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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 11-07-01MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting Wednesday, November 7, 2001 The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on November 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, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku (arrived at 6:52 p.m.). Staff present: Public Utilities Director Barnes, Finance Director Elton, Assistant City Manager Fierro, Interim Fire Chief Grebil, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris, City Attorney Rapport, Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo, Deputy Public Works Director Seanor, Police Chief Williams, and City Clerk Ulvila. URGENCY ITEM Vice Mayor Baldwin announced that there is an Urgency Item and the need for action came to the attention of the City subsequent to the agenda being posted. The Urgency Item concerns: Rejection of Claim for Damages from Jacob A. Barnes, and Referral to Joint Powers Authority, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund. M/S Larson/Smith to include the urgency item on the Agenda as Consent Calendar item 6h; carried by unanimous consent with Mayor Ashiku absent. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Larson led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. PROCLAMATION/INTRODUCTION 3a. Proclamation: November as United Way Month in the City of Ukiah Vice Mayor Baldwin read the Proclamation designating November 2001 as United Way month in the City of Ukiah and urged support from every citizen, to the extent possible, for this campaign, its volunteer workers, agencies, and program. Yvonne Hall, accepting the Proclamation on behalf of the Lake and Mendocino County Chapters, stated that they are very grateful for the City declaring November as United Way month and for the support of the community. Assistant City Manger Fierro advised that item 10a is removed from Agenda and will be brought back to Council at a subsequent meeting. 3. INTRODUCTIONS 3b. Fire Department Career Employees Interim Fire Chief Grebil introduced Ukiah Fire Department Career Employees Mark Clark (Fire Apparatus Engineer/Paramedic), Skip Williams (Firefighter/Paramedic), Mike Todd (Firefighter/Paramedic), Bobby Banks (Firefighter/Paramedic), Todd Roach (Firefighter/Paramedic), Michael Stewart (Temporary Firefighter), and Andrea Bray (Fire Department Administrative Secretary) to Council. Regular Meeting November 7, 2001 Page 1 of ]4 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4a. Regular Meetin_cl of Sel~tember 19, 2001 Councilmember Libby recommended a correction to page 5, second paragraph from the bottom to read "Councilmember Libby made a motion to amend the motion that there be no increase in the Junior Golf Program rates. Motion died for lack of a second." She also recommended a correction to page 12, 3rd paragraph to read, "Councilmember Libby was of the opinion that Council needed to decide whether to fund $950,000 for the geothermal expansion out of the Public Benefits Program. If not, then that money could be allocated elsewhere." M/S Larson/Smith approving the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 19, 2001, as amended, carried by unanimous consent with Mayor Ashiku absent. 5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION Vice Mayor Baldwin read the appeal process. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR M/S Smith/Larson approving items a through h of the Consent Calendar as follows: a. Approved Disbursements for Month of October 2001; b. Received Report to City Council Regarding Purchase of Chlorine Tablets for the Ukiah Municipal Swimming Pools from Lincoln Equipment in the Amount of $6,899.36; c. Awarded Bid for High Voltage Line Clearing and Tree Trimming At Various Locations Within the City of Ukiah to Family Tree Service in an Amount Not to Exceed $30,000; d. Received Notification to the City Council Regarding the Purchase of a Chlorine Analyzer From Misco For the Sum of $6,265 Plus Tax; e. Authorized Sole Source Procurement of Police Transcription Services From Transpositions, Not to Exceed $20,000; f. Approved Budget Amendment of $28,094 to Lake Mendocino Hydroelectric Plant Operations & Maintenance Contractual Services, Account #800.5536.250. 000 for Additional Repair Cost; g. Awarded Bid for the Purchase of Liquid Polymer to Jenchem, Inc. for the Sum of $20,820; h. Rejected Claim for Damages from Jacob A. Barnes, and Referred to Joint Powers Authority, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Mayor Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. 