HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 12-20-00MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, December 20, 2000
The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on December 20, 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: Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. Staff
present: Customer Service Supervisor Archibald, Public Utility Director Barnes,
Community Services Director DeKnoblough, Finance Director Elton, Assistant City
Manager Fierro, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Harris, City Manager Horsley, City Attorney
Rapport, Assistant Airport Manager Richey, Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo,
and City Clerk UIvila.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice-Mayor Baldwin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. MINUTES
3a. Regular Meeting of December 6, 2000
Councilmember Larson recommended a correction to Page 3, that Item 8 should be listed
as "UNFINISHED BUSINESS".
Councilmember Libby recommended a correction to Page 1 O, second paragraph to read:
"She reported that EDFC sponsored her attendance at a workshop for community fund-
raising and the techniques of fundraising for EDFC. She felt this would also be very helpful
sitting on the Recreation and Community Center Committee for their fundraising."
She also noted a correction to Page 10, seventh paragraph, first sentence should read:
"Councilmember Libby explained that MCOG discussed the matter and noted that the
original allocation would not change."
M/S Baldwin/Smith approving the minutes of the December 6, 2000 Regular Meeting as
corrected, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith,
Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
PRESENTATIONS:
City Manager Horsley advised that at the recent City of Ukiah Employees' Christmas
Party, it was announced that Community Services Supervisor Sage Sangiacomo was one
of the two recipients of the "Employee of the Year" award. She announced that Airport
Assistant Manager Paul Richey has also been selected to receive the "Employee of the
Year" award. Paul has been employed at the Airport for over 20 years and has been a
loyal, unselfish employee, frequently going above and beyond the call of duty. She
presented him with a certificate and a special gift from the City. His photo will be displayed
at City Hall.
Airport Assistant Manager Richey thanked Council for the award and stated that
"aviation is his life and he loves the Airport."
December 20, 2000
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4. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION
Mayor Ashiku read the appeal process.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Libby requested that item 5i be pulled for discussion.
Mayor Ashiku advised that Consent Calendar item 5i would be agendized as item 8g.
M/S Larson/Smith approving items a through h of the Consent Calendar as follows:
a. Approved Disbursements for Month of November 2000;
b. Rejected Claim from Pamela Leyone and Referred to Redwood Empire Municipal
insurance Fund;
c. Received Notification to Council Regarding the Repair of an Influent Pump by Pump
Repair Service Company, Inc. for the Sum of $5,561.71 Plus Freight;
d. Awarded Bid for Purchase of Liquid Polymer SW-238 to Polydyne Inc. for the Sum of
$16,710;
e. Adopted Ordinance No. 1032 Amending Section 1607 in Article 2, Chapter 7, Division
1 of the Ukiah City Code Regarding Claim Filing Procedures;
f. Approved Ukiah City Council Response to Mendocino County Grand Jury Report
Regarding Its Investigation of Domestic Violence Issues;
g. Received Notification to the City Council Regarding the Purchase of Muffin Monster
Repair Parts from JWC Environmental for the Sum of $6,648.94 Plus Freight;
h. Approved Renewal of Agreement With County of Mendocino for County Employee
Parking Within Parking District #1.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby,
Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
City Clerk Ulvila announced that several members of the audience have asked that item
8c, Discussion and Possible Direction to Staff Regarding Regulating the Use of Leaf
Blowers in the City Limits, be moved ahead on the agenda due to audience participation.
Discussion of the request followed, and it was determined that the item would be heard in
the order assigned on the Agenda.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one came forward to address Council.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7a. Update on the Ukiah C.A.R.E.S. Program
Finance Director Elton advised that a revised schedule to Attachment #1 has been
submitted to Council.
