HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 10-18-00MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, October 18, 2000
The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on October 18, 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, and Vice-Mayor Ashiku.
Councilmember absent: Mayor Mastin. Staff present: Community Services Director
DeKnoblough, Police Administrative Captain Dewey, Finance Director Elton, Assistant City
Manager Fierro, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris, City Manager Horsley, CityAttomey
Rapport, Planning Director Stump, and City Clerk Ulvila.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Baldwin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. PROCLAMATIONS
3b. October 16-20~ 2000 is National Business Women's Week
Vice-Mayor Ashiku read a Proclamation designating October 16-20, 2000 as National
Business Women's Week in Ukiah.
Gayle Fillman, President of Ukiah Business and Professional Women, thanked Council for
the Proclamation. This is the 77th year of National Business Women's Week to recognize
and honor working women throughout the U.S.
3. PRESENTATION
3a. Kristy Kelly, Director of Mental Health, Re.qardin.q Community Based Recovery
for Those with Mental Illness
Kristy Kelly, Mendocino County Mental Health Director displayed photos of a fountain
located in Maryland, as an example of a fountain design for the Plaza Fountain.
She thanked Council for continuing the project of locating a homeless shelter in Ukiah.
She requested Council's assistance in reducing the stigma associated with mental illness
by using the au courant phraseology listed on the information sheets she distributed to
Council. She felt it really makes a difference in the public perception, as language can
either support or correct the stereotyping of those who suffer from mental illness. She
noted the importance of creating resources within the community to treat individuals with
mental illness and to provide support.
She discussed a recent grant proposal submitted by her department that was denied by
the State. The County Mental Health Department plans to submit a scaled-down version
for grant funding in the amount of $500,000 to provide for case management services,
consumer case managers, and other positions for housing support.
Joseph Barnett, 830 South Oak Street, member of the Board of Directors for The Ford
Street Project, discussed how The Ford Street Project works within the community on
projects and the amount of collaboration between various agencies in the community. He
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discussed the importance of developing self-esteem for individuals and the need for
acceptance that those individuals with mental illness have a good chance of recovery and
can eventually work in the community.
Brian Harwood, 754 Waugh Lane, advised that about four months ago he was mentally ill
and that since he has been going to the Mental Health facilities he has now recovered and
is learning how to live differently. He discussed the Recovery Model program that allows
him to deal with issues on his own. He also discussed working through vocational rehab
and the opportunities available to him in the future.
Gabe Marshall, advised that he works for the Mental Health Department, and is a client as
well as a staff member. He discussed self-help techniques, outreach and case
management for clients.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4a. Regular Meetin.q of October 4, 2000
MIS Baldwin/Ashiku approving the minutes of the October 4, 2000 Regular Meeting.
Councilmember Libby recommended a correction to page 7, last sentence under
Councilmember Libby's report to Council to read: "She reported that MCOG approved
approximately ~ii~ for the repavement program."
Motion carried, with the correction noted, by the following roll call vote: AYES:
Councilmembers Libby, Baldwin, Vice-Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: Mayor
Mastin. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Smith.
5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION
Vice-Mayor Ashiku read the appeal process.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
MIS Smith/Libby approving items a and b of the Consent Calendar as follows:
a. Approved Disbursements for Month of September 2000;
b. Adopted Resolution No. 2001-26 Waiving the 60-Day Notification Requirement for
Establishing a County Facility in the City (110 West Standley Street), Pursuant to
Government Code ยง25351.
Councilmember Baldwin voiced his objection to Consent Calendar item "b" concerning
the current status and future of the Grand Jury, which to him is very dubious with regard to
the Bill of Rights and constitutional protection of privacy.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby,
Baldwin, and Vice-Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: Mayor Mastin. ABSTAIN:
None.
7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one came forward to address Council.
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9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9a. Status Report Concerninq the Golden Property Nuisance Abatement at 190
Rupe Street
Planning Director Stump advised that on September 6, 2000, the City Council adopted a
Resolution declaring the structures located at 190 Rupe Street a public nuisance and
directed staff, within the 30-day period to abate the nuisance if the property owners hadn't
done so or made progress.
