Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 08-16-00MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting Wednesday, August 16, 2000 The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on August 16, 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 (6:32 p.m.), and Mayor Mastin. Staff present: Community Services Director DeKnoblough, Finance Director Elton, Assistant City Manager Fierro, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris, City Manager Horsley, City Attorney Rapport, Planning Director Stump, and City Clerk Ulvila. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Assistant City Manager Fierro led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. COMMENDATIONS 3a. Terry Eib Mayor Mastin read a commendation presented to Terry Eib in appreciation for his 29+ years of dedicated service to the City of Ukiah. Terry Eib stated he has enjoyed working with the City over the years. 4. PROCLAMATION a. Hazmobile Week - August 20-26, 2000 Mayor Mastin read a Proclamation designating Hazmobile Week during August 20-26, 2000. Mike Sweeney, General Manager of Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority (MSWMA) accepted the Proclamation on behalf of MSWMA. He read a statement from Bruce Burton, Chairman of MSWMA, concerning their joint partnership with the City. Mr. Sweeney advised they plan to expand the services in November and will come back to Council with a proposal for collection of disposable hazardous waste. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Special Meetin.q of June 28, 2000 - Continued Re.qular Meetin.q of July 19, 2000- Continued Au.qust 20 2000 - Continued 6. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION Mayor Mastin read the Appeal Process. 7. CONSENT CALENDAR MIS Baldwin/Smith approving items a through k of the Consent Calendar as follows: a. Approved Disbursements for Month of July 2000; b. Awarded Bid for Compact Pick-Up to Henry Curtis for the Sum of $12,822.86; c. Rejected Claim for Damages from Ryan and Michelle Hobbs, and Referred to Joint Powers Authority, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund; August 16, 2000 Page 1 of 13 do go Awarded Bid for Sodium Hydroxide Products to Sierra Chemical Co. in the Amount of $271.08 per Dry Ton; Approved Request for Approval of Associate Planner II and Electrical Distribution Associate Positions and Salary Classifications; Approved Publishing Services by Ukiah Daily Journal for Fiscal Year2000/2001 in the Amount of $4.21 Per Column Inch for the First Day and $2.94 for Additional Days for the Period of July 1,2000 through December 31,2000, and in the Amount of $4.42 Per Column Inch for the First Day and $3.08 for Additional Days for the Period of January 1, 2001 Through June 30, 2001; Adopted Resolution No. 2001-13 Summarily Vacating Two Public Utility Easements Pursuant to Chapter 4, Part 3, Division 9 of the California Streets and Highways Code; Received Report of Emergency Rental of Caterpillar 826G Compactor fort the Ukiah Solid Waste Disposal Site; Received Report to City Council Regarding Purchase of Chlorine Tablets for Municipal Swimming Pool from Lincoln Equipment in the Amount of $6,006.00; Awarded Bid to West Star Distributing for Purchase of Replacement Fairway Mower in the Amount of $35,392.50; Received Report of Disposition of Surplused Materials, Used Equipment and Supplies. 8. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS No one came forward to address Council. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 10a. Adoption of Resolution Approvin.q Use of Increase in Transient Occupancy Tax City Manager Horsley advised that at the August 2, 2000 City Council meeting, Council approved placing the issue of modifying the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from 8% to 10% within the City boundaries on the November ballot. Additionally, the Council directed staff to return with a Resolution that would designate these increased funds solely for the purposes of: Promotion of the City of Ukiah and its tourist industry; Beautification of commercial areas in the City of Ukiah; Support of homeless shelters; and the acquisition or development of parks and open space in the City of Ukiah. She advised that the City Attorney prepared the proposed Resolution. She explained that when the County increased their TOT, they designated a certain percentage of the TOT toward tourism. Councilmember Baldwin recommended a change to the proposed Resolution to include beautification of major commercial thoroughfares such as State, Perkins, and Gobbi Streets. City Manager Horsley explained that there has been a desire to improve Main Street and to add landscaping to parking lots, which could be included as part of the overall beautification of the downtown area. August 16, 2000 Page 2 of 13 A brief discussion followed concerning Councilmember Baldwin's recommendations and it was decided to leave the Resolution as presented. MIS Baldwin/Ashiku adopting Resolution No. 2001-14 establishing allowable uses of Hotel-Motel Room Occupancy Tax Revenues resulting from an increase in the tax rate from 8% to 10%. Councilmember Libby was not supportive of the Resolution, and felt the description of how the funds would be spent should be included in the Ballot Measure that goes before the voters. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Baldwin, Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: Councilmember Libby. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. lob. Approval of Amendment to A.qreement with Ukiah Solid Wastes Systems, Inc. for the Transport and Disposal of Solid Waste City Manager Horsley discussed the history behind the Agreement with Ukiah Solid Wastes Systems, Inc. and the disposition of the Taylor Drive Transfer Station, as noted in her staff report. The Agreement was prepared by the City Attorney and has been agreed to by Solid Waste Systems, Inc. MIS Ashiku/Smith approving amendment to Agreement with Ukiah Solid Wastes Systems, Inc. and authorizing the City Manager to execute amended Agreement on behalf of the City of Ukiah, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. lib. Presentation and Discussion of Local Business Liaison Pro,qram City Manager Horsley explained that it is a priority of the City that we retain the many small "Mom and Pop" businesses that have been the strong foundation to our community for many years. The downtown area provides recreational shopping, a mixed use of businesses, is aesthetically pleasing, and enhances the environment for the shopper. This same sense of uniqueness can and should be extended beyond the borders of the immediate downtown area. The City has formed strong partnerships with both the Ukiah Main Street Program and the Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce to achieve the many projects and goals under the City's economic development umbrella. She recommended Assistant City Manager Fierro be appointed as the liaison from the City to work directly with the business community. Information regarding Redevelopment Agency programs, rehabilitation programs, Community Development Block Grants, Economic Development Financing Corporation loan funds and other financing tools that may be available, can be developed into a brochure format for easy access and understanding. The City would formulate additional Development Business Assistance Programs that will meet the changing needs of the business community. The Redevelopment Agency could expand the "downtown core" area to provide assistance to a larger geographical area, specifically along State and Main Streets. An integral element in developing the City's relationship with the local business community is to work closely with August 16, 2000 Page 3 of 13 the Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Program. Consensus of Council thought the Local Business Liaison Program would greatly benefit the community. Discussion followed concerning how the Program would work with the liaison, funding sources, and providing information to the business community. Staff noted that the survey questions would be presented to Council for review prior to distribution to businesses. NEW BUSINESS 11c. Discussion and Direction Reqardin,q Thomas Plaza Fountain Community Services Director DeKnoblough discussed the matter of the Alex Thomas Plaza Fountain being extensively damaged and liability issues related to these damages that make it inoperable. Abuse and vandalism of the facility has been a regular issue with a primary focus on the fountain and the restrooms. He described the damage to the fountain caused by individuals climbing in and on the fountain as well as skateboarders utilizing the fountain seats and wails for jumps, and referred to photos in his staff report. The costs to replace the current fountain with another water element would cost a minimum of $20,000. Another option would be to utilize the area occupied by the fountain as a planter for trees. He noted that the fountain itself does not require much maintenance. He recommended removal of the fountain and requested direction from Council as to the type of element they would prefer as a replacement. Discussion followed concerning elements that could be employed to minimize future damage to a fountain. Costs factors concerning repairing the existing fountain were noted to be higher than replacement costs and that the fountain would be difficult to repair. Councilmember Ashiku volunteered to work with Mr. DeKnoblough concerning design concepts that would restrict individuals from damaging the fountain. Discussion continued concerning the damage to the fountain and the lack of respect for public property. Consensus of Council directed staff to demolish the existing fountain due to liability issues, and to research other fountain designs as a replacement. PUBLIC HEARING 9a. Public Hearinq to Consider the Annual Grantee Performance Report for Community Development Block Grant {CDBG) #99-STBG-1391, Possible Amendments to the Grant, and the CDBG Pro.qram in General Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris advised that the City was awarded a $352,000 CDBG grant in October 1999 to assist the Ukiah Community Center (UCC) in purchasing the property and building it presently occupies at 888 North State Street. This acquisition will assure UCC's long-term site control and rental savings that can be utilized for providing services for targeted income persons. The total cost to purchase the property/building was $321,581.47 with $317,904.11 coming from the CDBG grant. The balance of the grant can be expended for items related to the purchase, such as parking August 16, 2000 Page 4 of 13 lot improvements. A maximum of $500,000 per category grantor allocation of economic development and $800,000 to the jurisdiction is available in one year. A jurisdiction may also have two $35,000 Planning and Technical Assistance grants per year. Public Hearing Opened: 7:20 p.m. No one came forward. Public Hearing Closed: 7:21 p.m. MIS Baldwin/Smith approving Annual Grantee Performance Report for Community Development Block Grant #99-EDBG-1391. Councilmember Libby inquired if the Grant would include Native Americans. Mr. Harris discussed options available to Native Americans living on Rancherias. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. PUBLIC HEARING 9b. Introduction of Ordinance Amendinq the Airport Industrial Park Planned Development to Allow Hotels and Restaurants in the Professional Off, ce Land Use Desiqnation 9c. Appeal of Planninq Commission Condition of Approval No. 48 for Major Site Development Permit No. 0026 Permit Limitinq Monument Si.qn to Eight Feet in Height City Manager Horsley advised that the Public Hearings would be heard on August 18, 2000 at 3:30 p.m. Planning Director Stump advised that the newspaper did not publish the Public Notice originally scheduled for a Public Hearing on August 16, 2000. Staff immediately renoticed the Public Hearing for Friday, August 18, 2000. 9d. Continued Public Hearinq: Introduction of Ordinance Revisinq Ukiah Municipal Code Division 9, Chapter 2, Article 15.5 (Homeless Facilities); Adoption of Resolution Establishinq Use and Development Guidelines for Homeless Shelters; and Approval of a Mitiqated Neqative Declaration Planning Director Stump advised that at the August 2, 2000 meeting, Council conducted a Public Hearing and discussed proposed amendments to the Ukiah Municipal Code to update the current provisions for homeless facilities. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Council decided to continue the matter to allow interested people time to review and comment on additional changes recommended by the City Attorney. He advised that staff sent copies of the proposed City Attorney changes to the Ordinance to everyone who has participated or expressed an interest in this project. To date, staff has not received any written or verbal comments. Public Hearing Opened: 7:26 p.m. August 16, 2000 Page 5 of 13 Kimbell Richmond, Ukiah resident for over 20 years, advised that homelessness is a growing problem in our society and he urged Council to find a solution. He discussed the relationship of homeless persons to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health problems. Ed Harnett, Ukiah, was supportive of the City taking care of homeless people, however, he was of the opinion that the proposed Ordinance will make it more restrictive to locate a site. Public Hearing Closed: 7:34 p.m. Discussion followed concerning the proposed Ordinance and Homeless Shelter Guidelines. It was noted that the Guidelines state a homeless shelter should be located a certain distance from residences, however, it was noted that individuals might have to travel through a residential area to reach the shelter. The concept of "Not In My Back Yard" (Nimby) was further discussed with regard to residential areas. Mr. Stump explained that the Guidelines address avoiding adverse impacts to neighborhoods, as well as acknowledging topography features, existing vegetation and other barriers that would act as a buffer between the shelter and residential areas. Councilmember Baldwin addressed the fact that some businesses complained when a shelter site was located near their businesses. He further discussed the Nimbly factor for all zoning districts. Discussion concerning potential problems outside the confines of the shelter followed. It was noted that there must be a management plan of operation for how the shelter would operate once opened. Discussion continued concerning the Homeless Shelter Committee and the progress they have made to identify the needs of the community and to locate a site. Providing social and health services to homeless individuals was addressed. It was also noted that some homeless families expressed concern for the children staying at the St. Mary's Shelter while in the presence of single homeless individuals. The concept of having multiple shelters to deal with the issues of families and individuals who are homeless was discussed as an option. Mr. Stump advised that he contacted the majority of the Planning Commission members and they were of the opinion that the proposed changes to the Ordinance are minor in nature and need not be reviewed by the Planning Commission again. MIS AshikulSmith Approving the Mitigated Negative Declaration for Homeless Shelter Facilities. Councilmember Libby inquired as to the status of the County's commitment to providing a homeless shelter. Mr. Stump advised that he spoke to Ramona Ansoladehere from the Department of Social Services and they have taken draft material to County staff and the Board of Supervisors August 16, 2000 Page 6 of 13 for review. He noted that the City is partnering with the County agencies on this matter. The County appears to be very interested in what the City is doing concerning the matter. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. MIS AshikulSmith to introduce Ordinance by Title Only, Amending Article 15.5 (Homeless Facilities), Chapter 2 (Zoning) of Division 9 of the Ukiah Municipal Code, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. City Clerk Ulvila read the title of the Ordinance. MIS AshikulSmith to introduce Ordinance Amending Article 15.5 (Homeless Facilities), Chapter 2 (Zoning) of Division 9 of the Ukiah Municipal Code, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None MIS Ashiku/Smith Adopting Resolution No. 2001- 15 establishing Homeless Shelter Use and Development Guidelines for siting, designing and using homeless facilities, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Recessed: 7:59 p.m. Reconvened: 8:07 p.m. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11a. Discussion of City of Ukiah Livinq Wa.qe Ordinance - Councilmember Baldwin Councilmember Smith announced he has a Conflict of Interest with regard to the matter and recused himself from the meeting at 8:08 p.m. City Attorney Rapport explained that as a contractor with the City, the proposed Ordinance might not affect him. Since he doesn't have a vote in the matter, he is not required to leave the meeting. Councilmember Baldwin explained that the draft Living Wage Ordinance states that City financial assistance recipients receiving more than $10,000, and private service providers to the City with contracts of $10,000 or more must pay a wage of $8.75 per hour with health coverage, or $10.00 per hour without such insurance. The proposal also calls for contractors and financial recipients to provide at least twelve days compensated days off yearly. Exempted from the Living Wage Ordinance are benefiting businesses employing fewer than five workers. The draft Ordinance calls for yearly adjustments upward of the wage based on changes in the consumer price index. He referred to the recent report presented to Council entitled Hunger in Mendocino County and is of the opinion that underpaying employees fosters high turnover, absenteeism and August 16, 2000 Page 7 of 13 lackluster performance. He felt adequate compensation by private providers will increase productivity, efficiency, workplace stability, and good citizenship. Karen Poploski voiced her support for the Ordinance and noted that it would set a tone that the City cares about its community. Individuals earning a living wage do not need public assistance and children will benefit by the measure. Bruce Foster, sole operator of a business in Ukiah, opposed the Ordinance. He discussed the idea of minimum wages and was not supportive of the City interfering with the betterment of the community to make the economy work. Ed Harnett, Ukiah, expressed his support of the Ordinance and felt we need to increase the standard of living in the community. Tola Levenson felt the Ordinance would provide workers with money to meet their needs without public assistance. She also noted that a cause for homelessness is because people cannot afford to pay for a rental unit. James Cotterton, Ukiah, spoke in support of a Living Wage Ordinance and that the City needs to do more to attract responsible, long-term businesses to Ukiah. People should not have to struggle when others are doing so well. Terry Poploski, President of the National Letter Carriers Association and Mendocino County Coalition of Union Members, expressed his support of the Ordinance and felt that no one who works for a living should struggle in poverty. He felt that public money should not fund jobs that do not pay a living wage and that the matter of"working poor" needs to be brought to the forefront. He discussed the annual Letter Carriers Food Drive in Ukiah. Laura Golino DeLovato, Executive Director of the Ukiah Community Center, expressed her support of a living wage and she discussed the issue of the working poor who cannot provide for their family. Jose Coletta advised that he is employed and felt the City should not be involved in what business owners pay their employees. The government should decide that people should be paid according to their skills. He opposed the Ordinance. Kathy Spencer, President of the Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce, advised that the Chamber Board of Directors voted unanimously against the proposed Ordinance. They were of the opinion that a local business paying a living wage could be at a disadvantage. Jim Mayfield, business owner in Ukiah, provided illustrations of effects on day to day operations with regard to wages. He discussed entry-level jobs and providing incentives to employees. He felt that some unintended consequences would eliminate entry level jobs and that Council needs to be very careful about its intention. Randy Foster, Ukiah, advised that her and her husband own Foster's Tires in Ukiah and would have to lay off some employees if they were required to pay all of them the minimum August 16, 2000 Page 8 of 13 wage proposed in the Ordinance. She opposed government regulating wages. She continued to discuss business expenses, such as liability and health insurance benefits. The proposed Ordinance would create a strain on their business. Paul Andersen, Ukiah, explained that the current minimum wage is significantly less than the poverty level and he is supportive of the proposed Ordinance. He discussed affordable housing in Ukiah being a problem. Kimbell Richmond, Ukiah, was of the opinion that the living wage is only for a selective group of people having a business relationship with the City. He advised that he couldn't participate in the bidding process with the City because he cannot provide a $1 million insurance policy. Richard Johnson, publisher of the Environmental Newspaper in Mendocino County, discussed capitalism and felt the function of government is to make business profitable and to keep their hands out of the economy. He was of the opinion that the proposal would only help a few workers and those that do business with the City. He is supportive of the Ordinance and felt it would say that the City really cares about people. Ross Liberty, resident on Boonville Road, felt it is Council's job to represent the taxpayers. He does not support donating taxpayer money to such a cause. Chris Oberty discussed economic and moral arguments/opinions made by members of the audience. He expressed his support for the Ordinance. Roy Smith. 