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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIn 04-06-05MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2005 The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on March 16, 2005, the notice for which being legally noticed, at 6:30 p.m. Roll was taken and the following Councilmembers were present: Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. Staff present: Community Services Director DeKnoblough, City Manager Horsley, Associate Planner Lohse, Finance Director McCann, City Attorney Rapport, Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo, Planning Director Stump, Public Utilities Director Ziemianek, and City Clerk Ulvila. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. PROCLAMATIONS 3a. Sexual Assault Awareness Month - Project Sanctuary Councilmember Rodin read the Proclamation proclaiming April 2005 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the City of Ukiah and commended this observance to all citizens, and encourage everyone's participation in "Denim Day", April 27 and '¥Valk A Mile In Her Shoes", on April 23. Paul Cornado, Vice Chairman of the Board of Project Sanctuary spoke on behalf of Project Sanctuary and discussed programs offered. Christine Hance, Director of Project Sanctuary, accepted the Proclamation. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4a. Special Meetin.q Minutes of March 2~ 2005 M/S Baldwin/McCowen approving the Special Meeting minutes of the March 2, 2005 City Council meeting as presented, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Rodin. ABSENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4b. Special Meetin.q of March 14~ 2005 M/S Rodin/Baldwin approving the Special Meeting minutes of the March 14, 2005 City Council meeting as presented, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4c. Re_~ular Meeting of March 16~ 2005 Councilmember Rodin recommended a correction to page 10, the second paragraph should read, "In response to Councilmember Baldwin, staff clarified that City wells 5 and 6 are included ..." Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting April 6, 2005 Page 1 of 10 Councilmember McCowen recommended a correction to page 12, the first sentence in the second paragraph should read, "Councilmember Baldwin reported he attended an Inland Water and Power Commission meeting ..." Councilmember Baldwin stated for the record that he wished to clarify the first sentence in the third paragraph on page 6. He stated that "he challenged the argument that single family homeowners are more concerned about noise issues from aircraft than multi-family residences", however, he did not have the opportunity to rewrite his comment to make a correction to the minutes. M/S McCowen/Baldwin approving the minutes of the March 16, 2005 City Council meeting as corrected, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION Mayor Ashiku read the appeal process. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Baldwin requested that item "a" be placed on the regular agenda for discussion. It was the consensus of Council to consider item "6a" as item "10f" on the agenda. M/S McCowen/Baldwin approving items "b" through "g" of the Consent Calendar as follows: ~, ~,4,-,,-,+..~ ,-,..o,,,,,+;,,,., ~,.,,.,,.,.,,,i,.,,., r-;+,, ,-,~ UU;~ ~, ,~,;~..,~ r,,-,,.,+,.~,,.+,-,,.o ~ i,~+ ~,-,,. 2005; ,.a.. · ",'-",..~{.-",.',-',..' · ',',,,,-,,.-.,,,-,,.',,-.. · ',,{,-,' {,,,' , ~.~ .... ~ -.~,,.$ ,.,, ,,., ,, ',,.,~,.,,,.~.,,,,,.~,.~, v,,.,,, ,,.,,,.~,..~,.~.,,~ ,...,,,~,. ,,,,.,, b. Rejected All Bids For Replacement/New Computer Equipment and Printers c. Adopted Ordinance No. 1064 Amending the City of Ukiah's Police-Only PERS Contract To 3% @ 50; d. Adopted Ordinance No. 1065 Rezoning APN 003-050-29, 50, 66, 85, and 86 to R-3 (High Density Residential); e. Received Status Report Concerning Consultant Services Contract For the Preparation Of An Environmental Impact Report for the Ukiah and Millview County Water District Rights Permits/Licenses Amendment Project; f. Reported to the City Council Regarding the Rental of Space From Doug Adams dba: Skate City, For the Use of the Building For the 2004-05 Youth Basketball Program in the Amount of $5,800; g. Approved Lease Agreement for Hangar "F" At the Ukiah Regional Airport. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN' ABSENT: None. Crane, None. 7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Bill Randolph, Ukiah, expressed his concern with regard to the planned removal of redwood trees on the proposed Walgreens project site located on Perkins Street. Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting April 6, 2005 Page 2 of 10 8. PUBLIC HEARING 8a. Adoption of Resolution Establishing The Water Rate Schedule For The Fiscal Years 2004-2005 (Commencing May 1~ 2005) Through 2008-2009 Mr. Doug Dove, Principal at Bartle Wells Associates (BWA), advised that the City's water rates have not increased in about 10 years and there are some large projects that are pending or being implemented that need revenue in order to be completed. He presented a Water Utility Rate Structure & Connection Fee Update (Update) to Council and noted the purpose of the plan is to update the City's Water Rate Schedule to generate the revenue necessary to support bond financing for the water treatment plant upgrades required by the California Department of Health Services as a condition of renewing the water utility's operating permit. Ms. Tatiana Olea, Financial Analyst at Bartle Wells Associates, explained that BWA tried to minimize the impacts to the rate payers by phasing in the rate increase over a five-year period. She discussed the need for the City to bring additional storage capacity to Ukiah to enable it to meet peak demand in the summer months and support fire prevention efforts. BWA has assembled a financing plan for the City to consider. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: 6:55 p.m. Bill Randolph inquired as to water use for on-going operations, consideration of growth, and how much of the water will.be used for existing water users. Mayor Ashiku explained that a water workshop is planned in the near future and BWA will be able to address his concerns at that time. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 6:58 p.m. Discussion followed with regard to the Update provided by BWA. It was noted that the funds raised from this increase will pay back bonds and provide for the necessary pumping at the water treatment facility. It is approximately a $15 million project. In response to an inquiry by Councilmember Baldwin with regard to a letter from the State Department of Health Services, Public Utilities Director Ziemianek discussed the July 1, 2001 letter concerning an inspection audit and, at that time, the State Department of Health Services found a number of potential problems. He read excerpts from the audit concerning compliance needed at the water plant at that time. Director Ziemianek continued to discuss the State Department of Health Services and Title 22 requirements. M/S Rodin/Baldwin adopting Resolution 2005-41 establishing the water rate schedules for the Fiscal Years 2004-2005 through 2008-2009, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. al PUBLIC HEARING Approval of Menton/Ruff Site Development Permit No. 04-30 and Rocha/Ruff Site Development Permit 04-33 Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting April 6, 2005 Page 3 of 10 Planning Director Stump advised that Mr. Estok Menton and Antonio Rocha and their architect, Mr. Richard Ruff, have applied for separate Site Development Permits to construct a total of 32 apartment units on four contiguous parcels located at the end of Apple Avenue. Associate Planner Lohse described the Menton/Ruff Rocha/Ruff projects; reviewed on-site recreation planned for the project, and discussed Staff's environmental review of the project. Planning Staff concluded that the approval of the proposed Site Development Permits will allow the development of the type of infill housing envisioned in the 2004 General Plan Housing Element. The Planning Commission and Staff have concluded that because of the project design and recommended conditions of approval, the changes to the setting will not be significantly adverse. The project has also been found to be consistent with other policies of the Ukiah General Plan, the applicable standards of the Ukiah Municipal Code, and the compatibility criteria of the Ukiah Airport Master Plan. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: 7:11 p.m. Rena Grayson advised that she lives near the Rocha property and voiced her concern with additional people moving into apartments in that area, made a recommendation there be an apartment manager at the Rocha apartment complex to ensure that tenants do not disturb the neighborhood, concern with problems of cars pulling out of driveways into traffic, and the lack of on-street parking. Richard Ruff, architect for the project, discussed the project design and special features, such as a garden area. Councilmember McCowen noted the emergency access at the northwest corner of the Menton property and inquired if the access could be realigned to be in line with the cul- de-sac. Mr. Ruff did not think it would be possible. Councilmember McCowen also inquired about Mr. Rocha's gate in the area and if there is access. Mr. Ruff was of the opinion that pedestrians would be able to cross there to get to State Street. Councilmember McCowen explained that he would prefer that the railroad not be accessible from the Rocha property. He went on to discuss sidewalks on Apple Avenue and if it would be possible to install a sidewalk on a short segment by the cul- de-sac. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 7:21 p.m. Discussion followed with regard to the installation of sidewalks, traffic mitigation elements, the possibility of a stop sign at the corner of Apple and Cherry Avenue, Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting April 6, 2005 Page 4 of 10 installing speed bumps, referring these matters to the Traffic Engineering Committee, and have the Committee provide a recommendation to the City Council within four months. Incorporating native or drought resistant species in their landscaping plan was also recommended. M/S McCowen/Rodin approving Site Development Permits No. 04-30 and 04-33 with the addition of a stop sign at the corner of Apple and Cherry Avenue, and completion of sidewalk adjacent to the Rocha property and to refer the issue of whether speed bumps are required on Apple Avenue to the Traffic Engineering Committee. If the Traffic Engineering Committee recommends to the City Council that speed bumps are necessary, the applicants would be required to complete installation of the speed bumps at their expense within six months of completion of the project. Discussion followed with regard to the project impacts to the area, conditions of approval, and referring traffic related concerns to the Traffic Engineering Committee for review and recommendation to the City Council. Motion carried, based on the Findings and Conditions of Approval recommended by the Ukiah Planning Commission, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. M/S Rodin/Baldwin adopting Negative Declaration prepared for the project numbers 04-30 and 04-33, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None 8. PUBLIC HEARING 8c. Adoption of Resolution Authorizing Application For a Two Year Allocation of Community Development Block Grant Funds in the Amount of $1~000~000 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute All Related Documents Community Development Director DeKnoblough explained that on March 2, 2005, Council approved applying for a two-year allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in the amount of $1,000,000 on behalf of Plowshares Community Dining Facility. In order to proceed, a resolution is required authorizing the application and designating the City Manager to sign all related documents. He discussed changes to the resolution based on the recommendation of the grant writer. Mary Buckley, Director of Plowshares, discussed the source of some of their fund raising efforts which has been on-going for three years. They currently have $850,000 and appreciate the City's support. Discussion followed with regard to: · How the amounts itemized in the resolution were calculated · 10% setaside for homeless services and working with the Ford Street Project to provide evening meals at the Buddy Elder Center. Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting April 6, 2005 Page 5 of 10 Plowshares making outdoor meals with a barbeque or cooker The possibility of requiring that $60,000 be allocated between Plowshares and the Ford Street Project, per a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations. Plowshares' relationship with the Ford Street Project was also discussed. M/S Baldwin/Rodin adopting Resolution 2005-42 approving an application for funding and contract execution and any amendments thereto from the General Allocation of the State of California CDBG Program for Plowshares for a two-year allocation, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9a. Discussion and Possible Introduction of An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ukiah Amending Various Sections of the Ukiah City Code Contained in Division 47 Chapter 17 Entitled: "Water" Finance Director McCann advised that in working with consultants on water rate and construction bond financing studies and the resulting resolution including the Water Rate Schedule, decisions were made to recommend certain clarifications in the language of the City Code contained in Division 4, Chapter 1, Entitled: '~/ater". He stated that they do not want to change the intent of the ordinance but clarify the language. M/S Rodin/McCowen introducing Ordinance by Title Only; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. City Clerk Ulvila read the title of the Ordinance: "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ukiah amending various sections of the Ukiah City Code contained in Division 4, Chapter 1, entitled: "Water". M/S Rodin/Baldwin introducing Ordinance; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9b. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Proposed Mid-Year 2004-05 Budget Amendment Finance Director McCann explained that this Mid-Year Budget Amendment is an opportunity to address any issues with financial implications which have occurred since the budget was adopted or are anticipated to arise throughout the remainder of the fiscal year. He reported meeting with Councilmembers Crane and McCowen to discuss various items in the budget amendments. M/S McCowen/Rodin approving Mid-Year Amendment to the 2004-05 Budget as specified in the Staff Report to Council and attached 2004-05 Mid-Year Budget Amendment-Summary of Expenditures; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting April 6, 2005 Page 6 of 10 Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. There was a request from Council to hear item "10c" next on the agenda. Approved by a consensus of the Council. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10c. Award of Bid to KG Walters for Construction of the Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the Amount of $7~172~000 Public Utilities Director Ziemianek advised that at the March 16, 2005 City Council meeting, Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate a construction contract for the Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project Improvement Project with KG Walters Construction Company. He explained the criteria for selecting KG Walters Construction Company for this project and noted they would complete Phase 2 of the Water System Improvement Project in the amount of $7,172,000. According to SPH, their "updated construction cost estimate of $6,741,300 was revised to reflect recent inflation in construction costs, which very closely matches the actual bid amount of $7,172,000 received from KG Walters." M/S McCowen/Baldwin awarding bid to KG Walters for construction of the Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $7,172,300, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Crane. ABSENT: None. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10a. Request Authorization For the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute A Professional Services Contract With the Redwood Empire Officials Association For Adult Sport League Officials and Scorekeepers Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo discussed his Staff Report with Council and explained the difficulty of obtaining sports officials. In order to meet program demand and maintain quality, he recommended the use of the Redwood Empire Officials Association (Association) to perform officiating and scorekeeping for the City's adult softball and volleyball programs. The Association currently provides similar services for school sporting activities throughout Mendocino County. M/S McCowen/Rodin approving authorization for the City Manager to negotiate and execute a professional services contract with the Redwood Empire Officials Association for adult sport league officials and scorekeepers, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 10b. Adoption of Resolution of the City Council of the City of Ukiah Opposing Suspension of Proposition 42 Funding Phil Dow, Executive Director of Mendocino County of Governments (MCOG), reported that Proposition 42 suspensions to date have rendered $1.8 million unavailable to MCOG for programming State Transportation Improvement Program projects in Mendocino County, with an additional $1.2 million becoming unavailable if Proposition 42 is suspended in Fiscal Year 2005-2006. He recommended the City Council adopt a Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting April 6, 2005 Page 7 of 10 resolution that is intended to send a message to state legislators that the transportation community desperately needs funding and that the practice of balancing the state budget with money the electorate said should go to transportation should be terminated. MCOG and the other three incorporated cities in Mendocino County have already passed similar resolutions. M/S McCowen/Rodin adopting Resolution 2005-43 of the City Council of the City of Ukiah opposing suspension of Proposition 42 funds by the California