minutes should be January 17, 2001 and a copy of the minutes with this correction was provided to Council earlier in the week. Councilmember Larson advised that Councilmember Baldwin was not present at the meeting and the minutes should reflect that he was absent. There was discussion regarding a quorum voting on the minutes if Councilmember were to abstain from voting. It was determined that Councilmember Baldwin's presence could be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum present. M/S Larson/Libby approving the Special Meeting Minutes of January 17, 2001, as corrected, carried by unanimous Consent of Council present. 4. MINUTES 4c. Regular Meeting of January 17, 2001 There was discussion of possible changes to the minutes of January 17, 2001 Regular Meeting. MS Libby/Baldwin to table the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 17, 2001 to the next Council meeting; carried by unanimous Consent of Council present. 5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION Vice-Mayor Baldwin read the appeal process. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR M/S Larson/Libby approving items a through c of the Consent Calendar as follows: a. Approved Notification to the City Council Regarding the Purchase of Sodium Bisulfite from Basic Chemical Solutions for the Sum of $390.00 Per Dry Ton; b. Received Report of the Acquisition of Professional Services from EBA Wastechnologies in an Amount Not to Exceed $9,500; c. Received Report Regarding the Purchase of Copier for the Ukiah Valley Conference Center in the Amount of $6,426.75. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith and Mayor Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. 7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS William French, residing north of the City limits, addressed Council regarding his support of a proposal to allow a non-City resident to be appointed to the Planning Commission. Warren Sawyers, Ukiah and Oregon resident, commented on the conduct of the Ukiah Police Department during a recent situation where he felt he was unlawfully detained by a Police Officer. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Regular Meeting February 7, 2001 Page 2 of 13 9a. Status Report Concerning the Golden Property Abatement at 190 Rupe Street (APN 003-140-01) and Concurrence with Initiation of Abatement Process Planning Director Stump advised that in October 2000, he reported to Council that progress was being made by the property owner towards the abatement process. He explained that the owner encountered asbestos problems in the Fosters Freeze building, and the Demolition Permit has been issued. The property owners have reached agreement with the contractor to demolish the buildings. He explained that the contractor is currently working on two other projects in the area and is confident that he can have both building demolished within four days of commencement of the demolition process. Due to substantial progress to resolve the problems, staff recommends letting the property owner proceed on their present course to abate the nuisance, and staff will monitor the progress. He recommends Council agree that if the process stalls, and the abatements do not occur, that Staff be allowed to initiate the public process without having to come back to Council with another report. Discussion followed concerning the date in which the contractor would be able to initiate the demolition process and when the work is expected to be completed. Councilmember Libby was of the opinion that Council should set a date, possibly March 14, 2001, in which to have the demolition process complete. Mr. Stump explained that he was supportive of setting a date, however, should unforeseeable circumstances arise, he would be reluctant to initiate the public process at that time. However, if no progress has been made by March 14, he would recommend moving forward with public abatement. If the City were to abate the nuisance, the project would need to go out to bid. Councilmember Larson voiced his support of initiating abatement proceedings immediately and initiate the bidding process with the option that it may be rescinded at any time. He stated that there has been ample time allowed for abating the nuisances and he supports directing staff to proceed with the bid process. City Manager Horsley summarized that it is Council's direction that the property owner continue with the abatement process and that Ernie Wipf demolish the buildings. If no progress is made towards this end, then the City should move forward with bidding for the demolition of the structures. City Attorney Rapport discussed the bidding process and was of the opinion that Council could leave the matter to Staff's judgment to start the bidding process when it is determined that no progress is being made by the property owner. He explained that currently Staff has full authority and did not need to come before Council at this time, but could have proceeded, based a Resolution previously adopted. He discussed other complications if the City moves forward with the bidding process, and the work is completed, and then has to recover the cost from the property owner. William French, Ukiah, discussed the historical nature of the C.E.D. building. He Regular Meeting February 7, 2001 Page 3 of 13 expressed his desire to obtain the exterior light fixtures rather than have them destroyed. Vice-Mayor Baldwin noted that the City would have Staff respond to Mr. French's request