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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 11-15-00MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CiTY COUNCIL Regular Meeting Wednesday, November 15, 2000 The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on November 15, 2000, the notice for which had been legally noticed and posted, at 6:32 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 Mayor Mastin. Councilmembers absent: Vice-Mayor Ashiku. Staff present: Community Services Director DeKnoblough, Police Administrative Captain Dewey, Assistant City Manager Fierro, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris, City Manager Horsley, City Attorney Rapport, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steele, Police Chief Williams, and City Clerk Ulvila. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Libby led the Pledge of Allegiance. URGENCY ITEM: City Manager Horsley announced there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the City subsequent to the agenda being posted. The Urgency Item concerns a Closed Session item regarding negotiations with the City's Electric Unit. MIS Smith/Baldwin to add the Urgency Item under Closed Session concerning negotiations with the City's Electric Unit, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. 3. INTRODUCTION OF EMPLOYEE 3a. Introduction of Diana Steele, Director of Public Works/City En.qineer City Manager Horsley introduced Diana Steele as the City's new Director of Public Works/City Engineer. Ms. Steele is a Registered Professional Civil Engineer with the State of California and her professional registration also covers land surveying. She received her M.S. in Construction Engineering and Management from Stanford University and worked for over 18 years as an Engineer with Pacific Gas and Electric Company on a variety of assignments and has supervised over 107 staff members. She also was Project Manager for all phases of the North Gualala Water Company and for the last year was employed by the Town of Windsor. Diana and her husband live in Potter Valley. Diana Steele stated she is happy to be employed with the City and is anxious to tackle the challenges ahead. 4. PRESENTATION 4a. Presentation by Special Olympics Northern California Concerninq Its Year Round Sports Program City Clerk Ulvila introduced Lori Thiesen, Klm Thiesen, and Willie West, Global Messengers with the Special Olympics of Northern California area. November 15, 2000 Page 1 of 8 Lori Thiesen explained the Special Olympics have new directors in Mendocino County and they are in the process of fund raising, soliciting for volunteers, and advising other athletes of their program. Year-round sports activities include swimming, bocce ball, track and field, and basketball. She further discussed the Special Olympics program in Mendocino County and encouraged those interested in the program to volunteer their time or services. Klm Thiesen stated her favorite sport is basketball, and also participates in swimming, bocce ball, and track. Willie West stated his favorite sport is swimming because he is able to participate without the use of his wheelchair. He also participates in track and field, basketball, and in wheelchair races, and looks forward to more athletes competing in this event. Councilmember Smith explained that a number of his employees at Mayacama participate in the Special Olympics programs. He encouraged everyone to support the program as much as possible. 4. PRESENTATION 4b. Report on Status of Taylor Drive Transfer Station Construction Proiect City Manager Horsley advised that Behler Construction Company is the contractor for Solid Wastes Systems, Inc. to construct the Taylor Drive Transfer Station. Mike Behler, General Manager of Behler Construction, has submitted a revised schedule for completion of the Transfer Station construction, which verifies they are meeting the Council's deadline. Jim Salyers, Solid Waste Systems, Inc. advised that the Transfer Station would begin operations by May 1, 2001. Mr. Behler is working with EBA Wastechnologies (EBA) to coordinate the various components of the construction completion process. Mike Behler, general contractor, discussed his work experience on Public Works projects. He explained that the project site is now winterized, fill has been brought in to provide the base elevation, erosion control measures are in place, and his firm will continue to work on the project throughout the winter. He noted that they tried to factor weather into their schedule, and then continued with discussion of construction of the building. He is confident that they will meet the May 1, 2001 completion deadline. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4a. Re.qular Meetin.q of November 1, 2000 MIS Smith/Baldwin approving the minutes of the November 1, 2000 Regular Meeting as presented, carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Ashiku. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Libby. 6. