HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 02-01-06 CITY OF UKIAH
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Meeting
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
300 Seminary Avenue
Ukiah, CA 95482
February 1, 2006
1. ROLL CALL: 6:07 PM
Councilmembers Present: Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku
Staff Present: Project Engineer Burck, Public Works Director Eriksen, City Manager Horsley, Fire
Chief Latipow, Finance Director McCann, City Attorney Rapport, Community Services Director
Sangiacomo, Community Services Supervisor Simerson, Planning Director Stump, and City Clerk
Ulvila.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INTRODUCTIONS
3a. Introduction of New Employee - Kerry Randall~ Ukiah Valley Conference Center Event
Coordinator6: ! :2::23 PM
Community Services Director Sangiacomo introduced new employee Kerry Randall, the Ukiah
Valley Conference Center's new Event Coordinator, and discussed Mr. Randall's background.
3b. Introduction of New Employee - Maya Simerson~ Community Services Supervisor
6:13:45 PM
Community Services Director Sangiacomo introduced Maya Simerson who was recently
promoted to the position of Community Services Supervisor, and discussed her work experience with'
the City of Ukiah's Community Services Department.
3c. Introduction of Tim Eriksen As Director of Public Works Director/City Engineer
6:15:12 PM
City Manager Horsley introduced Tim Eriksen, the City's recently promoted Public Works
Director/City Engineer and discussed his work experience with the City of Ukiah's Public Works
Department.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4a. Regular Meeting Minutes of November 16~ 20056:18:26 PM
Councilmember Rodin inquired if Councilmember Baldwin voted "no" on the motion on page six, to
which Councilmember Baldwin responded that the minutes accurately reflect the vote on the
motion.
M/RC McCowen/Crane approving the Regular Meeting Minutes of November 16, 2005 as
presented; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin,
Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION6:19:36 PM
Mayor Ashiku read the appeal process.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR6:20:03 PM
Councilmember Rodin inquired about item "6b" as to why the City is extending the state of a local
emergency.
City Manager Horsley explained the process the City must follow.
Councilmember McCowen clarified that there was a minor addition to item "6g" that Council
received via E-mail.
M/S McCowen/Crane approving Consent Calendar items "a" through "g" as follows:
a. Rejected Claims for Damages Received from Pacific Gas & Electric and Chuck Johnston, and
Referred to Joint Powers Authority, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund;
b. Approved Resolution 2006-35 Extending the Existence of a Local Emergency for the City of
Ukiah;
c. Received Report of Acquisition of Replacement Computer Equipment from Dell Marketing,
L.P.;
d. Received Report of Bid Award to Williams USA in the Amount of $5,033.84 for the Purchase
and Installation of One David Clark In-Cab Communication System;
e. Adopted Resolution 2006-36 Amending Appendix to City Conflict of Interest Code;
f. Approved Notice of Completion for the Roof Overlay for the Ukiah Valley Conference Center,
Specification No. E25629;
g. Adopted Resolution 2006-37 Providing Conditional Consent to the Formation by the
Mendocino County Board of Supervisors of a Countywide Lodging and Business
Improvement District that Includes Lodging Businesses Located in the City Of Ukiah.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin,
Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS6:2]:43 PM
Greg Smith, Mendocino County EMS Coordinator, provided a recap to the City Council of the past
24 days in which extensive flooding occurred in various areas of the Ukiah Valley and surrounding
areas. He also discussed the City assisting in mutual aid and complimented City staff for their
superb job. He noted that there were some massive evacuations but no lives were loss. He also
discussed legal reporting procedures that are required.