that the light fixtures not be destroyed. Catherine Golden, Ukiah, partial owner of the property located at 190 Rupe Street, explained that they have not been stalling on the matter. They were notified of the City's intention when they were going into their harvest season, which is their busiest time of the year. They applied for a Demolition Permit for the Foster Freeze building and were informed that an asbestos inspection is required. She assured Council that they have been pursuing the matter but it is a lengthy procedure. Vice-Mayor Baldwin inquired if Ms. Golden is in agreement with Planning Director Stump's report to Council. Ms. Golden agreed with Mr. Stump's report. However, she felt it is necessary for Staff to notify the owners in writing of their intention to proceed. She felt she has a good working relationship with Mr. Stump. She explained that their contractor, Ernie Wipf, spoke to her on Monday and was told that he is reluctant to set a date because of weather conditions and he needs to obtain a copy of the asbestos report. Judy Pruden, 304 South Hortense, felt the community is angry at the long delay to demolish these structures and urged the City Council to set deadlines and have the nuisance abated as soon as possible. Discussion followed with regard to the removal of the light fixtures and it was determined that the disposition of the light fixtures would lie with the property owners, and the City would not have any legal authority with regard to their preservation. Councilmember Larson was of the opinion that the date of March 1,2001 should be set as the deadline for completion of the demolition. Councilmember Libby was of the opinion that by setting the deadline date of March 14, 2001, it would allow enough time for the demolition to be completed after the contractor's other work projects have been completed. Mr. Stump explained that there is a possibility that some external things could happen in which the demolition would be delayed a few days. He advised that it takes time for Staff to prepare bid documents, and if the contractor were close to completion of the demolition in mid March, staff would prefer not to move forward with the bidding process if it is not necessary. City Manger Horsley explained that Staff would speak with Mr. Wipf concerning his time frame for completion of the project and then advise Council at the next Council meeting. Consensus of Council was to continue the matter to the next City Council meeting. Regular Meeting February 7, 2001 Page 4 of 13 8. PUBLIC HEARING (7:00 P.M.) 8a. Appeal of Planning Commission Decision to Conditionally Approve the Civic Center Expansion Project (Site Development Permit 00-51) Planning Director Stump advised that on January 10, 2001, the Planning Commission conditionally approved the Site Development Permit for the Civic Center expansion project. The matter is called an "appeal" because staff would like Council to have final input into the design. Staff is supportive of the Planning Commission's actions, and is not appealing their decision. He explained that the Planning Commission expressed concern for the proposed tower over the Clay Street entrance and approved an arch-like structure similar to the front entryway of the building. They also focused on the causeway that attaches the new addition to the existing building and entertained a variety of alternatives, choosing a design produced by Planning Commission Chairman Mike Correll, which included making the causeway open with a pitched room, and mission-style walls to create a courtyard setting between the buildings. The Planning Commission approved Chairman Correll's design approach to the causeway. He advised that there was considerable discussion by the Planning Commission concerning the parking lot layout. The Commission acted to reduce the size of a number of parking stalls by making them compact spaces, which created a landscaping buffer and a pedestrian walkway from Clay Street to the entrance to the addition that would be framed by rose bushes and a defined walkway. Finally, the Planning Commission was pleased with the Landscaping Plan for the project, but expressed concern for the protection of the large Redwood tree and existing rose bushes along Clay Street. Accordingly, they approved Landscaping Plan includes the Redwood tree and the rose bushes, as well as other planting consistent with the existing landscaping around the Civic Center. Discussion followed concerning the causeway with the pitched roof, and possible materials that could be used. Community Development Director DeKnoblough discussed construction of the project and noted that the design may cost a few thousand dollars more than what was budgeted. Vice-Mayor Baldwin preferred that the drawings show cars parked in the parking spaces to provide a more realistic view of the project. City Manager Horsley expressed her concerns for the security and safety of individuals that work evenings in the building, and felt the proposed design would provide security for personnel. She also expressed concern with parking and the difficulty of finding parking spaces with the lot being shared by the school, Fire and Police Departments, and City employees. Staff attempted to not lose parking. Regular Meeting February 7, 2001 Page 5 of 13 Public Hearing Opened: 7:34 p.m. Judy Pruden, Planning Commissioner, discussed the project and noted that the Civic Center building is close to 80 years old and the Planning Commission wanted