HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 05-03-00MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, May 3, 2000
The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on May 3, 2000, 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: Smith, Libby, Baldwin, Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin. Staff present: Public
Utilities Director Barnes, Finance Director Elton, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris, City
Manager Horsley, MiS Coordinator Klingbeil, Senior Civil Engineer McKeon, City Attorney
Rapport, Deputy Public Works Director Seanor, and City Clerk Ulvila.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Ashiku led the Pledge of Allegiance.
City Manager Horsley advised that public comment is expected on Consent item 7i and
recommended the item be heard under New Business.
Consensus of Council was to pull Item 7i from the Consent Calendar and place it as item
10a-1 under New Business.
PROCLAMATION
3a. California Bike to Work Day, May 18, 2000
Mayor Mastin read the Proclamation designating May 18, 2000 as Bike to Work Day in the
City of Ukiah.
Chris Brown explained that he rides his bike to work and is also the new Air Quality
Planner with the Air Quality Management District. He advised that yesterday they
approved $40,000 for bike improvements in Ukiah and noted working with Senior Planner
Charley Stump on this project.
Sanj Ballajee thanked Council for the Proclamation and discussed Bike Week events
planned.
Mayor Mastin explained that during Bike Week he and Supervisor Shoemaker will be in a
contest to see who will ride their bike the most. The bikes will be fitted with odometers.
PROCLAMATION
3b. NALC National Food Drive Day
Mayor Mastin read the Proclamation designating May 13, 2000 as National Association of
Letter Carriers (NALC) National Food Drive Day in Ukiah.
Terry Poploski, president of the branch 1563 the National Association of Letter Carriers
AFL-CiO for Ukiah and Willits, thanked the City for sponsoring this program over the past
several years. He discussed taking care of the needy and working poor people in the
community.
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Kevin Murphy, Manager of the Food Bank in Ukiah, expressed his appreciation to City
staff and the City's involvement. He discussed the Hunger Study in Ukiah and finding
solutions and opportunities to resolve hunger in the community.
PROCLAMATION
3c. Veterans Appreciation Month in Ukiah
Mayor Mastin read the Proclamation designating May, 2000 as Veterans Appreciation
Month in Ukiah.
Councilmember Smith, as a veteran and member of the American Legion, accepted the
proclamation.
PRESENTATION
4a. Newly Developed Youth Drop in Center Located in Ukiah: Robert Ducharme,
HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Services Coordinator, and Katherine Fen~ler,
Mendocino County Youth Project
Robert Ducharme, HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Services Coordinator, explained that
their agency is one of 30 applicants statewide who will receive funding for youth drop in
centers. Their program is under the Dept. of Public Health and the Mendocino Youth
Project to provide youth with a place to go for referrals. They are currently seeking a
central location for their project. He noted that the Youth Council is coordinated to guide
the project in a direction that is appealing to youth.
Katherine Fengler, Youth Drop in Center Coordinator, Mendocino County Youth Project,
discussed the composition of the program and how it is development oriented. They are
working on goals and objectives for the program. They hope to provide recreation,
education, and prevention services to youth, by way of linkages and referral services
throughout the community. There will also be vocational links for youth. The age group
that they are targeting is between 12 and 23 years of age.
Discussion followed concerning the program and services they plan to offer youth in the
community.
PRESENTATION
4b. Museum Facility Expansion Revised Design
City Manager Horsley advised that the plan for the Museum expansion came before the
Council about a year ago and since that time changes to the design have been made.
Museum Director Smith-Ferri discussed the plans to expand the Museum, noting that it
should have a minimal impact as far as appearance of the building. She explained that
they met with a special architect and museum consultant, the Guild, and others, seeking
input as to how they can serve the public better. She noted one of the constraints of the
new addition is restrooms. She discussed the fire protection system and a provision for
additional art storage space. There is added gallery space, divided into two small galleries,
and she discussed the interior design of the project. They will be able to utilize gallery
space for educational space and for meetings. The office space will be increased and the
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gift shop will be relocated to the front. A number of outside entrances will be added and
they plan to have a "sculpture garden". Their ground breaking ceremony is planned for
August 12, 2000 and hope to have the project completed next year.