Legislature, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10d. Receipt of Audited Financial Statements For Fiscal Year 2003-2004 Finance Director McCann advised that the Fiscal Year title in the Staff Report should be changed to 2003-2004. He briefly reviewed the Independent Auditors' Report and explained that this is an unqualified opinion and there are no audit findings. M/S McCowen/Crane accepting and filing the Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2004, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10e. Approve Extension of Contract With Davis Hammon & Co. CPA For Financial Audit Services For the Fiscal Year Ended June 307 2005 In An Amount Not To Exceed $337435.00 and Authorize The city Manager To Si.qn the Extension Finance Director McCann recommended the City Council approve a one year extension of the audit services contract with Davis Hammon & Company for City services. In the coming months, the Finance Department will be committing significant time and resources in the preparation of a budget for the new year, closing out the current fiscal year on a timely basis and filling several key positions vacated by management staff. The Finance Department plans to issue a Request for Proposal for the next fiscal year. M/S Rodin/McCowen authorizing the City Manager to sign an agreement with Davis Hammon & Co. for fiscal year 2004/2005 financial auditing services in an amount not to exceed $33,425.00 ($23,825 for City services, $4,600 for Redevelopment Agency services, and up to $5,000 for changes in audit scope), carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 10f. (formerly 6a.) Adoption of Resolution Approving City of Ukiah Qualified Contractors List for 2005 Councilmember Baldwin inquired about the process for identifying qualified contractors. City Clerk Ulvila and City Attorney Rapport explained the informal and formal bidding Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting April 6, 2005 Page 8 of 10 process and it was noted that the City is required by law to update this list each year and staff must follow a specific procedure. M/S Baldwin/McCowen adopting Resolution 2005-44 approving the City of Ukiah Qualified Contractors List for 2005, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 11. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember McCowen suggested agendizing discussion and possible action regarding the Wilderness Bill, and whether the City should conduct local public hearings regarding this matter. Councilmember Rodin reported that she attended a meeting of the County Board of Supervisors regarding the Wildness Bill. The Board listened to supporters of the bill; however, they felt it wasn't the Board's business to request local public hearings regarding the matter. She requested Council take the same action as the Board and provide a letter of support for the bill but forego requesting local public hearings on the matter. Councilmember Baldwin explained that the City Council approved the bill in a public hearing forum two years ago. Councilmember McCowen also recommended Council discussion and adoption of a resolution for In Home Support Services. He explained that this service is recommended for cut backs in the proposed state budget budget. He also suggested that Council agendize a moratorium on cannabis clubs in the City limits. Councilmember McCowen explained that since there have been a lot of City positions vacated recently; he suggests forming a subcommittee to review those jobs being vacated for cost savings. Councilmembers McCowen and Crane agreed to meet with the City Manager. City Manager Horsley explained that the Personnel Department evaluates positions and job duties as things change over time. That information is then taken to the employee unions for their consideration. She reported that in the 1990's a classification and compensation study was conducted for the City, based on job duties and requirements, based on a classification system. Councilmember McCowen also reported that he attended a MCOG meeting and he discussed some of the upcoming transportation bills coming up which further suspends Proposition 42 funding for the next two years and is described as a budget reform measure by the state. Councilmember Rodin reported on a letter from the Ukiah Valley Trail Group with regard to possible vehicular access on the eastside of Lake Mendocino. The Group does not support motorized or bike traffic on the trails. She inquired of the City Attorney if there is legal action pending regarding this matter. Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting April 6, 2005 Page 9 of 10 It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to look into this matter. Councilmember Rodin discussed a letter from the Mendocino Employers Council regarding the City's current water policy and when and why it was adopted. She requested Council direct the City Manager to write a letter to the Employers Council advising them of the upcoming water workshop. Councilmember Baldwin reported that he spent 10 days in Mexico City and discussed the smog in that city. He recommended Council consider smart growth methods and consider the inversion layers of the Ukiah Valley. Mayor Ashiku recommended that in the future, Councilmembers should advise the City Manager of suggested agenda items. Councilmember Rodin reported that she attended a Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) board meeting and they are facing a $300,000 deficit and may have to reduce services. 11. CITY MANGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS City Manager Horsley advised that staff is assembling brochures with information on various permits and procedures. She reported that at the next Council meeting a public hearing will be scheduled regarding fees. On April 19th there will be a Water Workshop. She inquired of Council when to set the date for the Golf Workshop. It was the consensus of Council to hold the Golf Workshop on May 4th. 12. CLOSED SESSION No Closed Session. 13. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:04 p.m. Marie Ulvila, City Clerk Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting April 6, 2005 Page 10 of 10