HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 02-21-01MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, February 21, 2001
The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on February 21, 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: Airport Manager Bua, Public Utility Director Barnes, Administrative Analyst Ann
Burck, Community Services Director DeKnoblough, Police Administrative Captain Dewey,
Finance Director Elton, Assistant City Manager Fierro, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris,
City Manager Horsley, Associate Planner Keefer, City Attorney Rapport, Public Works
Director/City Engineer Steele, Planning Director Stump, and City Clerk Ulvila.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INTRODUCTION OF EMPLOYEES
3a. Brian Keefer, Associate Planner
Planning Director Stump introduced Brian Keefer as the Planning Department's new
Associate Planner. Brian's background is in landscape architecture and design, and he
has been associated with a number of private firms specializing in site planning, golf
course design, general land planning and architectural services.
Brian Keefer thanked the City for giving him the opportunity to contribute to the efforts of
the City.
3. INTRODUCTION OF EMPLOYEES
3b. Ann Burck, Administrative Analyst
Public Utility Director Barnes introduced Ann Burck as the Public Utility Department's
new Administrative Analyst. Ann holds a BS degree in zoology from Texas A&M
University, a BS degree with honors in welding engineering from LeTourneau University
and a MS degree in metallurgical engineering from Colorado School of Mines.
Ann Burck stated that she is grateful to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Ukiah
and that the City of Ukiah is a great place to work.
4. MINUTES
4a. Re_clular Meeting of December 20, 2000
City Clerk Ulvila recommended a change to page 4, first paragraph under 7b, second
sentence to read "Mr. Dan Mason has offered to donate a portion of his services in order to
provide an affordable fountain for the Plaza."
Councilmember Libby referred to page 3, second paragraph, with regard to the sentence
that reads: "To date, $157,000 has been spent on the program." She had previously
requested that staff check this figure because she came up with $87,203.65.
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February 21,2001
Page 1 of 14
City Manager Horsley explained that staff received a printout of Customer Service
Supervisor Archibald's notes that were read to Council at the December 20th meeting, and
she stated that $157,000 is the total amount spent on the program. She will provide the
Council with information as to how this amount was calculated.
Councilmember Libby continued with several recommendations for corrections to the
minutes while Mayor Ashiku discussed each recommendation.
Considerable discussion followed concerning Councilmember Libby's recommendations.
Councilmember Baldwin stated that the minutes, as presented, are easy to read and
extensive, and that the minutes should not be used to list every political explanation for
Council's actions. It is important that the public know what action was taken and how each
member voted.
Councilmember Libby stated that the minutes should also reflect why Council voted the
way they did.
Councilmembers Larson was of the opinion that the minutes, as presented, are an
adequate summary of the meeting of December 20, 2000. He saw no reason for making
the changes recommended by Councilmember Libby.
M/S Larson/Baldwin approving the Regular Meeting minutes of December 20, 2000 as
amended on page 4 by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Libby stated that the minutes should reflect what happens at the
meetings and if the minutes do not have the corrections that she recommended, she
wanted it stated for the record that she is "very disappointed that we don't want to have
accurate minutes to reflect what happens at our Council meeting."
Councilmembers Larson and Smith concurred that the minutes are intended to be a
summary of the meeting.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith,
Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: Councilmember Libby. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN:
None.
4. MINUTES
4b. Reqular Meetin_¢l of January 17, 2001
City Manager Horsley explained that on page 5, fourth paragraph, a correction was made
to the last sentence replacing "Orr Creek Bridge" with "Orr Street Bridge". Additionally, a
correction was made to page 9, third paragraph, last sentence, which reflects further detail
of the formula.
Councilmember Libby recommended a correction to page 9, last paragraph, second
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February 21,2001
Page 2 of 14
sentence, to read: "She was supportive of a formula with a small base with population,
road miles, and sales tax calculations to be used to allocate the STIP funds."
M/S Larson/Smith approving the Regular Meeting minutes of January 17, 2001 as
amended, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith,
Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
4. MINUTES
4c. Regular Meeting of February 7, 2001
Councilmember Larson noted a spelling error in the minutes, that "Wiph" should be
replaced with "Wipf".