Staff and Council commended the Sun House Guild and staff for their hard work and were
happy with the revisions to the project. The Guild was also commended for the amount of
money they have committed to the project.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
5a. Regular Meeting of April 5, 2000
Mayor Mastin advised that he was taken aback at 24 pages of minutes for the April 5
meeting. He expressed concern with the minute format being more verbatim than
summary, as previously discussed by Council. He also expressed concern with the
amount of time and work that went into transcribing these minutes and was unsu re if this is
not a good use of time. He would like further discussion of how the minutes should be
taken and suggested the minutes could be completed in summary form, with the tapes
being made part of the minutes and available for review.
Councilmember Libby advised that of the April 5 minutes, there was only one issue that
she asked to have in detail. The remainder 'of the minutes were fine as presented.
There was a brief discussion concerning how the minutes should be prepared, with City
Attorney Rapport advising that the matter would need to be agendized at a subsequent
meeting for further discussion.
Mayor Mastin directed staff to include the matter on the next Council agenda for
consideration.
Councilmember Baldwin noted a correction to page 13, last paragraph, first sentence to
read: "Councilmember Baldwin agreed that when a decision of the Council creates
negative impacts for a neighborhood then we have to, as representatives of the community
and the citizens and taxpayers, to try to help that community out and remediate the
problem and that is exactly what a previous Council did in the Lorraine and Betty area."
Councilmember Libby noted a correction to page 1, last paragraph, last sentence to read:
"The first day in Washington, D.C. they attended a briefing on all legislative issues would
be discussed with the Legislatures."
M/S Baldwin/Ashiku approving the Minutes 'of April 5, 2000 as corrected, carried by the
following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Libby, Baldwin, Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin.
NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Smith.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
5b. Re.clular Meeting of April 19, 2000
M/S Ashiku/Baldwin approving the Minutes of April 19, 2000.
May 3, 2000
Page 3 of 14
Councilmember Libby noted the following corrections:
Page 5, first paragraph, last sentence to read: "This ticket would help make it affordable for
families to attend the Fourth of July celebration."
Page 5, fourth paragraph, second and third sentences to read:, "They are organizing and
will have a Steering Committee of approximately 12 individuals. She discussed the
composition of the Steering Committee and noted organizations that have indicated they
would use the Community Center on a routine basis are the Boys and Girls Club and PAL."
M/S Ashiku/Baldwin amending previous motion to approve the Minutes of April 19, 2000
as corrected, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Libby, Baldwin,
Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: Councilmember
Smith.
6. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION
Mayor Mastin read the appeal process.
7, CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Mastin advised that item 7i will be reagendized under New Business item 10a-1.
M/S Smith/Baldwin approving items a through h of the Consent Calendar as follows:
a. Rejected Claim for Damages Received from Jerry T. Burke and Referred to the Joint
Powers Authority, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund;
b. Received Report of Disposition of Surplused Materials, Used Equipment and Supplies;
c. Adopted Resolution No. 2000-39 Establishing a No-Parking Zone/Bus Loading Zone
Along North State Street;
d. Adopted Resolution No. 2000-40 Authorizing Mendocino Solid Waste Management
Authority (MSWMA) to Submit an Application for Beverage Container Block Grant;
e. Received Report of the Acquisition of Professional Services from EBA Wastechnologies
in an Amount not to Exceed $5,800;
f. Approved Budget Amendment for Community Development Block Grant Fund #33;
g. Awarded Bid for 21,000 ft. of 397.5 MCM Bare Aluminum Conduction, 19 STR. to
Nehring Electrical Works, C/O: Stephens, McCarthy & Associates in the Amount of
$12,162.15;
h. Authorized Execution of Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Removal of
Woodwaste and Yardwaste from Ukiah Solid Waste Disposal Site.
The Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby,
Baldwin, Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
8. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No on came forward to address Council.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9a. Approval of Wide Area Network (WAN) Infrastructure Proposal and Budget
Amendment for the FY 1999-00
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Finance Director Elton advised that at the March meeting, staff discussed with Council
various levels of user needs for Wide Area Networking services and Internet/E-mail
services throughout City operations. He felt a workable solution has been found for
Internet/E-mail access. He advised that representatives from Pacific Bell are available at
the meeting to answer questions of Council.
