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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 03-01-06 CITY OF UKIAH CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Regular Meeting Minutes CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, CA 95482 March 1,2006 4:]:5:04 PM: Department Goals Workshop- Finance, Police, Planning and Public Works Councilmembers Present: Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin (arrived at 4:55 PM), and Mayor Ashiku (arrived at 4:15 PM). A synopsis of the Department Goals Workshop will be submitted separately. Workshop Adjourned: :5:43::57 PM 1. ROLL CALL: 6:06 PM Councilmembers Present: Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. Staff Present: City Manager Horsley, City Attorney Rapport, Community Services/General Services Director Sangiacomo, and City Clerk Ulvila. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 6:07:43 PM Councilmember Baldwin led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. PROCLAMATIONS6:08:06 PM 3a. Designation of March as Women's History Month - Councilmember Rodin Councilmember Rodin read the Proclamation designating March as Women's History Month in the City of Ukiah. Arleen Shippey, representing the American Association of University Women, and Katarzyna Rolzinski, representing the National Women's Political Caucus, accepted the Proclamation. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4a. Re_clular Meeting Minutes of December 217 2005 6:] ]:37 PM Councilmember McCowen noted a correction to page 7 in which the time that Council addressed item #9g should be 10:34 PM, not 10:02 PM. M/S McCowen/Baldwin approving the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 21, 2005; as amended, and carried by a unanimous voice vote of the City Council. 4b. Special Joint Meeting Minutes of the City Council and the Ukiah Valley Sanitation District of January 97 2006 6:]2:07 PM M/S Rodin/McCowen approving the Special Joint Meeting Minutes of the City Council and the Ukiah Valley Sanitation District of January 9, 2006 as presented; and carried by a unanimous voice vote of the City Council. 4c. Re_clular Meeting Minutes of January 187 2006 6:12:28 PM City Clerk Ulvila requested the minutes of the January 18, 2006 meeting be continued to the next Council meeting. 5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION6:12:36 PM Mayor Ashiku read the Right to Appeal Decision statement. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR6;:]3:02. P]VI M/S Rodin/Baldwin approving Consent Calendar items "a" through "j" as follows: a. Rejected Claims for Damages Received from Carrie Brigham and Referred to Joint Powers Authority, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund; b. Adopted Resolution 2006-41Approving Records Destruction (City Clerk's office); c. Approved of Designation of Applicant's Agent Resolution and Project Application for Federal Assistance to Obtain Federal and State Financial Assistance Related to 2006 Winter Storms Local Emergency; d. Awarded Purchase of Sodium Hypochlorite to Pioneer America's LLC at the Unit Price of $0.869 per Gallon for an Approximate Total Amount of $66,044; e. Received Notification of Emergency Rental from Rain for Rent for Three Pumps at the Wastewater Treatment Plant for the 2005 Storm in the Amount of $21,881.55; Award of Bid for Purchase of a 2006 4 X 2 Chassis Truck Including a Heavy Duty Material Handler and Double Man Lift with 55' Reach For High Voltage Maintenance and Construction. Received Notification of Award of Bid for Underground Cable to Okonite Company in the Amount of $7,801.64; h. Awarded Bid for Purchase of Ferric Chloride Product to Kemiron Companies in the Amount of $29,719.80; i. Awarded Bid for Purchase of Liquid Polymer-Emulsion to Polydyne Inc. in the Amount of $11,880.00; Awarded Bid for Purchase of Sodium Bisulfite to LA Chemical in the Amount of $14,900. g! Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. .7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS (~:!4:2.7 P~,i Mr. Lee Howard stated that he met with Councilmembers Crane and McCowen regarding his concerns with the City's practices concerning cost accounting procedures, bidding practices, and other issues. He stated that he had concerns that the current bid for work at the hydro project did not conform to proper procedures. Councilmember McCowen requested that Mr. Howard provide a detailed list of his concerns regarding the City's bidding practices to City Staff. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9a. Review and Discussion of the Existing Operational Structure and Economics of the Golf Enterprise as a Prelude to Operational Revisions (~:]9:2.8 PM City Manager Horsley advised that Councilmember Crane requested this item be placed on the agenda. Councilmember Crane stated that many people in the audience would like Staff to review the statistics of the first two questions outlined in the Staff Report concerning the trends in use, income and cost for the last 10 years and the apparent effects of the most recent rate revisions on use, income and costs. 