HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 03-02-05MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2005
The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on March 2, 2005, the notice for
which being legally noticed, at 6:30 p.m. Roll was taken and the following
Councilmembers were present: Crane, McCowen, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku.
Councilmember absent: Rodin. Staff present: Community Services Director
DeKnoblough, City Manager Horsley, City Attorney Rapport, Airport Manager Richey,
Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Steele, Planning Director Stump, Public Utilities Director Ziemianek, and City Clerk
Ulvila.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Ashiku led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3a. Re_~ular Meeting Minutes of January 19~ 2005
City Clerk Ulvila advised that due to equipment malfunctions, she recommended the
minutes be delayed until a future Council meeting.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3b. Special Joint Meeting of the City Council & Ukiah Valley Sanitation District
of February 2~ 2005
M/S Baldwin/McCowen approving the minutes of the February 2, 2005 Joint Meeting of
the City Council and the Ukiah Valley Sanitation District meeting as presented, carried
by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Baldwin, and
Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Rodin.
4. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION
Mayor Ashiku read the appeal process.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
M/S McCowen/Crane approving items "a" through "c" of the Consent Calendar as
follows:
a. Awarded Purchase of Liquid Polymer-Alkyamine to Polydyne, Inc. in the Amount
of $15,300.00;
b. Awarded Purchase of Liquid Polymer-Emulsion to Polydyne, Inc. in the Amount
of $10,680.00;
c. Adopted Resolution 2005-37 Establishing a No-Parking Zone / Bus Loading
Zone Near 444 North State Street.
Motion carried by the following roll
McCowen, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku.
Rodin.
call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane,
NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT:
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting
March 2, 2005
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Linda Sanders expressed concern regarding a barrier that was placed over Gibson
Creek on West Standley Street near the bridge. A deer could not get through the
barrier/fence and died. She questioned how this was allowed to happen. She
understands that Mr. Nix and the City own the property. She contacted the City
Planning Department, various Councilmembers, and the Department of Fish and Game
and recommended the Council review this matter.
City Manager Horsley stated the City Department of Public Works contacted the
Department of Fish and Game to inquire whether the fence would impede the creek.
The Department of Fish and Game concluded the fence should not be a problem in
terms of allowing free passage of water and fish. City Animal Control collected the deer
and observed that it had no obvious wounds so the reason for the death is unknown.
Staff determined the deer had free passage from the creek. He further indicated that
Mr. Nix provided the City with a combination lock so that City crews would have access
to the City-owned fish hatchery property.
Councilmember Baldwin commented that by allowing Mr. Nix to construct a fence may
have set precedence concerning the potential for other property owners to place a fence
above or along Gibson Creek and recommended agendizing this matter for discussion.
His concern is whether other property owners that front Gibson Creek could construct
such a fence.
Mayor Ashiku questioned whether the City has jurisdiction over this matter.
City Manager Horsley was unable to address this question at this time.
Councilmember McCowen suggested staff review the City regulations in this regard.
City Manager Horsley will e-mail Councilmembers with the information concerning
corresponding regulations/policies.
Warren Sawyers commented that persons should not be negated because they do not
support the proposed Sales Tax Ballot Measure.
Councilmember McCowen commented Councilmembers and City staff worked with
everyone in the community desiring to participate in the public process relevant to the
Ballot Measure.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7a. Reconsideration of Application For Community Development Block Grant
Funds Under the General Allocation Grant Program and Authorization For
Staff to Submit an Application
Community Development Director DeKnoblough advised that at the January 19
meeting, Council discussed requests from community non-profit groups for participation
in the City's annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) General Allocation
grants for Fiscal year 2005/06. During this meeting, Council directed staff to submit an
application on behalf of the School for Performing Arts and Cultural Education (SPACE).
However, SPACE elected to withdraw from the application process. Rural Communities
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March 2, 2005
Page 2 of 6
Housing Development Corporation, working through the Community Develop
Corporation (CDC) and Plowshares expressed an interest. The primary qualifying
criteria, regardless of the project, is that the project or program must provide benefit to
the Iow and moderate-income population referred to in the grant as the "Targeted
Income Group" (TIG). The money must be used to provide services in conjunction with
the targeted income group requirements. If a public improvement project can result in
service to the targeted income group, the City can complete the project.
He stated that Plowshares is concerned with applying for a one year grant to assist with
funding to support the construction of the new Plowshares community dining room
because of the associated grant costs. Since the funding is public money, the project is
subject to the prevailing wage requirement. The project contractors/advisors have
indicated this would result in a significant increase in the overall cost of the project.
Plowshares determined that going through the grant process may not be workable by
having to comply with the prevailing wage requirement and other associated grant
administration costs. The grant would be feasible if Plowshares were allowed a two-year
allocation in the amount of $1,000,000, which is a matter for the Council to consider.
There is some concern that allowing for a two-year commitment "locks-up" funding for
this time period in the event another improvement project comes along.
He further stated that Councilmember McCowen asked that staff provide Council with a
list of the potential Targeted Income Group (TIG) projects and corresponding time lines.
Time lines are associated with the availability of funding. If funding were available some
of the projects could move forward more quickly. He briefly explained the requests from
SPACE, Plowshares, Rural Communities Housing Corporation (RCHDC), and the
Community Development Commission (CDC). He also discussed a City TIG project of
a compressed natural gas facility that would be available to the public as well as to the
City's vehicle fleet that may qualify for CDBG funding. He noted that SPACE has
withdrawn their application for CDBG funding.
Discussion followed with regard to City of Ukiah Public Works projects that may qualify
if they serviced the Iow income population and created jobs.
