HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 03-15-06 CITY OF UKIAH
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Meeting
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
300 Seminary Avenue
Ukiah, CA 95482
March 15, 2006
4:20:43 PM
Fiscal Year 2006-07 Goals and Objectives (Continued from March 1,2006) - Public Works,
Community Services, and Airport.
Councilmembers Present: Crane, McCowen, Baldwin (arrived at 4:57 p.m.), and Mayor Ashiku.
Councilmember Absent: Rodin.
Recessed: 5:52:03 PM
Reconvened: 6:09:02 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Crane, McCowen, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku.
Councilmember Absent: Rodin.
Staff Present: City Manager Horsley, Electrical Distribution Engineer Kirkley, Finance Director
McCann, City Attorney Rapport, Planning and Community Development Director Stump, and City
Clerk Ulvila.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Crane led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. PROCLAMATIONS/INTRODUCTIONS/PRESENTATIONS
3a. Proclamation: Workers Memorial Day
The Proclamation was continued to the April 19, 2006 meeting.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4a. Regular Meeting Minutes of January 18~ 2006
Councilmember McCowen recommended a correction to page 10, that the third paragraph
should read "City Manager Horsley responded to an inquiry by Councilmember Crane
concerning the possibility of separating the water, sewer, and electric divisions." He also
recommended a correction to page 13, that the last paragraph should show that the motion was
made by Councilmember McCowen and seconded by Councilmember Crane.
There was a brief discussion regarding the time in which the meeting adjourned from Closed
Session and City Attorney Rapport stated that he would check his notes and advise the City
Clerk.
M/S McCowen/Crane approving the regular meeting minutes of January 18, 2006 as amended;
carried by unanimous consent.
4b. Regular Meeting Minutes of February 172006
M/S McCowen/Crane approving the regular meeting minutes of February 1, 2006 as presented;
carried by unanimous consent.
5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION6:12:28 PM
Mayor Ashiku read the "Right to Appeal Decision".
6. CONSENT CALENDAR6:12:50 PM
City Clerk Ulvila identified an error in the meeting date on item "6c" and requested the record
reflect the correct date of March 15, 2006. Additionally, there was an error on item 9d,
concerning the spelling of "Wagner" in the "Recommended Action" portion of the Staff Report.
M/S McCowen/Baldwin approving Consent Calendar items "a" through 'T' as follows:
a. Received Report of Disbursements for Month of February 2006;
b. Adopted Resolution 2006-43 Approving Records Destruction (Fire Dept.);
c. Rejected Claim for Damages Received from Dayna Bass and Referred to Joint Powers
Authority, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund;
d. Rejected Bid for Bulk Aviation Fuel Storage Tank Modification;
e. Received Notification of Expenditure of Funds in the Amount of $11,178.12 to Valley Power
Systems for Emergency Transmission Repairs to 1984 Pierce Fire Engine;
f. Awarded Sole Source Bid to Medtronic Emergency Response Systems in the Amount of
$31,564.11 for the Purchase of Two Replacement Life Pak 12 Defibrillator/Monitor Units;
g. Received Report of Purchase of Services from Johnson's Quality Tree Care for the Removal
of Three Trees in the Amount of $5,200;
h. Adopted Resolution 2006-44 Approving Records Destruction (Personnel Department);
i. Received Report of Acquisition of Replacement Computer Equipment from Dell Marketing,
L.P.;
j. Received Report of Acquisition of Miscellaneous Tools for Newly Acquired Fire Engine from
LN Curtis and Sons Fire Equipment in the Amount of $6,729.77;
k. Received Report of Purchase of 165 Yards of Decomposed Granite from Borges Transfer
Service in the Amount of $9,850.50 for the Construction of Walkways at Orchard Park,
Observatory Park and the Ukiah Sports Complex;
I. Awarded Bid for the Purchase of Services from Able Fence Company for the Replacement of
650 Feet of Chain Link Fence at Riverside Park in the Amount of $17,550.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, and
Mayor Ashiku. NOES: Councilmember Baldwin. ABSENT: Councilmember Rodin. ABSTAIN:
None.
7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS6:14:12 PM
Mr. Anibal Castillo announced that the School of Performing Arts and Cultural Education
(SPACE) will be presenting a Cultural Performance Project on March 25, 2006 at the Ukiah High
School Cafetorium beginning at 8:00 p.m.
Mr. Howie Hawkes, Chairman of the Paths, Open Space, and Creeks Commission (POSC),
provided a recap of the POSC western hills trail project.
Mayor Ashiku recommended that Mr. Hawkes work with Planning Director Stump on this project
and try to provide further information to the City Council at the April 5th Council meeting.