M/S Larson/Ashiku approving the Regular Meeting minutes of February 7, 2001 as
amended,
Councilmember Smith consulted with the City Attorney with regard to his voting on the
minutes even though he was absent from the meeting. It was determined that
Councilmembers are not legally required to abstain from voting on such minutes.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby,
Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION
Mayor Ashiku read the appeal process.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Ashiku requested item 6i, Authorize the City Manager to Execute Confirmation
Agreement Between Calpine Energy Services, L.P. and the City of Ukiah for the Purchase
of 2 Mw, be removed from the Consent Calendar and combined with item 9a under New
Business.
City Manager Horsley requested a sentence be added to Consent Calendar item 6e,
"Subject to inspection verification that the vehicle is represented as presented in the bid."
Mayor Ashiku noted that item 6d should be corrected in the Staff Report and on the
Agenda that the purchase is from Rainbow Agricultural Services, not Rainbow
Construction.
M/S Smith/Larson approving items a through h and j through k of the Consent Calendar
as follows:
a. Approved Disbursements for Month of January 2001;
b. Rejected Claim from Mary Jane Bralich and Referred to Redwood Empire Municipal
Insurance Fund;
c. Received Report of the Acquisition of a Trailer from Stevenson Supply and Tractor Co.
in the Amount of $5,107.11;
d. Received Report to Council Concerning Purchase of Gator Utility Vehicle for Parks and
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February 21,2001
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Golf From Rainbow Agricultural Services in the Amount of $5,291.60;
e. Awarded Bid for Replacement Jet Fuel Truck to Perry Aviation Refueling in the
Amount of $39,221.25, Subject to Inspection Verification That the Vehicle is
Represented as Presented in the Bid;
f. Awarded Bid for the Disposal of Biosolids to Total Waste Systems, Inc. for the Sum of
$31.00 Per Ton for a Period of Two Years;
g. Awarded Bid to Adamson Industries in the Amount of 12,310.48, for the Purchase of
Less-Than-Lethal Weapons;
h. Approved US Cellular as City's Vendor for Mobile Telephone Service for All
Departments;
j. Awarded Bid for Annual Contract for Chlorine Products to Sierra Chemical Company for
the Sum of $82.00 for 150 lb. Cylinders and $365.00 for 1 -Ton Cylinders;
k. Awarded Bid for Liquid Ferric Chloride to Kemiron Pacific, Inc. for the Sum of $374.85
Per Dry Ton.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby,
Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one came forward to address Council.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8a. Status Report Concerning the Golden Property Abatement at 190 Rupe Street
(APN 003-140-01)
Planning Director Stump advised that on February 7, 2001, staff provided the City
Council with a Status Report concerning the nuisance abatement project on the Golden
property at 190 Rupe Street. Since that meeting, the property owner has entered into a
legally binding contract with a contractor to demolish both the Foster Freeze and C.E.D.
buildings and staff received a copy of this contract. There is a stipulation in the contract
that the work would begin on March 5 and end on March 15, 2001. He also reported that
the contractor began work today and removed the asbestos, staff has arranged to have the
exterior lights removed and preserved at the request of Mr. William French, and authorized
by the property owner. He was confident that the work would be completed in the near
future.
Consensus of Council was to receive the report.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8b. Consideration and Discussion of Alex R. Thomas Jr. Plaza Fountain
Replacement
Community Services Director DeKnoblough advised that a subcommittee, consisting of
Mayor Ashiku, Councilmember Larson, and himself, met to review options for replacement
of the fountain at the Alex R. Thomas Jr. Plaza. The two types of fountains researched by
staff were fully interactive fountains, which would allow the public to walk through and/or
play directly in the water and small Iow profile pool type fountains similar to the type in front
of the Civic Center. Health issues and monitoring standards related to interactive fountains
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February 21,2001
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were discussed. The more complex the system, the more maintenance will be required. It
is estimated that a smaller pool type fountain would cost approximately $10,000-$20,000.
Previously, Council also discussed installing something other than a fountain at the Plaza,
such as a planter area, a large tree, benches, possibly a structure, or leaving the area as it
currently exists.
He recommended that Council determine if a fountain or another element should be built at
the Plaza, and then determine a targeted budget amount. Staff could then proceed with an
RFP for either the construction of a fountain or obtain costs for other elements desired by
the Council, and present the results to Council at a subsequent meeting.