He reported that during the past month, a permit to demolish the old Foster Freeze
building has been applied for and should be issued within the next few days. The property
owners are working on securing the old C.H.P. building to the satisfaction of the Building
Inspector and are making plans for the old C.E.D. building. The property owners are
making progress and they expect the situation to be cleared up in the very near future.
8. PUBLIC HEARING
8a. Notification of Award of Federal Law Enforcement Block Grant and Discussion
of Fund AIIocation~ and Approval of Bud.qet Amendment
Police Chief Williams presented the Police Department's proposal for a federal block
grant that they recently received for approximately $23,000. Their intention is to
implement dictation service for the purpose of preparing officers criminal reports and
thereby saving a great amount of time.
Police Administrative Captain Dewey advised the purpose of the Public Hearing is to
solicit public input concerning the program, which is required prior to the Department's use
of the funds. The purpose of the grant is to make the officers more effective by spending
less time typing their reports and more time on the street, by implementing the dictation
system. He explained the use of a digital tape recorder and that this information is E-
mailed to the transcriptionist, and then E-mailed back to the Department in a typed format.
He explained that the plan is to have the officers dictate their reports while in the patrol
cars, and the typed report would be conveyed to the computer while they remain in their
patrol cars. He noted that, historically, this grant has been funded for the past five years
and the indication is that it will continue to be funded for the next four years.
Discussion followed concerning whether there would be a substantial savings in the
officers' time through implementation of the dictation system. The cost of the dictation
portion of the contract was estimated to be $21,000 per year.
Public Hearing Opened: 7:09 p.m.
No one came forward.
Public Hearing Closed: 7:09 p.m.
MIS Baldwin/Libby approving Transcription Project at a cost of $26,526 as the
expenditure for the 2000/01 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant, and approving Budget
Amendment increasing account 207.0900.488.002 (2000/01 grant revenue) to $23,873,
increasing account 207.0900.905.000 (miscellaneous revenue) to $653, and increasing
expenditure accounts 207.2001 .xxx.xxx by $26,526 for transcription activities,
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Police Chief Williams advised that due to expectations, liabilities, and information that
must be transmitted to various agencies, it now requires more time of the officers. He
advised that steps are being taken to ensure confidentiality of the Police reports.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby,
Baldwin, Vice-Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: Mayor Mastin. ABSTAIN: None.
NEW BUSINESS
10a. Presentation on City of Ukiah Secured Grants
Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris explained that during the 2000/01 budget
consideration, Council requested information regarding the grant funding the City of Ukiah
has secured. He noted that the Staff Report identifies 23 active grants during 1999/2000
in the amount of $2,921,089. Of the total awarded, $802,438 was used during the
1999/2000 fiscal year. Staff will continue to monitor grant activity.
City Manager Horsley explained that the report is presented at the request of
Councilmember Libby, and staff will continue to provide a yearly update.
Councilmember Libby thanked staff for compiling the information for Council's review.
NEW BUSINESS
10b. Clarification of Adopted Ordinance Amendinq the Airport Industrial Park
Planned Development ("Mixed-Use")
Planning Director Stump explained that in October 1999, Council adopted an Ordinance
amending the Airport Industrial Park (ALP) Planned Development by adding a "Mixed-Use"
designation to the 32 acres west of Airport Park Boulevard and south of Commerce Drive.
At the time of adoption, Council chose not to include language requiring certain land use
"percentages" for projects within the Mixed-Use area. In May of this year, Council clarified
the Ordinance by removing language that was inadvertently left in the final text that dealt
with use "percentages".
Staff is now requesting clarification concerning a provision in the Ordinance that requires
every project to have an industrial component in the Mixed-Use designation. A number of
concerns have been expressed to staff that it constitutes a percentage of use. Staff
requested clarification as to whether it was Council's intent to require an industrial
component in every project in the Mixed-Use designation. If not, staff would return with
language to amend the Ordinance.
Councilmember Libby recalled that Council's intention was make the Ordinance more
flexible. She did not think there was any sense at this point to require industrial use in
every project.
Councilmember Baldwin inquired of staff as to who has expressed concern with this
matter.