7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Carl R. Bloching, Ukiah, spoke concerning.the services provided by the Ukiah City Fire Department, Ukiah Valley Fire Department, Ukiah Police Department, Ukiah Ambulance Regular Meeting November 7, 2001 Page 2 of 14 Service, Ukiah Valley Medical Center, E.R. staff, Linkages Community Care, and his personal physician, Dr. James R. Cruise. He explained that he has several severe medical conditions and that these organizations have saved his life on many occasions. He asked Council to show its appreciation in the form of better salaries, medical benefits, retirement benefits, family support services, and whatever else that would make their life easier and more enjoyable. Steve Crawford addressed Council concerning for bid awarded to Family Tree Services under Consent Calendar item 6c. He explained that the Family Tree Service parked their vehicle near his business and left hydraulic equipment fluid in his parking lot. He expressed concern with this leakage going into City streets and recommended the City inspect their equipment prio to conducting work in the City streets. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9a. Consideration and Approval of Amended Contracts with Solid Waste Systems, Inc. for the Transfer Station and Garbage Collection and Recvclin_cl Finance Director Elton reported that the matter before Council is the completion of actions taken at the September 19, 2001 Council meeting concerning revision of the Transfer Station contract and the revision of the Garbage Collection and Recycling contract. At that meeting, Council directed the City Attorney and staff to revise the contracts to include the changes approved by Council. There is one change made to the points previously considered: Solid Waste Systems has agreed to implement and maintain the $50.50 Tipping Fee even if Mendocino County doesn't commit to a long term contract. The desire to have Mendocino County commit to use the Transfer Station on a long-term basis is unchanged. He discussed highlights of the Transfer Station agreement and the Garbage Collection agreement. These contracts culminate the efforts to assure an orderly collection and disposal of garbage generated from within the City for the foreseeable future. With the implementation of single-stream recycling, the stage is set for another significant step toward the recycling target established by the State. 6:52 p.m. - Mayor Ashiku arrived at meeting. There was a brief discussion concerning the revised contracts. M/S Smith/Larson approving the Transfer Station contract between Solid Waste Systems, Inc., North Bay Corporation, and the City of Ukiah; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. M/S Smith/Baldwin approving the Amendment to the Contract for Collection, Transportation, and Disposal of Garbage, Refuse, and Rubbish and Recycling of Recyclable Materials from within the City of Ukiah; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Regular Meeting November 7, 2001 Page 3 of ]4 10. NEW BUSINESS 10a. Adoption of Ukiah Utilities Demand-side Ener_qy Manaqement Program Proposal Assistant City Manager Fierro advised that this item would be continued to the next Council meeting. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10b. Authorization For Procurement of a Temporary Pedestrian Bridge Crossing Gibson Creek For Use at the Intersection of Oak Manor Drive and East Gobbi Street Deputy Public Works Director Seanor advised that the proposal before Council is for authorization for procurement of a temporary pedestrian bridge across Gibson Creek in the Oak Manor Park area. The City of Ukiah has recently been notified that it will receive State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funding to reconstruct the intersection of East Gobbi Street, Oak Manor Drive, and Babcock Lane. Staff submitted an application for competitive funding to MCOG this year that was selected for funding. The project includes realignment of the intersection from the current configuration to a cross type intersection, widening of the bridge, and construction of new sidewalk. Unfortunately, the way the funding program works through the STIP, tl~e earliest the City would be able to expend money under this new project would be July 2002. This would delay construction to the fall of 2002. Prior to the MCOG application, staff submitted an application to Caltrans for the Safe Routes to School program funding. To date, staff has not received notice of approval of this application. If the Caltrans program approves the Safe Routes to School project, staff will return the STIP money to MCOG for use in other areas. He explained the total purchase price is $13,653.90 to construction the temporary bridge by Skip Gibbs Company, a local supplier of railcar bridges. They provided a quote for a buy back of the bridge. Once the City is finished and ready to move forward with the remainder of the project, the temporary bridge will no longer be necessary. The buyback amount from Gibbs, less the cost of transporting the assembly from the site, is $2,935, resulting in a net cost to the City of approximately $10,718.90. He called attention to an error in the Staff Report related to the project being eligible for funding from the Trans- Traffic Congestion Relief Fund. After researching the matter, staff determined that this particular type of expense is not eligible for that funding. He discussed the matter with Finance Director Elton and Budget Officer Harris, and it was determined that, should Council authorize this procurement, the City would be able to expend street maintenance funds at this time and later transfer monies .allocated