8. PUBLIC HEARING
8a. Introduction of Ordinance Revising Section 92547 Entitled "Marijuana Cultivation" to
Division 97 Chapter 27 Article 19 of the Ukiah City Coded:32:0d PM
Planning Director Stump advised that last October, the City Council discussed possible revisions to
the marijuana cultivation ordinance to simplify enforcement and make the ordinance more defensible
against legal challenge. After discussing possible revisions, the Council referred the draft Ordinance
to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and recommendation. On December 14, 2005, the
Planning Commission conducted a public hearing and unanimously agreed to recommend that the
City Council introduce and adopt the Ordinance revising the marijuana cultivation regulations as
proposed by the City Attorney and Staff. Staff and the Planning Commission are proposing to revise
the marijuana cultivation regulations after four months of administering the Ordinance. He discussed
the proposed revisions to the Ordinance, as recommended by the Planning Commission. Staff and
the Planning Commission also believe that a simple ban on outdoor cultivation will alleviate many of
the complaints the City has received. Finally, the draft Ordinance would authorize a civil injunction
action if specific public nuisance impacts of indoor cultivation exist in individual cases.
City Attorney Rapport recommended that the Ordinance clarify the per parcel limit on the number of
plants applied to residential districts, but not commercial districts.
Public Hearing Opened:6:3$:19 PM
Members of the audience that spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance were: Pebbles
Trippet, speaking on behalf of the Medical Marijuana Patients Union, Ukiah Morrison, and Dane
Wilkins, Director of Northern California NORMAL.
Mr. Randy Dorn spoke in support of the proposed ordinance, and noted that he supports medicinal
marijuana for patients and supported it being a controlled substance.
Public Hearing Closed:al:S2:07 PM
Discussion followed between Council and staff with regard to the legality of the Ordinance, protecting
the public health and safety of Ukiah citizens, opposition to commercial marijuana growers, the
possibility of the City issuing marijuana cards in the future, and safety concerns with growing
marijuana indoors.
M/S McCowen/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.
City Clerk Ulvila read the title of the Ordinance, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of
Ukiah Amending Section 9254, Entitled: "Marijuana Cultivation", of the Ukiah City Code".
M/S McCowen/Rodin 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. PUBLIC HEARING
8b. Approval of Applications to Demolish Three Structures Over 50 Years Old Located at 763
and 765 Apple AvenueT:00:3! PM
Planning Director Stump advised that the owner of the properties located at 763 and 765 Apple
Avenue has applied for Demolition Permits to demolish three single-family residences on two
parcels. The structures are over 50 years old, and therefore, according to the Ukiah City Code, the
City Council must conduct a public hearing to review and consider the historical and architectural
significance of the structures. The Demolition Permit Review Committee considered the application
on December 20, 2005 and unanimously found that none of the criteria in Ukiah Code Section
3016(E) applied, and therefore the structures are not historically or architecturally significant.
Accordingly, staff is recommending that the Demolition Permits be approved.
Public Hearing Opened:7:02:$2 PM
No comments received.
Public Hearing Closed:7:02:$7 PM
M/S Rodin/McCowen approving the Demolition Permits for the three structures located at 763 and
3
765 Apple Avenue based on the finding that the structures do not have historical or architectural
significance; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin,
Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
Councilmember McCowen encouraged the property owner to recycle materials as much as
possible.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9a. Authorization for City Manager to Negotiate and Enter into a Professional Consulting
Services Agreement with Brown and Caldwell to Conduct a Groundwater Well Siting
Study in an Amount not to Exceed $8975287:03:39 PM
Project Engineer Burck provided information concerning the City's five wells and noted three of
those wells are productive during the summer months. Aside from the Ranney Collector, well #4 is
the best producing well at 750 gallons per minute (gpm) and it is 50 years old. The City of Ukiah's
current water distribution system relies on the Russian River to supply most of its water. To ensure
the City has sufficient water source capacity to meet demand, new water wells need to be found,
prepared, and added to the municipal water system as soon as possible. The Department of Health
Services, in Title 22 Section 64562, requires sufficient water source capacity to supply adequately,
dependably, and safely the total requirements of demand, emergency, and fire fighting of all users
under the maximum demand conditions.