Customer Service Supervisor Archibald provided Council with an update to the Ukiah
C.A.R.E.S. program that provides financial assistance to the Iow and moderate-income
families towards the electric charges of their utility bill. The eligibility to the City's
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customers is based on household income of 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. She
advised that two programs have been developed: 1) Temporary Emergency Assistance of
up to $300 toward an eligible customer's electric bill once annually; and 2) eligible Senior
Citizens received the first 100 kilowatts of electricity free every month, and eligible non-
Senior households can obtain 50 kilowatts free each month. She discussed the analysis of
the data for Senior Citizens program and the newly developed non-Senior program. She
reviewed Attachment #1 that makes a comparison of services provided to surrounding
areas near the City and of average residential monthly utility bills.
The program has grown, partly due to increased marketing and benefits that occurred in
January 2000. To date, 754 households have benefited from the Ukiah C.A.R.E.S. since it
was initially developed. Ukiah continues to have an excellent working relationship with the
Salvation Army who conducts the eligibility for these households, thereby streamlining the
eligibility process. To date, $157,000 has been spent on the program. There is currently
approximately $1 million remaining in the fund and the funding will cease in January 2002.
The Temporary Emergency Assistance Program was discussed with regard to individuals
needing assistance. It was noted that these funds could be provided once every 12-month
period, up to a maximum of $300 per year. Staff has increased publicizing the program,
which has increased the number of applicants.
It was noted that the cost doubled in the fiscal year in which the program increased its
funding, partly due to the increased benefits and from increased participation. The
importance of providing seniors with available information was noted.
Finance Director Elton discussed previous analysis that attempted to assess the number
of eligible individuals. Based on the statistics that were available, staff estimated
approximately 1,500 households may be eligible. When the 2000 consensus becomes
available, staff will have more current information.
Mayor Ashiku recommended that during the ensuing months, staff should analyze a
comparison of last year's charges and basic usage to see if it has increased for those that
are participating in the program.
Councilmember Baldwin recommended staff come back to Council in March 2001 with
an analysis of the possible and probable budget impacts of increasing the progress of the
electric utility rates as follows: 1) Increase the benefit for all eligible households to cover
the first 120 kilowatt hours and to increase the yearly household net income eligibility limits
as follows: starting at 1 or 2 persons at $21,000 and increasing in $4,000 increments, 2)
Additionally report on the cost of semi-annual and week long Cable TV advertising on
selected channels to promote the C.A.R.E.S. program.
Councilmember Smith expressed an interest that an analysis includes the affect of
increased natural gas costs. He sympathized with those on a limited income having
difficulty paying the increased rates.
Councilmember Libby requested staff also provide an analysis of providing 100-kilowatt
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hours to non-Senior households and 120kilowatts to Senior Citizens, because most seniors
are on a fixed income.
Finance Director Elton explained that a difficult portion of the analysis concerns the
income levels because there is no data available to base the potential eligibility that it
would create.
Mayor Ashiku requested that staff's analysis include, not changing the 150% of the
poverty income level, so that there will be a better understanding of the impact on the
program.
Discussion followed concerning market rates and whether the City has the ability to
contribute money into this fund after 2002 when it is no longer required by State law. To
continue contribution into the fund would require a decision by Council.
M/S Smith/Larson to receive the Report from staff, with direction to staff to report back to
Council in March 2001 with their analysis of Council's inquiries carried by the following roll
call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku.
NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7b. Consideration of Proposal by New Trend Builders for Replacement of Alex R.
Thomas Jr., Plaza Fountain and Approval of Budget Amendment in the Amount of
$16,935
Community Services Director DeKnoblough advised that since the removal of the
fountain at the Alex R. Thomas Jr. Plaza, staff has been directed to provide Council with
design options for a replacement fountain. Mr. Dan Mason has offered to donate a portion
of his services in order to provide an affordable fountain for the Plaza. He described Mr.
Mason's proposal along with other sample designs, as outlined in the Staff Report. There
is a need to have a fountain that is vandal proof, yet allow the public interaction with the
fountain. He stated that the cost of fountains range from a $20,000 to over $500,000,
depending on size and computerization. He recommended the design for the Plaza
fountain be awarded to New Trend Builders in the amount of $16,935.