Discussion followed concerning the need for additional shading at the Plaza. There was
also discussion concerning the treatment of the water in the Civic Center fountain and it
was noted that water testing is not required because it is a fountain intended to be viewed,
and not intended for public interaction.
Councilmember Libby expressed her concern with the City spending approximately
$50,000 for a fountain, considering maintenance and health issues. If a fountain were to
be installed, it would need to be constructed in a way to discourage vandalism. She felt a
large tree, flowerbeds, and benches would be appropriate.
Mayor Ashiku discussed the subcommittee's review of fountain designs as well as the
option of planting a large tree. He noted that most designs could be built to withstand
potential vandalism. He was not supportive of an interactive fountain.
Mike Correll, 957 North Oak Street, explained that his proposed design would be a "kit-
type" and inexpensive to construct. He also discussed producing the fountain molds in
small sections in-house or through volunteerism so as to lower the expense. The design
for the "kit fountain" could be sold, thereby recovering costs to the City. If this fountain
were vandalized, sections could be replaced in-house. He volunteered to coordinate with
staff and solicit volunteers to work on a fountain for the Plaza.
Discussion followed concerning Mr. Correll's proposal. Several ideas for deterring
skateboarders from using the fountain were discussed.
Paul Andersen, 309 Jones Street, expressed his concern with the lack of shade in the
Plaza and that the existing trees do not provide very much shade. He suggested a large
gazebo could be constructed which would provide shade. He also suggesed that a
"misting garden" would provide relief on hot summer days.
Mr. Harzay, 619 North Pine Street, felt shade is very important to a park.
James Mulheren, 621 Capps Lane, explained that the concern for vandalism by
skateboarders might be a mute point because the Skateboard Park may be built soon. He
supported planting a large oak tree and expressed his concern for the lack of shade at the
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February 21,2001
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Plaza.
Discussion continued with regard to the types of trees currently planted at the Plaza, the
need to provide additional shade trees and benches, the volunteer aspect of constructing a
fountain and cost factors associated with a small fountain. It was suggested that the
previous fountain's pumping apparatus could be used as an interim solution. A fountain
should be constructed so that people would not hurt themselves but strong enough to
withstand people interacting with the fountain. Costs considerations were discussed.
Consensus of Council directed the subcommittee to continue research of simple fountain
designs and also the option of a large tree, at a maximum amount of $20,000, and return to
Council at a later date with their findings.
9. NEW BUSINESS
9c. Set Time and Date for a City Council - Planning Commission Joint Meeting to
Discuss and Prioritize General Plan Implementation Proiects, and to Discuss
Local Land Use and Environmental Planning Issues
City Manager Horsley explained that the Planning Commission met on February 14, 2001
and preferred to meet with the City Council on Thursday, March 1,2001.
Planning Director Stump explained that staff requests the joint meeting be held from 4:00
p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on March 1,2001.
Consensus of Council set March 1,2001 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a Joint Meeting
of the City Council and Planning Commission.
9. NEW BUSINESS
9d. Set Date for Workshop with Ukiah Valley Fire District and City Fire Department
City Manager Horsley explained that the Ukiah Valley Fire District Board met and they
recommend meeting with Council on Thursday, March 8, 2001 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Consensus of Council set March 8, 2001 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the City Council
to meet with the Ukiah Valley Fire District Board of Directors and the City of Ukiah Fire
Department.
9. NEW BUSINESS
9e. Approval of Letters of Support to Elected Officials and Land Owners
Re_clardin_q Need to Develop Russian River Consortium
Assistant City Manager Fierro advised that staff attended two community meetings
organized by the "Friends of the Russian River" and spearheaded by community leader
Rebecca Kress. The group has been donating their time for the past ten years in an effort
to clean the riverbank of garbage. Staff researched and found that no one agency is
responsible for the cleaning of rivers and that, without volunteer community or government
intervention, most rivers fall prey to pollution. Without a comprehensive regional solution to
the Russian River pollution problem, the river will continue to decline, and community
efforts to save the river will be lost due to the shear magnitude of yearly contamination. He
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February 21, 2001
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recommended Council draft letters of support to state legislators and local elected officials,
appropriate landowners, and community groups to form a regional Russian River
Consortium to fight against pollution of the river, and continued riparian loss.
