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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 04-05-06 CITY OF UKIAH CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Regular Meeting CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, CA 95482 April 5, 2006 1. ROLL CALL: 4:.5]:44 PM Councilmembers Present: Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. Airport Commissioners Present: Crane, Deerwester, Fowler, Winter, and Chairman Beard. Staff Present: City Manager Horsley, Airport Manager Richey, and City Clerk Ulvila. Presentation from California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection - Ukiah Air Attack Base - City Council JOint Meeting with Airport Commission Mr. William Greenleaf, Project Director of the California Department of General Services (DGS) Real Estate Services, provided an overview of a project proposed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), describing the proposed new Air Attack Base and the conclusions of a preliminary Environmental Initial Study. The CDF has determined that an Environmental Impact Report must be prepared for its project and is ready to issue the required Notice of Preparation. Mr. Albert Lau, Associate Civil Engineer with CDF, responded to inquiries concerning access to the project site, potential impacts regarding the initial study, identifying plant species in the wetlands, and possible mitigations. Discussion followed with regard to exposure to noise, aircraft taxiing, and flight patterns. There was also discussion of the proposed project's benefit to the Ukiah community, and the services provided by the City Airport Staff's for the CDF operations. Councilmember Baldwin suggested scheduling another meeting with the Airport Commission for a general discussion of pilot protocol and flight patterns. Joint meeting adjourned: 5:17:21 PM REGULAR MEETING Reconvened: 6:06 PM 1. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present: Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. Staff Present: Information Services Supervisor Butler, Public Works Director/City Engineer Eriksen, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Goodrick, Interim Public Utilities Director Grande, City Manager Horsley, Finance Director McCann, City Attorney Rapport, Deputy Public Works Director Seanor, Planning Director Stump, and City Clerk Ulvila. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Rodin led the Pledge of Allegiance. URGENCY ITEM 6:06:26 PM Mayor Ashiku stated that there is a need to take immediate action and the need for action came to the attention of the City subsequent to the agenda being posted. The urgency item concerns a request for a letter of support from the City Council/City to include with a grant application for the Ukiah Valley Smart Growth Coalition. The Coalition is seeking funds for ongoing commun.ity education efforts. The Coalition has a deadline for submitting a grant application prior to the April 19th meeting. M/S Crane/McCowen to include the urgency item on the agenda under Consent Calendar item "6k"; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 3. PRESENTATION 3a. Presentation by the Mendocino County Air Quality District 6:07:20 PM Mr. Dean Wolback, Air Pollution Control Officer, discussed issues surrounding the use of wood stoves in the City of Ukiah and Mendocino County, and their impact on air quality. He discussed the possibility of banning wood stoves, enforcement and fines, and the need for regulation at the federal and state levels. It was noted that jurisdictions can adopt stricter regulations than the District. It was noted that the District will be making a presentation to the Board of Supervisors in June proposing stricter regulations concerning the use of wood stoves. Other issues discussed included workshops to obtain public input, grant funding, promoting the use of electric cars, the amount of particulate matter generated by wood stoves, and the City of Fort Bragg's inquiry concerning the possibility of City representation on the District Board. District representatives noted that they will report back to the City Council after the matter is heard by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors. Councilmembers Rodin and McCowen requested further information before discussing a City representative on the District Board. It was suggested that the matter be agendized for a future Council meeting. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 6:28:59 PM 4a. Regular Meeting of March 157 2006 Councilmember Rodin noted that she was absent from the March 15, 2006 meeting and the motion at the bottom of page 5 should indicate her absence from the meeting. M/S McCowen/Baldwin approving meeting minutes of March 15, 2006 as presented; carried by a 4-0 vote of the Council, with Councilmember Rodin abstaining. 5. RIGHT TO APPEAL DECISION 6:29:49 PM Mayor Ashiku read the Right to Appeal Decision. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR6:30:14 PM Deputy Public Works Director Seanor briefly clarified items "7f, 7g, and 7h" on the Consent Calendar. M/RC McCowen/Crane approving Consent Calendar Items "a" through "j" as follows: a. Received Notification of the Purchase of Chlorine Products from Pioneer Americas LLC for the Water Treatment Plant; b. Approved Resolution 2006-45 Adopting Principles for Congress and Legislature to Consider in the Development of Telecommunications Reform; Authorize City Manager to Respond to Future Telecom Issues as Needed Consistent With Council Direction; c. Received Report of Disposition of Surplus Materials, Used Equipment and Supplies; d. Authorized City Manager to Execute Professional Services Agreement for Land Surveying Services with SHN Consulting Services for Two Year Contract in Amount Not to Exceed $20,000; e. Received Report of Acquisition of E-Mail Spam Filtering Software from Cloud mark in the Amount of $8,748; f. Awarded Professional Services Agreement to Whitlock & Weinberger Transportation, Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $29,500 to Complete an Update of the City's Speed Zone Surveys; g. Received Notification Regarding the Award of Bid for 3000 ft. of 750 MCM Aluminum, 600V, Single Conductor Cable, in the Amount of $6,287.21 to Nehring C/O Stephens, McCarthy & Landcaster; h. Awarded Professional Services Agreement to Margen & Associates in an