MIS Coordinator Klingbeil advised that the proposal presented in the Staff report explains
two solutions to meet the City's Wide Area Networking and access needs. She discussed
the two specific alternatives which have been discussed with Pacific Bell. Both alternatives
discussed are one-third the cost of the original system proposed and both offer slower data
transfer speeds. The Frame Relay option appears to be the better option of the two. The
biggest advantage Frame Relay has over Business DSL is the speed of data transmission
in both directions. She explained that the original WAN proposal cost $4,033 per month,
while the Frame Relay WAN proposal has a monthly cost of $1,354, and the Business DSL
with WAN connectivity alternative is $1,305 per month. She discussed the implementation
plan of connecting to eight City locations as well as providing access to the Internet on City
computers. There would be a one-time equipment expenditure of $41,700 which will
require a budget amendment to the 1999/2000 budget. She further discussed other
services that will be included in the 2000/2001 budget.
Upon an inquiry by Councilmember Baldwin concerning how to measure staff's efficiency
with the improvements, it was noted by Ms. Klingbeil that certain areas could be
measured through a monitoring process. She noted the City typically performs time
studies and could incorporate these equipment changes into the study. She noted that the
project would include approximately 130 computers City-wide.
Councilmember Libby questioned staff if the costs could be reduced and if every
employee need to have access to the Internet.
Ms. Klingbeil advised that all computers at City Hall with permanent positions as well as
those outside City Hall will be connected. Ho. wever, not all employees will have a need to
access the Internet. She noted that the City is investigating other E~mail options and will
bring the results back to Council during the budget session.
Discussion followed concerning this matter and the various functions of the City whereby
some remote locations require E-mail capabilities to access state forms. It was also noted
that the Ukiah Daily Journal is now requiring notices be sent by E-mail only.
Councilmember Smith discussed improved performance levels at his place of business
with the use of E-mail and access to the Internet. He is looking forward to be able to E-
mail the City Manager or other City departments with his questions or concerns.
Councilmember Baldwin noted concern with staff sending jokes and they should check
their E-mail regularly.
Ms. Klingbeil explained that the City currently has an Internet Policy, which has been
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approved by the City Attorney, that employees must adhere to. The Policy may need to be
amended to some extent with the application of new equipment.
Council commended staff for their research on the project.
Mayor Mastin drew attention to page 6, Final Comments, the second sentence notes that
the WAN will be at its maximum connectivity capacity when it is installed. He expressed
concern with the City's flexibility for growth.
Ms. Klingbeil explained that the sentence refers to connectivity at remote locations.
M/S Ashiku/Smith approving the WAN Frame Relay proposal as presented and authorize
the City Manager to execute the agreement between the City of Ukiah and Pacific Bell for
the Frame Relay, DSL and Pacific Bell Internet proposal, and approve amendment to the
1999/2000 budget authorizing a transfer from the General Fund 100.283.698 to the Asset
Replacement Reserve Fund 698.281.000 of $41,700, and increasing account
698.1965.800.000 by $41,7000, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES:
Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Vice-Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT:
Mayor Mastin. ABSTAIN: None.
City Manager Horsley thanked Pacific Bell representatives for coming to the meeting and
for the information they provided Council.
NEW BUSINESS
10a-1. Adoption of Resolution Removing on Street Parking and Establishing a No-
Parking Zone along South State Street.
Deputy Public Works Director Seanor advised that Gino Moretta, Roberts Mechanical &
Electrical, Inc. submitted a request to the Traffic Engineering Committee to evaluate the
sight distance at the South State Street and Wabash Avenue intersection. Mr. Moretta's
request expressed concern with vehicles parked along South State Street south of Wabash
Avenue obstructing the view of drivers attempting to turn left onto State Street from
Wabash Avenue. The net result of the proposed action will be a loss of three on-street
parking spaces, leaving parking space for seven vehicles remaining along the west side of
State Street between Wabash Avenue and the first driveway to the south. Mr. Vogel
strongly opposed the removal of parking on State Street in front of his business unless
there was an overwhelming safety reason to do so.
Discussion followed concerning the speed zones on State Street and it was noted by staff
that it varies between 25 and 35 mph. Parking availability for businesses in the immediate
location was discussed, with attention to Parnum Paving and Vogel's Used Cars.