Councilmember Baldwin noted that once Riverside Park is developed, policing of the
Park and river area will need to be established. He expressed his appreciation that the
City is taking such an active role in the matter.
Rebecca Kress, Executive Director of Russian River Unlimited, noted they obtained non-
profit status about one year ago. She discussed cleanup efforts along the river and the
need to obtain more help. She will continue to research more permanent funding for clean
up of the river.
City Manager Horsley noted that Ms. Kress has talked to various state and county
agencies with regard to funding, but since no agency is responsible for the cleanup, there
has been no funding source found. Staff conducted research of other communities to see
how they have made a successful attempt at cleanup of rivers and noted that they obtain
state support.
Ms. Kress explained that when the City looks at its plan, the creeks and rivers should also
be included. She explained there is a large amount of garbage that the creeks contribute
to the river.
Joseph Scribbin, 499 Pomolita Drive, thanked staff for their efforts in identifying a
consortium concept and looking at regional models. He invited everyone to attend the
Great Russian River Cleanup this summer.
John McCowen, Ukiah, discussed Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority
(MSWMA) having a mandate to clean up illegal dumping. However, their funding is limited
to a one-time site oriented cleanup. He discussed other agencies that have skirted the
issue of responsibility for cleanup of the river. He commended Ms. Kress for her volunteer
efforts to organize cleanup of the river.
Councilmember Baldwin explained that the City plans to develop approximately 35 acres
of land for Riverside Park located on East Gobbi Street. He felt the formation of a
consortium is very important in order to make the river more attractive.
Councilmember Larson felt a consortium is a good idea and hoped that once the step is
taken to provide the funding to cleanup the river, an enforcement authority or educational
program would be established to prevent deterioration of the river from continuing.
Councilmember Smith was of the opinion that the County should be pursuing this matter
since more of the Russian River runs through the County.
Councilmember Libby felt the County should take a more active role in this matter.
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February 21,2001
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M/S Smith/Larson approving letters of support to state, local elected officials, and
landowners, and directing their attention for the need to form a regional Russian River
Consortium to combat the continued pollution and riparian loss of the once beautiful
Russian River; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson,
Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN:
None.
Recessed: 8:00 p.m.
Reconvened: 8:10 p.m.
9. NEW BUSINESS
9a. Report on Current Status of the Electric Utility and Possible Direction by
Council Relative to Maintaining or Changing the Current Strategy
City Manager Horsley explained that an article in the newspaper today had a different
account that what has been presented to Council. She noted that she would be working
with the Ukiah Daily Journal to present a clearer picture on the subject for further
newspaper articles.
Public Utility Director Barnes explained that in March 1999, the City Council approved a
rate strategy with the goal of achieving market rates as quickly as possible. To accomplish
this goal the Rate Stabilization Fund was established to set aside reserves for future debt
payments, thus subsiding future rates in order to achieve lower forecasted market rates.
Since that time the electric market in California has significantly changed. Due to the
unavailability of power within California and limited supplies from surrounding states, it now
appears that market rates will be significantly higher than the consultants anticipated in
early 1999. Although the City of Ukiah's strategy is sound, changes are occurring that
could have a significant impact on the current strategy. In 1999, staff forecasted cost
based rates of what our actual costs are projected to be, based on some refunding and
cost reductions. At that time, the City's revenue requirement was based on $0.1266.
He discussed the City of Ukiah's energy requirements, which includes the kilowatt-hours
that the City actually sells. The City has been able to sell part of the energy into the market
that it has not been able to use. Energy wise, the City is doing well.
The City of Ukiah needs additional capacity to meet current loading conditions of the
electrical demand within the City. This increased demand is due to load growth within the
City. The Electric Utility has maintained a capacity shortage position during the summer
months, in order to defer the investment in additional generation. We have been satisfying
this shortage by buying additional power from the spot market during these months. This
market power typically could be purchased for 60 to 65 $/Mwh. The power shortage within
California has significantly changed the market for firm capacity, resulting in a major
increase in the spot market price of on-peak power. Year ahead pricing for on-peak
capacity currently is in the $140 to $160 per Mwh range.
He checked the market rate today for capacity of 2 megawatts and it is selling for $380
Mwh. Even though we have seen high prices this winter, it is expected we will see even
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February 21,2001
Page 8 of 14
higher prices this summer. The Calpine package would allow the City to cover that
capacity and would not have to go out on the market to buy it until beginning next summer.
