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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 03-16-05MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2005 The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on March 16, 2005, the notice for which being legally noticed, at 6:35 p.m. Roll was taken and the following Councilmembers were present: Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. Staff present: Community Services Director DeKnoblough, Police Captain Dewey, Alan Jamison from the Water Treatment Plant, City Manager Horsley, Personnel Officer Harris, MIS Coordinator Klingbeil, Associate Planner Lohse, Finance Director McCann, City Attorney Rapport, Airport Manager Richey, Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo, Planning Director Stump, Public Utilities Director Ziemianek, and Recording Secretary Elawadly. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Baldwin led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3a. Regular Meeting Minutes of January 19~ 2005 M/S Crane/Baldwin approving the minutes of the January 19, 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. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3b. Re_clular Meeting of February 2, 2005 Minutes continued to next meeting. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3c. Special Meeting of February 16~ 2005- Traffic Circulation Study Councilmember Baldwin recommended the following change to the minutes: Paragraph 3; correct spelling of assimulate to assimilate. Councilmember McCowen recommended the following change to the minutes: Paragraph 1, first sentence, change wording from "one lane travel in both directions" to "one lane in both directions." M/S Rodin/Crane approving the minutes of the January 19, 2005 City Council meeting as amended, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 4. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION Mayor Ashiku read the appeal process. 5. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Baldwin recommended further discussion of Consent Calendar item 5 "f". Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting March 16, 2005 Page 1 of 12 M/S Baldwin/Rodin approving items "a" through "e" and "g" through "p" of the Consent Calendar as follows: Item 5 "f" will be heard as the last item on the agenda. a. Approved Disbursements for Month of February 2005; b. Received Notification of the Bid Award to Pioneer America, Inc. to Supply Chlorine to the City Water Treatment Plant; c. Approved Budget Amendment of $7,656.90 to the City of Ukiah Water Storage Expansion Project, Account #840-3850-250-000, for Additional Geotechnical Services by Miller Engineering Group; d. Approved Acquisition of E-Mail Spam Filtering Software From CloundMark and Requested Approval of Budget Amendment For $6,000; e. Awarded Bid for Purchase of Patrol Car Vehicle in the Amount of $26,691.46 to Harper Ford Country; g. Awarded Bid to Healdsburg Landscape Materials For the Purchase of 750 Yards of Topsoil in the Amount of $13,875.50 for the Construction of a Third Field at the Ukiah Softball Complex; h. Received Notification of Purchase of Services From Cheryl Maslin to Properly House & Store the Museum's Collection of Pomo Indian Baskets and Other Artifacts In the Amount of $9,900.000; i. Received Notification of Purchase of Security Fencing From "A to Z" Construction in the Amount of $8,496; j. Awarded Bid Purchase of Police Patrol Vehicle to Maita Chevrolet in the Amount of $48,827.88; k. Awarded Purchase of Ferric Chloride 40% Solution to Kemiron Companies, Inc. in the Amount of $24,769.80; I. Awarded Purchase of Sodium Bisulfite, 25% Solution to Basic Chemical Solutions, Inc. in the Amount of $9,690.00; m. Received Notification to Council Regarding the Award of Bid to Pace Supply Company in the Amount of $9,409.78 For Materials to Upgrade the Water Main At Banker Boulevard; n. Approved Acquisition of Meter Reading Software And Installation Services and Request Budget Amendment in Amount of $12,557.03; o. Received Notification of Procurement of Emergency Repair of Runway Lights at the Ukiah Regional Airport in the Amount of $5,038.77 From Republic Electric; p. Awarded Bid to Park Avenue Turf Inc. for the Purchase and Installation of Sod in the Amount of $22,115 for the Construction of a Third Field at the Ukiah Softball Complex. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: ABSENT: None. Crane, None. 6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Warren Sawyers commended Council and the Ukiah Police enactment/enforcement of the City panhandling Ordinance. Department for the Mayor Ashiku polled the Council/audience to determine the most effective order in which the agenda items should be discussed/considered. Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting March 16, 2005 Page 2 of 12 7. PUBLIC HEARING 7a. Adoption of Resolution Amending the General Plan Amendment Land Use Classification and the Introduction of an Ordinance Changing the Zoning Districts For Four Contiguous Parcels Planning Director Stump stated the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for the General Plan Amendment/Zoning Change No. 04-32, and to approve General Plan Amendment/Zoning Change No. 04-32 to change the General Plan Land Use Map designation for the project site to High Density Residential (HDR) and the zoning to R-3. Associate Planner Lohse stated the General Plan Amendment and Zone change are required in order for a 32-unit apartment complex to be considered. The General Plan land use designation for the two lots making up the Menton property of the project site will be changed from a mix of C (Commercial) and MDR (Medium Density Residential) to HDR (High Density Residential) and the zoning designation will be changed from C-1 (Community Commercial) and R-2 (Medium Density Residential) to R-3 (High Density Residential). The General Plan land use designation amendment for the Rocha property will be changed from MDR (Medium Density Residential) to HDR, with zoning changed to R-3 (High Density Residential). Staff fully evaluated the proposed General Plan Amendment and Re-zone in terms of anticipated increase in the growth potential represented by the changes made on the land use maps. Mr. Lohse addressed the Mitigated Negative Declaration being considered for final approval by Council, and stated staff prepared an Initial Study for the General Plan Amendment and rezoning, as required by CEQA. The Study identified potential significant environmental impacts associated with aesthetics such as night lighting, short-term dust impacts, the possibility of historical resources being discovered on site, and hydrology issues more closely related to the aspects of the two proposed Site Development Permits than the General Plan Amendment. The potential impacts referenced above will be successfully mitigated to insignificant levels by measures in the Mitigated Negative Declaration. Councilmember Baldwin questioned the issue of increasing the density relative to the multiple-family projects being in Airport Compatibility Zones B1 and B2, as defined in the Airport Master Plan, when such projects are not normally acceptable in either of these compatibility zones. He expressed concern regarding the issue of safety and potential noise impacts to the tenants living below the aircraft approach/landing pattern, and whether staff thoroughly reviewed these issues prior to recommending approval of the projects. Mr. Lohse addressed the "lnfill" policy in the Airport Master Plan, and stated staff is cognizant of the Airport related issues. Because the project is less than two acres, the less intense B2 compatibility zoning would be applicable in this case, which makes the B2 Infill development policy applicable to the project. He explained the issue of the proposed General Plan Amendment was reviewed for consistency with the Ukiah Municipal Airport Master Plan. The project site is located approximately 0.6 mile north of the Airport runway, which places it in the Airport Compatibility Zones B1 and B2, as Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting March 16, 2005 Page 3 of 12 defined in the Compatibility Criteria tables for both the Ukiah Municipal Airport Master Plan and the Mendocino County Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Multiple-family residential projects are not normally acceptable in either of these compatibility zones. However, since the site areas concerning each of the two projects are less than two acres where the less intense B2 compatibility zoning is applied makes the proposed General Plan Amendment and Zoning change subject to the Infill policy of the County and City airport plans. The proposed change to high density land uses would conform to this policy since the residential densities allowed on the site will not exceed 28 dwelling units per project, the developments would maintain 30 percent of its lands for open space, and the multiple-family projects will not exceed two stories in height. The Infill policy adopted in the Airport Master Plan encourages multiple-family projects over single-family residential development, as Iow-density housing developments are considered to be more susceptible to aircraft noise impacts. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: 6:55 p.m. Sidney Hunt stated she resides on Apple Avenue, and is not supportive of the project. She expressed concern about the narrowness of the street and the problems that currently exist with drivers and commercial vehicles effectively being able to pass one another when vehicles are parked on either side of the street. She commented the development would add to the existing traffic problems on Apple Avenue. She is concerned for the safety of children residing in the apartment complexes who would not have sufficient recreational space in which to play. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 6:58 p.m. Councilmember Rodin asked staff how the Planning Commission addressed the issue of traffic congestion and parking accommodations on Apple Avenue. Mr. Lohse stated the Planning Commission focused on the issue of drivers being able to effectively pass one another with vehicle parking allowed on both sides of the street rather than potentially changing the parking requirements such as "red curbing." City Public Works/Engineer staff examined the street, and noted that, at 30 feet in width, it is a little narrower than other City streets in the area. However, the width is considered adequate for parking on both sides of the street, as well as for dual-lane traffic to pass. Because Apple Avenue is somewhat narrow, it creates its own traffic calming measure to slow traffic down. Mayor Ashiku inquired whether sidewalks exist on Apple Avenue. Mr, Lohse indicated that both sides of Apple Avenue have sidewalks. One of the benefits as a condition imposed from the site development permit portion of the project would be the construction of the cul-de-sac terminus that will be a dedicated public right-of-way. The lots are currently accessed by means of private driveways at the existing dead-end terminus for Apple Avenue. Councilmember McCowen requested clarification regarding the number of units that could be built without the proposed General Plan Amendment and Zoning change. Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting March 16, 2005 Page 4 of 12 Mr. Lohse stated at full development, up to 31 units could be built with the existing R-2 and C-1 zoning designations without General Plan Amendment/Zoning changes. The properties could potentially be developed with an even greater density than proposed, and the proposed 32 units are actually considered a medium to high-density rate. Councilmember McCowen inquired regarding the existing driveway to the projects. Mr. Lohse stated the lots are accessed via private driveways located at the existing dead-end terminus for Apple Avenue. The project conditions for these two projects require the implementation of a cul-de-sac that will be dedicated as a public right-of- way. A general discussion followed regarding the pedestrian access through the rear of the Menton property that could encourage residents in the area to walk rather than drive. Councilmember McCowen inquired whether the drainage issues in the area have been identified and successfully mitigated and/or resolved. Mr. Lohse stated hydrology studies were prepared for the Rocha and Menton properties where the storm drainage issues were identified and measures proposed to reduce the on-site water retention and other related potential run-off problems were included as mitigation measures/conditions. Councilmember Baldwin addressed the issue of the projects being able to provide sufficient recreational space for the tenants, and inquired whether the Planning Commission considered this matter. Mr. Lohse stated the project will provide for common recreational space in the yard areas between the buildings. Mr. Menton also provides and maintains a large garden area on his property. Councilmember Baldwin inquired regarding departures and landings to the north using runway "1/5", and what percentage of pilots use this runway in compliance with the Airport Quiet Flying Procedures/Good Neighbor policies and regulations Airport Manager Richey stated the common runway is "1/5", and signage, publications, and communication system information are available to assist pilots in complying with appropriate Airport departure and landing protocol and policies. He stated the vast majority of pilots comply with the established Airport policies/guidelines concerning proper departure and landing protocol. A brief discussion followed regarding the two-story height of buildings where Planning staff determined this height to be more compatible with the Airport Compatibility Zoning Criteria, as well as to assist with maintaining potential privacy impacts to the neighborhood. Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting March 16, 2005 Page 5 of 12 M/S Rodin/McCowen approving Negative Declaration prepared for the project, 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/McCowen adopting Resolution 2005-39 approving amendment of the General Plan Land Use Map from the C and MDR land use designations to the HDR land use designation, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. Councilmember Baldwin challenged the issue that Infill policy encourages multiple- family projects over single-family residential development because Iow-density housing developments are considered to be more susceptible to aircraft noise impacts, as airplanes will definitely fly directly over this project site. He recommended the City disregard this concept in the future. He stated all the vacant and/or underutilized land in the City that applies to the Infill development concept is located directly in the Airport landing approach zone. He commented during his site visit, he observed that many children under the age of seven were playing in the street on Cherry Street, and expressed concern regarding the issue of safety for children residing in the area and having the necessary recreational space for play activities. He further commented that the City could better apply the Infill/Smart Growth concepts. Councilmember McCowen commented the proposed project sites are appropriate for Infill development. However, the quality of the development is a very important factor to consider. M/S Rodin/Baldwin 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. Recording Secretary Elawadly read the title of the Ordinance: "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ukiah Amending the Official Zoning Map for the City of Ukiah, California". M/S McCowen/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. NEW BUSINESS 9a. Consideration of Lease of Golf Cart Storage Facility With the Ukiah Men's Golf Club Community Services Director DeKnoblough addressed staff's proposal regarding approval of a lease of the Golf Cart Storage Facility at the Ukiah Municipal Golf Course with the Ukiah Men's Golf Club (UMGC). Under the lease terms/conditions, the UMGC will be required to renovate/improve the older shed. Staff determined that renovating/improving the cart shed currently operated