Councilmember Smith inquired as to how many trucks use this intersection per day.
Gino Moretta responded that approximately 30 to 50 left turns are made from Wabash
onto State Street on a daily basis by his trucks. He expressed concern with poor visibility
at this location. He felt that the removal of three parking spaces would provide enough
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visibility to make a safe left turn.
Discussion continued concerning on-site parking for Parnum Paving and Vogel's Used
Cars.
M/S Libby/Smith adopting Resolution NO. 2000-41 removing on-street parking and
establishing a No Parking Zone along South State Street, carried by the following roll call
vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin. NOES:
None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
10a. Receive for Comment Proposed Mendocino Solid Waste Management
Authority 2000-01 Fiscal Year Budget
City Manager Horsley advised that the proposed Mendocino Solid Waste Management
Authority (MSWMA) budget and annual report is submitted for Council's review and
comment. No vote is required of Council on this matter.
Mike Sweeney explained that the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) faces an overall problem of
an increase services with a slight decline in revenue and expenditures compared to the
previous year's budget. Approximately half of MSWMA's revenue comes from the
surcharge on solid waste disposal of $5 per ton, and one-half from state grants, charges
for hazardous waste service, interest, and miscellaneous sources.
He discussed the graphs presented the the Report. There is an increase in the number of
vehicles attending HazMobile collections and discussed participation in Ukiah at the North
Ukiah Fire Station. He explained that there is an increase in the vehicle traffic and tonnage
of hazardous waste collected by the HazMobile. There is an increase in business and
agency participation in hazardous waste transactions with the HazMobile as well as with
household appliances serviced by HazMobile technicians. He noted Coastal Cleanup Day
participants in Mendocino County has increased.
He reported that MSWMA has received grant funds for Tire Amnesty Days, beginning
September 15, which will allow anyone to drop off four tires per day at no charge. He
explained their aerosol can machine has been put into service and will allow them to drop
the charge to businesses for dropping off these cans. He discussed the electronics
recycling program and advised that MSWMA was informed the Chinese government has
banned the import of scrap electronics and the program was suspended. With regard to
the value of the North State Street property, he advised that MSWMA owes $443,000 on
the propery. The original purchase price of the property was $550,000 and it is currently
listed at $1,012,000.
NEW BUSINESS
10b. Safe Routes to School (SAFE) Grant Application for Realignment of the Gobbi
Street/Babcock Lane/Oak Manor Drive Intersection for Pedestrian and Bicycle
Access
Senior Civil Engineer McKeon discussed the history of the Safe Routes to School
(SAFE) Grant Program for realignment of the Gobbi Street/Babcock Lane/Oak Manor Drive
May 3, 2000
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intersection to provide for pedestrian and bicycle access. The grant will fund
improvements up to $500,000, allowing the City to address the larger scope of the
improvements at this intersection. The proposed project is to realign the intersection so
that all four legs are in alignment and to widen the street sections and construct sidewalks
that will allow safe pedestrian and bicycle access through the intersection to Oak Manor
School. The realignment will necessitate the replacement of the existing box culvert at the
corner of Gobbi Street and Babcock Lane. The project also includes the construction of a
meandering bike path from the intersection through Oak Manor Park, to Oak Manor
School. This project will also provide for safe pedestrian access through this intersection to
Riverside and Oak Manor Parks from all areas to the west. A project to install Bike Lanes
from the west side of the Highway 101 overcrossing to this project is being submitted for
funding under a different grant and is expected to be approved. The total estimated cost
for the SAFE project is $552,000 and the grant covers 90% of the overall project costs, or
$497,000. Caltrans is scheduled to issue an approved list of funded projects on June 15,
2000. If approved, a consultant would design the project which would then be put out to
bid by spring of 2001, and constructed during the summer and fall of 2001.
City Manager Horsley explained that should the grant funds not be approved, staff will
come back to Council after budget time requesting City funding options.
Discussion of the project followed with regard to flooding in the area, project costs, time
frame for construction, and the installation of culverts.
