HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 04-19-05 (Speical)MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL .
SPECIAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2005
The Ukiah City Council met at a Special Meeting on April 19, 2005, the notice for which
had been legally noticed, at 3:30 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 300
Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. Roll was taken and the following
Councilmembers were present: Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku.
Staff present: City Manager Horsley, Finance Director McCann, City Attorney Rapport,
Planning Director Stump, Public Utilities Director Ziemianek, and City Clerk Ulvila.
2. WATER WORKSHOP
2a. Presentation Regarding City of Ukiah Water System
Public Utilities Director Ziemianek explained that on March 16, 2005, the City Council
discussed the consultant services contract for the preparation of an Environmental
Impact Report for the Ukiah and Millview County Water District water rights permits
amendment project. At the conclusion of that discussion, the Council continued the
matter, and decided to make a decision on the contract after the forthcoming Water
Workshop on April 19, 2005. He provided a PowerPoint presentation and discussed
with Council:
· The Ranney Collector, its capacity rank, highest peak recorded, maximum design
test recorded, design capability, present capability, and consider replacing its
affects on the production with constriants
· City wells, their capacity rank, and location
· The Water Treatment Plant reservoir and zones with regard to location, material,
and capacities
· The availability of water sources and distribution reservoirs to supply adequately,
dependably and safely the total requirements of all users under maximum
demand conditions
· Consideration for population increase and the need to serve more users
· Developing a conservation program
· Perfecting the City's water rights
· Status of equipment
· The need to conduct a hydrology study in order to determine if the City needs to
drill more ground water wells
Director Ziemianek concluded with a summarization of the issues concerning the
Water Treatment Plant and estimated the cost of maintenance to open up the laterals
on the Ranney collector.
2b. Discussion Regarding Pending Petition for Amendments to City's Water
Rights Permit
City Attorney Rapport discussed his Staff Report to Council with regard to the pending
petitions to amend the City's water rights permit. He also discussed the related issues
and basis for staff's recommendation to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
to evaluate the environmental impact of these amendments.
Special Ukiah City Council Meeting
April 19, 2005
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Considerable discussion followed with regard to issues contained in the City Attorney's
report as well as the City Manager's memorandum regarding the Flood District contract
and annexation policy.
City Attorney Rapport and Gary Weatherford, the City of Ukiah's water rights
attorney, discussed issues related to the City's application to the State Water Board and
answered questions.
Recessed at 5:05 p.m.
Reconvened at 5:12 p.m.
Mr. Weatherford provided a map of the Russian River drainage and explained areas
with regard to return flow and any ground water that would contribute to those sources
above Ukiah's groundwater sources of diversion. He provided a comparison of water
right availability and the City's historic use amount reported by the Flood Control
District.
Public Comment Period Opened: 5:35 p.m.
Members of the audience speaking to the issue were: Gary Ackerstrom, Lee Howard,
and Barbara Spacek.
Public Comment Period Closed: 6:10 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Baldwin to amend the City's request to the Russian River
Flood Control District to increase the allotment to 800 acre feet based on historical use
reported to the Russian River Flood Control District died for lack of a second.
It was the unanimous consent of the City Council to discuss the City's policy
regarding providing water outside the City limits.
Barbara Spacek advised that the matter concerning meeting with the City on water
usage has been addressed by the Russian River Flood Control Board and they opted
not to move forward with that matter.
The majority of the Council, with Councilmember Baldwin dissenting, agreed that the
parties should discuss their differences and reconcile the City's use of District water.
2c. Approval of Consultant Services Contract For The Preparation Of An
Environmental Impact Report For The Ukiah and Millview County Water
District Water Rights Permits/Licenses Amendment Project
Planning Director Stump advised that on March 16, 2005, the City
Council discussed the consultant services contract for the preparation of an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Ukiah and Millview County Water District
water rights permits amendment project. Mr. Stump recommended Council hire
Leonard Charles and Associates to prepare the EIR based on the lowest bid, and Mr.
Charles' familiarity with the City of Ukiah.
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April 19, 2005
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Councilmember Baldwin inquired regarding a possible conflict of interest with Mr.
Charles' credentials now that the Orr Creek Bridge is being challenged in court and
whether the EIR would address annexation issues, LAFCO, a reduced Sphere of
Influence, and the generation of development in the area.
City Attorney Rapport explained there are two separate issues related to the Council's
decision on this matter. One issue is whether the City should go forward with a petition
to amend its Change of Use with the Calpella and Millview County Water Districts in
which case the City will need to complete either a Negative Declaration or EIR because
the City is requesting a time extension. He recommended the City prepare an EIR
whether or not it does a petition for Place of Use because of CEQA requirements.
Another point concerns the issue of whether Council wants to change the Place of Use.
He noted that the City's permit is up for renewal so it is open even without preparing a
change in Place of Use application. The City would need to address the Place of Use
issue eventually.
Discussion followed with regard to providing water in an emergency situation to the
Calpella and Millview Water Districts, and whether to include the Willow Water District in
the Place of Use change. There was also discussion concerning the status of the City's
wells.
M/S Rodin/Crane approving Agreement for Professional Services with Leonard Charles
for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the Ukiah and Millview
County Water District Water Rights Permit/Licenses Amendment Project, and to expand
the scope to include Willow Water District, and amend the water permit application to
include Willow Water District
It was the consensus of the City Council to reaffirm the City's policy to not serve
water outside the City limits unless the area is annexed into the City.
Motion carried by the following roll
McCowen, Rodin, and Mayor Ashiku.
None. ABSENT: None.
call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane,
NOES: Councilmember Baldwin. ABSTAIN:
3. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Marie Ulvila, City Clerk
Special Ukiah City Council Meeting
April 19, 2005
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