6:20:31 PM Community Services/General Services Director Sangiacomo discussed his Staff Report with the City Council and distributed supplemental information. He participated in a lengthy question and answer period with Council concerning items listed in the Staff Report. Public Discussion Opened: 6:29:21 PM Members of the audience that spoke to the issue included Robert Reid and Jon Kennedy (Captain of the Men's Golf Club). Public comment Closed: 6:36:34 PM Extensive discussion continued with regard to concerns associated with liability issues, the issue of purchasing merchandise for sale at the Golf Pro Shop, the option of hiring an interim Golf Pro to work with Staff while the City goes out for another RFP for the Golf Pro position, the need for public input and analysis for any changes related to the procedures at the Golf Course, communicating with all City divisions and with the public, the option of conducting regular forums for goal setting procedures, resurrecting a Golf Commission, how the goals for the Golf Course could be implemented, the option of engaging the services of a full-service company to operate the Golf Course including maintenance of the course, and the possibility of negotiating for all segments of the Golf Course operations. Director Sangiacomo noted that maintenance could be included in the contractual language with an independent contractor, defining specific obligations of the contractor. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9b. Discussion and Consideration of Options for Golf Professional Services at the Ukiah Municipal Golf Course 6:.50:03 PM Community Services/General Services Director Sangiacomo provided a short presentation regarding the status of the Golf Course and reviewed his Staff Report with Council. Public Comment Opened: 6:55:39 PM Members of the public that spoke to the issue included Jon Kennedy (Men's Golf Club), Chris Philbrick (Men's Golf Club), Lois Eriksen (Women's Golf Club), and Benj Thomas. Jimmy Kennedy, partner with the Tayman Park Golf Group, Inc., provided a memo to Council responding to the four questions posed by Staff in the Staff Report. He advised that the Tayman Park Golf Group is willing to assist City Staff in obtaining accurate information so that trends could be monitored and provided to Director Sangiacomo and the City Council in order to plan for the future of the Golf Course. He discussed the possibility of a driving range, and having a master planning process to prioritize the needs of the Golf Course. He stated that Tayman Park Golf Group has full capabilities and experience of operating a golf course. He noted that Tayman Park Golf Group would like to assist the City with hiring additional personnel and noted that they have experience with maintenance of a golf course. Mr. James Stewart, partner with Tayman Park Golf Group, explained that his position is service oriented and Tayman strives to get along well with the public. Upon an inquiry by Councilmember McCowen as to whether they would consider an interim position at the City's Golf Course, Mr. Stewart responded that due to the capital investment needed to operate a golf course, they would not be interested in an interim position. He stated that out of professional courtesy to Mr. McMillen, they would be willing to pursue a long term cart lease, such as a four year obligation. Other members of the public that spoke to the issue included Brad Hunt, Martin Robb, and Viola Wilds. Public Comment Closed: 7:33:25 PM A lengthy discussion followed in which Council discussed comments received by the public as well as the RFP submitted by the Mr. Stewart and Mr. Johnson of the Tayman Park Golf Group. M/S Rodin/McCowen authorizing the City Manager to negotiate a contract with the Tayman Park Golf Group, Inc.; that the contract provide for increased responsibility for golf course maintenance by Tayman Park Golf Group and that Frank Johnson or another golf pro, mutually acceptable to Tayman Park Golf Group and the City Manager, be the on-site golf pro at Ukiah Golf Course. A brief discussion followed with regard to the motion and that Tayman Park Golf Group act expeditiously in assuming control of the operations at the Ukiah Golf Course. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: Councilmember Crane. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9c. Discussion of Argument In Favor of Ballot Measure Allowing for City Council A[~Dointment of Mayor from among the Five Elected City Council Members - Rodin/McCowen 7:59:32 PM Councilmember McCowen reported that he and Councilmember Rodin have been working on ballot argument language in favor of a ballot measure for the June 2006 election which would allow for the appointment of the Mayor from among the five elected City Council members, all of whom serve four year terms. He went on to discuss recommended changes to the wording of the ballot measure. Councilmember Rodin discussed her recommendations for wording of the ballot measure. Mayor Ashiku voiced his opinion that there may be another method of allowing the citizens of Ukiah to select the mayor, such as instant run off voting. Discussion followed with regard to possible wording options, past elections regarding this issue that failed to pass, not knowing in advance if a vacancy will occur on the Council if a current Councilmember runs for the Mayor's position and wins, and thereby creating a vacancy on the Council. M/S Baldwin/Rodin adopting and supporting the suggested wording in favor of the ballot measure, as discussed at this meeting, for the June 6, 2006 election. 