NEW BUSINESS
10c. Adoption of Resolution Calling an Election and Authorizing Execution of
Agreement with the County of Mendocino for the Provision of Election
Services at the City Election to be Consolidated with the Reqular Statewide
General Election
City Clerk Ulvila advised that the City has historically consolidated its elections with
Mendocino County. The proposed Resolution, with Agreement attached, calls for an
election on November 7, 2000, consolidating the election with the Statewide General
Election, and contracting with the County of Mendocino for election services. The election
is necessary to fill the vacancies created by the expiration of two Councilmembers terms,
the term of the Mayor, City Clerk, and City Treasurer. Any ballot measures that Council
may wish to include on the ballot are covered by the terms of the Agreement. Council
previously directed staff to compose language for a Ballot Measure in support of the City
Clerk's position being appointed rather than elected. Staff will present wording for this
measure for Council's approval in the near future.
M/S Baldwin/Libby adopting Resolution No. 2000-calling an Election and authorizing an
Agreement between the City of Ukiah and Mendocino County and authorize the Mayor to
execute the Agreement, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers
Smith, Libby, Baldwin, Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
NEW BUSINESS
May 3', '2000
Page 8 of 14
10d. Discussion of Cost of Living Increase for City Councilmember Salaries
City Manager Horsley advised that Council adopted a cost-of-living increase to its salary
rate in August 1998, which became effective after the November 1998 election. At that
time, Council requested that discussion of Councilmember salary adjustments be
addressed before the annual Budget process in each election year so that any percentage
increases would be incorporated into the next fiscal year's budget. The current
Councilmember salary is $435 per month. Actual cost-of-living adjustments would not go
into effect until the November 2000 election, and after elected Councilmembers begin their
terms of office. At that point, all Councilmembers would receive the increase at the same
time.
Council discussion of the matter followed.
Mayor Mastin was of the opinion that the increase should not be over 4% each year.
Councilmember Baldwin was supportive of a 3% increase because he felt it important to
make the position more attractive to struggling working class and poor people in the
community. He also supports a $50 stipend for the Planning Commission.
City Attorney Rapport advised that the matter of Planning Commission salaries is not on
the agenda at this time.
Councilmember Ashiku was not supportive of an increase at this time because the
stipend was adequate.
Councilmember Smith had no opinion on the matter.
Councilmember Libby was supportive of a 3% increase in salary.
M/S Baldwin/Smith directing staff to prepare an Ordinance for introduction to increase
Councilmembers salaries by 3% for a two-year period, carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin. NOES:
Councilmember Ashiku. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
NEW BUSINESS
10e. Adoption of Resolution Approving Revisions to Agreement with Redwood
Empire Municipal Insurance Fund (REMIF)
City Manager Horsley advised the original Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Agreement for
the Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund (REMIF) consisted of seven member cities
in the 1970s. Over time, eight other cities have approached REMIF to participate in the
pooled insurance funds. These eight cities joined REMIF as Associate Members but do
not have a vote on the board. The Board has agreed that two Associate Members may sit
on the REMIF Board as voting members. In order to implement this action, the JPA
Agreement must be amended and is before Council for approval.
M/S Ashiku/Baldwin adopting Resolution No. 2000-42 approving revisions to Agreement
May 3, 2000
Page 9 of 14
with Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby,
Baldwin, Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
NEW BUSINESS
10f. Consideration and Direction to Staff Regarding Senate Bill 1540 and Assembly
Bill 1956
Councilmember Baldwin recapped the purposes of the two bills. SB1540 sets aside
state money to create the California Dam Decommission and River Restoration
Commission and Dam Decommission Fund. This would fund a study of all dams to
determine if they should be decommissioned, demolished, removed, or modified for the
purpose of restoring spawning habitats for salmon and steelhead fisheries. It also amends
the Scenic Rivers Act. He further discussed the bill in detail, how the fund was established,
and its affects on Lake Pillsbury and Lake Mendocino dams.
AB 1956 concerns the sale and acquisition of P.G.&E.'s hydroelectric projects in California.
This bill creates an energy and environmental authority. The new commission has the
authority to put out $3.5 million in bonds for hydro electric plants and sell them back to
private entities after six years. He continued with discussion of the bill.
He advised that, as a voting delegate to the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power
Commission, he anticipates the Commissionwill ask him to take a position on these bills in
the near future and he is seeking Council's direction.