Discussion followed concerning the proposal submitted by New Trend Builders. It was
noted that Mr. Mason's portion of the cost of the fountain construction is approximately
$4,000, which he would donate to the City.
City Attorney Rapport advised Council concerning the City Code relative to the bidding
process and the determination within the City Code concerning "sole source" projects.
There was considerable discussion concerning the original fountain, New Trend Builders'
fountain design, and other sample designs included in the Staff Report.
Mayor Ashiku recommended that the City's Engineering Department review the fountain
plans to determine if it can support the load. He preferred that the ring for the pool be
constructed in a solid concrete base material, colored to match the stone and theme of the
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area.
Dan Mason, 3850 Road B, Redwood Valley, reviewed his proposal for construction of the
fountain and colors to be used. He discussed alternative designs for the fountain and
addressed the issue of vandalism. The design of the pump and skimmers were discussed
in detail.
M/S Smith/Libby approving the design proposal for construction of a fountain at the Alex
R. Thomas Jr. Plaza to New Trends Builders, and approval of a budget amendment in the
amount of $16,935 to increase expenditures in the 100.6001.800 account.
Motion failed to carry by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Smith and
Libby. NOES: Councilmembers Larson, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
After a brief discussion, a small committee was formed, consisting of Mayor Ashiku,
Councilmember Larson, and Community Services Director DeKnoblough, to review
alternative designs and return their findings to Council for consideration. Council thanked
Mr. Mason for his generosity on behalf of the City.
NEW BUSINESS
8c. Discussion and Possible Direction to Staff Regarding Regulating the Use of
Leaf Blowers in the City Limits
Councilmember Smith conferred with the City Attorney concerning a possible Conflict of
Interest relating to the use of leaf blowers by his employer.
7:44 p.m.: Councilmember Smith recused himself from the meeting.
Vice-Mayor Baldwin read a prepared statement advocating a ban on leaf blowers. It was
his opinion that leaf blowers contribute to noise and is a dangerous pollutant. He noted
that a community's quality of life is an important factor in site selection for businesses and
where people choose to live. He discussed concerns of landscapers and economic fears
of many individuals. He felt that gas powered leaf blowers are harmful to human health
and create significant air and noise pollution. He noted that his proposed ban would only
relate to gas leaf blowers.
City Attorney Rapport advised Council concerning their local power. He referred to other
constitutional limitations and legal standards related to the City's authority, as outlined in
his memo to Council. He also explained the Rational Basis Test in which Council would
need to make findings that the use of leaf blowers is harmful to the public health, safety, or
welfare.
Discussion followed with regard to air quality standards, and placing time and place
restrictions for leaf blowers. It was noted that the City's maintenance workers use gas
powered leaf blowers, but no formal complaints have been made.
Albert Crawse, Ukiah, addressed noise issues related to the use of leaf blowers. He felt
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they are obnoxious to others and encouraged those individuals that earn a living by using
leaf blowers to investigate other alternatives. He supported an ordinance banning leaf
blowers.
Richard Hansen, 347 W. Mill Street, voiced his opposition to a ban on leaf blowers. He
advised that he has rock landscaping in a portion of his yard and cannot remove debris
with a rake. He expressed concern that residents in the City limits would not be on a level
playing field as those living outside the City. He also discussed increased costs that would
be incurred by maintenance crews if they were not permitted to use leaf blowers.
Jim Johnson, 591 Riverside Drive, advised that he is a landscape contractor and is
opposed to a ban on leaf blowers. He felt their use saves time and that when used at a
medium idle, are not harmful.
Roy Smith, 304 North Spring Street, Executive Director of Ukiah Valley Association for
Habilitation, and parent corporation of Mayacama Industries, discussed their use of leaf
blowers and OSHA requirements with regard to hearing protection. He also discussed the
development of technology at reducing the decibel level for leaf blowers. He opposed an
ordinance banning their use.