A Request for Proposal (RFP) to conduct a Water Well Siting Study was sent to 21 engineering
consulting firms that provide hydrogeologic services for municipal water systems. Seven proposals
were received. City Staff requested the civil engineering consulting firm of Wagner and Bonsignore
to independently review the proposals and to offer their unbiased judgment in addition to City Staff's
evaluation. Brown and Caldwell received the highest evaluation score and has the requisite
experience and qualifications and offers the City the best value to provide the hydrogeologic services
for the Groundwater Well Siting Study.
Discussion followed of aspects related to the matter of the City locating an additional water source
and the requirements of the Department of Health Services Title 22, capacity versus peak demand,
new storage tank versus new well, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process and
compliance.
Mr. Gerry Christofortes, Ukiah, inquired as to the use of fluoride in the City's water.
Mayor Ashiku discussed fluoridation of the water.
M/S McCowen/Rodin authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and enter into a Professional
Consulting Services Agreement with Brown and Caldwell to conduct a Groundwater Well Siting
Study for an amount not to exceed $89,528; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES:
Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN:
None. ABSENT: None.
gm
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion of Interim Urgency Ordinance Imposing Moratorium on Formula Businesses
within the Downtown Business District and on Perkins and Gobbi StreetsT:36:$4 PM
Mayor Ashiku explained that, due to the decision of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC)
concerning potential conflict of interest, at the previous meeting the City Council drew names of the
Councilmembers who would review the proposed Ordinance concerning formula businesses.
City Manager Horsley noted that Councilmembers Crane, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku were
randomly selected.
Councilmember McCowen disclosed his "conflict of interest in real property which is in or within 500
feet of the area subject to the proposed regulations: Standley Street rental property; Gobbi Street
commercial and residential property; Clay Street rental property; and personal residence. The
conflict arises because the properties are in or within 500 feet of the area subject to the proposed
regulations and action on the proposed regulations could conceivable have an impact of one cent or
more on my financial position." He recused himself from action on the matter and left the hearing
room.
Councilmember Crane disclosed a potential conflict of interest in real properties which is in or within
500 feet of the area subject to the proposed regulations: 1324B and 628 South State Street.
Councilmember Rodin declared a potential conflict of interest in real property which is in or within
500 feet of the area subject to the proposed regulations located at 415 West Perkins Street.
Mayor Ashiku declared a potential conflict of interest in real property which is in or within 500 feet of
the area subject to the proposed regulations: personal residence at 510 South Spring Street,
business address at 724 South Dora Street.
Councilmember Baldwin stated that he does not have a conflict of interest concerning this matter.
He explained that he brought this issue forward and it concerns an urgency moratorium as part of a
lengthy process to consider a permanent ordinance that would affect formula businesses or ban
them from certain portions of the City. He questioned the City Attorney as to what point after an
application is submitted could a moratorium impact that application.
City Attorney Rapport noted that until there are vested rights, there is nothing to stop a jurisdiction
from enacting a moratorium at any point in the application process. He explained that, based on
findings related to health, safety, and welfare, the City would need to identify what the harm would be
to allow those businesses in certain areas of the City. The findings would need to be based on facts,
not arbitrary or speculative opinions.
Councilmember Crane noted that there are stores located in the downtown area of the City that
also have other locations in the City, such as a bakery or banks. He did not understand the need for
an emergency or rationale to consider an urgency ordinance at this time. He explained that this
proposal is so general that an urgency ordinance is an impediment to having a good dialog within the
community.
Councilmember Baldwin advised that it is his belief that any new application submitted would
jeopardize the permanent ordinance. It is his belief that 'corporate America doesn't care about the
citizens of Ukiah or the future beyond the next quarterly profit report. He believes that it is important
for the City Council to try to defend the Ukiah community against this mentality. He hopes the City
Council can revisit this issue in terms of beginning the process for a permanent ordinance whether or
not there is the support for an emergency ordinance at this time.