Councilmember Ashiku was opposed to SB 1540 because it removes authority from the
Fish and Game Department and dictates what should happen in the water ways. He would
like to see authority remain as it is. He discussed AB1956 with regard to the reference to a
"public company", such as P.G.&E., being able to argue that the public utility proposes a
mechanism to share the result of future operations with rate payers and being able to
deem the valuation less than market value. He continued with discussion of the bill.
City Attorney Rapport was of the opinion that AB1956 is a complex bill and further
information should be gathered with regard to potential implications and analysis by NCPA
prior to taking a position.
Discussion by Council and staff followed concerning the proposed bills as well as the
Inland Water and Power Commission regarding these issues. Reference was made to
George Frasier, Manager of NCPA, who has indicated it is doubtful either bill will pass.
Councilmember Baldwin advised that he will obtain further information on each bill prior
to making a decision.
Recessed: 8:30 p.m.
Reconvened: 8:34 p.m.
May 3, 2000
Page 10 of 14
11. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Smith distributed information from the Main Street Program concerning
the Cinco De Mayo celebration scheduled for May 6, and also a newsletter that is
published by the Main Street Program. At the last Council meeting he discussed the tree
lighting situation on School Street. Since that time the City Manager has met with the Main
Street Program and an outline for an action plan to get the project completed has begun.
A meeting has been schedule with the City Manager, the Main Street Program, and him to
discuss next year's contract.
City Manager Horsley reported that she wrote letters to the sponsors.
Councilmember Smith reported he attended the Employee Relations Policy Committee
meeting with the League of California Cities and provided Council a copy of the minutes of
that meeting which lists a number of bills and outlines the position the League has taken on
each bill. He also attended the Northern Division meeting of the League of California Cities
on April 29. He reported the status of the bills to them. He reported the League of
California Cities has scheduled a City Action Day in Sacramento on May 22 and 23 to be
located in the League office in Sacramento.
Councilmember Libby reported attending a MCOG meeting on April 24 and the City
Manager will receive a phone call from Phil Dow on May 11 from the CTC meeting
regarding our Corridor Enhancement Grant. He will let her know as soon as it is approved.
The state has $6 to $9 million in their surplus and everyone thought there would be money
for transportation. However, except for the $64-$65 million that has been announced to go
to the railroad, Northern California is not expected to see any money. The Governor has
proposed that local deferred maintenance not be taken out of surplus funds, but rather out
of bond money. At this point MCOG doesn't see the citizens passing a bond when there is
so much surplus at the state level. There is some speculation that it would be similar to the
Gas Tax, and if so, Ukiah would see approximately $100,000. At this time, MCOG is not
looking to receive any funds because the Governor does not want to take funds out of the
surplus money. It is very disappointing with regard to transportation money.
The Economic Development & Financing corporation (EDFC) had a basic training for non-
profit board members today in Willits. She noted that when you are on a non-profit board,
in financial matters, the IRS will hold personally responsible each board member regarding
payroll taxes for staff people.
EDFC is looking at being more aggressive in their marketing. Someone from the Center of
Economic Development made a presentation today and discussed basic data and
information they can provide to the City, how they work with cities in market studies, and
assist in grant applications. She felt the City may want to look into this once our Web site
is established. They also have a program called "Economic Gardening" which is used to
help established businesses expand and grow. She noted that 80% of new jobs created
are from already established businesses that have expanded.
She noted that she attended a NCPA meeting last night along with the City Manager,
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Councilmember Ashiku, and Public Utility Director Barnes. She will wait to report to
Council at the next meeting.
Councilmember Baldwin stated it was difficult to see consultants and staff members at
their table when giving their reports. He recommended the table be moved to be more
visible by Council. He also felt it bothersome that the banner on State Street is up all year
and is concerned with corporate Iogos displayed on some of the banners. He discussed
the Coffee Critic sign on their barn on East Gobbi Street, and noted they made a deal with
Mendocino County to remove the phone number off the barn, however, that has not been
done. He has registered a complaint. He also noted the mural Mr. Montanos had painted
on the auto racing car dealership on North State Street has advertising included, and was
curious if the permit for the mural designated that advertising would be included with the
art. He will contact the City Manager or the Planning Department if he decides to pursue
the matter.