Penny Mathias, 700 East Gobbi Street, advised that she has been the manager of a 138-
space mobile home park for 21 years. She discussed her use of leaf blowers to remove
debris off of rocks and to clean the property. She opposed a ban on their use.
Terry Melvin, 365 Washoe Drive, advised that he is the owner of three homes in Ukiah
and maintains their yards with the use of a leaf blower on a seasonal basis. He discussed
various noise concerns with regard to neighbors using of a router, sprayers in orchards,
garbage trucks, helicopters' flight pattern to the hospital, car races at the Fairgrounds, rap
music from cars, and the flight pattern of fire bombers. He supports time limitations for the
use of leaf blowers.
Tracy Simpkins, spoke in favor of a ban on leaf blowers, finding their noise annoying and
irritating. He lives near the Golf Course and noted the use of leaf blowers by City
employees to clean the parking lot.
Martin Hoben, 8700 Uva Drive, Redwood Valley, representing the Russian River
Cemetery District Board of Directors, discussed the use of leaf blowers to keep the 27
acres of cemetery well maintained.
Bruce Foster, 323 Jones Street, was of the opinion that a ban on leaf blowers would not
make a difference in the pollution of Ukiah. He recommended the replacement of diesel
buses and of City vehicles with electric vehicles. He drew attention to noise attributed to
the use of other types of equipment and recommended Council concentrate its attention to
more important issues in the community.
Paul Andersen, 309 Jones Street, found it annoying that City personnel use leaf blowers
around City Hall and felt the City should take the initiative to restrict the use of leaf blowers
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by City personnel so as not to disturb nearby residents. It was his opinion that there
should be a halt to the use of gas powered leaf blowers since they contribute to air
pollution.
Lori Leaf 1105 Clay Street, advised that she maintains five parcels and rakes everything
on the ground, however, she uses a leaf blower to remove debris from a roof. She felt that,
in certain situations, leaf blowers are needed and recommended they be restricted to use
in early afternoons.
Mike Cannon, 598 Park Blvd., felt leaf blowers are irritating and create noise. He
discussed the City's use of leaf blowers to clear the Golf Course parking lots and has made
several complaints about noise. He felt the City should take the lead in restricting the use
of leaf blowers and they should not be used during the early morning hours.
Dotie Copeland, 1240 North Pine Street, expressed her support to ban leaf blowers and
felt fumes and noise emitted from their use are obnoxious.
Richard Shoemaker, Ukiah, advised that he has been in the landscaping business in the
Ukiah community for over 20 years. He explained that Councilmember Baldwin contacted
many landscapers in the community alerting them to the issue. He does not like the noise
generated by leaf blowers but needs to use them for his business. He provided Council
with information from landscapers and from affluent communities that have placed a ban
on leaf blowers. He proposed the City initiate a trading program whereby an owner of a
leaf blower that generates over 70 decibels can trade it in for a lower decibel blower, which
could reduce the noise in he community. He recommended the City could purchase
vacuums to pick up the leaves instead of using leaf blowers. He also recommended
creating an awareness or incentive program among those using leaf blowers that they not
interfere with people's lifestyles.
Councilmember Larson drew attention to operational guidelines regarding an educational
program in the materials submitted by Mr. Shoemaker. He inquired as to the feasibility of
local contractors developing voluntary use restrictions in the community.
Mr. Shoemaker felt it would be possible to get a group of contractors to work with staff
regarding voluntary use restrictions and training their crews on the use of leaf blowers.
Herb Thompson, 1259 Despina Drive, advised that he has been a gardener in Ukiah for
27 years. He explained that he tries to mitigate the intrusion of leaf blowers on the public
but finds it an economic necessity in this business, especially in clearing roofs. He is
supportive of restrictions on the time in which leaf blowers can be used and also in setting
strong guidelines for their use.