in the budget for traffic congestion relief to make the maintenance of that effort to the Street Maintenance Department. He requested Council's authorization to proceed with this procurement. Councilmember Baldwin inquired if the reconstruction of the intersection would make the area pedestrian safe. Mr. Seanor explained that the full reconstruction of the intersection has already been approved. With that reconstruction, the City will widen the bridge on Gobbi Street and that Regular Meeting November 7, 2001 Page 4 of 14 will allow the construction of a sidewalk on the north side. The project that the City has not yet received notice of funding concerns the Safe Route to Schools program. It is basically the same application but a different source of money. Councilmember Libby explained that this project began in the Spring of 1999 when she was contacted by some residents of the Oak Manor area that were concerned about pedestrian safety. She discussed the progress of the project and delays due to the weather and the response times by the state for a grant to reconstruct the intersection of East Gobbi Street, Oak Manor Park, and Babcock Lane. She continued to discuss the grant received for the reconstruction of the intersection by MCOG. She explained that the earliest construction date for the larger project would begin in the fall of 2002. The temporary footbridge would be appropriate until the larger project could begin. She felt this neighborhood has been very patient during the past two years to make the area safer. She noted that the project has been budgeted and carried forward every year so that it would be completed. Joyce Mills, representing the Oak Manor area, expressed her concern for the safety of children and adults who walk in the area. She discussed speaking to Councilmember Libby about the matter two years ago and recommended Council move forward with the project. Dana Franz, President of the PTO and representing children who live in the area, confirmed there are safety issues for those walking in the area. She recommended Council consider the proposal and act now.' Pinky Pushner supported the proposal and felt that a temporary bridge would allow Council an opportunity to evaluate whether to have a pedestrian bridge separate from a vehicle bridge. Councilmember Baldwin inquired if this type of footbridge meets all state standards for City bridges. Mr. Seanor responded affirmatively. He noted that it has a handrail on the side. Councilmember Larson inquired if the buyback is obligatory. He also inquired if staff would consider incorporating the footbridge into the design of the reconstruction of the intersection or as an independent walkway. Mr. Seanor explained that staff could look into that option. He noted that approval has been received for the widening of the street, which is necessary for pedestrian and bicycle traffic crossing the bridge. Councilmember Libby noted the option of relocating the footbridge over another creek within the City. Regular Meeting November 7, 2001 Page 5 of ]4 M/S Baldwin/Libby authorizing the procurement of a temporary pedestrian bridge crossing Gibson Creek for use at the intersection of Oak Manor Drive and East Gobbi Street; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 8. PUBLIC HEARING 8a. Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund, Citizens option for Public Safety (COPS) Grant of $100,000 and Approval of Spending Plan Police Chief Williams explained that a public hearing by the City Council is required to approve the Police Department's spending plan for this year's allocation of $100,000. For the current fiscal year, the Police Departmedt plans to use these funds for three projects. At the October 17, 2001 City Council meeting, the Council awarded a bid to Masterson Communications for the City's Radio Communications Improvement Project. It is proposed that $9,394 of the COPS funding be used to complete this project. Other funds are to be used for the new Civic Center Addition and Police Evidence Facilities and to reconfigure the existing evidence area in the Police Department for more efficient operational activities after the move. Councilmember Baldwin inquired if the use of COPS money meets the spirit of that law. He thought that most of the COPS programs were geared toward getting officers into the community and with community relation type work. Chief Williams explained that the program would provide benefits to the community and allow officers to not only collect evidence and process it, but to store it. This is extremely important in the Departments day-to-day operations. Public Hearing Opened: 7:17 p.m. No one came forward Public Hearing Closed: 7:17 p.m. M/S Larson/Baldwin approving the Ukiah Police Department three part departmental spending plan including City Radio Communications Improvement Project, Police Evidence facility, and reconfiguration of current department space; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 8. PUBLIC HEARING 8b. California Law Enforcement Program (CLEEP) Grant of $34,823, Approval of Spending Plan, and Adoption of Budget Amendment Police Chief Williams explained that the