This contract represents a 10-year commitment for 2 Mws of capacity and energy at
$65/Mwh, which we believe will be significantly below the current forecasted market rate of
$140/Mwh. The contract is a take or pay arrangement, however, both energy and capacity
can be sold during times they are not needed.
He discussed the assumptions used for rate strategy calculations as presented in the Staff
Report. As the need increases, the City will need additional capacity to serve customers.
Councilmember Baldwin inquired if we continue collecting the Public Benefits Charge,
how would it affect Mr. Barnes' projections for the future?
Mr. Barnes advised that the $350,000 we are currently collecting represents about 2.7%
charge to expenses. If we were to forecast our scenario with a 5% rate reduction, 2.7%
would be from the Public Benefits Charge.
City Manager Horsley explained that the Lake Mendocino Hydroelectric Bonds would be
paid in the year 2018 which will allow an additional $2 million to the City.
Mr. Barnes discussed the comparison of old and new cost-based rates. Investor Owned
Utilities (IOU) rates were also discussed. Although staff believes the 11.3 cents will be
floor level for rates, the rates could go as high as 12.88 cents if IOU gets their rate
increase. He further discussed the current situation with P.G.&E.
He advised that the state's current rate strategy required cost-base rate. All of the costs
looked at, assume that capacity will be available throughout the state and new capacity will
come on line. The problem with how the CaI-ISO works is that there is no certainty as to
whether they will be able to sell new capacity. When they set the price caps for the state,
the energy goes out of the state and then comes back in over the top of the price caps.
He explained that the assumptions are based on what is currently happening, except for
the capacity shortage. He advised that in the year 2005, the aspect of these long-term
contracts and the firming capacity for Western would end. Western changes into buying
commodities, thereby taking away the need for the firming power by being able to sell
these other products. This means that roughly half of our Western contract will need to be
firmed up by the City.
He continued with discussion of the current rate strategy that requires a cost-based rate
after 2008. He discussed holding rates to $0.1266 until 2006. Strategy #1, which
proposes no change in rates to 2007, then reduces rates 10%, was discussed. He
explained Strategy #2, which provides a 5% reduction in rates in Fiscal Year 2002 and
Fiscal Year 2013-2014. Strategy #3 provides 10% reduction in rates for Fiscal Year 2001 -
2008, then cost-based rates. While Strategy #4 provides the lowest rate possible to 2004,
then cost-based rates. He further discussed Table 1, as provided in the Staff Report, that
provides a comparison of the four Strategies. Possible risk factors to rate stabilization
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reserves were identified.
Councilmember Libby made several inquiries of Director Barnes with regard to
clarification of the City's electrical status.
Considerable discussion followed with regard to the status of the City's Electric Utility and
the proposal (Agenda item 6i) for the City to purchase 2Mw of power from Calpine Energy
Services, L.P.
Mr. Barnes noted that "capacity" is the ability to use electricity, while "energy" refers to the
use of that capacity over time. Discussion concerning use of energy during the summer
months compared to winter months was had. He did not recommend a rate increase at
this time, but preferred Strategy #2, which provides for a 5% reduction in revenue
requirements.
Further discussion followed with regard to the possibility of giving back to the taxpayers the
excess $3 million, and if the City would go to open market by 2006. It was noted by Mr.
Barnes that the City could achieve anticipated market rates. Discussion of the rate
strategy, reserves, and Public Benefits Charge continued.
Councilmember Larson made a comparison of capacity versus load and NCPA strategy
with regard to seasonal conservation efforts. It was his opinion that consideration should
be given to customers who conserve energy.
Mayor Ashiku and Councilmember Smith concurred with Councilmember Larson's
remarks concerning conservation, and felt the City should develop a strategy and promote
conservation efforts Citywide.
City Manager Horsley explained that she has been working with Mr. Barnes on
information for commercial customers concerning conservation.
Further discussion followed with regard to the average electric bill and P.G.&E.'s current
rates.
M/S Ashiku/Smith to receive the Evaluation of the Electric Utility Strategy for the City of
Ukiah and directing staff to implement Strategy#2; carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: Councilmember
Baldwin. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
6i. Authorized the City Manager to Execute Confirmation Agreement Between
Calpine Energy Services, L.P. and the City of Ukiah for the Purchase of 2 Mw;
M/S Smith/Baldwin authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement Confirmation
with Calpine Energy Service, L. P. for the Purchase of 2 Mws.