Councilmember Rodin voiced her agreement with Councilmember Baldwin's views on this matter.
She stated that to her, it is about self determination for our community and especially what we want
for the downtown area of the community. It was her opinion that, inevitably, if formula businesses
come in, like Walgreens did, it would be to the detriment of the City to not have design standards in
place. She does not want to take away from the uniqueness of the downtown area. She would like
to work with Councilmember Crane on a subcommittee to review various elements associated with a
possible ordinance.
City Attorney Rapport provided legal advice concerning the Brown Act requirement for
Councilmembers who are members of a subcommittee.
Mayor Ashiku commented that although a Councilmember may dislike corporate American
businesses, it creates a bias towards a particular group and opens the City to potential legal
implications. He suggested that the problem is not with the business itself, but with how it looks and
if it fits into a particular location. He referred to a map provided by the City Attorney and noted that
the area in question is very restrictive to large commercial establishments because they wouldn't fit.
He suggested that the Smart Growth Coalition and other groups may be able to provide
recommendations.
Public Comment Opened
Estok Menton, Ukiah, was of the opinion that it would be to the City's advantage to look at positive
designs and look at smaller scale projects within the downtown area, focusing on diverse businesses
and pedestrian friendly streets.
Mike Johnson, Ukiah, was of the opinion that the City needs to revamp its codes and that it is
government's job to encourage business in the community.
Scott Crafty, Ukiah, voiced his support for an urgency moratorium ordinance because a formula
business may threaten the well being of existing stores in Ukiah. He read a prepared statement and
referenced the Ukiah General Plan.
Steve Scalmanini, Ukiah, discussed the negative effect on revenue to the City once Walgreens is
established in the City. He voiced his support for an urgency ordinance to allow the community time
to consider what is best for the City.
Public Comment Closed
Councilmember Rodin explained that she didn't think there are enough votes for an urgency
moratorium ordinance at this time but thinks it is important that the City expedite the process of
adopting a permanent formula business ordinance.
Mayor Ashiku stated that it is important to remember competition among people is important, and
that competition of service and price is important.
M/S Baldwin/Rodin to bring this item back to Council in two weeks for discussion of a permanent
ordinance, failed by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin and Baldwin. NOES:
Councilmember Crane and Mayor Ashiku.
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion and Direction Concerning the Development of Form Based Zoning for the
Perkins Street Gateway and Downtown Areag:24:32 PM
City Manager Horsley explained that Councilmembers selected to consider this matter are
Councilmembers McCowen, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku.
Recessed: 8:25:09 PM
Reconvened: 8:34:24 PM
Councilmembers McCowen and Mayor Ashiku referred to their conflict of interest disclosures
concerning the previous item. Councilmember McCowen noted that although he may have a
conflict of interest, he was selected at the last Council meeting to participate in discussion of this
matter. It was noted that Councilmembers Crane and Rodin also referred to their previous conflict of
interest disclosures, however, they were not selected to participate in this matter.
Planning Director Stump explained that form based zoning is a tool for implementing smart growth.
He noted that the City Council and Ukiah community has been discussing this matter since last
summer. The City is attempting to have a new approach to zoning for the downtown and the Perkins
Street corridor. Staff is investigating the concept of form based zoning which emphasizes the form,
look, and context of buildings rather than have a strong focus on the use of buildings. A specific
funding source for this project has not been identified. He stated that the City's vision for the
downtown needs to be revisited, and a vision for Perkins Street and perhaps other important
gateways needs to be developed to avoid difficult and uncomfortable development review processes.
Discussion followed with regard to the smart growth concept and the Ukiah Valley Area Plan (UVAP),
and the estimated cost of the project (estimated at $100,000). There was also discussion of whether
the visioning process could be completed by Staff rather than a consultant, to which Planning
Director Stump explained that a consultant would have expertise in the process and how it is
conducted, and various exercises in which to entice the public to participate.