CLEEP funding, as defined in State law, has been designated to "supplement existing services, and shall not be used to supplant any existing funding for law enforcement services." For this fiscal year, the Police Department plans to use these funds to purchase high technology evidence collection related equipment for the new Police Evidence Facilities. The Department has established a Regular Meeting November 7, 2001 Page 6 of ]4 planning committee to research and plan for technical evidence processing equipment, evidence collection equipment, evidence inventory equipment, and evidence storage equipment. Public Hearing Opened: 7:19 p.m. No one came forward Public Hearing Closed: 7:19 p.m. M/S Smith/Baldwin approving the Ukiah Police Department Spending Plan for the California Law Enforcement Equipment Program (CLEEP) Grant and budget amendment to the 2001/02 budget increasing revenue in account 250.0600.488.902 by $34,823 and expenditures in account 250.2001.800.902 by $34,823; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10c. Adoption of Resolution Making Appointments to the Traffic Engineering Committee City Clerk Ulvila advised that due to the resignation of Diane Zucker (public member) and Stephen Turner (MTA representative), there is a need to fill those vacancies on the Traffic Engineering Committee. A letter was sent to MTA requesting its recommendation for a representative and the City received an application from Doug Pliant to be their new representative. As of the deadline of November 1,2001, applications were submitted by Kevin Cotroneo and Stephen Turner to fill the vacancy as a "public member" on the Committee. Per City policy, the nominations for Commission/Committee vacancies are rotated among Councilmembers with Councilmember Libby having the initial nomination to the Committee. M/S Libby/Ashiku nominating Kevin Cotroneo as the "public member" to the Traffic Engineering Committee; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. There was a brief discussion as to whether Council needed to appoint MTA's representative to the Traffic Engineering Committee. It was noted that organizations submit their recommendation for representation on the Committee. M/S Larson/Ashiku adopting Resolution 2002-20, Making Appointments to the Traffic Engineering Committee of Kevin Cotroneo as the "public member" and Doug Pliant to represent MTA; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10d. Approval of Selection of Local Streets for Rehabilitation Work to be Funded Regular Meeting November 7, 2001 Page 7 of 14 Through the 2002 State Transportation Improvement Procjram Deputy Public Works Director Seanor advised that the Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) has approved a new cycle of funding available for highways/streets/roads projects through the 2002 State Transportation improvement Program (STIP). In January of 2001, there v~as a County-wide MCOG meeting in which a formula was established for distribution of funds. By that formula, the City of Ukiah will be receiving $952,000. A deadline of November 30, 2001 has been established by MCOG for jurisdictions to submit their Project Study Reports complete with the list of street projects, to support the expenditure of the aforementioned funding. Staff used the Pavement Management System (PMS) to select the streets. The list is based on a projection of the best expense of the funds to maximize the condition of the City street system. He discussed conditions of various City streets through the udisplay of a large City map. The map identified school locations, street locations that have already been completed, the 2000 STIP project approved by Council which has yet to be constructed, and the proposed street sections for the 2002 STIP. This year, for the 2002 STIP, staff is proposing to do asphalt concrete overlays. Another funding cycle is expected in 2004. Mayor Ashiku inquired about the Maple Avenue section. Mr. Seanor explained that Maple Avenue starts from the west side of Fairway Drive and goes up the hill to the end of Maple. Mayor Ashiku advised that he would recuse.himself from this matter because his home is located on the section of Maple Avenue scheduled for improvements. Discussion followed regarding possible conflict of interest if Councilmembers live within 300 feet of a project. Councilmember Baldwin inquired if there are some streets that are not going to be reconstructed during this funding cycle because they are in too much disrepair, and that in order to repair them properly, it would require a greater portion of these funds. Mr. Seanor responded that the software gave the City the best value for extending the overall condition of the streets. Some streets are in worse condition than staff's proposal and will cost more to repair properly. He further discussed the 2004 STIP funding whereby staff can look at addressing streets that are in worse condition at that time. 7:30 p.m. - Mayor Ashiku recused himself from meeting concerning this matter. Vice-Mayor Baldwin chaired meeting. Mr. Seanor explained that he did not print'out the dollar cost for each of these street sections, noting that staff