the annexto look like it is part of the original building. She urged Council to agree with Staff and the Planning Commission's approval of the Site Development Permit. Mike Correll, 957 No. Oak Street, Chairman of the Planning Commission, discussed the Planning Commission's goal to make the project aesthetically pleasing. He discussed his proposed design for the walls and open causeway, emphasizing that it be a secure place for staff and to keep the project costs reasonable. He discussed the possibility of the City renting the back portion out for weddings, since it will be very aesthetically pleasing, and would generate revenue for the City. Public Hearing Closed: 7:39 p.m. Discussion followed with regard to the parking layout and that parking would not be allowed around the fire tower since it needs to be assessable for training purposes. Councilmember Larson thanked the Planning Commission and Chairman Correll for their efforts on the project. He extended his apologies on behalf of the City Council, to the Planning Commission for not having a quorum for the Joint Meeting that was scheduled for January 31, 2001. He advised that he spoke with Commissioner Chiles regarding his parking concerns. Councilmember Libby noted that when this project originally came before Council, Council had hoped there would not be a parking lot facing Clay Street. Vice-Mayor Baldwin stated that he is disappointed that parking has to distract from the beautiful building, and that architectural drawings should indicate cars and bicycles in front of buildings, for all projects that are considered. He felt that parking should be available in front of the fire tower. M/S Larson/Libby denying the appeal and upholding the action taken by the Planning Commission with regard to the Civic Center Expansion Project (Site Development Permit 00-51); carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers I.arson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith and Mayor Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. Recessed: 7:45 p.m. Reconvened: 7:55 p.m. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9b. Discussion and Approval of Capital Improvement Project Funding City Manager Horsley advised that the City Council, at the January 17, 2001 meeting, approved the mid-year budget amendments, but requested that the funding for capital Regular Meeting February 7, 2001 Page 6 of ]3 improvement projects be brought back for further discussion. She discussed the two alternatives outlined in the Staff Report for Council's consideration. Option #1 would allow for $175,000 of previously itemized funds to be allocated to open space acquisition, while option #2 would increase the total capital projects funding to $1,200,980 and set aside $185,980 for open space acquisition. She noted that these allocations are flexible and can be changed at any time by Council. She recommended the second alternative and felt it is a reasonable approach to providing funding for these much-needed projects and for open space acquisition. Councilmember Libby opposed spending tax dollars for the City to purchase more open space for additional parks. She felt the City should upgrade the existing parks, as it would be a wiser use of tax money. Discussion followed concerning the status of Observatory Park and its buildings. It was noted by staff that the main structure is in need of renovation and repair. Staff is looking at various uses of the building for recreational classes and lectures, or as a neighborhood recreational center. Vice-Mayor Baldwin concurred with Councilmember Larson's views regarding open space and felt that the western hills are not available for affordable housing. He supported Option #2 of the Staff Report. M/S Larson/Baldwin approving Option #2 as described in the Staff Report for capital improvement project funding; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: Councilmember Libby. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith and Mayor Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9c. Approval of Lease Agreement with the Ford Street Program for a Portion of the North Fire Station and Authorization for City Manager to Execute Agreement Community Services Director DeKnoblough advised that as previously approved by the City Council, the Ford Street Program has operated a temporary winter homeless shelter within the apparatus bays of the North Fire Station since December 1,2000. Even though the homeless shelter is a temporary occupancy. The proposed lease agreement provides for the full term of four months and would be retroactive to December 1,2000, at $500 per month. He discussed conditions of the lease as noted in the Staff Report. M/S Larson/Libby approving the lease with the Ford Street Program for a portion of the North Fire Station and authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith and Mayor Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. 