Members of the public that spoke to the issue were Ms. Jan Moore, Richard Shoemaker, Mike
Johnson, and David Smith Ferri.
Councilmember Baldwin expressed an interest in receiving a copy of the RFP.
M/S Baldwin/McCowen authorizing staff to prepare a draft Request for Proposal and distribute it to
qualified consulting firms; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers McCowen,
Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Crane and Rodin
9:02:46 PM Councilmembers Crane and Rodin returned to the meeting.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9d. Discussion of Possible June 2006 Ballot Measure Regarding the Mayor's Position Bein.q
Appointed Versus Elected 9:02:59 P1V[
City Manager Horsley advised that at the January 18th meeting, the City Council determined that
they would like to discuss the possibility of including a ballot measure regarding the Mayor position
being appointed from the five elected Councilmembers versus elected at the June 2006 election.
She provided a historical recap.
Discussion followed regarding a possible ballot measure concerning the Mayor's position. Reflecting
on the last time this matter was placed before the voters, it was recommended that the wording for
this measure be made clearer to the public; noting the confusion of wording in previous years.
Councilmember Rodin and City Attorney Rapport discussed wording of the ballot measure and
concluded that the wording of "restoring that practice of a Mayor being elected to a four-year term
and rotation of the Mayoral duties" be included.
Ms. Judy Pruden voiced her support for rotating the Mayor from among the five elected
Councilmembers and have the Mayor's term four years instead of two years.
McCowen/Crane directing Councilmembers McCowen and Rodin to compose language for a ballot
measure for the June 2006 election concerning making the Mayor's term four years, rotating the
Mayor position among the five elected Councilmembers, and return to Council at the next meeting for
review, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin,
Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10a. Waive Bid Proposal Irregularity and Authorize City Manager to Execute A Contract With
Miracle Construction Company~ Inc. For The Purchase And Installation Of Playground
Equipment At Todd Grove Park~ Oak Manor Park~ Vinewood Park And Orchard Park In
The Amount of $299~9959:23:2g PN[
Community Services Director Sangiacomo advised that in September 2005, the City Council
authorized the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the purchase and installation of
playground equipment at Todd Grove, Oak Manor, Vinewood, and Orchard Parks. A selection
subcommittee was organized to evaluate the submitted proposals. After careful review, the selection
subcommittee recommended that the Parks, Recreation, and Golf Commission support the proposal
submitted by Miracle Construction Company in the amount of $299,995 that includes design, play
equipment, fall zone material, containment boarder, demolition and removal of existing equipment,
and installation of new equipment. The Parks, Recreation, and Golf Commission reviewed the
recommendation of the selection subcommittee and unanimously recommends its adoption by the
City Council.
A brief discussion followed with regard to the construction, of the playgrounds and the parks that
would receive new equipment. It was noted that all playground equipment is ADA approved.
Mr. John Harris, owner of Miracle Construction Company, Inc. discussed his proposal and the
construction of the equipment.
Ms. Lorie Leaf expressed her satisfaction with the lack of wood in the construction, noting that the
wood may contain copper or arsenic, to which Mr. Harris responded that any wood used in the
construction would not be treated.
Councilmember McCowen inquired about the durability of equipment due to vandalism, to which
Mr. Harris responded that the equipment is far more durable than it was years ago and is resistant to
graffiti. His company would also supply the City with a supply of solution used to remove graffiti and
it doesn't chip or peel.
M/S McCowen/Crane waiving the bid proposal irregularity and authorizing the City Manager to
execute a contract with Miracle Construction Company, Inc. for the purchase and installation of
playground equipment at Todd Grove Park, Oak Manor Park, Vinewood Park, and Orchard Park in
the amount of $299,995.