Sue Seiver, advised that her and her husband have owned a landscaping business in
Ukiah for two years. Without leaf blowers they would not be able to accomplish as much.
There is a time restraint concerning noise already in place in the City.
9:00 p.m. - Recessed
December 20, 2000
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9:10 p.m. - Reconvened
Discussion followed concerning testimony received from the public on the matter.
Councilmember Baldwin advised that he feels the noise generated by leaf blowers is the
most obvious and obnoxious; however, he also expressed concern with air quality issues
and the impacts on immediate neighbors. He recommended that members of the public
should work with City staff to reduce the City's dependence on gas powered leaf blowers,
such as limitations on their use on holidays and weekends, and after certain hours of the
day.
Councilmember Libby expressed concern with the City's use of leaf blowers and that the
City should set an example. She proposed that the City not use leaf blowers until after
8:00 a.m. and inquired as to how this would affect the City, its parks, and the Golf Course.
Councilmember Larson explained that he is in favor of voluntary compliance with agreed
upon standards. He felt the Air Quality District would be able to help with issues relating to
air pollution in the Ukiah Valley. He recommended the Community Services Department
come up with a plan for the City to reduce the impacts on citizens with regard to noise, air
pollution, and time constraints. He also recommended staff meet with landscaping
contractors, and concerned citizens, to establish rules of conduct for leaf blower use.
Councilmember Baldwin was supportive of staff drafting an ordinance to permit leaf
blowing September 1 to February 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through
Saturday, and from February 1 to September 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday.
Consensus of Council was not supportive of Councilmember Baldwin's proposal to have
staff draft an ordinance placing time restrictions on the use of leaf blowers at this time.
9:28 p.m.: Councilmember Smith returned to the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
8a. Approval of Architectural Services Proposal with Richard Ruff for the Civic
Center Addition
Community Services Director DeKnoblough advised that at the October 18, 2000
meeting, Council reviewed preliminary design plans for the addition to the Civic Center
Administration Wing and directed staff to proceed with the preparation of development
plans and construction cost estimates. In order to accomplish this task, additional
architectural services will be required. The original architectural services contract for the
conceptual work was awarded to Richard Ruff Inc., after a competitive proposal and
interview process had been completed. The services included in the proposed proposal
are in five phases, beginning with the design of construction detail plans through
completion of the project's construction for a total cost of $39,100. The total value of the
proposal is $63,600 or approximately 8.5% of the total project cost. The contract is based
on the current design. He stated that the Planning Commission would review the design
plans on December 28, 2000.
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City Manager Horsley advised that the Planning Commission was scheduled to meet last
week to review the matter, however, the notice was not published by the newspaper. A
Special Meeting has been called for the Planning Commission for those items on
December 28, 2000.
Discussion followed concerning the appropriateness of the City Council's review of the
project prior to the Planning Commission's review. It was noted that should the Planning
Commission make changes to the design of the building, it would not affect the contract
with Mr. Ruff.
M/S Larson/Smith approving an architectural services contract with Richard Ruff for the
Civic Center addition and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract; carried by
the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and
Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
NEW BUSINESS
8b. Introduction and Adoption of Urgency Ordinance Adding Section 1873.E to
Division 1, Chapter 11, Article 2 of the Ukiah City Code and Approval of Six
Month Extension of Cable Franchise Agreement with Adelphia
Communications Corporation
Community Services Director DeKnoblough reported that the County of Mendocino and
Cities of Fort Bragg and Willits have initiated negotiations with Adelphia Communications
Corporation for renewal of the cable franchise agreement with each jurisdiction. The City
and its partners are currently requesting from Adelphia funds to hire a consultant to assist
in negotiating the best possible franchise agreement. The current 15-year agreement
expired as of December 6, 2000. In order to authorize the continuance of cable service by
Adelphia during the period of negotiations, an extension of the franchise agreement is
necessary. Staff is recommending adoption of an urgency ordinance authorizing the
agreement of a six-month extension and approval of the extension agreement.