had to stay within it's approved funding. It was important to balance the dollar amounts. Regular Meeting November 7, 2001 Page 8 of 14 Dolly McDonald, Ukiah, advised that as a handicapped person, she appreciates the bike lanes provided on streets so she can travel in her motorized wheelchair. She stressed the importance of the bike lanes being wide enough to accommodate handicap wheelchairs. She discussed the area of Talmage Road near the car wash and also the bridge along Waugh Lane as dangerous areas. She inquired if the City planned to install a sidewalk along Talmage Road. She also requested the sidewalk along South State Street, south of Safeway, be finished to make it easier for pedestrians and handicapped persons to travel. Vice-Mayor Baldwin explained that the portion of Talmage Road that Ms. McDonald referenced is still part of the state highway system. During the past several years, the City has been working with the state regarding reconstruction before the City takes that portion of roadway into the City system. There is a separate section of MCOG's transportation funds that can be used for pedestrian and bike lanes, and inquired if it would be possible for the City to be able to use some of this money for pedestrian and bike paths. Mr. Seanor explained that one of the projects that the City has received STI P funding this year is to construct a sidewalk along the State Street frontage at the Fairgrounds. It is his understanding that if there is a gap in the sidewalk; the project would rank higher than repairing existing sidewalks. Assistant City Manager Fierro explained that some of Ms. McDonald's issues and concerns can go before the Traffic Engineering Committee and he will ask staff to look into agendizing those matters. He discussed recent improvements on Leslie Street and working with a residents of the area. Tom Waters, representing KUKI radio, recommended that if the City plans to dig up the streets within the next couple years, it should be done before repairing the streets. M/S Smith/Libby approving the selection of local streets for rehabilitation work to be funded through the 2002 STIP as recommended by Staff. There was a brief discussion concerning streets that are in worse condition than those listed in the proposal, and the cost to repair them. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, and Vice-Mayor Baldwin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Mayor Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. 7:39 p.m. - Mayor Ashiku returned to the meeting. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10e. Consideration of Resolution Designating Portions of Mendocino National Forest and Park Lands as Wilderness Areas Under the Federal Wilderness Act of 1964 Mayor Ashiku explained that he submitted for Council's consideration a proposal with regard to certain publicly held lands within Mendocino County to be designated as Regular Meeting Novembbr 7, 2001 Page 9 of 14 Wilderness Areas under the Wilderness Act of 1964. It is important to note that there are no privately owned lands being considered for this resolution. This is federal land in Mendocino County because of its tremendous value for recreational purposes and scenic value to be preserved. Joan Kelly, Ukiah, provided letters of support to Council. She advised that Senator Barbara Boxer is in the final stages of choosing wilderness areas that will be included in her Wilderness Bill. They are asking for Council's support for the areas that are included in the Mendocino County area. She advised that the definition of "wilderness" is based on the Wilderness Act of 1964 and requires that the areas be roadless, that they are 5,000 acres or more, and that after they are designated they remain roadless but are open to hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and grazing. Ellen Drell, Willits, identified the six areas being proposed for wilderness designation, as noted on a large map. She also described their attributes. Mayor Ashiku noted that existing roads would be respected if they were in use and met the road standards. Mrs. Drell explained that in some areas, road corridors would be left open so that some of the areas will be accessible by vehicle. She noted that a real effort was made when citizens inventoried these areas, looking at areas that have traditional use by hunters who used to be able to get to traditional hunting camps. In every case, that access was retained. Councilmember Libby inquired if this proposal has been presented to the Willits City Council. Mrs. Drell explained that they have discussed the matter with individual Councilmembers in Willits but have not made a formal presentation to the Council as a whole. David Drell discussed the process whereby an inventory was conducted of every piece of federal land in California that might qualify under the Wilderness Act. Once that inventory process was finished, the citizen inventory was then checked and numerous meetings took place between federal land management agencies, Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management to make sure those inventories were in concert with the perception of