Councilmember Rodin inquired about any plans for shade, to which Director Sangiacomo
responded that there is a roofing component over each structure.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin,
Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10b. Discussion Of Building Up Versus Building Out - Craneg:3$:3(~
Councilmember Crane advised that on page 2, paragraph 3, line 12, of his letter to the City Council,
the word "of" was omitted. He read aloud the letter he submitted to the City Council which was
included in the Council packet. The letter listed elements for discussion that he would like the City
Council to discuss, followed by Planning Commission discussion and review of the current City and
County land use rules and guidelines that control or influence density and mixed use. He stated that
it will be a challenge for the community to create revisions in the City's planning documents that
could be helpful in revitalizing the core of the City and may create some healthy neighborhoods that
conform to the principals of smart growth.
Discussion followed regarding Councilmember Crane's recommendations. Topics discussed were: · Increasing the amount of green space as buildings increase in height, such as green roofs.
· Establishing an ecosystem by absorbing storm water
· Increasing the height and footprint of a building, would allow for a greater amount of
landscaping
· Increasing the height of buildings, would allow for more open space, while meeting the
housing demands of the community
· Modifying planning regulations to increase green areas
· Increasing density in the downtown area would create a better walking environment, and may
contribute to the revitalization of the downtown
· Concern was expressed that increasing density may also lead to increased sprawl
· Consideration for urban limit lines and urban green belts as an important component for the
quality of life in the community
· Many of the issues presented could be included in discussions of form based zoning
· Circulation issues
Members of the audience that spoke to the issue were Judy Pruden and Lorie Leaf.
Planning Director Stump discussed the estimated amount of time it would take to complete a smart
growth project with and without a consultant. He explained that the downtown corridor would fall
within discussion concerning the topic of form based zoning. He discussed some of the constraints
that would need to be discussed with regard to increasing the height of buildings. He encouraged
members of the community and the County being involved in the process.
It was the consensus of the City Council to consider this matter as an important aspect of the form
based zoning project for the downtown and Perkins Street corridor.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10c. Discussion of City Council Meeting Decorum.- Ashiku]0:]0:49 PM
Mayor Ashiku explained that he brought this matter forward because a Councilmember contacted
him regarding their concern of how Councilmembers treat each other. He stated some of the
concerns he has include the time allotted speakers and the interaction with City Councilmembers as
they deal with time related issues. The following issues were discussed by Council:
· Challenging the motives of Councilmembers that express a potential conflict of interest on a
certain matter and recuse themselves from discussion.
· How Councilmembers treat members of the public or consultants while interacting with them
concerning items. Professional courtesy should be given.
· Public comments are limited to three minutes, however, the Mayor and Council should be
flexible to the degree that they would allow a speaker to finish expressing their thought, rather
than interrupting them. It is important to be fair and treat all speakers with an equal amount of
time for presentations.
· If a Councilmember needs to leave the meeting, they should announce the fact so that their
absence can be recorded in the minutes
· Councilmembers should not try to read the minds of other Councilmembers and should avoid
comments that might offend other members of the Council.
· Councilmembers should avoid engaging in debates with speakers at the podium, and should
refrain from extensive debates with each other. The matter of "Limitation of debates",
described in the Council Meeting Rules of Procedure, was also discussed.
· Questions by speakers should be directed to the City Council, not staff members.
· After staff makes its presentation, questioning by Council will be rotated among the Council
for comment.
· Discussion of conducting a public hearing and whether to hear all speakers in favor of the
matter first, then hear rebuttals.
· Encouraging speakers to submit their comments in writing to the Council prior to the meeting
so that Council will have adequate time to read them.
· It was suggested that after hearing from the public, speakers could be given a second
opportunity to express their opinions, based on previous speakers' comments.
· Requesting the staff investigate the option of purchasing a Iow-cost timer to keep track of
speakers' time
· It was suggested that each Councilmember be allowed the same amount of time to express
their opinions
· It is okay for Councilmembers to ask tough questions of each other or of speakers without
attacking or offending the other person.
· Council should work together to solve issues facing the community
· It is important that speakers identify when the views they express are their own opinion and
not that of a certain organization or committee that they may be affiliated with.