Discussion followed concerning securing funds from Adelphia to obtain a consultant, how
the consultant is selected, and the responsibilities of the consultant. Should Adelphia
decline to pay for the consultant's fee, the negotiating Cities would then return to their
jurisdiction for approval of funds to pay for a consultant.
M/S Smith/Larson introducing Urgency Ordinance No. 1033 by Title only.
There was a brief discussion concerning previous negotiations. It was noted that actual
negotiations with Adelphia for renewal of their cable contract have not begun and the
public will have an opportunity to voice their concerns.
Motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of Council.
City Clerk Ulvila read the title of the Ordinance.
M/S Larson/Smith adopting urgency Ordinance No. 1033, carried by the following roll call
December 20, 2000
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vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES:
None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
M/S Smith/Larson approving the Cable Television Franchise Extension Agreement with
Adelphia Communications Corporation and authorizing the City Manager to execute the
agreement, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith,
Libby, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
NEW BUSINESS
8d. Adoption of Resolution Authorizing Application for an Economic Development
Planning Grant Concerning Jobs and Housing
Assistant City Manager Fierro advised that the California Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD) has announced the availability of funding in the amount of
$4.8 million under the Jobs-Housing Balance Improvement Program. The purpose of the
grant is to attract businesses and new jobs to communities that lack a sufficient
employment base in relation to the housing already being provided. Based upon analysis
by Applied Development Economics, the City's grant consultant, the City has been found to
qualify as a "housing rich community", which is a term used by the state.
Discussion followed concerning the need for more housing and the development of
more jobs in the community.
M/S Smith/Larson adopting Resolution No. 2001-36, approving an application for funding
and the execution of a Grant Agreement and any amendments thereto from the
Jobs/Housing Balance Improvement Program, Economic Development Planning Allocation,
carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Libby,
Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
NEW BUSINESS
8e. Appointment of City Council Members to Various Committee/Commission
Assignments
Mayor Ashiku presented his recommendations to Council for appointment to various
committees.
Councilmember Libby proposed that the matter be tabled for discussion until the next
meeting to allow Council an opportunity to review Mayor Ashiku's recommendations. She
thought that the Mayor was going to provide Council with his recommendations for review
prior to this meeting.
Mayor Ashiku explained that he spoke to each Councilmember regarding their requests
for selection to various committees. Most of the committees reflect the same
Councilmember assignments as before. He received the last recommendation by a
Councilmember last night, and then had the City Clerk prepare his list of recommendations
today for the meeting. He felt his list of recommendations is not complex and can be
reviewed quickly.
A consensus of Councilmembers Baldwin, Smith, and Larson revealed they had no
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problem with the assignments as recommended by Mayor Ashiku, and that the matter
need not be continued. Councilmember Libby objected to the way in which Council
was proceeding with the review of the committee assignments.
Mayor Ashiku reviewed the list of his recommended appointments to various
committees.
Councilmember Libby expressed an interest in maintaining her assignment to MCOG
since she has served on the committee for the past two years and has tenure as a
Councilmember. She questioned Mayor Ashiku's motives for assigning Councilmember
Larson to MCOG instead of her.
Mayor Ashiku explained that she was assigned to MCOG two years ago without any
experience or qualification, and he was asked by Council to make the best possible
choice for his recommendations for committee assignments. He noted that
Councilmember Libby was not the only Councilmember requesting this assignment.
Due to Councilmember Larson's extensive knowledge of the General Plan and the
Ukiah-wide Area Plan, he felt it appropriate to appoint him to MCOG.
Consensus of Council was to appoint Councilmember Larson to MCOG.
City Manger Horsley stated she would contact the County regarding the status of the
Courthouse Facilities Planning Committee and the Mendocino County Film Advisory
Committee.