Councilmember Ashiku noted there is a large dead fir tree in Todd Grove Park located on
the east side of the Park next to Live Oak Drive. He also inquired as to why the oil
collection tank at the Airport is locked up and discussed the potential hazard with people
taking five gallon containers and stacking them outside the gate on the ground. He felt this
situation needs to be remedied and recommended there be a spill proof bin in which to put
the containers. Staff should also be equipped with a large funnel to transfer the material
because the top of the tank looks very ugly and oil runs down the sides.
Discussion followed as to who owns the tank in question. The City Manager will find out
and report back to Council.
Councilmember Ashiku reported he did not attend the last NCPA meeting because the
agenda was very light, however, if Council sees something of interest on the agenda, they
should notify him.
He reported meeting with the owners of Featherlight, a manufacturing company, along with
the City Manager and staff to see if the City could provide some assistance to locating
them at the Airport since they will bring jobs into the community as a small business that
would be expanding. He encouraged Council to tour Featherlight's small manufacturing
facility in Anderson Valley.
Mayor Mastin reported that MTA met last week and passed a fare increase for Dial-A-Ride
and buses, with a minimal increase in fares in the City. The increase was more in other
areas of the County. MTA also considered having bus service on Saturday's in town and
cutting back on Dial-A-Ride, assuming that enough people take the bus. He continued with
discussion of the Dial-A-Ride program.
He advised that MSWMA met today and discussed the HazMobile facility located on Plant
Road and MSWMA's negotiations with the Mendocino County concerning the Animal
Shelter property and the option that the County wants for the MSWMA property. MSWMA
decided that a letter would be written stating that the County should not forget about them
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Pagc 12 of 14
and that they would like to be considered for another five year option. He advised that
MSWMA discussed holding back a portion of the North State Street property for potentially
relocating the HazMobile.
He reported that next week he will be going to a recycle product trade show in Sacramento
for his job at the college. He solicited Council's input regarding recycled products.
He explained that Dan Gerry of the Fort Bragg City Council contact him and Mr. Gerty has
a resolution that he would like the Ukiah City Council and other cities to consider to the
Governor regarding money for street and road repairs throughout Mendocino County in the
amount of $10 million. He told Mr. Gerty that he would inform the City Council, however,
he personally felt it was too late as far as the state is concerned.
He drew attention to an article that was in the Anderson Valley Advertiser and provided
Council and staff with a copy. The article concerns a letter to the editor that appeared in
the newspaper last month by an anonymous writer. He read a portions of the letter and in
his opinion felt that because the letter is anonymous it makes the errors, distortions, and
slanderous remarks contained in the letter worse than the supposed transgression of the
public figures that it attacked.
12. CITY MANAGER/DIRECTOR REPORTS
City Manager Horsley reported a letter came to the County from Assemblywoman Strom-
Martin, that she has put on her member list $3 million for funding of the Animal Control
Shelter facility and the City is sending a letter of support to the Budget Committee. She
noted that this will also lower the City's cost.
Ascot Air had their initial meeting and Councilmembers Smith and Libby were in
attendance. Ascot Air was very knowledgeable and it was nice to hear about their
operations. They have already begun services in Ukiah. She advised them that the City
would continue to help them get going with advertising.
She reported that the Redwood Charter School had their ground breaking ceremony today
at the Fairgrounds.
She advised that she will be making a presentation to Eulalia "BeeBee" Knoph tomorrow in
honor of her 100th birthday. A special Certificate of Honor has been prepared for her.
Sometime ago the City offered to help support install larger trees on Main and Perkins
Streets with the City's Tree Fund. Staff contacted the property owner but they didn't want
the City's money because they thought they .would have to match the City's funds. There
was a misunderstanding and so the owner of the property will be contacting her office
tomorrow.
She distributed the State Treasurer's Report and suggestion for the Smart formula on how
to redistribute state funding to local communities.
May 3, 2000
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9:15 adjourned to closed session.
13. CLOSED SESSION
a. Government Code §54956.9(b) - Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding
Anticipated Litigation - Significant Exposure to Litigation: 1 matter
b. Government Code §54956.9 - Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding
Existing Litigation: Environmentally Sound Policy and South State Business
Association v. County of Mendocino, Case No. 83024
14.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 10:37 p.m.
Marie Ulvila, City Clerk
May 3, 2000
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