8:09:48 PM Mr. Terry Poplawski suggested an alternative method of directly electing the mayor. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers McCowen, Rodin, and Baldwin. NOES: Councilmember Crane and Mayor Ashiku. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Councilmember McCowen advised that he would make the recommended revisions to the ballot language and submit it to the City Clerk. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9d. Discussion and Approval of Civic Center Service Hours 8:17:32 PM City Manager Horsley discussed her Staff Report with the City Council and provided three recommendations for moving forward with a five day a week schedule starting on March 13, 2006 for City offices. Discussion ensued with regard to the information provided in the Staff Report, the City Manager's recommendations with regard to staffing departments, and City employees' flex schedules. 8:24:28 PM Mr. John Dickerson, representing the Employers Council of Mendocino County, discussed a poll that the Employers Council conducted. M/S Baldwin/McCowen approving the City Manager's recommendations of: 1. Go forward with the five day a week schedule starting on March 13. 2. Open the Civic Center at 7:30 am for the Planning and Cashier functions specifically, even though other employees would be available and providing customer service when available. 3. Approve increasing the part time Receptionist and Secretary positions to full time to provide the necessary coverage. This is still 60 hours less than what was available ten years ago. This recommendation would include a 7:30 am opening time and adding a total of 16 hours to the support staff positions; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN' None. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10a. Annual Review of Traffic Signalization Fund for South Orchard Avenue and East Gobbi StreetS:28:32 PM 8:25 PM Councilmember Rodin excused herself from the meeting. Public Works Director/City Engineer Eriksen discussed his Staff Report with the City Council concerning a traffic signalization improvement fund for the intersection of South Orchard Avenue and East Gobbi Street that was established by the City Council on May 16, 2990. His department intends to utilize State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funding for designing a signal at this location this spring and construction would begin this summer. A brief discussion followed concerning the matter. 8:30:56 PM Councilmember Rodin returned to the meeting. It was the consensus of the City Council to accept the report. 10. 10b. NEW BUSINESS Authorize City Manager to Execute Documents and Transfer Funds to Prepay Golf Course Debt 8:32:11 PM Finance Director McCann briefly discussed his Staff Report with the City Council. 8:32:34 PM Baldwin excused himself from meeting. A brief discussion followed concerning the transfer of funds to prepay the Golf Course debt. M/S McCowen/Crane authorizing the City Manager to execute documents and transfer funds to prepay Golf Course debt with funding provided by an internal loan from the General Fund's available reserves; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Baldwin. ABSTAIN: None. 8:34:26 PM Councilmember Baldwin returned to meeting. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10c. Discussion and Possible Consideration of Proposed Western Hills Building Moratorium- Baldwin 8:34:39 PM Mayor Ashiku stated that he may have a conflict of interest regarding this issue and he would be recusing himself from this matter. He requested the City Attorney provide a finding on whether it would be appropriate for him to participate in discussion of this matter. He stated that he has a family member that owns property on the lower portion of this hillside development area. 8:35:36 PM City Attorney Rapport responded by stating that Mayor Ashiku should pursue the matter of conflict of interest as he is not prepared to render an opinion at this time. However, he noted that it would not necessarily be a violation of the Fair Political Practices Act if a close family member has property as opposed to him owning property in that area. If Mayor Ashiku feels that the appearance of impropriety and potential bias is sufficient then that would be a legitimate reason to recuse himself from discussion of the matter. 8:36:56 PM Mayor Ashiku left the meeting and Vice Mayor Baldwin assumed chairing the meeting. 8:37:06 PM Councilmember Crane recused himself from the meeting, stating that he is part owner of property in the western hills within the City. City Attorney Rapport advised that the City Council cannot adopt a moratorium ordinance because it would require a four-fifth's vote of the City Council. Vice-Mayor Baldwin stated that he recommends a temporary time out on building in the western hills of Ukiah and proceeded to read aloud the letter he submitted to Council. Public Comment Opened: 8:44:56 PM Members of the public that spoke to the issue included Linda Sanders, Brian Manning, Ismael Ceja, Phil Ashiku, Steve Thomas, Dave Hull, Rick Piffero, Jim Mulheren, Lisa Mammina, Paulette Arnold, Terry Poplawski, and Bruni Kobbe. Public Comment Closed: 9:17:37 PM Discussion followed regarding how to proceed with adoption of a hillside zoning