HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 10-12-05 (spcl/wrkshp)MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting/Workshop
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
The Ukiah City Council met at a Regular Meeting on October 12, 2005, the notice for which
had been legally noticed and posted, on October 6. 2005 in the Civic Center Council
Chambers. 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. Roll was taken and the following
Councilmember's were present:
Vice-Mayor Baldwin, Councilmembers McCowen, Rodin. At 5:32, Councilmember Doug
Crane and Mayor Ashiku arrived. Staff Present: City Manager Horsley, Building Director
Stump, City Attorney Dave Rapport, and Deputy City Clerk Petersen.
1. ROLL CALL: Meeting called to order at 5:09 PM by Vice-Mayor Baldwin.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Vice-Mayor Baldwin.
3,
REVIEW~ DISCUSSION AND FORMATION OF COMMENTS CONCERNING THE
MENDOClNO COUNTY DRSAFT UKIAH VALLEY AREA PLAN (UVAP)
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR)
Vice-Mayor Baldwin stated the purpose of this Special Meeting/Workshop is to
discuss comments from the City to the Board of Supervisors prior to final
determination on the UVAP which is an update of the General Plan before they can
have a final Environmental Impact Report and possibly adopt the plan or an
alternative.
Councilmember McCowen stated that most of the comments made by the public at
the previous meeting were to the UVAP itself and not necessarily to the draft EIR.
Public is requested to comment on the substance of the UVAP as well as to the
EIR.
In response to Vice-Mayor Baldwin regarding the appropriate procedure to follow
during the discussion period, City Attorney Rapport provided legal guidance stating
that the purpose of submitting comments on the deficiencies within the draft EIR is
to preserve the record which allows the ability to raise the issue(s) in court. Vice-
Mayor Baldwin questioned the process that would follow in the event the City were
satisfied with the EIR however, found the UVAP inadequate and preferred an
alternative. Mr. Rapport explained the process the Board of Supervisors must
follow. They must make two findings: #1: A Finding of Overriding Consideration
(the benefits outweigh the harm) #2: A separate finding that a better project
alternative is not feasible. Councilmembers and members of the public were
advised that comments on the Plan are to be submitted to the Board of Supervisors
by October 26, 2005.
1
AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Vice-Mayor Baldwin opened the meeting for public comment at 5:27 PM
Seventeen members of the public addressed the Council, commenting on the
inadequacies of both the EIR and UVAP.
Special City Council Meeting/Workshop
October 12, 2005
Major concerns were:
Lack of public involvement
The plan is stale-dated
Lack of growth management
Negative impact on quality of life due to lack of growth management and Smart
Growth
Negative impact caused by loss of open space, biological habitat, agricultural
lands including but not limited to vineyards, orchards, farmlands, etc.,
woodlands and grasslands; increased noise, traffic, air pollution and
population.
Non-existent Ordinances as referred to within the EIR, to mitigate impacts.
Lack of fiscal analysis of the cost associated to mitigate impacts.
Rezoning of Industrial to Commercial and Residential reduces the potential for
creating new jobs in the community, forcing residents of this valley and County to
commute to other areas.
Adverse negative impact caused by the projected Hop Kiln Project (formerly
Masonite) including but not limited to current and future availability of water and
water source; loss of industrial zoned land and the potential for future jobs,
etc.
Growth Projections are not based on amount of growth that has occurred
between the time the document was originally written and July 2005.
Lack of storm water drainage plan (storm water detention infrastructure)
Adverse negative impact Brush Street Triangle including lack of schools,
playgrounds, sidewalks, increased traffic due to the extension of Orchard
Avenue.
Cluster communities as identified in the plan (Calpella, Ukiah and Talmage)
which are projected to merge, have adverse negative impact on the quality of
life, traffic and pollution, etc. The County and City should encourage small self-
sustaining communities providing general services.
Lack of planning for paths, trails, bike lanes, etc.
Recommend Board of Supervisors slow the process down, conduct public
meetings involving input by the public, work in unison with the City and take the
revised Ukiah Valley Area Plan Program Environmental Impact Report tothe
voters.
Public Comment closed at 6:31 PM
Each Councilmember made comments based on their review of the Draft Program
Environmental Impact Report which mirrored concern and comments made by the public;
the EIR was found to be inadequate in a variety of areas.
Special City Council Meeting/Workshop
October 12, 2005
It was the consensus of the Council that the plan lacked "managed growth," and had stale-
dated information.
Director Stump was directed to review the Ukiah Valley Area Plan Draft Program
Environmental Impact Report and prepare a comment letter to the Board of Supervisors on
the inadequacy of the EIR and present a draft to the City Council at their October 19, 2005,
meeting.
A subcommittee consisting of Councilmember's McCowen and Rodin were requested to
draft a letter that addresses the lack of growth management and environmental
inadequacies within the Ukiah Valley Area Plan and present to the Council at the next
meeting for approval.
Meeting adjourned to Closed Session at 7:46 PM
Bm
CLOSED SESSION-
a. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR~ Government Code §54957.6
Employee Negotiations: Directors, Miscellaneous Units, and Fire Department
Negotiator: Candace Horsley
Sm
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:40 p.m.
Gail Petersen, Deputy City Clerk
Special City Council Meetin~orkshop
October 12, 2005