HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 03-14-05 (Special)MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2005
The Ukiah City Council met at a Special Meeting on March 14, 2005, the notice for
which being legally noticed, at 5:03 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 (arrived at 5:06
p.m.), and Mayor Ashiku. Staff present: Risk Manager Archibald, Community Services
Director DeKnoblough, City Manager Horsley, Finance Director McCann, City Attorney
Rapport, Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo, Museum Director Smith-Ferri,
Public Works Director/City Engineer Steele, Planning Director Stump, Public Utilities
Director Ziemianek, and City Clerk Ulvila.
2. SPECIAL PRESENTATION
City Manager Horsley announced that Payroll Officer ElizaBeth McFarland has been
selected as Employee of the Year. She discussed Ms. McFarland's attributes and work
ethic in her function as Payroll Officer and working with City Staff.
ElizaBeth McFarland, overwhelmingly surprised, thanked the City Council and stated
that she enjoys working for the City and with its employees.
3, DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL OF BALLOT ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF
MEASURES ON BALLOT FOR JUNE 7, 2005 SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Two options for a "Tax Measure Argument" and one option for an "Advisory Measure
Ballot Argument" were prepared by the subcommittee consisting of Councilmembers
Rodin and McCowen and distributed to the City Council for review.
A review of these options was discussed by the City Council and City Staff. There was
considerable discussion with regard to the establishment of a "sunset clause" and the
number of years to designate especially as it relates to the City's future financial status,
the financial status of the State, and the City maintaining the current level of service for
public safety. Several suggestions were made by Councilmembers with regard to
changes in wording to the documents. It was the consensus of the Council that public
safety should be the first priority for the expenditure of funds derived from the tax
measure. Educating the public regarding the City's budget status and how the funds
would be used from the tax measure was deemed paramount.
Council discussed the proposed Advisory Measure; its purpose and whether or not it
was needed. It was the opinion of the City Attorney that the Advisory Measure should
explain the measure to the public and why Council is putting Measure S on the ballot.
Fire Chief Latipow explained that there are two unions for Fire Department personnel
and the unions are lending their support based on the City Council's last meeting in
which Council approved the advisory language that would be on the ballot stating that
public safety would be the first priority for expenditure of funds received from the tax
measure. If the language is changed dramatically, the firefighters may want to take the
new wording back to their group for a vote.
Special Ukiah City Council Meeting
March 14, 2005
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During discussion it was noted that, although public safety services rank high, other
situations may arise that need financial assistance, such as street repairs, and concern
was expressed that the entire amount of the proceeds from the tax not be designated
for public safety but to allow for other important expenses that may arise in the City.
It was the consensus of the Council to change the wording of the last paragraph, as
suggested by Councilmember Baldwin, to "Vote YES on Measure T to tell this and
future City Councils that public safety is your first priority for spending new sales tax
revenue generated by Measure S". The remainder of the language presented for
Advisory Measure T should remain as presented.
Discussion followed with regard to potential signers of each argument and Council
directed Staff to contact these individuals, including former mayors of Ukiah and public
safety unions, and obtain signatures by tomorrow's deadline. It was the consensus of
the Council that these individuals could be listed in the last paragraph under "Who
supports Measure S?"
John Latimore, Chairman of Board of the Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce,
explained that he could not say if the City has the Chamber's full endorsement of the
ballot measures until the Chamber meets again next week. However, an informal poll
was taken of their Board of Directors, and there was a clear majority in support of this
ballot measure.
After a brief discussion initiated by Fire Chief Latipow, it was the consensus of the
Council to change the first word in item #2 of the Argument in Favor of Measure S from
"Antiquated", to "Failing". Further discussion followed with regard to who should sign
the document and it was the consensus of the Council that the Mayor and Vice-Mayor
should sign on behalf of the entire City Council.
It was the unanimous voice vote of the Council to accept the general language for
Ballot Measures S and T that will be on the ballot for the June 7, 2005 Special Municipal
Election of the City of Ukiah, and authorizing Councilmember McCowen and City
Attorney Rapport to make any final changes to the endorsers and signers of the ballot
arguments.
4. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Marie Ulvila, City Clerk
Special Ukiah City Council Meeting
March 14, 2005
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