Councilmember Libby was of the opinion that the purchase of additional power would not
have any affect on the City this summer, that it would be an additional expenditure, and
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February 21,2001
Page 10 of 14
that the City is making a decision based on assumptions that could change.
Councilmember Larson noted that a couple years ago, the City made a decision based
on assumptions, and it turned out to be a good decision.
Public Utilities Director Barnes advised that staff will provide Council with a rate strategy
analysis and will make recommendations.
Councilmember Baldwin expressed the idea of setting aside funds for undergrounding
utilities on Perkins and State Streets rather than reducing customer's rates at this time.
Councilmember Larson was of the opinion that the Rate Stabilization Fund is not
designed for undergrounding utilities.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith,
Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: Councilmembers Libby. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN:
None.
9. NEW BUSINESS
9b. Adoption of Resolution Authorizing 2000-01 Second Round Grant Funding For
Community Based, Non-Profit Organizations
Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris advised that in response to the City's solicitation, 15
entities applied (requests totaled $35,506) for the $10,575 available in the 2000-01 second
round of grant funding to community based, non-profit organizations. These applications
were reviewed by a committee composed of two Councilmembers and four staff members
with recommendations to fund a portion or all of nine programs. The Committee's
consensus recommendation for funding was presented in the Staff Report.
M/S Baldwin/Libby adopting Resolution No. 2001-45, authorizing 2000-01 Second
Round Grant Funding for Community Based, Non-Profit Organizations, for the total amount
of $10,575; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith,
Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
9. NEW BUSINESS
9f. Approval of Renewal of Agreement with Mendocino County for Juror Parking
and Authorize City Manager to Execute Agreement
Community Services Director DeKnoblough advised that in February of 1999, the City
Council approved an agreement with Mendocino County to provide parking for jurors and
Grand Jurors. The proposed agreement extends the fee of $.50 per day per juror which to
date has resulted in an annual revenue to the Parking District of $3,187.13 for daily jurors
and $1,596 for grand jury parking. All other terms and conditions remain consistent with
the current agreement.
M/S Smith/Larson approving renewal of juror parking agreement with Mendocino County
and authorizing the City Manager to execute agreement.
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February 21,2001
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Discussion followed with regard to the use of juror parking and it was noted that County
employee parking is more transient due to the number of satellite County offices,
10:00 p.m.: Mayor Ashiku left meeting and Vice-Mayor Baldwin presided over the
meeting.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, and
Libby. NOES: None. ABSENT: Mayor Ashiku. ABSTAIN: Vice-Mayor Baldwin.
9. NEW BUSINESS
9g. Pledge of Cooperation for Mendocino Council of Governments Plannin_~ Study
Grant Application and Authorization of Mayor to Sign Letter of Support
10:02 p.m.: Mayor Ashiku returned to the meeting.
Councilmember Larson referred to the letter from Mendocino Council of Governments
(MCOG), which was included in the Council Packet, regarding MCOG, in conjunction with
the Lake County/City Area Planning Council, embarking on an ambitious and far-reaching
experiment in interregional long range planning. The issue of where jobs are located as
compared to residences, and how people travel back and forth, are a growing concern in
many areas. The proposed study would identify some of the parameters and how we can
generate information to better enable us to make our transportation planning, housing and
job development issues a more coordinated effort in the future.
M/S Smith/Larson to pledge cooperation for Mendocino Council of Governments Planning
Study Grant Application and Authorize Mayor to sign letter of support.
Councilmember Baldwin was of the opinion that this study may not address giving
government entities more power over private market forces that are causing a lot of the
current problems. Since he did not see how it would help, he will cast a "no" vote.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby,
and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: Councilmember Baldwin. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
Recessed: 10:06 p.m.
Reconvened: 10:12 p.m.
10:12 p.m. Councilmember Baldwin left the meeting due to illness.
11. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Larson reported that he attended a reception of the Mendocino
Employers Council reception. He also attended the City of Ukiah Employees Credit Union
dinner.
Councilmember Smith reported that he also attended the Mendocino Employers Council
reception. Earlier in the month he attended a luncheon when Senator Wes Chesbro was in
attendance and he thanked him, on behalf of the City's interest.
