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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-08-04 Packet· CITY OF UKIAH CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Regular Adjourned Meeting CIVIC CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM #3 300 Seminary Avenue August 4, 1993 4:30 P.M. Roll Call ~NFINISHED BUSINESS a. Interview of Planning Commission Applicants i. 4:40 - Dianne Chocholak ii. 5:00 - Albert Beltrami iii. 5:20 - Cindee Mayfield iv. 5:40 - William French Jr. 3. ADJOURNMENT RECEIVED CITY OF UKIAH ~ APPLICATION FOR PLANNING COMMISSION 1993 Date ~c~g ~1 lqq~ - ~3~ CLERK DEPA~ 11vlENT I am applying for an appointment to the City of Ukiah's Planning Co~ission. 1. Name 2. Residence Address 3. Business Address 4. Employer Res. Phone Bus. Phone 7~' !~/~ Employed Since 5. How long have you resided in Ukiah? 1~ years; Mendocino County ]~ years 6. Please list community groups or organizations you are affiliated with an.d indicate any offices held / , Please answer the following questions on separate sheets of paper and attach. 7. Why are you applying to serve on the City of Ukiah's Planning Commission? 8. What is your understanding of the purpose, role and responsibility of the Planning Commission? 9. What is, or should be the relationship between the City's Planning Commission and the City Council, and between the Commission and Staff? 10. How do you believe your own skills, experience, expertise and perspective will be beneficial to the work of the Planning Commission? 11. What do you believe is the most important land use related issue presently facing our community? 12. As a member of the Planning Commission, how would you attempt to address this priority issue? 13. In your opinion what type or types of growth, if any, should the City encourage? 14. In your opinion, what type or types of growth should the City discourage? 15. Are there any changes to the City's current planning review process that you.would like to see implemented? 16. What kind of ideal community do you envision for Ukiah? Please return this application and attachments to the City Clerk by Noon on June 9, 1993. CITY OF UKIAH APPLICATION FOR PLANNING COMMISSION June 8, 1993 Di anne M. Chochol ak 7. I am applying to serve on the City of Ukiah's Planning Commission because I am interested and concerned about the direction Ukiah will take over the next 20 years. In my opinion, we need economic development, controlled population Growth that will not encroach on our agricultural lands or overuse our natural resources, and a vision for keeping the beauty of this valley. 8. I understand that the purpose of the Planning Commission is to make the best decision possible regarding proposals, applications and issues which come before it. Its role is to review the proposals, applications, etc., to listen to the pros and cons and the recommendation of the planning staff on each issue, to discuss the situation, and to come to a voting decision with the other commissioners. The Planning Commission has a responsibility to the people of Ukiah and this valley to be well informed of each issue before it is discussed, to adhere to the Ukiah General Plan, and to make wise decisions with some consideration for future Generations. 9. I think the Planning Commission, the City Council and the Planning staff should have an open, working relationship. I would take time to discuss issues with these people in order to gain an understanding of each situation. 10. Working on the Planning Commission would be a totally new experience for me; but I 3ust received my B.A. Degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Chemistry from Sonoma State University and am very interested in decisions made locally which affect our environment. I took courses in Planning, Environmental Regulations and Environmental Impact Reporting, all of which could help me as a member of the Planning Commission. Having studied the history of this valley and the Russian River over the past few years in an attempt to Get to know this county, I have gained a perspective of time. I have worked as an intern for Dennis Jackson at the Mendocino County Water Agency and am presently compiling an environmental history of the Eel River basin for Park Steiner in Potter Valley. I do fee] that my background could be a benefit to the Planning Commission. 11. I believe that the most important ]and use issue facing Ukiah now is preservation of the open space and agricultural lands which make this such a beautiful valley. But I also believe that we have a responsibility to use the land within the City limits efficiently, without forcing it to become too crowded. 12. As a member of the Planning Commission, I would strive to maintain the City of Ukiah General Plan (which I believe supports preservation of open space) and vote against applications which try to develop open space. The Downtown Redevelopment Plan is dealing with efficient use of inner city space. 