Planning Director Stump advised that that concern was expressed by Mr. Mountanos, the
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property owner of the project that was approved in the Mixed-Use designated area, and
also by someone who is potentially in contract to purchase a portion of that land. They
want to know if they have to have an industrial component to their project.
Councilmember Baldwin referred to page 11, "General Requirements" which states "All
proposed development projects within the Industrial/Mixed-Use designation must include a
viable industrial component."
Planning Director Stump noted the section clearly requires a percentage of the project to
be industrial, but asked the Council if this was their intent for the Mixed-Use area.
Councilmember Smith was of the opinion that Council wanted flexibility and didn't want to
tie anyone to an industrial component in that particular area. He felt that Council
overlooked that particular section of the Ordinance when it was adopted.
Vice-Mayor Ashiku recalled that Council found that the working percentages to be difficult
to manage and that his support of the change was based on the premise that there would
be a viable industrial component; not necessarily to a project by project basis, but that
within that Mixed-Use area that was rezoned.
Councilmember Libby explained that it was Council's intention to have some sort of
industrial component in this section of land. She asked if the City were not requiring it for
each project, how would it be designated?
Councilmember Baldwin was of the opinion that the original reason for the change was to
please the owner of the property and the developers. He would be interested in rewording
the Ordinance so that of the 32 acres, 40% is guaranteed to be industrial, regardless of
where that land is located.
Considerable discussion followed concerning the matter of Council's intention with
regard to the industrial component of the Ordinance. There was discussion concerning
what the "industrial component" would encompass. Reference was made to page 11,
"3. Allowed Uses", in which Industrial land uses are listed.
Planning Director Stump advised that the property owner wants to subdivide the
property and has an interested buyer who wants to develop the property with a
commercial/retail use on one parcel. The property owner wants to continue with
industrial use for the second parcel. The question arises from the buyer of the front
parcel that wants to develop a commercial/retail business, if they will be required to
have an industrial component on their parcel.
Discussion followed with regard to subdividing a five-acre parcel into smaller parcels,
and if those smaller parcels would be required to have an industrial component. There
was also discussion with regard to warehousing on the smaller parcels to serve a
business use, and under the terms of the Ordinance, this would be considered an
industrial component. It was noted that the minimum allowable lot split is 20,000
square feet.
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Councilmember Libby made a motion that it was Council's intent that the Ordinance
does not require that each project contains an industrial component.
Discussion followed concerning the situation that if there were no requirement for each
project to have an industrial component, it would be difficult to determine how much
industrial component is needed in the 32 acres of the AlP.
Councilmember Libby withdrew her motion.
Extensive discussion followed concerning Council's intensions at the time the Ordinance
was adopted, as well as a review of the sections pertaining to the Mixed-Use component
and Industrial use. Consideration was given of whether to return the Ordinance to the
Planning Commission for review.
City Attomey Rapport advised that if Council made a change to the Ordinance, it would
need to be returned to the Planning Commission for their recommendation.
Councilmember Baldwin recommended the Planning Commission eliminate warehousing
as an allowable industrial use.
Gary Akerstrom, Redwood Business Park, spoke to Council concerning this issue and felt
the problem concerns implementation of the Ordinance. He discussed problems that arise
with determining the "industrial use" requirement on one-acre parcels that are a result of a
larger segment of land being subdivided. He was of the opinion if the project is defined as
"bigger", it would meet Council's intention regarding the Ordinance. However, if the project
is defined by every building permit application for the smaller parcels, problems arise with
identifying an industrial component for the property.
Paul Andersen, 309 Jones Street, felt that the Airport Industrial Park was designated as
an industrial area and that Council has created a monstrosity. It is his belief that the land
should be designated industrial and that the General Plan also identifies it as industrial.
He did not see the logic in sending the Ordinance back to the Planning Commission.
Eric Larson, Planning Commission Chairman, was of the belief that Council needs to state
its intention more clearly if it returns the document to the Planning Commission, especially
with regard to the Mixed-Use designation, use of percentages for industrial use, and the
definition of a "viable component".
Discussion followed with regard to direction to the Planning Commission. It was noted
that smaller sized parcels, such as a half-acre, should be incorporated into the document.