by the City would cost in excess of $10,000. Under UMGC management, much of the associated improvement costs would be offset with revenue generated from rental of the shed, as well as with Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting March 16, 2005 Page 6 of 12 volunteer labor and donated materials. Additionally, the City would benefit from this agreement, as the net revenues received from the operation of the storage facility are required by the lease to be utilized for either the improvement or promotion of the Golf Course. Councilmember McCowen stated he favors the project but calculated that over the next 14 years the City would not receive the net revenue from the facility that .it presently receives on an annual basis. He further stated that a major change for a 20- year term requires more information and discussion of all the associated issues. Paul Shimmin, President of the Ukiah Men's Golf Club (UMGC), briefly addressed the working relationship the UMGC has with the City in terms of assisting with projects that effectively promote, maintain, and improve the Golf Course. He recommended approval of the lease as being appropriate in an effort to continue supporting the working relationship between the City and the UMGC for the benefit of the Golf Course. Mayor Ashiku thanked the UMGC fo~ the significant contributions and assistance this organization has made to the Golf Course. Councilmember McCowen stated the working relationship the UMGC has with the City is a great one. He commented approval of a lease relevant to the magnitude proposed is premature without a comprehensive review of the existing Golf Course operation and recommended deferring consideration of the lease agreement until after the Budget hearing for this fiscal year. M/S McCowen/Baldwin deferred consideration of the lease of the Golf Cart Storage Facility at the Ukiah Municipal Golf Course with the Ukiah Men's Golf Club until after the Budget hearing in July 2005, and the motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 9. NEW BUSINESS 9b. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Proposed Mid-Year 2004-05 Budget Amendment It was the consensus of the Council to defer discussion/action concerning the Mid- Year Budget Amendment to the next regular City Council meeting. It was noted that Councilmembers Crane and McCowen will assist staff with reviewing the budget amendments and the necessity of additional expenditures. . NEW BUSINESS Adoption of Resolution of Intention and Introduction of Ordinance For the Police PERS Group to Amend the PERS Retirement Contract Personnel Officer Harris referred to the CALPERS Amendment to Contract between the Board of Administration CALPERS and the City Council, City of Ukiah that allows for Section 21362.2 (3% @ 50 Full formula) retirement benefit for local police members only to be effective by May 8, 2005. This action is necessary to fulfill the City's contractual obligation. Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting March 16, 2005 Page 7 of 12 M/S Crane/McCowen approving Resolution 2005-40 of Intention to approve an amendment to contract between the Board of Administration California Public Employees' Retirement System and the City Council of the City of Ukiah, 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/McCowen introducing Ordinance by title only, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTA. IN: None. ABSENT: None. Recording Secretary Elawadly read the title of the Ordinance: "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ukiah authorizing an amendment to the contract between the City Council of the City of Ukiah and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System". M/S McCowen/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. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 8a. 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 Proiect City Attorney Rapport stated the topic of tonight's discussion and possible action addresses the issue of the City and Millview County Water District (Millview) and their request that the consulting firm of Leonard Charles and Associates prepare an EIR to evaluate the potential environmental impacts in connection with the petitions by the two water districts to amend their water rights and licenses. The amendments would involve potential changes to the service area boundaries, water use purposes, and changes to and addition of points of diversion and/points of extraction that have occurred since the permits and licenses were issued. Millview has agreed to pay half the cost of preparing the EIR that would reduce the cost of CEQA compliance relative to future annexations. The water permits must be amended because of the following reasons: :> To ensure compliance with inspections conducted by the Water Resources Control Board/Division of Water Rights to verify that the areas currently served by the two water agencies are within the allowed place of use under their permits. > To ensure the emergency intertie water system between the City and Millview, and the City and Willow County Water District (VVillow), include one another within the allowed place of use under their permits. :> To include the City's well number 5 as an allowed point of diversion under the existing permit, and to add points of diversion to Millview's permit. > The Millview and City permits have expired and both agencies have applied for a 10-year extension of the permit to allow for more time to put additional water available under the permits to beneficial use. Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting March 16, 2005 Page 8 of 12 City Attorney Rapport referred to a letter from Bob Wagner dated March 2005, concerning the State Water Resources Control Board, water rights permitting authority, relative to CEQA and the City's decision to prepare an EIR versus a Negative Declaration in which he states the Board's views a time extension on a permit as making more water available to the permit holder, even though the maximum amount of water available under the permit does not change. The letter further explains that the cost of preparing a Negative Declaration that evaluates the "cumulative" impacts of the permit time extension would not be significantly less than the cost of preparing an EIR for all of the permit amendments, and, that an EIR is easier to defend in court should this document be challenged. Planning Director Stump stated the City sent RFP's to three qualified consulting firms and Leonard Charles and Associates came in with the lowest bid. Councilmember Rodin considered ministerial scrutinized. inquired whether the water permit amendments can be and/or will the permit applications be comprehensively City Attorney Rapport stated the degree of scrutiny concerning the permit amendments depends upon the public response to the applications which could potentially result in hearings before the State Water Resources Control Board because of potential opposition regarding the issues of time extension and the changes in the place of use. A general discussion followed regarding the preparation of a Negative Declaration versus an EIR, as specifically addressed in Mr. Wagner's letter. Councilmember Baldwin made the following inquiries/comments regarding information contained in the staff report: > Questioned whether the resulting EIR would be all-inclusive enough to address future growth impacts, as well as future annexations relative to the cost of preparing such a document. He inquired why staff characterize the changes involved in the permit as "incidental," and commented that adding Millview and Calpella water districts to the City water rights permit and authorized licensing is more than an incidental change. He further inquired why there is a "rush" to complete the permit amendment process. ;> Commented the subject of water/water rights and permit amendments require a thorough assessment/analysis. He recommended allowing more time via a public workshop in which to further address/identify all the "critical" issues concerning the topic of water. Mr. Stump stated the intent is to allow for an efficient process in terms of preparing and certifying an EIR, and, in staff's opinion, Leonard Charles could complete the process faster and at less cost. Councilmember Baldwin continued with the following statements: Questioned why Leonard Charles and Associates ranks number one from among the other consultants relative to experience and knowledge of EI R Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting March 16, 2005 Page 9 of 12 preparation that would effectively address growth and environmental impacts other than the fact his firm had the lowest bid. Questioned the bid proposal submitted by Leonard Charles that addresses the proposed water permit/licensing amendment. In response to Councilmember Baldwin, staff clarified that City wells 5 and 6 are included in the permit as "new" points of diversion because they are not listed in the current permit, but that construction of new points of diversion is not included in the EIR. Councilmember Baldwin recommended this agenda item be deferred until more information/data has been evaluated and/or a water workshop has been conducted to address the issues raised above, as well as other water-related issues. City Manager Horsley stated a water workshop is scheduled in April. Councilmember Rodin inquired regarding the timeframe for compliance with the water permits/licenses amendment process, and whether an extension is possible relative to the emergency intertie agreements. City Attorney Rapport stated the Water Resources Control Board is not so much concerned with the content of the emergency intertie agreement as they are with the City using its water and/or the water it appropriates under its permit and where that water can be lawfully applied. Lee Howard recommended the individual water districts could demand that the Flood Control District take over the interties and makes this issue part of their program. He addressed the potential for annexation outside of the City's Sphere of Influence and the need for LAFCO approval, and, therefore, supports the concept of preparing an EIR relative to the issue of projected growth impacts with the potential for annexation. A general discussion followed regarding the type of information/data necessary for discussion at a water workshop. There was also discussion regarding the probability of the Water Resources Control Board not being in a position to extend the City's existing water permit for another 10 years as in past years, due to Russian River watershed modifications to the allowable, cfs, new environmental impact issues that must be addressed under CEQA, and/or other corresponding criteria relevant to water permit/license changes. Councilmember McCowen pointed out that