13. In my opinion, I do not want Ukiah to become as large as Santa Rosa. Therefore, I feel the City should encourage slow growth of a certain number of residences per year--to give the City time to develop Its infrastructure along with the growth. Since we need economic development, I believe that small businesses would be better than large businesses; because this would give the City time to make ad.justments to the resulting changes of a new small business. We have to take it easy and evaluate our condition as we go along, not allowing ourselves to be pressured into bigtime developments which force changes the City is not ready for. 14. I think I answered this question in 15. I have no ideas on this. 16. We moved to Ukiah from Southern California in 1974 to raise our family in a small, rural town--and we have done just that. I would hope that Ukiah can keep its small town feel and its beautiful countrysides for future families to en.joy as well. I feel we have a lot of work to do to repair some environmental damage to the Russian River and to the creeks around town, as well as to create some inner city and riverside places of recreation and entertainment for families to enjoy safely. We also need a stronger economic base. People in Ukiah are going in and out of business all the time. We have to figure out how to help keep them In business. CITY OF UKIAH APPLICATION FOR PLANNING COMMISSION I am applying for an appointment to the City of Ukiah's P±annlng~::CD~t~s. ion. 2. Residence Address /Y~ /~.~'~;~:'/,~. F~C'~--~ Res. Phone 3. Business Address <'(~60V~) ~ Bus. Phone Title 4 Employer ~6'].~- ~',~q .,& Job ~ · ~.'i~c~ Employed Since 5. How long have you resided i'n Ukiah? ~ ,years; Mendocino County ~ .years · Please list community groups or.organizations you, are affiliated with and indicate any offices held me~,,.:,,~ (¥x,¢'~. m~'~.~ ~¥,s~-7 p.,,~,~-~ ~e~.l~ .- Please answer the following questions on separate sheets of paper and attach. 7. Why are you applying to serve on the City of Ukiah's Planning Commission? 8. What is your understanding of the purpose, role and responsibility of the Planning Commission? 9. What is, or should be the relationship between the City's Planning Commission and the City Council, and between the Commission and Staff? 10. How do you believe your own skills, experience, expertise and perspective will be beneficial to the work of the Planning Commission? 11. Wh~ do you believe is the most important land use related issue presently facing our community? 12. As a member of the Planning Commission~ how would you attempt to address this priority issue? 13. In your opinion what type or types of growth, if' any, should the City encourage? 14. In your opinion, what type or types of growth should the City discourage? 15. Are there any changes to the City's current planning review process that you would like to see implemented? 16. What kind of ideal community do you envision for Ukiah? Please return this application and attachments to the City Clerk by Noon on June 9, 1993. · After a career in California local government, I now want to serve my community by utilizing my education and exper- ience. The quality of life in Ukiah is directly impacted by Planning Commission decisions and I would like to par- ticipate in such future impacts. e The Planning Commission has statuatory responsibilites under State law and municipal ordinances to approve, enforce and maintain a general plan along with zoning requirements. The Commission also serves as a hearing body and appellate body on certain planning department decisions. · The Commission acts independently of the Council, but there should be a community of interest and philosophy between the Council and the Commission - developed by joint general meetings during the year. As appointees of the Council, the Commissioners should try to understand Council goals and planning programs and implement them, while still exercising independent judgement. The staff should be supported when the Commission finds them right and opposed when they find them wrong. The Commission should not be a "rubber stamp" but should lean towards the staff recommendations. The staff should be professional and expect the Commission to use independent judgement and evalutation. This means the staff has to put its best foot forward in its evaluations, reports, and recommendations. 10. Having worked as staff to many boards and commissions, as well as being a member of a policy board for over 20 years, I believe that that experience can assist the Commission in being a working entity between the members, with the Council and with the staff. 11. To maintain our rural way of life as posssible as we face the growing pressures of development and growth. This valley both in and out of City limits, needs to maintain a balance of agriculture, recreation, business and homes. 12. To work with other commissioners and staff to inform and involve Ukiahans in the purpose and function of planning; develop a city motiff and style; work for a general plan emphasizing positive development while still maintaining our rural lifestyle; work with County planners to protect city outskirts and work toward logical annexation. 13. Diverse small businesses as much as possible, especially dealing in environmental, word processing and local products Maintain a friendly athmosphere for existing businesses. 