There was discussion concerning the need to address the issue of subdividing larger
portions of property into smaller lots and how the Mixed-Use and industrial component
would apply to those projects. Concern was expressed regarding compatibility of uses,
such as a hotel being located next to an industrial use such as an auto body shop, and the
impacts that may occur. The need for buffering was discussed.
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Vice-Mayor Ashiku summarized that the consensus of Council is to direct staff to return
the Ordinance to the Planning Commission "open ended", consider whether industrial uses
should remain in the AlP, and whether the 28 acres of land should have a viable industrial
component.
NEW BUSINESS
10c. Discussion Concerninq the Feasibility of Establishinq an Open Space, Trails,
and Creeks Commission
Planning Director Stump explained that during the budget hearings last June, the City
Council directed staff to review the Open Space and Conservation Element of the General
Plan, and explore the need and feasibility of establishing an Open Space, Trails, and
Creeks Commission. He reviewed the success of implementing provisions of the Open
Space Element and the Parks and Recreation Element. Staff is of the belief that the matter
of establishing an Open Space, Trails, and Creeks Commission should be discussed by
the Planning Commission as well as the Parks, Recreation, and Golf Commission to see if
they feel comfortable advising the Council on Open Space, Trails, and Creeks issues. If
they feel it is beyond their workload, they may recommend formation of a separate
commission.
Councilmember Baldwin was of the opinion that visionary energy is missing in terms of
improving the quality of life in the Ukiah valley especially with numerous sections of the
General Plan, such as the Open Space and Conservation Element as well as the
Circulation and Transportation Element. He noted that it appears that approximately 80%
of the Parks, Recreation, and Golf Commission business deals with the Golf Course and
20% with Recreation programs. He compiled a list of various sections of the General Plan
that are important to be implemented and provided Council with a copy of the list. He
discussed noted land within the City Limits and outside the City, including the Russian
River area, which should be made accessible.
Discussion concerning implementation of items in the General Plan was discussed and it
was noted that it is important that the City and County work together to implement those
programs involving property outside the City Limits. It was also noted that the City should
take an active role in pursuing these issues in coordination with the County.
MIS Baldwin/Libby directing staff to discuss the open space and trails aspects of the
General Plan with the Parks, Recreation, and Golf Commission, and the Planning
Commission, and report back to the Council about the feasibility of advising them on these
matters in the future, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith,
Libby, Baldwin, Vice-Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: Mayor Mastin. ABSTAIN:
None.
NEW BUSINESS
10d. Solicitation of Home Investment Partnerships Pro,qram (HOME) Application
Proposals
Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris explained that the California Department of Housing
and Community Development (HCD) has announced the availability of $54 million in Home
Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), which assists local communities with affordable
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housing. Staff is requesting that Council authorize staff to solicit application proposals for
the HOME application. There are two critical issues regarding this program, which must be
resolved prior to approval of an application. A 25% local match is required and there is
also a need to identify who would administer the grant. He further discussed details
regarding these two issues. The deadline for applications is November 13, 2000 and
Council would need to take action at their November 1, 2000 meeting.
Discussion followed with regard to meeting the November 13, 2000 deadline. Itwas noted
that the developer should be aware of the City's financial constraints.
MIS Smith/Libby directing staff to solicit HOME application proposals from interested firms
or agencies for consideration at the November 1,2000 City Council meeting, carried by the
following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, Vice-Mayor Ashiku.
NOES: None. ABSENT: Mayor Mastin. ABSTAIN: None.
NEW BUSINESS
10e. Discussion of Addition to Ukiah Civic Center and Authorization of Staff to
Proceed with Development
Community Development Director DeKnoblough reviewed the site plan for a proposed
5,500 square foot addition to the Ukiah Civic Center. The proposed addition will be
attached to the west employee entrance and extend toward Dora Street. He discussed
landscaping and parking configuration for the site. The addition is being proposed to
provide space for several departments and divisions, whose needs have either changed or
were not present at the time the Civic Center was originally constructed
City Manager Horsley discussed corrections to the budget page of the Staff Report, and
noting the General Fund Subtotal, less reserves for this project, would require an
additional $60,000 to $75,000 from the General Fund. Additionally, she relayed comments
by Mayor Mastin concerning the proposal. He felt it would be better to shift the building to
the north and have landscaping along the Clay Street, and that parking be located to the
south of the site. She discussed having a Clay Street access with the driveway along the
west side of the building, and continuing to the south into the parking area. Mayor Mastin
noted concern with the view from the windows of the building facing Clay Street.