10. NEW BUSINESS l Oa. Waiver of Due on Refinancing Clause in the Deferred Payment Loan Contract with Alice Arnold Lane Regular Meeting February 7, 2001 Page 7 of 13 Finance Director Elton explained that in 1986 the City of Ukiah, in coordination with the Community Development Commission of Mendocino County, undertook a program for housing rehabilitation within a specified target area of the City. The intent of the program was to assist lower income individuals with improving their homes, to maintain their property values, and provide a higher quality of life without forcing the property owner to incur payments beyond their means to pay. The program had a forgiveness feature that if the people lived in the property for 15 years, the loan would turn into a grant and not be collected. However, it did have various "due on" type clauses incorporated into the loan, such as "due on refinancing". Alice Arnold Lane has requested Council waive the "due on refinancing" clause so she can take advantage of the current lower interest rates and refinance her mortgage. The 15-year termination clause for her loan expires in May 2001. Discussion followed concerning the proposal by Mrs. Lane and it was noted that it is her desire to refinance the loan at this time to take advantage of lower interest rates, rather than waiting until the loan expires in May 2001. City Attorney Rapport explained the H.U.D. program and the affordability requirement. The intent is to encourage a family to remain in the home. M/S Libby/Baldwin approving a one-time waiver of the "due on refinancing" clause in the Deferred Payment Loan Contract with Alice Arnold Lane. Discussion followed as to whether a subordination clause would be required. It was determined that in order for the current loan to be refinanced, it would need to be subordinated to their new loan. Additionally, it was determined that the City Manager should be authorized to sign the documents. M/S Libby/Baldwin amending the previous motion to include authorization to provide a subordination clause to subordinate the City's loan to Mrs. Lane's new loan, and authorizing the City Manager to sign the documents, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith and Mayor Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10b. Adoption of Resolution Establishing 24-Minute Parking Zone on Standley Street Between N. State and Main Streets Public Works Director/City Engineer Steele advised that the Traffic Engineering Committee (TEC) has considered a request by Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) to improve the approach condition for its coaches serving the traffic stop on eastbound Standley Street at its intersection with Main Street. Various scenarios were considered. MTA's initial request was to remove entirely the easternmost parking space along Standley on this block, but expressed a willingness to work with the City for a reasonable solution. The TEC approved of the Public Works Department remarking the red zone and the parking spaces to be consistent with City standards and relocating the existing sign. The affect of the marked reconfiguration was to lengthen the clear zone of approach by approximately seven feet. Regular Meeting February 7, 2001 Page 8 of ]3 The TEC recommends the approval of the proposed resolution and advises the Council that if this change does not improve the conflict to an adequate degree, it will have to return to the Council with a recommendation to remove the space in question, making it a "No Parking Zone." M/S Larson/Libby adopting Resolution 2001-41 establishing a 24-minute parking zone on Standley Street between North State and Main Streets; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith and Mayor Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. NEW BUSINESS 10c. Adoption of Resolution Establishing 24-Minute Parking Zone on N. State Street Between Perkins and Standley Streets Public Works Director/City Engineer Steele advised that the TEC received a request from Ester Ballard, owner of Photo Finish at 125 North State Street, to change the time limit for four existing parking spaces from 1 1/2-hour to 24 minutes. During the Public Works Department's visits with the businesses in the area, the other merchants supported the conversion of one space to a 24-minute time limit on State Street. After consideration at its January, 2001 meeting, the TEC came to the consensus that converting one space to a 24-minute would be a reasonable alternative. Councilmember Larson advised that he was present at the TEC meeting for discussions of this matter. He inquired if there may be further changes to the parking arrangements in the vicinity of Standley Street. Public Works Director/City Engineer Steele explained that in the future, business owners may request additional conversion of parking spaces or the City may observe improved or worsened parking conditions that need to be revisited. Ms. Ballard stated that although she would prefer more spaces, she is pleased that the City is moving forward. M/S Larson/Libby adopting Resolution 2001-42 establishing a 24-minute parking zone on North State Street between Perkins and Standley Streets; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith and Mayor Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. NEW BUSINESS 10d. Discussion Re.qardin.cl Grantin~ Authority to Traffic Engineering Committee to Implement Temporary Traffic Changes for Purpose of Study Public Works Director/City Engineer Steele explained that the TEC has recognized that the effectiveness of a traffic change relating to such items as speed, traffic control, signs, parking, turning motions, etc., often times cannot be determined until the change has been implemented and the results observed. The benefits may not be readily apparent and the best solution may not be the one actually implemented. The TEC believes it would be beneficial to have the authority to implement traffic changes, on a temporary basis, in order to evaluate the effect of the changes. Any permanent change would