the federal land management agency. The areas proposed have been approved as meeting the criteria for the Wilderness Act. Councilmember Libby inquired if there is any privately owned land that would be landlocked due to this designation. She expressed concern that property owners have adequate access to their parcels and be able to obtain permission to drive through the wilderness to access to their property. Mr. Drell explained that when a piece of private property becomes part of a wilderness Regular Meeting November 7, 2001 Page ]0 of 14 area, the access they have at the time of the designation is retained. Use of their property is in no way altered by the wilderness designation and all of their rights are retained. He further explained that if they have trail access now, then they would retain the trail access under the Wilderness Act. Once the area is designated wilderness, it would be unlikely that they would be able to obtain improved access. Dolly McDonald addressed Council concerning the public being able to have access to wilderness areas and if the federal government would maintain the land, such as in the case of landslides. Mrs, Drell explained that the federal government will be the land stewards and the Wilderness Act provides for management options in case of disasters, such as fire. Upon questioning by Ms. McDonald as to whether the area would be accessible by boat, Mrs. Drell explained that the area would be open to non-motorized vehicles. David Rounds, 501 Canyon View Court, Ukiah, felt it is wonderful opportunity for Council to further along the preservation of these lands. Nancy Commons, Yokayo Drive, Ukiah, was of the opinion that designating these areas as wilderness will draw more people to visit Ukiah and the wilderness areas. Dan Holbrook, Ukiah, explained that he lived in Covelo for about 25 years and felt the main impact will be to the Covelo and Round Valley area. He thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for Round Valley to set aside more land. He went on to explain how much of the land in the Round Valley area has been abused by four wheel drive vehicles tearing up the hillsides. He is supportive of preserving these areas. Linda Gray, Orr Springs Road, Ukiah, discussed Sonoma County purchasing millions of dollars worth of open space land. This proposal is an opportunity for us to do the same thing at no cost to the taxpayer. She supported the proposal. Peggy Cushner discussed private property in this area becoming more valuable when it is surrounded by wilderness area. Councilmember Libby observed that she did not see any letters from landowners who may be landlocked. Mrs. Drell explained that there are a handful of landowners and they are not always easy to contact. They do have letters that were submitted from neighboring landowners to these areas and they have all been positive. She discussed "in holders" and that many are negotiating with the Forest Service to sell some of their property. She did not anticipate opposition because in all of those cases, they already have road access and it guarantees their ability to carry on with whatever they want to do with their land. She noted it is her belief that all "in holdings" have road access. Regular Meeting November 7, 2001 Page l! of 14 Councilmember Baldwin inquired if there were any restrictions regarding prohibited activities in the wilderness areas that include aircraft. Mrs. Drell was not aware if aircraft are prohibited from flying over the wilderness areas. M/S Smith/Ashiku adopting Resolution 2002-21, supporting the designation of certain Federal lands in Mendocino County as wilderness through Federal Wilderness Legislation Councilmember Baldwin commented that it is significant that we are doing this for ourselves and other generations after us. He discussed noise being an element that is detracting from our quality of life even in Ukiah. He explained that the wilderness does allow access, protection, and preservation of open space, and goes hand in hand with access as long as it's not motorized access. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 11. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Larson reported that he recently attended the Pumpkinfest and worked on behalf of the Ukiah Senior Center to raffled a truck. He attended the MTA reception for Doug Pliant who assumed Steve Turner's position at MTA. He met with the Skateboard Committee and representatives of Ukiah Players in an attempted to address the Ukiah Players' concerns about the skate park site located near the Ukiah Players complex. Most of the discussions focused on the need for acoustical analysis. He explained that the acoustics is a very real problem at that location and staff continues to look for other sites where a skate park may be located. MCOE has not contacted them regarding the results of their soils analysis on the other parcel located on Low Gap Road. He attended the Housing Forum two weeks ago and found it 'very interesting. Councilmember Smith reported that the Ukiah Main Street Board of Directors meets tomorrow and one thing they will take under consideration is an article from the November