304 North Spring Street, advised that he is employed with Ukiah Valley Association for Habilitation (UVAH), a non-profit agency that has a contract with the City. UVAH provides work opportunities through crew workers and the crew supervisor earns approximately $7 per hour. The wages are determined by the Department of Labor as the prevailing wage for a specific activity. He could not support the Ordinance, as it is currently written, however he was not opposed to the overall concept. Joe Hoffman, union representative for Mendocino College employees, was supportive of of a Living Wage Ordinance and encouraged Council to only do business with those who provide a living wage to their employees. Norma Lower, resident of Sidnie Court, explained that she began working at a very Iow wage and discussed entry-level positions. Should the Ordinance be approved at the minimum wage of $8.75, many workers who have been employed for a long period of time but make a relative Iow wage, would be surpassed by entry level positions. It worries her when the living wage gets close to her own wages. City Manager Horsley recited a list of cities that have a living wage ordinance in affect. Councilmember Libby observed that most of the cities listed have a much larger population than Ukiah. She expressed concern for the affects upon "Mom and Pop" businesses in Ukiah. August 16, 2000 Page 9 of 13 Councilmember Baldwin noted Council has provided taxpayer funding over the years to such agencies as the Chamber of Commerce. He felt it important to encourage businesses to pay a living wage. City Manager Horsley discussed the wages of City employees and noted some part-time employees are paid below $8.75 per hour. She also noted that health care is not provided to part-time employees. Councilmember Ashiku was of the opinion that staff needs to perform analysis on the wages of City employees as well as local impacts. He discussed the City's economy and noted that the very nature of the proposed Ordinance would be exclusionary whereby only businesses outside the City limits could afford to compete for City contracts. He also addressed the aspect that there may be some instances whereby a $10,000 contract may be a significant portion of sales to a business but they would not be able to meet the City's living wage standards. These factors may discourage local businesses from participating in the bidding process and may be detrimental to the group that Mr. Baldwin is targeting. He is not opposed to the concept of a Living Wage Ordinance, however, he felt more information is necessary prior to making a decision on the matter. Mayor Mastin discussed the City having an opportunity to do something about living wages and did not think it would impact many businesses within the community that contract with the City. He supported the Ordinance. MIS Baldwin/Ashiku directing staff to provide Council with further analysis of the fiscal impacts of the proposed Ordinance, options for refinement of the Ordinance, and to return to Council within two months concerning their findings, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Libby, Baldwin, Ashiku, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Smith. ABSTAIN: None. 9:20 p.m. Councilmember Smith returned to the meeting. Recessed: 9:20 p.m. Reconvened: 9:28 p.m. NEW BUSINESS 11d. Briefinq on Status of Palace Hotel City Manager Horsley advised that there is some controversy over the ownership of the Palace Hotel (Hotel) and staff would like to proceed with other ways to assist in various uses of the Hotel. A public hearing is scheduled at the next Council meeting concerning a Planning and Technical Assistance Grant to study various options for utilizing the Palace Hotel. Assistant City Manager Fierro advised that at the direction of the City Manager, he would act as the liaison between the owners of the Palace Hotel and the City. He explained that the owner might work with the City, the National Park Service, and the Internal Revenue Service, in order to obtain tax credits of up to 20% for rehabilitation of the structure. The City may apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding of an Economic August 16, 2000 Page 10 of 13 Development Planning/Technical Assistance grant to determine the possible options for reuse of the Hotel, such as retail, office, or a restored hotel. Although the Palace Hotel is listed both on the state and national lists of historic places, owners of such properties are free to maintain or disposes of their property as they choose provided no Federal monies are involved. He noted that at this point in time, the owners have decided not to move forward with improvements to the property. Discussion followed concerning the disposition of the Palace Hotel. The matter of demolition of the site was discussed, with City Attorney Rapport advising that the process would include a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review. The lack of response by the owners was duly noted. City Manager Horsley summarized the situation by stating that it is staff's opinion that in order to motivate the owners and to stimulate a plan of action, the City should apply for the CDBG funding. This grant will provide the tools necessary for determining potential use of the property and possibly secure the interest of a developer. City Attorney Rapport discussed legal issues surrounding the neglected property. He discussed the option of the Redevelopment Agency taking the property through eminent domain proceedings, then selling the property to a major developer. This would involve a major investment of public funds. Other options, such as the abatement or demolition of dilapidated buildings would also involve a substantial investment of public money. It was the Consensus of Council to go forward with the plan outlined by staff and that Assistant City Manager Fierro should continue to meet with the property owners. 12. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Smith reported the Homeless Service Group gave a presentation to the Board of Supervisors and Mendocino County has adopted the strategic plan. Their next meeting is scheduled for September 26, 2000 in Fort Bragg and he and the City Manager plan to attend. The Main Street Program is considering operating an ice cream booth and a chili booth in the Parnum Paving Chili Cook-off. Councilmember Libby reported attending the California Human Development Corporation ribbon cutting ceremony. The group helps farm workers get better paying jobs and housing. Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) met and there is going to be a different formula for STIP money. In this round, MCOG received more money than anticipated, and approximately 80% will be allocated to roads and highways. She discussed the formula for allocation and noted the following allocations: 5% to pedestrian and bike enhancements, 5% to MTA for transit, and 10% to railroads. MCOG supports railroad services and held over $500,000 for railroads, however, they couldn't determine qualifications. The money is set aside not just for rail service, but for railroad crossings. Staff will look at how we can obtain some of these funds to assist with City projects. Approximately $500,000 is in this particular account. Councilmember Baldwin inquired as to Councilmember Ashiku's opinion concerning signs on Dora. August 16, 2000 Page 11 of 13 Councilmember Ashiku reported some of the signs on Dora Street are poorly designed and the City should look into this matter. Councilmember Libby advised that the Grace Hudson Museum would be having their groundbreaking ceremony on August 18, 2000 at 5:30 p.m. Councilmember Ashiku advised that West Coast Wings has begun construction at the Airport and they should be able to move into the new building next month. He spoke to Featherlite and they ordered their building and should be in operation by January 2001. He discussion construction of hangars at the Airport. Mayor Mastin reported Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority (MSWMA) met today and escrow will close August 18th on the North State Street property. MSVVMA took action that after escrow closes, they will reduce the surcharged by $0.50 per ton. He discussed the 1999 annual report on diversion and noted the City is down 36%. We should be about 40% if we didn't have to deal with sludge. He continued with discussion of the report and addressed co-mingling recyclables. City Manager Horsley explained that the City may start co-mingling recyclables before June 2001. She discussed the matter of sludge and will conduct further research into the matter. She met with staff this morning and they are of the opinion that we will only have to landfill 160 tons this year. Mayor Mastin reported that MSWMA took action today regarding the contract with the Solid Waste Division of the County for bilingual action service at all eight County landfill sites. The bilingual staff will be able to get the word out to the Hispanic population concerning recycling. He reported taking a two-day bus trip, beginning last Friday, with Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) General Manager Bruce Richard from Ukiah to Santa Rosa and then to the coast, and back to Ukiah. Everyone they spoke to thought MTA is a great service. 13. CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS City Manager Horsley reported a meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2000 in Lakeport of the Redwood Empire Division of the League of California Cities, and she inquired of Council if they plan to attend. Due to such short notice, Council had other commitments. Ms. Horsley will contact the Lakeport City Manager concerning the meeting. She reported that a recent article in the Ukiah Daily Journal indicated that the City of Ukiah has asked to use the Willits Transfer Station, and explained that this is not true. She contacted Willits Mayor Bruce Burton and they straightened the matter out. Mayor Mastin advised that he also spoke to Mayor Burton about the matter and Mr. Burton is not interested in the City using their transfer station. He felt the matter has now been resolved. August 16, 2000 Page 12 of 13 Mayor Mastin advised that he will not be able to attend the second meeting in October. City Clerk Ulvila reported that the filing deadline for candidates for Mayor and City Council was today at 5:00 p.m. and she distributed a Press Release listing the candidates that have filed for office. 14. CLOSED SESSION None. 15. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m. Marie Ulvila, City Clerk August 16, 2000 Page 13 of 13