require Council Regular Meeting February 7, 2001 Page 9 of ]3 approval with the opportunity to evaluate the interim modification and the allowable maximum duration of any temporary change would be established by the Council. It is not the TEC's intent to circumvent the Council approval process, but rather to facilitate it by presenting well thought out proposals which best fulfill the needs of all the parties involved. Councilmember Libby stated that traffic changes require Council approval because Council is responsible for what goes on in the City. She expressed concern that Council would not have oversight to changes being made, even if on a temporary basis. She was uncomfortable supporting the proposal. Councilmember Larson advised that he attended the TEC meeting when they discussed this proposal, as well as several previous TEC meetings and has found that the TEC members are more qualified and responsible for these types of decisions, and that the City Council should support their work. He was supportive of allowing the TEC a limited amount of authority, especially if it is a situation when both the TEC and the City Engineer must approve a project. He was confident that approval of the proposal would allow the TEC more flexibility, provide less of a burden to Council, and provide more accurate information for Council to base their final decision. Discussion of the proposal followed. It was noted that the TEC does not make any decisions but rather recommendations to Council. City Attorney Rapport advised that the Vehicle Code governs the City's authority to regulate anything that happens on the streets. He further discussed the Vehicle Code in detail. He noted that the requirements of the Vehicle Code are to be strictly construed and that the City's authority is strictly limited by the delegation from the state legislature. He felt that it would be questionable if a specific restriction was contained in a resolution adopted by the City Council and if it would meet the requirements of the Vehicle Code. He explained that a possible compromise would be for the City Council to authorize the TEC to implement restrictions on a temporary basis and include the projects on the Consent Calendar as "temporary measures". Should Council desire to be notified, through the Consent Calendar, of temporary projects, Council could adopt a policy resolution establishing a procedure for implementing temporary measures with regard to street projects. M/S Larson/Baldwin directing Staff to bring back a Policy Resolution allowing the Technical Advisory Committee to implement temporary procedures and placing such matters on the Consent Calendar as notification to Council, along with the process of how implementation would work. There was a brief discussion concerning the Consent Calendar Staff Report regarding these types of projects and if the measure were determined to be permanent, Staff would provide Council with a full analysis of the project. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith and Mayor Ashiku. Regular Meeting February 7, 2001 Page 10 of ]3 ABSTAIN: None. NEW BUSINESS 10e. Consideration and Adoption of Resolutions Approvin_q Reportin_q Employer Paid Member Contributions as Additional Compensation Personnel Officer Harris advised that upon the recent adoption of the City of Ukiah Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for of the City's bargaining units, the City has agreed to begin reporting the PERS Employer Paid Member Contributions as additional compensation, an option provided for in the Government Code, as referenced in the Staff Report. In order to initiate this process, PERS requires that a resolution be adopted by the City Council. In addition, a second resolution must be adopted to implement the Internal Revenue Service Code Section 414(h) (2) "Employer Pick-Up" in order to defer federal and state taxes on the amount of these member contributions until distribution or refund is made. M/S Larson/Libby adopting Resolution 2001-43, authorizing paying and reporting the value of Employer Paid Member Contributions as additional compensation; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith and Mayor Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. M/S Larson/Libby adopting Resolution 2001-44, implementing the provisions of Section 414(h)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code for employer pick-up; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith and Mayor Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None 11. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Larson reported that last week he attended a NCPA conference in Sacramento and found it very educational. The conference was focused on long-term strategies for pursuing Cities' interest and there was a great deal of concern about the current power situation in California. There was a clear understanding the public power agencies are not invulnerable to the energy crisis in California. He learned a lot at the conference. He advised that conservation was a big issue, even though Ukiah has power, in the spirit of cooperation, we should look at conservation efforts on a long term basis. On February 5, he attended an MCOG meeting, and after much deliberation, MCOG decided on a formula for the distribution of STIP funds. As reported at the previous meeting, a formula was proposed to split the funds 65%/35% between competitive programs and unrestricted allocations to the jurisdictions. A compromised motion