Mr. Lee Howard, 3900 Parducci Road, discussed requests for information he submitted to the
City on several occasions under the Public Records Act.
Councilmember Baldwin inquired concerning the status of a report of the flood damage.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9a. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Revised Request from Brian Brodoski (DFM
Stereo/Home Audio Video) for Additional Public Benefit Funds for Photovoltaic Solar
Electric Generating Facility 6:29:42 PM
Electrical Distribution Engineer Kirkley explained that the City's policy for the Photovoltaic
(PV) Buy Down Program provides customers with a rebate of $3/AC Watt (W) with limits of
$6,000 for residential installation and $25,000 for commercial installation. At the December 21,
2005 City Council meeting, Mr. Brian Brodoski, owner of dfm Car Stereo/Home Audio Video,
requested a $70,000 rebate for the installation of a 23,712 AC W PV solar electric generating
facility. The City Council approved a $50,000 rebate.
On February 2, 2006, Mr. Brodoski applied for a permit to install a smaller 16,868 AC W PV
system at a cost of $134,865. Mr. Brodoski is now requesting the City Council approve the
rebate of $50,000 for the smaller unit.
Mr. Brian Brodoski responded to questions by Council concerning the demonstration project
and noted that it would be a hands-on demonstration for the public and would promote
photovoltaic projects.
M/S McCowen/Crane approving a $50,000 solar rebate to dfm Car Stereo Home Audio Video for
the installation of a 16,868 AC W photovoltaic system provided the owner, Mr. Brian Brodoski,
sends City staff a written description of the "Photovoltaic Showcase" he presented to the City
Council that would be open to the public in order to generate interest in future solar installations
for the City of Ukiah; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane,
McCowen, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: Councilmember Baldwin. ABSENT: Councilmember
Rodin. ABSTAIN: None.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9b. Discussion and Direction Concerning the Review of Proposals and Consultant
Selection Process for the Downtown/Perkins Street Community Visioning and Form
Based Zoning Proiect6:41:25 PM
Councilmember Crane recused himself from the meeting as he might have a conflict regarding
this matter at 6:43:24 PM.
Discussion of Staff's request followed, and it was the consensus of the City Council to allow
Planning Director Stump to proceed with a RFP for the project, review and rank the proposals
received, and provide Council with a report of the proceedings.
6:46:38 PM Councilmember Crane returned to meeting.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9c. Receive Status Report Concerning Sign Ordinance Enforcement Activities6:46:44 PM
Planning Director Stump stated that once familiar with the City's regulations, the Code
Compliance Coordinator will be contacting business owners concerning any possible violations.
He explained that staff is utilizing a data base which identifies the property, owner, the type of
violation, and dates of interaction.
Discussion followed with regard to the contacting contractors that design and install signs
concerning the City's regulations, and directing staff to provide monthly reports to the City Council
regarding the number of violations and citations.
Mayor Ashiku felt it important for City staff to invite the Chamber of Commerce to participate and
learn the regulations, and to convey this information to their clients. He voiced his support of
staff's efforts to gain compliance and implement an enforcement program for the City.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9d. Discussion and Approval of Work Plan for Hydrologic Investigation Within the Ukiah
Valley7:01:50 PM
City Manager Horsley advised that the City Council directed staff to provide information
regarding a work plan to address possible impacts on the City's water supply from future water
demands in the unincorporated areas. She responded to questioning by Council concerning the
amount spent on well siting by the City thus far (approximately $89,000) and discussed aspects
of Wagner & Bonsignore's proposal in further detail.
Councilmember Crane drew inquired about obtaining information from the Sonoma County
Water District in their computer modeling. He also expressed concern that the City not duplicate
work that may we may have access to elsewhere.
City Manager Horsley responded that she would contact Wagner & Bonsignore regarding the
SCWA.
Councilmember Baldwin referred to items "e, f, and g" on page 2 of Wagner & Bonsignore's
memorandum and that obtaining that information would be very valuable; however, he expressed
concern that Wagner & Bonsignore could obtain that information for $15,000.
Mayor Ashiku requested Councilmember Crane to review the software study provided.
It was the consensus of the City Council to support the City Manager's recommendation for
staff to work with Wagner & Bonsignore in asking Brown and Caldwell for the information and
how it should be assembled for a study at a later time.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10a, Authorize City Manager to Negotiate and Sign Contract with Independent Web
Desi.qner~ Suzanne Hernandez~ for Phase One of Redesign of the City Web Site to
Improve Site's Appearance~ Ease of Use~ Security and Maintenance Access
7:11:24 PM
Finance Director McCann advised that Staff has received Council direction to improve the City's
website. He stated that he feels Suzanne Hernandez's skills, vision, and creativity to provide the
City with a good product in an approach to making it manageable and secure in a way that would
provide the City with the ability to make upgrades readily to the site.