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION Mayor Mastin read the appeal process. November 15, 2000 Page 2 of 8 7. CONSENT CALENDAR MIS Smith/Libby approving items a through c of the Consent Calendar as follows: a. Approved Disbursements for Month of October 2000; b. Received Report of Emergency Rental of Scraper for the Ukiah Solid Waste Disposal Site; c. Awarded Acquisition of Caterprillar 924GZ Wheel Loader to Peterson Tractor in the Amount of $101,077.76 for the Department of Public Works. Councilmember Baldwin inquired as to the disposition of Landfill equipment after the Landfill closes. City Manager Horsley explained that any equipment that cannot be used by the Public Works Department would be sold. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. 8. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS No one came forward to address Council. NEW BUSINESS 10a. Approval of Amendment to Mendocino Solid Waste Mana.qement Authority (MSWMA) Ground Lease AIIowinq the General Public to Come to the Leased Premises by Appointment City Manager Horsley explained that Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority (MSWMA) currently holds a Lease with the City of Ukiah, through October 2005, for its facility site on Plant Road. As part of the Lease Agreement, the general public is not allowed to bring household hazardous waste directly to the leased premises. She discussed some of the reasons for allowing people to visit the site and that they can make an appointment. She further discussed the amendment to Section 4.2 of the Lease Agreement. A meeting was held with County staff, Mike Sweeney, and City staff to assure that all agencies within this leased property had discussed the operations and concerns related to the expansion of the MSWMA Program. All parties are in agreement with the language that is in the Lease Amendment, and staff is recommending approval by Council. Councilmember Baldwin inquired if neighboring properties to the project had been notified. City Manager Horsley explained that a notice was published in the newspaper but notices were not sent to the neighboring properties. Mike Sweeney, MSWMA General Manager, thanked City Manager Horsley for her assistance in processing the lease. MSWMA hopes the appointment process will increase the convenience to residents in Ukiah. He supported the amendment to the lease. MIS Baldwin/Smith approving Amendment to the Ground Lease Agreement with MSWMA November 15, 2000 Page 3 of 8 allowing the general public to come to the leased premises by appointment, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. 9. PUBLIC HEARING 9a. Consider Receipt of $105,128 Funding and Approval of Spendin.q Plan for California Law Enforcement Equipment Grant Pro.qram (CLEEP) and Approval of Budget Amendment Police Chief Williams explained that the Police Department is in receipt of a $105,128 grant to fund the purchase of high technology equipment. Prior to the expenditure of grant monies, a Public Hearing must be held and the funds need to be spent by July 1, 2001. Since the Agenda Staff Report was prepared, the Police Department has been coordinating for future purchase of a computer program to allow them to share current information and booking procedures throughout the County. The costs outlined in the Staff Report are estimates, and any excess funds would be used for similar items. He further discussed revenue received from fines. Upon an inquiry by Councilmember Baldwin concerning the use of a computerized voice stress analyzer, Chief Williams discussed new technology that is more acceptable throughout the state. He noted that the County District Attorney's office recently purchased such a machine, which takes the place of a polygraph and is easier to use. He further discussed training and savings with the purchase of a voice analyzer. Upon an inquiry by Councilmember Libby with regard to the replacement of computers, Chief Williams explained that some computers would be replaced with programs currently needed. Public Hearing Opened: 7:10 p.m. No one came forward. Public Hearing Closed: 7:10 p.m. M/S Libby/Baldwin approving CLEEP spending plan as presented by the Police Department, and approving amendment to the 2000/01 budget increasing revenue in account 205.0600.488.001 by $105,128 and expenditures in accounts 205.2001 .xxx.xxx by $105,128. Councilmember Libby inquired about the use of the Less-Than-Lethal System and training for Police Officers. Chief Williams acknowledged that numerous agencies throughout the County are currently using this System. A survey of other agencies was conducted and it is acceptable with law enforcement agencies. The System will be stored in a rack in the trunk of the police vehicle. He discussed the use of equipment by officers and training. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. November 15, 2000 Page 4 of 8 NEW BUSINESS 10b. Approval of Application Process and Adoption of Resolution of Support for California Trees for the Millennium Grant Project Assistant City Manager Fierro advised that the Trees for the Millennium grant proposal is available to local governments and other non-profit agencies. The grant will provide funds for the planting of trees throughout an area designed as "public lands", as part of the creation or enhancement of an "urban forest". Staff is recommending the City apply for a $50,000 grant and work with local community groups for species selection, planting, and outreach services. City staff would provide in-kind services, which will include planting, watering, and administration of the grant. A part-time employee will be needed during the summer months to assist in the watering of these trees at an estimated cost of $3,120 per year. If the grant were approved, approximately 600 trees would be planted throughout the City. The deadline for the application is November 30, 2000, and the project must be completed by March 1,2003. He noted that a certified arborist must approve the trees and this cost is covered through the grant funds. City Manager Horsley explained that the proposal calls for a majority of the trees to be planted in the City's parks and areas near the Golf Course. Staff is currently working with the Shade Brigade with regard to appropriate sites for plantings. Jennifer Puser, member of Mendocino County RELEAF, explained that RELEAF will provide media coverage of the project and they expect many volunteers to be available during the tree planting process. She thanked the City for it's long term commitment to watering and maintaining the trees. She noted that the merchants are currently watering most of the trees along State Street. Councilmember Baldwin expressed concern that the tree planting not preclude future undergrounding of utilities. He recommended staff consult with the City Engineer to ensure the project would not be a barrier to the undergrounding process. MIS Baldwin/Smith adopting Resolution No. 2001-31 for funds for the Urban Forestry Grant Program as provided through the California Trees for the Millennium Initiative funded through the Forest Resource Improvement Fund, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None NEW BUSINESS 10c. Modification of Local Guidelines for 1999 HOME First Time Home Buyer Pro.qram Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris explained that earlier this year the City of Ukiah was awarded a $375,000 HOME grant for a First Time Home Buyer Program administered by the Community Development Commission (CDC) of Mendocino County. The original limit of $30,000 for the down payment assistance, in conjunction with the required Iow/moderate income limits, restricts the ability to find eligible houses for sale in Ukiah. The costs of units, tight housing availability, and relatively Iow income/purchase price ratio have been significant stumbling blocks to implementing this program. It does not appear the house November 15, 2000 Page 5 of 8 price range will decline nor will the income levels mandated by HUD be raised to increase the feasibility of this program. The proposal by CDC is to increase the limit of the maximum down payment by $20,000, thereby expanding the price range of housing units available to buyers in this program. The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors has approved this proposal for its countywide program. He noted that the County has a similar situation with high housing costs. He briefly discussed constraints on the program and other alternatives to the situation. The $20,000 increase could reduce the goal of 13 loans by up to 4 (31%), but it would substantially improve the chances for the remaining funds to be used for house purchases. Councilmember Libby expressed concern that $50,000 may not be a sufficient amount of assistance and possibly $60,000 would be more appropriate to encourage home purchases. Mr. Harris advised that it is preferable for the Council to proceed with the recommended action of CDC, however, the amount may need to be increased at a future date if lack of eligible housing continues to be a problem. He stated he did not know what implications a deeper subsidy would have with the State Housing and Community Development Department that administers the grant. He further noted that the program would not create new housing in the community, but allows Iow and moderate-income people to afford to buy existing structures, thereby increasing affordability. He advised there is no deed restriction. Discussion ensued concerning available housing within the community and the cost of housing. It was further noted that the amount that the applicant pays is based on the family size and HUD income levels. The formula for determining eligibility was discussed. MIS Smith/Libby approving modification to Local Guidelines for the HOME First Time Home Buyer Program allowing a maximum of $50,000 for each down payment assistance loan. Councilmember Baldwin was dubious of the program because there is no deed restriction and that the money might be better spent for new development, with the assurance that development