14. Some of the existing developments north of the city limits should be aggressively addressed to make city entry more scenic and attractive. Growth should emphasize local products and local employment. Environmentally damaging growth should be discouraged in order to maintain our attributes. 15. Where possible, the present procedural process should be streamlined to approve general plan changes more expediously while still providing for adequate public involvement. Also, some of the detailed requirements regarding landscaping, etc. should be simlified. 16. A community which takes pride in its natural setting and which aspires to be a regional cultural, economic, business and government center. I envision a Ukiah with a mall center and tree lined State street with esthetic concern for all natural settings. I envision a city with arteries to unplug the 101 offramp conges- tion; a city extending from Boonville Road to the Forks, with infill developments and a planned population of 22,500 by 2030. San Luis Obispo is a community model that we could emulate to our benefit. Date June 29, 1993 I am applying for an appointment to the City of U.~iah~'Piannlng commission. 1. Name Cindee F. Mayfield 2. Residence Address 308 Jones St. - Ukiah, CA 3. Business Address!69 Mason Street, Suite 300 4. Employer RAWLE~ HINKLE/CARTER Job Title Attorne¥ 5. How long have you resided in Ukiah? 7 .years; Mendocino County 7 years 6. Please list community groups or organizations you are affiliated with and indicate any offices held Mendocino County Bar Assn.; Recently applied for Leadership Mendocino Res. Phone46~-].~76 Bus. Phone462-6694 Employed Since 11/87 Please answer the following questions on separate sheets of paper and attach. 7. Why are you applying to serve on the City of Ukiah's Planning Commission? 8. What is your understanding of the purpose, role and responsibility of the Planning Commission? 9. What is, or should be the relationship between the City's Planning Commission and the City Council, and between the Commission and Staff? 10. How do you believe your own skills, experience, expertise and perspective will be beneficial to the work of the Planning Commission? 11. What do you believe is the most important land use related issue presently facing our community? 12. As a member of the Planning Commission, how would you attempt to address this priority issue? 13. In your opinion what type or types of growth, if any, should the city encourage? ~ 14. In your opinion, what type or types of growth should the City discourage? 15. Are there any changes to the City's current planning review process that you would like to see implemented? 16. What kind of ideal community do you envision for Ukiah? Please return this application' and attachments to the City Clerk by Noon on June 30, 1993. 7. This is my second application to serve on the City of Ukiah Planning Commission. I continue be interested in local government. I would like to be involved rather than simply be a spectator. I have applied again for the Planning Commission because I think it performs one of the most important functions in the City and I believe I have the skills to be an effective member of the Commission. 8. It is my understanding that the Planning Commission's role is to make decisions about development applications submitted to City's Planning staff through the consideration and implementation of the City's General Plan, applicable law and regulations, policy established by the City Council, and recommendations of Planning staff. It is not a Planning Commissioner's job to try to create his or her own vision of the ideal community, although some degree of vision and common sense is essential because planning decisions usually have long term impacts. 9. The City's Planning staff are career professionals who engage in the detailed review and analysis of applications and make recommendations to the Planning Commission. The opinions and recommendations of staff are entitled to a certain amount of deference from the Commission because of their experience and expertise. The City Council establishes development policy through adoption of the General Plan, passage of Ordinances, hearing appeals, and the like. The Commission's job is to take policy direction from the City Council, review and consider the analysis prepared by the Planning staff, and reach a decision which is in the best interests of the City as a whole. 