Councilmember Libby voiced her objection to Mayor Ashiku's motives for making his
recommendations for appointment to committees. She questioned if Mayor Ashiku is
dispensing retribution towards her because she ran against him for Mayor in the last
election.
Mayor Ashiku stated that Councilmember Libby was out of order with her personal
comments towards him. He continued to discuss his recommendations.
10:10 p.m.: Councilmember Libby left the meeting.
Richard Shoemaker questioned the appropriateness of making an appointment to the
Recreation Center Group. He advised that it is an independent board with no designated
seats and consists of private citizens. The Chairman of the Group is Dr. Marvin Trotter.
Consensus of Council was to table the appointment to the Recreation Center Group until it
can be determined if Council appointment to the Group is appropriate.
City Manager Horsley advised that assignments to the Ukiah Redevelopment Agency
committees would be agendized at the next Ukiah Redevelopment meeting.
M/S Smith/Baldwin making Council appointments to various committee/commissions, as
submitted to Council by Mayor Ashiku, excluding the Recreation Center Group; carried by
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the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor
Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Libby. ABSTAIN: None.
NEW BUSINESS
8f. Discussion and Possible Cancellation of January 3, 2001 City Council Meeting
City Manager Horsley advised that the agenda preparation week for the January 3, 2001
City Council meeting will be only three and one half days with many Staff members being
on vacation. After polling each of the Directors relative to any critical items of business for
their Departments, it was determined there were no pending business items for the
January 3 meeting. Therefore, Staff is requesting Council's approval to cancel this
meeting.
Consensus of Council was to cancel the January 3, 2001 City Council meeting.
8g. Approval of Agreement with Emmitt Jones for CPA Services
Mayor Ashiku explained that this matter was pulled from the Consent Calendar at the
request of Councilmember Libby.
City Manager Horsley explained that the City received a letter from Solid Waste and they
are requesting that this matter be considered immediately, since there will not be another
meeting until the end of January 2001.
M/S Smith/Ashiku approving agreement with Emmett Jones, CPA; carried by the following
roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Larson, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES:
None. ABSENT: Councilmember Libby. ABSTAIN: None
9. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Smith reported attending a meeting of the Planning Committee of the
Work Force Investment Board and noted their interest in job development. He suggested
that Assistant City Manager Fierro be contacted to provide a presentation about the
Business Liaison Plan and funds available for loans.
Mayor Ashiku reported that he attended the City Employees' Association Christmas Party.
He discussed the NCPA Strategic Workshop to be held in Sacramento on January 24 and
25, 2001. He felt it is a highly educational workshop and he plans to attend. After a brief
discussion, Councilmembers Larson and Baldwin expressed interest in attending the
workshop as well.
11.CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS
City Manager Horsley advised that the City's Web Page is ready for review by Council.
She requested Council view the Web Page and advise her of any suggestions or changes
they would like made to the site. She explained that interviews would be scheduled at the
next Council meeting in January to interview applicants to the Planning Commission.
City Clerk Ulvila advised that FPPC Form 700, Statement of Economic Interest, has been
provided to each Councilmember to list their committee assignments and file with her office
no later than January 20, 2001.
December 20, 2000
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The deadline for applications to the Planning Commission is December 28th at noon. A
letter was received from the Mendocino County Employers Council regarding the Planning
Commission appointment process and has been distributed to Council.
Recessed: 10:27 p.m.
Reconvened: 10:30 p.m.
Adjourned to Closed Session: 10:30 p.m.
13. CLOSED SESSION
a. G.C. §54957.6 - Conference with Labor Negotiator
Employee Negotiations: All Units
Labor Negotiator: Candace Horsley
No action taken.
Reconvened: 10:50 p.m.
14.ADJOURNMENT
There. being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
Marie Ulvila, City Clerk
December 20, 2000
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