was approved that allowed for a 60%/40% allocation formula City Manager Horsley commented on a previous MCOG workshop in which this issue was not discussed until the last 15 minutes of a four-hour workshop. Councilmember Larson explained that there has not been any definitive discussion of the allocation formula. Although STIP funding has not been announced, it is estimated it will be $15-$20 million. Based on the formula that was adopted, the City of Ukiah is expected to receive $740,000-$950,000. He explained that Ukiah would be in competition with the Regular Meeting February 7, 2001 Page 11 of 13 County, Caltrans, and other cities within the County. He further noted that the STIP funding is distributed by formula as well. Considerable discussion followed with regard to MCOG and how funding is allocated. Councilmember Larson reported that he would be attending the Mendocino Employers Council (MEC) meeting on February 9, 2001. He also attended the Firemen's Appreciation dinner. Councilmember Libby reported that she attended four meetings with the Recreation Center Group. At one meeting they met with the architect to discuss the school site development and the community center plans to get an idea how much land they will set aside for the community center. Last week she was on an interview board for an Executive Director with a six-month contract. Currently, Walter Kelly is looking at grants that could be used for funding construction of the community center. She also attended the Open House at St. Mary's School and toured the school. She attended the Economic Development and Financing Corporation (EDFC) meeting today and they set goals for the new year and formed subcommittees. Vice-Mayor Baldwin reported he attended a second meeting of the river cleanup group and it was very well attended. Assistant City Manager Fierro was also in attendance and the group was very appreciative of his research. Many subcommittees were established. Hopefully their Steering Committee will pursue discussion and research for creating some sort of public authority to protect and clean up the river. This will become more important when Riverside Park is developed further. 12. CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS City Manager Horsley advised that at the next meeting, Staff will present a request to the City Council authorizing letters be sent regarding the research that was done on the river clean up project and to look at forming a public consortium, and asking the City to be a leader in getting things started. With regard to conservation of energy, she provided Council with a copy of a letter that was sent to the League of California Cities responding to their letter and informing them of what the City is doing to conserve energy. This letter is going out to the League of California Cities based on the Governor's request for conservation. She sent Council a letter from Bob Jehn of the City of Cloverdale, asking if anyone is interested in being on the Redwood Empire Division of the League as a representative of the Community Services Policy Committee or the Transportation, Communications and Public Works Policy Committee. Vice-Mayor Baldwin expressed interest in the Communications Committee, and Councilmember Larson expressed interest in the Public Works Policy Committee. She reported that the City received a card and a box of chocolates from Rex and Pat Regular Meeting February 7, 2001 Page 12 of ]3 Hayes wishing the City a happy Valentine's Day in appreciation for the City of Ukiah providing 23 years of wonderful service. Habitat for Humanity is having their 10th anniversary and would like to do a strategic plan to carry forth the mission of building houses and building lives. They would like to know if a Councilmember could join their group sessions on March 1 and 2, 2001 at the Mendocino Presbyterian Church in Mendocino. She explained that the City would be ordering pens and stickers for the City's 125th anniversary on March 8, 2001. A banner has also been ordered for the front of the Civic Center. A small committee has been formed that is working on a reception prior to the Council meeting on March 7, and on March 8, Judy Pruden will provide historical information, and various City Departments will provide displays and information in the foyer. She discussed scheduling a joint meeting with the Planning Commission on a Thursday from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Planning Director Stump will discuss the matter of scheduling with the Planning Commission. The first meeting with the consultants, architects, engineers, and the property owner regarding the status of the Palace Hotel has been held, and a press release will be issued notifying the public that the process has begun and public input on the disposition of the Palace Hotel is welcomed. City Clerk Ulvila reported that she would be attending a FPPC Workshop in Sacramento on February 14, 2001 regarding the duties of Filing Officers and the filing of campaign forms. Councilmember Libby discussed the possibility of having a blood drive at City Hall in the near future. She recommended Staff issue a Press Release advising the community of when it will take place. City Manager Horsley also noted that Staff has been considering a similar program for administering flue shots at the Civic Center. 13. CLOSED SESSION None. 14. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m. Marie Ulvila, City Clerk Regular Meeting February 7, 2001 Page 13 of ]3