10. Since taking a position with the Rawles, Hinkle Law Office in 1987, I have become familiar with the Subdivision Map Act, CE~A, and other statutes which are important to land use issues generally. Although I have no prior experience in city government, I like to believe that I am a quick learner, have a cool temper, and a willingness to listen to all points of view. Additionally, I have married into a family which owns several businesses throughout Ukiah and Mendocino County and have had the benefit, through them, of seeing firsthand some of the issues of which affect businesses in this community. When I last applied for the Planning Commission, I was asked by Mayor Schneider if I would be unduly influenced in rendering planning decisions by my father-in-law, John Mayfield, Jr. The answer I gave then remains true today: No, because I have my own opinions and perspective. However, I view my association with the Mayfield family as providing me with valuable experience and perspective regarding planning decisions that I would not otherwise have. 11. There are several important land use related issues presently facing the County; it is hard to isolate Ukiah from the County as a whole with regard to interrelated land use issues. Encouraging businesses to establish and prosper is probably the most important issue, because without adequate employment opportunities, the people of the community suffer and the tax base for the City erodes. Money that is needed to improve the standard of life in this community won't be available unless people are employed and businesses are thriving. 12. I think the steps that the City has taken thus far to encourage the continuation of existing businesses and the establishment of new businesses are steps in the right direction. If I were appointed to the Planning Commission, I would follow the lead established by the City Council and attempt to facilitate the establishment of new business and ease the burden on existing businesses. Only when businesses are thriving is there money available for facade renovations, landscaping and special features that will add to the value and enjoyment of Ukiah's business district. My sense is that there is a level of frustration in the business community statewide (this criticism is not unique to Ukiah) about the onerous conditions and lengthy delays in obtaining permits of all types. I think that the Planning Commission and the Planning staff hold some of the keys to alleviating nonproductive roadblocks. 13. I have no preconceived notion of the types of growth the City should encourage. If appointed to the Planning Commission, I would consider applications on a case by case basis, looking carefully at the design of the project, the developer's willingness to work with the City, and for conformity with the General Plan and other policies established by the City Council. 14. Again, it is difficult in the abstract to state what types of growth should be discouraged; clearly, this is a decision which should be made on a case by case basis. In general, the only type of growth I think should be discouraged is development which unduly impinges upon agricultural land or which is environmentally damaging. 15. I think that the City's current planning review process could be streamlined to some extent, and that the Planning Commission can work with staff to accomplish this. 16. As you've probably gathered from reading my responses to the proceeding questions, I don't think that my personal vision of how Ukiah should ideally be developed is the most important criteria in making decision on applications. To the contrary, I see the role of the Planning Commission as implementing policy established by the Ukiah City Council, and I feel very comfortable with this role. Ukiah is a beautiful place to live because of its natural scenic beauty and small town character. I don't think, however, that new development will necessarily spoil this character. Every community in the State of California will experience growth; the only question is whether it will be done wisely. I would like to participate in this process as a member of Ukiah's Planning Commission. CITY OF UKIAH APPLICATION FOR PLANNING COMMISSION I am applying for an appointment to the City of 2. Residence Address ~ ~ C~ <~, /gmr SD Res. Phone ~.~ 3. Business Address~.C?,t~OXDS~./ ~4(~-~e,~c~ ~'sc[~[Bus. Phone ~~. 4. Employer ~c&~~ Job Title ~/~- Employed Since/~/~ 5. How long have you resided i'n Ukiah?~ ~~; Mendocino County [~ years 6. Please list co--unity groups or 9rg~nizations you are affiliated with and indicate any offices held ~ ~'~-~.~ ~~t~.c~'%o Coi~v~.~ ~4 (~ ~,~ ~:~mA-. C'~ (-~~-- ~,'~'~~-o~--~,~.~t,~.~ c[~., ~i 0., (4~;~h Please answer the following questions on separate sheets of paper and attach. 7. Why are you applying to serve on the City of Ukiah's Planning Commission? 8. What is your understanding of the purpose, role and responsibility of the Planning Commission? 9. What is, or should be the relationship between the City's Planning Commission and the City Council, and between the Commission and Staff? 10. How do you believe your own skills, experience, expertise and perspective will be beneficial to the work of the Planning Commission? 11. What do you believe is the most important land use related issue presently facing our community? 12. As a member of the Planning Commission, how would you attempt to address this priority issue? 13. In your opinion what type or types of growth, if any, should the City encourage? 14. In your opinion, what type or types of growth should the City discourage? 15. Are there any changes to the City's current planning review process that you would like to see implemented? 16. What kind of ideal community do you envision for Ukiah? Please return this application and attachments to the City Clerk by Noon on June 9, 1993. ! P'/