· Mayor Ashiku requested the City Manager notify all City commission members of relevant
information concerning their responsibility as representatives of the City.
· Protocol for meeting with staff members was discussed and it was noted that each Council
and commission member not impose their personal needs upon staff. If they wish to meet
with staff, they should contact the City Manager first as to staff's availability.
· Mayor Ashiku requested that Councilmembers not make a motion until public comment has
been received.
· It was noted that when members of the audience express themselves overtly by cheering or
clapping, it disrupts the meeting proceedings.
· The option of posting a sign outside the Council Chambers that would inform the audience of
refraining from these types of actions was discussed. Councilmember Rodin expressed her
concern with how the sign would be worded.
· It is important that the Mayor keep Councilmembers on track during discussion, however, the
10
Mayor should not cut off a Councilmember's statements.
11:01:23 PM Councilmember McCowen left meeting.
11:03:01 PM Councilmember McCowen returned to meeting.
City Manager Horsley responded to questions on coordinating a Councilmember's request. It is
important that the request be submitted to her and she can direct the appropriate staff member to
conduct the research. In the event that a request involves several hours or days of staff time to
complete, she may bring the matter before the City Council for approval because of the amount of
time involved.
It was the consensus of the City Council to direct the City Manager to inform various City
commissions of the need to contact her first when they have a need to impose time requirements on
City staff.
Mayor Ashiku requested the City Manager keep track of the requests made by the Council and City
commissions and the amount of time it takes staff to complete the task requested.
11. COUNCIL REPORTSl ]:05:20 PM
Councilmember Crane reported that he attended a Northern California Power Agency (NCPA)
meeting in Sacramento last week. The City of Roseville is in the process of negotiating withdrawal
from the pool but not from NCPA. The City will need to discuss its utility or electric ratesin the near
future.
Councilmember McCowen reported that he attended a meeting of the Mendocino Council of
Governments (MCOG) and the highlight was an informative discussion concerning the Willits bypass
as led by Supervisor Wagenet.
He reported attending a meeting of the Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority (MSWMA)
and it was announced that effective February 14th it will no long be permissible to dispose of
household batteries, microwaves, and an array of small electronic devices in the trash. All of these
items will be able to be recycled at the transfer station at no extra charge through MSWMA.
Councilmember Rodin reported that a smart growth forum was conducted and was well attended.
She also attended the first showing of the smart growth film festival. As the City Council
representative, she attended a breakfast meeting last week concerning a fundraising for nonprofit
agencies that will be conducted Countywide that is called Human Race. Keith Woods from the North
Coast Builders Exchange spoke at the meeting.
Councilmember Baldwin reported that he attended a Board of Supervisor's meeting concerning the
Ukiah Valley Area Plan (UVAP) and everyone was in agreement to spend a significant amount of
time to revise it. Supervisor Wattenburger suggested imposing a one-year building moratorium.
Councilmember McCowen noted that he also attended the Board of Supervisor's meeting and
thought a greater concern was that a year long Countywide moratorium would have negative
implications for the UVAP.
12. CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS
City Manager Horsley reported that she emailed the Council concerning potential meeting dates for
discussion of the sign ordinance, and requested Council respond as soon as possible.
Discussion followed with regard to revising the Sign Ordinance to be more understandable for
citizens, while not imposing new regulations. The importance of enforcing the current regulations
was emphasized. It was recommended that the matter of what direction the Council would like to
take concerning this matter be agendized for Council's next meeting.
City Manager Horsley announced that this Friday the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a
Workforce Forum which will be held at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center concerning how to train
youth for jobs.
Adjourned to Closed Session: ! ! :24: ! 7 PM
13.
CLOSED SESSION
a. Conference with Labor Ne.qotiator~ Government Code Section 54957.6
Employee Negotiations: Electrical Unit
Negotiator: Candace Horsley
Reconvened: 11:26 PM
No action taken
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:26 PM.
Marie Ulvila, City Clerk