would stabilize the housing market. Motion carried by the following roll cell vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. NEW BUSINESS 10d. Set Date for Reception for Out.qoin.q Councilmembers and Swearinq-ln Ceremony City Manager Horsley advised that whenever there is an election and a change on the Council, a Reception is held to honor any outgoing members as well as welcome new and returning members. November 15, 2000 Page 6 of $ Consensus of Council determined it appropriate to set the date of December 6, 2000 at 5:30 p.m. to hold the Mayor's Reception and subsequent Swearing-in Ceremony. NEW BUSINESS 10e. Consideration and Adoption of Resolution Approvin.q Memorandum of Understandin.q for Employee Bargaining Unit - Department Head Unit City Manager Horsley advised that the matter would be discussed during Closed Session. 10f. Consideration and Adoption of Resolution Approvin.q Memorandum of Understanding for Employee Bar.qainin.q Unit- Mana.qement City Manager Horsley advised that the matter would be discussed during Closed Session. 11.CITY COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Smith reported attending a presentation by the State Employment Training regarding kiosk networking for job development potential through the One-Stop Centers developed by the Workforce Investment Act. He discussed the kiosk system and cited ways in which it may be beneficial for various City services. The Workforce Investment Board will be applying for a grant for kiosks. He reported that he attended a meeting of the Main Street Board of Directors on November 2, and that Assistant City Manager Fierro is the new staff liaison, replacing Community Development Director DeKnoblough. The tree lighting project is near completion and the tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 7, 2000. Councilmember Libby reported the Small Town Christmas would be held on December 2"d, a truckers' parade will take place along State Street, and there will be a musical presentation. The Sun House Guild Board of Directors met and they plan to raise $85,000 more for the building fund, with a goal of $1 million. Construction of the new addition is two weeks behind schedule. Their Christmas Open House is schedule for December 2 and Santa will be present. There will be a volunteer appreciation luncheon on December 11, 2000 to recognize those who volunteer their time at the Sun House Guild Museum. Mayor Mastin reported that MSWMA met this month and noted that the electronics recycling program has been reinstated. Items such as computers, monitors, and TV's can be recycled. There will be a small charge for older items. It is expected there will be a backlog of items since the program has been inactive for a while. 12. CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS City Manager Horsley advised that Public Utilities Director Darryl Barnes would be undergoing surgery again for his toe. He may not be able to return to work for at least another week. She reported that Channel 50 did an expos6 on the California Department of Forestry's fighter-bombers. The City of Ukiah is one of four stations in the state that will get the new November 15, 2000 Page 7 of 8 bombers. There will be a NCPA conference in Washington, D.C. in January 2001. Councilmember Ashiku plans to attend and other Councilmembers interested should contact her. She reported receiving a call from Sun Air, who purchased Ascot Air, and they will be discontinuing service on December 1, 2000. However, they are regrouping and may not leave Ukiah entirely. Staffwill continue to work with them and encourage them to remain in Ukiah. They need to market and advertise their services better. City Clerk Ulvila advised the County Clerk's Office anticipates that the 161 Absentee Ballots will be counted by the end of the week, which will determine the final outcome of the City Council election for two seats. Discussion followed concerning the procedure for counting Absentee ballots by the Mendocino County Elections Department. Recessed: 8:05 p.m. Reconvened: 8:31 p.m. Adjourned to Closed Session: 8:32 p.m. 13. CLOSED SESSION a. C.C..~54957.6 - Conference with Labor Ne.qotiator Employee Negotiations: Department Head Unit Labor Negotiator: Candace Horsley b. C.C..~54957.6 - Conference with Labor Neqotiator Employee Negotiations: Management Unit Labor Negotiator: Candace Horsley C.C..~54957.6 - Conference with Labor Neqotiator Employee Negotiations: Electric Unit Labor Negotiator: Candace Horsley Reconvened: 9:16 p.m. 10e. Consideration and Adoption of Resolution ApprovinR Memorandum of Understandinq for Employee Bar,qainin.q Unit - Department Head Unit MIS Baldwin/Libby adopting Resolution No. 2001-32, Adopting the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Ukiah and the Department Head Unit, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Mastin. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. 14. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m. Marie Ulvila, City Clerk November 15, 2000 Page 8 of 8