issue of Men's Journal that trashes Ukiah. He noted that there is also an article about it in today's Ukiah Daily Journal. He also attended the reception for Doug Pliant at MTA. The MTA Board met following the reception and instituted action to implement the imminent domain process on the Fjords property located at the Crossroads Shopping Center for a North Transit Center for MTA. He was unable to attend the NCPA meeting, however, Public Utilities Director Barnes did attend. He plans to attend another NCPA meeting later this month. Both he and Councilmember Larson plan to attend the League of California Cities conference in December. Councilmember Larson recalled that there had been a notation in the previous Council minutes that the conference money had been returned to the League. Councilmember Smith explained that the conference had been rescheduled to later in December. Regular Meeting November 7, 2001 Page ]2 of ]4 Councilmember Libby displayed a rendering of the Cultural and Recreation Center for Ukiah. The Recreation Committee has been diligently working on this project and continues to move forward with the project. Yesterday Dianne Brown, a professional campaign consultant, presented a workshop. They are in the process of looking for funding for the project. She reported attending the Mendocino College Business Summit luncheon and found it very interesting. A representative from the state spoke about the electric situation. She also attended the Pumpkinfest. She explained that she read the article in the newspaper about MTA's decision to pursue imminent domain proceedings. She felt this it is a strong policy statement for MTA to say they are going forward with proceedings for acquisition of property through the imminent domain process. Since Councilmember Smith represents the City on the MTA Board, she felt that perhaps he should have consulted with the City Council on an issue this large. She inquired of Council concerning their opinion on the matter. Mayor Ashiku recommended the matter be agendized at the next meeting concerning how the City's representatives on governing boards will deal with future issues of imminent domain. Councilmember Baldwin distributed an article about the status of the community. He encouraged everyone to look at the north entrance to the City near Yokayo Bowl and the truck stop. It was his opinion that there has never been more litter on our highways and especially in the area of the North State Street exit than every before. He hoped that Council would consider taking a stand on the Adopt-A-Highway program. He explained that a sign is placed on the highway free of charge and the clean up occurs four times each year. Mayor Ashiku, after consulting with Councilmember Baldwin, requested the matter be agendized on the next Council meeting regarding a recommendation concerning the Adopt-A-Highway program and comments to, the state concerning the program. He reported that there is a mediation meeting scheduled for November 14 with the Fire Unit. He wanted to attend because he has been working with the Fire Unit concerning employee negotiations. A poll of Council revealed that Mayor Ashiku and Councilmember I_arson would attend the Fire Unit meeting. He directed Assistant City Manager Fierro to make sure that someone talks to Mr. Bishop and Mark Ashiku about erecting some security fencing between their hangars. The fencing would keep vehicles off the runway. He noticed that someone drove a vehicle through the fence on the north end of the roadway and onto Hastings Road and the fence needs to be repaired. He also noted that Claudia from Ace Aerial requested the status of the hangar doors that Council approved for purchase for her hangar. He requested Assistant City Regular Meeting November 7, 2001 Page ]3 of ]4 Manager Fierro contact her about the matter. 12. CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK/DIRECTOR REPORTS Assistant City Manager Fierro reported that last Saturday, staff and Mendocino Releaf planted approximately 40 trees in Todd Grove Park. The second installment of the Trees for the Millennium Project that Council approved will be planted on November 17th. They will be phasing in the trees during the next two years and are looking at planting trees near the Airport. City Clerk Ulvila advised that she would be out of the office on November 8 and 9, 2001. A mailing to contractors will be sent next week soliciting applications for the 2002 Qualified Contractors List. The deadline for submittal of applications is December 28, 2001. She continues to work on transcribing minutes of City Council meetings. Mayor Ashiku noted an item of correspondence regarding the annual Police Department dinner that will take place on December 1st. City Clerk Ulvila reported the Second Annual Sudden Oak Death Summit is scheduled for November 16th in Petaluma and inquired if any Councilmember had interest in attending. She noted that possibly some members of the. City's Parks Department would be attending. 13. CLOSED SESSION None. 14.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m. Marie Ulvila, City Clerk Regular Meeting November 7, 2001 Page ]4 of 14