an EIR would be necessary because of the increase from the 8 cfs diverted by the City under its permit prior to December 31,2004, versus the maximum 20 cfs available under the permit. The City would be obligated to consider the cumulative impacts of using the full 20 cfs in the EIR. Continued discussion followed regarding the potential for annexation and accompanying growth impacts relative to the necessity of changing the points of diversion and place of use, Councilmember Rodin favors moving forward with an EIR, and stated it is imperative Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting March 16, 2005 Page 10 of 12 for Council to continue water policy discussions. Councilmember McCowen commented that allowing for changes to water permits with the certification of an EIR lays the groundwork for major growth and development in the Ukiah Valley. He stated it is important for the public to be informed regarding changes to the City's policy and possible changes to its water rights. City Attorney Rapport stated the limitations come through the intertie agreement and the local decisions that are made by the City so that when an EIR is prepared for subsequent potential impacts to the environment for changing the allowed place of use under the state permit, it becomes necessary to consider all issues, even though there may be no intent by the City to serve areas outside of its jurisdiction. Major Ashiku permitted public member John Mayfield to comment. John Mayfield spoke to the issue. M/S McCowen/Baldwin to defer approval regarding the contract for $51,530 with Leonard Charles and Associates for the preparation of an EIR for the Water Rights Permit Amendment Project to the next regular City Council meeting so that staff can reconfirm with Leonard Charles and Associates that his bid will still be considered in six weeks or so, and to reconfirm with Millview County Water District that they will be willing to particulate with the City at that time, so the City Council can proceed with a workshop on water policy and issues, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, and Baldwin. NOES: Council member Rodin and Mayor Ashiku. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 5f. Awarded Purchase of Water Main Materials to Groeni.qer & Company For the Sum of $122~852.89~ Tax Included~ For the Brush Street Water Main Replacement Project Public Utilities Director Ziemianek addressed the need to implement 3,000 lineal feet of 16-inch water main replacement for Brush Street from Highway 101 through State Street, as it is becomingly increasing costly for the continued repairs to the system. Also, it is important for the Council to approve going out to bid now for project materials as there will be a significant price increase for plastic and other related materials necessary to complete the job. He addressed the specific process concerning the replacement of the water main. A general discussion followed regarding the cOst saving by purchasing the materials now as opposed to later and/or the potential cost incurred by allowing the contractor to purchase the materials. M/S Baldwin/Rodin approving item "f" from the Consent Calendar, "Award Purchase of Water Main Materials to Groeniger & Company for the Sum of $122,852.89, Tax Included, For the Brush Street Water Main Replacement Project", carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and MayorAshiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting March 16, 2005 Page 11 of 12 10. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Rodin reported she attended Tony Shaw's Workforce Investment Board (WIB) presentation. She also attended a State budget conference in Sacramento conducted by the California Budget Project, a non-partisan budget policy analysis organization. Councilmember Baldwin reported he attended an Inland Water and Power Commission meeting, and stated legal action is likely to occur concerning the effort to revise the FERC decision about a 15 percent reduction in the flow through Potter Valley. He reported a new courtyard is planned for the back of the City Museum. He inquired regarding staff's policy in terms of time spent to respond to a question/request for additional information on a particular topic made by a Councilmember. City Manager Horsley stated staff will comply with the request and/or question if the time factor for researching the corresponding information is reasonable, otherwise, staff will consult Council in this regard. Mayor Ashiku reported he and Councilmember McCowen will meet with the Council Supervisor Committee on March 21,2005. City Attorney Rapport provided an update on the approved ballot argument filed with the County Clerk's office in favor of the ballot measure. He advised an argument has been filed in opposition to the ballot measure. He stated the City/Council is entitled to file a rebuttal argument to the opposition argument, which must be completed by March 25, 2005. 11. CITY MANGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS City Manager Horsley stated she attended a meeting with MTA concerning the existing Depot site, where 11 issues were formulated relevant to MTA potentially utilizing this site as part of their operation. 12. CLOSED SESSION No Closed Session. 13. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Ca, thy ~law~dly, Refordin~l Secretary Regular Ukiah City Council Meeting March 16, 2005 Page 12 of 12