Mary Buckley, Executive Director of Plowshares, discussed the need in the community
for a larger facility to provide meals to people in need. Their current location is
experiencing more clients and they are in the process of purchasing property to
accommodate the needs of the community. Their current location is limited to the
number of people facility because of a Use Permit and because the facility is located in
a residential area. She went on to discuss the cost of their project, which relocating to
another site and expanding their program. With a two-year commitment from the City,
they would be within a couple hundred thousand dollars of completing the project. She
discussed their fund raising efforts as being very successful.
Martin Bradley, Ukiah, explained that since January 19, 2005, this has been a
cooperative effort for non-profit agencies to work together. He noted that Todd Crabtree
from CDC has offered assistance and Tom Mon Pere, even though he is employed with
RCHDC, has also offered his assistance with this project. He went on to discuss the
types of funds able and leveraging existing funds for a two-year funding effort.
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March 2, 2005
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Linda Nagel, 1151 W. Standley, explained that she is a Public Health nurse in Ukiah
and is very familiar with the concerns and needs of people for food and housing. The
Public Health Department is supportive of the Plowshares project.
Tom Mon Pere, speaking on behalf of RCHDC, explained that RCHDC is requesting
funds for off site improvements for the Clara Court project. The city has invested
Redevelopment funds in this project and the project would provide about 26 to 30
households. This project is currently being reviewed by the City Planning Department.
He discussed infrastructure improvements related to the project and estimated the cost
to be $200,000.
Sharon Kiichli voiced her support for the Plowshares project and discussed the
prevailing wage requirement.
Discussion followed regarding the applicants for the CDBG funding, their projects, and
whether the City should fund consider funding for one year or for a two-year project.
However, Council noted that they have been looking for a major project that would
benefit the community as a whole.
M/S McCowen/Baldwin directing Staff to prepare documents for a two-year CDBG
funding application for the Plowshares project, carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Rodin.
Recessed: 7:10 p.m.
Reconvened: 7:20 p.m.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7b. Possible Action Required for Participation in Pension Obligation Bond
Pro~rams Offered to CALPERS Participating Agencies by the California
Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA)
Finance Director McCann discussed his staff report to Council and advised he has
serious concerns above moving forward with this bond. The City will have the option of
proceeding with the current issue again in about three months and in the meantime,
further information may arise regarding the matter.
It was the consensus of the Council to support Finance Director McCann's concerns
and take no action at this time.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7c. Adoption of Resolution Approving Memorandum of Understanding For
Electric Eml31ovee Bar~ainin~ Unit (IBEW Local 1245)
M/S Baldwin/McCowen adopting Resolution 2005-38, adopting Memorandum of
Understanding between the City of Ukiah and the Electric Unit (IBEW Local 1245),
carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers McCowen, Baldwin, and
Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Crane. ABSENT:
Councilmember Rodin.
Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting
March 2, 2005
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7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7d. Request Authorization For the City Manager to Negotiate a Construction
Contract for the Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project
Public Utilities Director Ziemianek advised that on January 3, 2005, a Request for
Bids was issued for improvements to the Water Treatment Plant including construction
of a high-pressure pump station and the addition of a water filtration unit as required by
the California Department of Health Services (DHS). The City received no bids from
any General Contractor. He discussed the California Public Contracts Code pertaining
to rejection of bids, identical bids and the absence of bids allows in its discretion, if no
bids are received, the legislative body can have the project done without resubmitting
the project for bids. He contacted the City Attorney for guidance and staff is requesting
Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate a construction contract for this project
with a qualified and experienced construction company in water treatment plant
construct projects. The final contract will be presented to the Council at that time for
approval.
Discussion followed with regard to:
· The history of the project and how the project has been downsized from four to
three filters, upon the approval of the City Council.
· Concern was expressed with the City complying with CEQA standards.
· Discussion of the scope of the project and protecting underground piping, valves,
new pumps, new filters, and upgrading the control system, as well as
modifications to the building itself.
· It was noted by staff that there is nothing to support a fourth filter at the current
time. There was discussion concerning whether to have a fourth filter to the
water supply to serve customers outside the City limits.
M/S Baldwin/McCowen to bring the matter back to Council at a future date with
additional information, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers
Crane, McCowen, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Rodin.
8. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Baldwin shared an article from the Christian Science Monitor
regarding jurisdictions and how they are dealing with noise. He wrote a letter to Mr. Ruff
inviting him to attend a Redevelopment Agency meeting to discuss facade
improvements to his project a possibly rectify the mistake. He provided copy of his letter
to Council.
9. CITY MANGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS
City Manager Horsley stated that after the Council decisions at the last meeting
regarding MTA, staff has been meeting with MTA representatives to discuss issues and
implementation measures. Staff will continue to work with MTA to resolve these issues.
Three potential developers have been identified that would like to construct someone on
the railroad depot site with possibly a mixed use element. She explained that she will
be speaking before the Rotary with the State of the City address, and will talk to them
about the City's water treatment plant project, reservoir, new developments in the City,
Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting
March 2, 2005
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potential development of the railroad depot property, and improved job development.
With regard to the problem at the tank on the site, she explained that NCRA's
hydrologist engineer and the City's engineer have both devised plans and will meet to
negotiate. She also discussed how wire mesh installed on the hillside work to prevent
rocks from falling. Staff will meet with them to negotiate the matter.
10.
CLOSED SESSION
a. G.C. ~54957.6- Conference with Labor Negotiator
Employee Organization: Electric Unit (International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers)
Agency Designed Representative: Candace Horsley, City Manager
No action taken.
11. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Marie Ulvila, City Clerk
Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting
March 2, 2005
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