City Manager Horsley reiterated that if this project is approved, she would go through the
process of working with staff, City Council and the public to determine what should be on the
City's web site and what should be prepared in the framework for the future.
Director McCann explained that it will be an ongoing, interactive, process that will require
feedback from the public.
Councilmember Crane advised that he spoke to Ms. Hernandez today and he is comfortable
with her ability to perform the work. He noted that he discussed his personal view of where he
thinks the City should head with the web site. He recommended the following: · People making applications
· People scheduling inspections
· People learning about upcoming events,
· People learning about the rules that apply to every aspect of where the City has rules
· The back story or history of the City of Ukiah
· Having access to streaming audio of Council and commission meetings
· Having links to other government agencies that have rules that apply
Councilmember McCowen stated that he hopes the City can focus the resources that are
needed in order to bring it forward as quickly and as reasonably as possible.
Director McCann confirmed that 20% of the project would consist of the visible appearance of
the web site and 80% would provide the City good access to allow staff to post information to the
site.
Councilmember Baldwin inquired if it is possible to have a section called "commonly asked
questions" where the can predict some common questions the public might ask., such as the
issue of construction on Sundays or disturbing the peace.
Suzanne Hernandez explained that it is possible to track where people are going on the website
by checking the statistics. Currently, the number one page being visited on the City's web site is
job openings.
Councilmember McCowen recommended incorporating into the web si~e an online suggestion
box and to have the replies appear online.
Mayor Ashiku asked that staff provide instructions for downloading the software information for
viewing Council meetings from the Internet.
Councilmember McCowen suggested that staff include an additional note stating that for those
that do not have Internet access, a CD will be provided with the program to use the CD.
M/S Baldwin/McCowen authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and sign contract with
independent web designer, Suzanne Hernandez, for phase one of redesign of the City web site to
improve site's appearance, ease of use, security, and maintenance access at an amount not to
exceed $13,500; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane,
McCowen, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Rodin.
11. COUNCIL REPORTS7:33:03 PM
Councilmember McCowen reported attending a regular business meeting of the Mendocino
Council of Governments (MCOG). MCOG is still talking as though there will be ground breaking
in a couple years. He also attended a Board of Supervisors' meeting yesterday. The Board
considered the possibility of adopting an interim urgency ordinance limiting general plan
amendments and use permits while the Ukiah Valley Area Plan (UVAP) process moves forward.
After extensive public comment and Board discussion, the Board elected not to adopt an urgency
ordinance. They agreed to proceed with the work plan for the UVAP. The hope is that the Board
will bring that project forward, complete with the environmental documents, complete within about
twenty-two months.
Councilmember Baldwin advised that he will provide a report to the City Council concerning the
Inland Water and Power Commission at the next meeting.
Mayor Ashiku provided information on the progress made by City Staff, Councilmember
McCowen, and himself concerning the Council/Supervisor Committee and the Annexation
Committee.
Mayor Ashiku requested the City Manager look into the matter of the delay in retrieving records
requested by Mr. Lee Howard.
12.CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS7:37:04 PM
City Manager Horsley inquired about the UVAP meeting with regard to a newspaper article that
stated that some of the Board of Supervisors are concerned that the UVAP would delay the
General Plan update.
Councilmember McCowen stated it is his understanding that some Supervisors expressed the
concern that they should be focusing on the General Plan, however, the UVAP is the General
Plan for the entire valley.
City Manager Horsley reviewed her memo to Council concerning upcoming Council meetings.
Mayor Ashiku noted that she needed to research the matter as to whether he had a conflict to
participate in the March 29th meeting..
City Attorney Rapport explained that if any City Council member has question concerning
conflict of interest, he prefers that they ask him well in advance of the meeting so that he will have
an opportunity to research the matter. He noted that it has already been determined that
Councilmember Crane still has a conflict.
City Clerk Ulvila reminded the City Council that FPPC Form 700, Statement of Economic
Interests, needs to be filed in her office by the April 3, 2006 deadline. She announced that she
would be out of town March 28 through March 31,2006.
Adjourned to Closed Session: 7:42:25 PM
13. CLOSED SESSION
13a. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Manager
13b. Conference With Legal Counsel-Anticipated Litigation, Initiation of Litigation (One
Case) Government Code Section 54956.9(c)
Reconvened' 9:30 PM
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM.
Marie Ulvila, CMC
City Clerk