ordinance, working together with the public and their views and concerns regarding development of the western hills, financial benefits to property owners located on the western hills, and issues of vandalism, trespassing, and privacy were addressed. Options discussed included holding more public workshops. The Ceja project that included a granny unit for the western hills was briefly discussed and it was felt by Councilmembers Baldwin and Rodin that the proposed structures are too large for that area as it detracts from the beauty of the area and is inconsistent with the Ukiah General Plan. There was a suggestion that more trails be incorporated into the western hillside. It was noted that the issue of western hillside development has been before the Planning Commission for consideration. Recessed: 9:30:08 PM Reconvened: 9:38:05 PM 9:38:05 PM Mayor Ashiku and Councilmember Crane returned to the meeting. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10d. Discussion and Approval of Matching Funds for Fiscal Year 2005-2006 Coyote Dam Feasibility Study 9:38:13 PM Mayor Ashiku noted that he was in attendance with Councilmembers Baldwin, Crane and McCowen during the Inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC) meeting in which this information was reviewed. City Manager Horsley reported that the IWPC, of which the City is a member, previously agreed to be a sponsor of the raising of Coyote Dam Feasibility Study. The current estimated cost for the feasibility study is approximately $5.8 million with the local sponsor share being half or $2.9 million over an estimated five years which would be the time needed to complete the feasibility study. For this fiscal year, the Federal Government has approved an allocation of $100,000 towards the feasibility study and IWPC must now submit its matching share of $100,000 in order for the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to proceed with the initial stages of the study. The City's share would equate to approximately $33,333. Councilmember Crane stated that in the presentation from the Corp, the City was told that hydro had no value in their equation. He inquired of Ms. Pauli as to her opinion if it would serve the Ukiah community and other communities well to speak with our Congressman to encourage the Corp to revalue their equation. 9:40:35 PM Janet Pauli, Chairperson of the IWPC, responded by stating that there are many things the IWPC needs to discuss with the Corp, that being one of them. Although this is a study to raise Coyote Dam, the felt there should be some qualification that the actual name of the study is "The Coyote Valley Dam Flood Reduction and Water Supply Study", and is not simply about raising the dam but will encompass a number of issues any one of which might be a solution to some of our water supply concerns at the present time. It was her understanding that some of the first monies spent will be in a public scoping meeting. At that time, it would be a good opportunity to ask a number of questions directly to the Corp so that we have a better understanding of that issue and how these funds will be spent. Issues discussed included identifying other entities that would participate and help pay for the study, the Corps allocation and the time period in which the funds need to be spent, matching funds, other financing possibilities, financial issues and concerns related to the cost of the study, which entities would benefit from the study, the expense of raising the dam, storage facilities for water, the possibility of Mendocino County participating, having an agreement in place regarding the share of cost among the entities participating in funding the study, and specifying the share of water that each participating entity would receive, based on its share of funding. It was the consensus of the City Council that Councilmember Baldwin, the City's IWPC representative, should work with the IWPC and the City Attorney on development of an agreement. 11. COUNCIL REPORTS 10:18:26 PM Councilmember Rodin reported that she attended a meeting of the League of California Cities Redwood Region and she reported that the League sent a fax to the City Council in which they are asking the City to sign onto a letter. They also discussed the telecommunications industry and the effects they can have on cities. She recommended that this item be agendized at the next Council meeting to discuss whether the Council wants to sign the letter. Councilmember Rodin also reported that she attended a Library Board meeting. She reported on attending a County committee meeting in which Planning Director Stump, Councilmember McCowen, and department heads from the criminal justice system were discussing where a new courthouse and associated departments might be located. Supervisor Wattenbuger is on the committee and is supportive of keeping the courthouse in the downtown area. 12. CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS City Clerk Ulvila advised that she has obtained the status of Certified Municipal Clerk. Council determined that closed session would be postponed. 13. None CLOSED SESSION a. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code Section 54957) Title: City Manager 14. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at: !0:24:24 PM Marie Ulvila, City Clerk, CMC