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He attended a meeting of the Redwood Empire Division of the League of California Cities
in which the City of Ukiah was the host. He missed the MTA Board Meeting this month
because he was in Washington, D.C. attending the legislative rally of NCPA. He learned
more about electricity. He reported that the Main Street Board would hold their
Appreciation Dinner on March 15, 2001.
Councilmember Libby reported that she attended the Sun House Guild Board meeting
and they provided a walk through of the new addition to the Museum. It should be
completed by the beginning of May 2001. They will have their gala opening on June 2,
which will include a dinner and auction. They are hoping to raise the final $60,000 to meet
the total goal of their fund raising campaign.
The Community Recreation Center had a Finance Committee meeting and discussed
strategy for fundraising. On February 24, they will be meeting with Assemblywomen
Strom-Martin concerning funds available through the state. The new Executive Director is
Deborah Mead who will have a six-month contract with the Recreation Board.
She attended a workshop and strategy planning session on February 9-11 for the Chamber
of Commerce. Prior to the workshop, the Chamber had sent out a 9-page comprehensive
survey to members asking their input on existing programs, alternatives, and ways to
improve working methods. The answers to the survey were revealed at the workshop and
they will be addressing those issues. Three subcommittees were formed from the
workshop. One item that seems to surface from the business community is to have the
Chamber more involved in local government on issues that affect businesses, to deal with
issues as they arise, and to be responsive rather than reactive. One of the subcommittees
is looking at putting a policy handbook together, which will address local issues, and
possible state and federal issues as well. She suggested that if a draft agenda were sent
to the Chamber, they could survey members to obtain their response. She discussed
various options the Chamber is researching.
Mayor Ashiku reported that he attended the legislative rally of NCPA in Washington, D.C
with Councilmember Smith. He will provide a more detailed written report to Council at a
later date.
12. CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS
City Manager Horsley advised that the Redwood Empire Division of the League of
California Cities meeting was very well attended. The next meeting will be held in April 21
at Benbow Inn.
She advised that currently Police Detective McCutcheon is on the Hate Crimes
Commission and businessman Jim Mulheren is on the Hunger Taskforce. She inquired of
Council if they would like to have a Councilmember represent the City on these
committees.
Mayor Ashiku preferred to have Detective McCutchen continue to represent the City's
Regular Meeting
February 21,2001
Page 13 of ]4
interest on the Hate Crimes Commission.
There was a brief discussion concerning the Hunger Taskforce and it was decided that the
City Manager would provide information to Council with regard to meeting dates.
City Manager Horsley explained that Habitat for Humanity has requested that a
Councilmember attend their forum on March 1 and March 2, 2001 in Fort Bragg.
Discussion revealed that Council would not be able to attend on March 1 due to a prior
meeting commitment and no one volunteered to attend the forum on March 2.
The Main Street Program would have their Appreciation Dinner on March 15 at the
Conference Center. It was noted that Councilmembers Larson, Smith, and Mayor Ashiku
had planned to attend.
City Clerk Ulvila reminded Council to recycle envelopes with her office, especially the
larger envelopes to save on costs. She reported that she would be out of the office from
February 23 through February 28, 2001, accompanying her husband to Washington, D.C.
She reported that last month she attended the Northern California Division of the City
Clerks Association in Windsor and was accompanied by City Manager Horsley and
Executive Assistant Yeast. Assemblywoman Virginia Strom-Martin was schedule to speak,
however, due to the energy crisis, she was called to Sacramento. Her aid spoke to the
group regarding energy issues and it was very informative.
Adjourned to sit as the Ukiah Redevelopment Agency: 10:25 p.m.
Reconvened and Adjourned to Closed Session: 10:26 p.m.
13.CLOSED SESSION
a. C.C. ,~54957.6 - Conference with Labor Negotiator
Employee Negotiations: Electric Unit
Labor Negotiator: Candace Horsley
No action taken.
b. G.C. §54956.9(3)(c)- Conference with Legal Counsel-
Anticipated Litigation, 1 Matter
Location: 825 North State Street, A.P. No. 002-091-26
No action taken.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 11:50 p.m.
Marie Ulvila, City Clerk
Regular Meeting
February 21,2001
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