Discussion followed concerning the budget for the proposed addition. It was noted that
$164,000 from the General Fund has been budgeted for the project. A brief discussion
followed concerning the design of the building. Staff noted that the Planning Commission
would review the project and their recommendation would be presented to Council for
approval. The Planning Commission would take Mayor Mastin's recommendation into
consideration.
MIS Baldwin/Smith directing staff regarding further development of the project, carried by
the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, Vice-Mayor
Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: Mayor Mastin. ABSTAIN: None.
NEW BUSINESS
10f. Consideration of Removal of Parkinq Meters on Seminary Avenue
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Community Services Director DeKnoblough advised that Council requested staff
evaluate the revenue generated by the parking meters on Seminary Avenue and the
possibility of removing the meters for aesthetic purposes since landscaping along
Seminary Avenue has been completed. He explained that the 27 meters on Seminary
Avenue generate an average monthly income of approximately $100 per month, which
represents 14% of the on-street meter revenue. He continued with discussion of how
revenue is gathered by the Parking District. Staff has determined that the removal of the
meters would improve the aesthetics of the Seminary Avenue medians and that the impact
to Parking District revenues that would be created by the removal of the parking meters,
would be minimal and potentially offset by increased permit revenues.
Discussion followed concerning the cost to remove the meters, maintenance and
replacement costs for meters, as well as issuing parking permits for businesses along
Seminary Avenue. There was further discussion concerning establishing a two-hour
parking time zone on Seminary Avenue.
MIS Libby/Baldwin approving removal of the parking meters along Seminary Avenue
medians and directing staff to initiate the establishment of a two-hour time zone in that
location, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby,
Baldwin, Vice-Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: Mayor Mastin. ABSTAIN: None.
NEW BUSINESS
10g. Approval of Animal Control Aqreement with Mendocino County
City Manager Horsley advised that the matter would be discussed in Closed Session.
11. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Vice-Mayor Ashiku reported that he attended a sub-committee meeting of LAFCO this
morning regarding the role LAFCO would play in facilitating discussion among water
districts in the valley concerning consolidation of their services. No consensus was made
concerning a way to achieve the mandate. However, the sub-committee will formulate
some type of coordinated effort for resources.
He reported meeting with Gary Goodman who is interested in establishing a restoration
facility at the Airport, and he will meet with Assistant City Manager Fierro and Airport
Manager Bua concerning the matter.
12. CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS
City Manager Horsley reported she and Assistant City Manager Fierro attended a
meeting of the Chamber of Commerce today and spoke about the City's Business Liaison
Program. Mr. Fierro made a great presentation and also spoke to the Employers Council.
He will continue to visit businesses regarding the program.
City Clerk Ulvila reported that on October 19th a third grade class from St. Mary's School
will be touring the City's facilities. A new Records Retention Schedule is being reviewed
by Staff and will be presented to Council for consideration at its next meeting.
Recessed at 8:45 p.m.
October 18, 2000
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Reconvened at 8:50 p.m.
Adjourned to Closed Session: 8:50 p.m.
13. CLOSED SESSION
a. G.C..~54956.8 - Conference with Real Property Negotiator
Property: Mendocino County Animal Shelter
Owner: City of Ukiah and Mendocino County
Negotiator: Candace Horsley
Under Negotiation: Terms and Conditions
Reconvened at 9:13 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS
10g. Approval of Animal Control Agreement with Mendocino County
MIS Libby/Smith approving Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Animal Shelter Real
Property and for Animal Shelter Services, and authorizing the Mayor to sign Agreement on
behalf of the City, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith,
Libby, Baldwin, Vice-Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: Mayor Mastin. ABSTAIN:
None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned a 9:14 p.m.
Marie Ulvila, City Clerk
October 18, 2000
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