Amount Not to Exceed $34,780 to Prepare a Comprehensive Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Access Plan; i. Received Report of Resolution of the Commission of the Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) Approving Expenditure of Funds to Complete the Geothermal Unit 3 Scheduled Five-Year Overhaul; Authorize City Manager to Pay City's Proportionate Share of Overhaul from NCPA General Operating Reserve in an Amount of $28,158; j. Adopted Resolution 2006-46 Accepting $200,000 in Proposition 40 Funding From Mendocino County First District Supervisor, Jim Wattenburger, for Reconstruction and Restoration of Anton Stadium, City of Ukiah Municipal Pool, Ukiah Skateboard Park and Ukiah Senior Center Recreation Program. k. Approved Request from Anne Oliver of the Smart Growth Coalition for a letter of support from the City Council/City to Include with Grant Applications. Motion carried by the following roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS6:34:57 PM Mr. Mike Peterson inquired as to the disposition of the railroad depot and the Walgreens sites, to which staff explained that the City has received a grant to assist the North Coast Railroad Authority (NCRA) to restore the building at the site. It was noted that Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) is investigating the site as a possible transit center. Mike McCann, speaking on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club of Ukiah, announced that their annual crab feed will be held April 8-~h at 5:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Church. Currently, there are nearly 400 children attending the program at the Grace Hudson School. Kevin Jennings, representing the Ukiah Fire Department, provided an update on the Fire Department's community activities and future plans. Suzanne Pletcher discussed her views concerning pocket parks, requested the City Council schedule a meeting to discuss the western hills zoning ordinance, recommended the City research funding mechanisms to protect the western hills, and also suggested that the City recommend the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) form a special district that would set aside lands for public use. 8. PUBLIC HEARING (6:15 P.M.) None. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9a. Continued Discussion and Consideration of an Ordinance Regarding Campaign Reform- Baldwin, Rodin 6:46:57 PM Councilmember Baldwin requested the matter be continued to the April 19, 2006 meeting. Councilmember McCowen requested additional information such as examples of ordinances adopted by other cities and a summary or discussion of case law pertaining to this issue that has been prepared by cities or advocacy groups. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9b. Consider Adoption of Resolution Supporting a Grant Application to Mendocino County ('robacco Settlement Funds) to Design and Construct a Hiking Trail on City Property in the West Hills Area6:49:$$ PM Planning Director Stump advised that the Paths, Open Space, and Creeks Commission (POSCC) have been working on planning and designing a hiking trail on City-owned property in the west hills area, and asking for City support of a grant application. While important issues such as trail maintenance, liability, and fire protection are still unresolved, the POSCC is requesting support in anticipation that these items can be resolved. Public Comment Opened: 6:53:31 PM Howie Hawkes, chairman of POSCC, discussed the amended route for the west hills trail and noted that he has obtained interest from the California Conservation Corp (CCC) to build the trail. If grant funds are secured, there will be funds available for signage to reduce the City's liability as well as funds for future maintenance of the trail. The CCC is very interested in participating in this project and may be available for volunteer maintenance in the future. Steve Scalamini inquired as to the route of the proposed trail. Public Comment Closed: 6:58:06 PM M/S McCowen/Crane adopting Resolution 2006-47 supporting the submittal of the grant application to Mendocino County ('l'obacco Settlement Funds) to design and construct a hiking trail on City-owned property in the west hills area; carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9c. Discussion and Scheduling of Second Joint Meeting with Planning Commission to Discuss Draft Revised Hillside Development 7:00:00 PM Planning Director Stump advised that at the conclusion of the March 29, 2006 joint City Council and Planning Commission hillside development regulation meeting, it was suggested that a second joint meeting may be useful. Mayor Ashiku advised that he requested a ruling by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) because he thinks he may have a possible conflict of interest concerning this matter. The FPPC may have a written conclusion within two weeks. Discussion followed with regard to Mayor Ashiku's requested ruling from the FPPC related to development in the western hills of Ukiah, and setting standards. Councilmember McCowen requested that Staff bring forward issues previously identified at meetings of the Planning Commission and City Council. With the exception of Councilmember Baldwin, there was a concurrence by Council to move forward with a joint meeting with the Planning Commission as soon as possible. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9d. Report on Restoration Efforts and Impacts Resulting from the 2005/2006 Winter Storms 7:17:23 PM Risk Manager/Budget Officer Goodrick reviewed her Staff Report with the City Council concerning restoration efforts and impacts resulting from severe winter storms. As a result of the federal and state emergency declarations, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will fund 75% of eligible emergency work, debris removal and the permanent repair or replacement of disaster damaged facilities. The State's share of the cost for federally declared disasters is 18.75% and the remaining 6.25% of costs is the local entities' responsibility. She went on to discuss the spreadsheets included in the Staff Report that identified both the expenses incurred to date and anticipated future expenses related to the winter storms of 2005-2006. Additionally, staff has identified hazard mitigation measures to identify post- disaster planning efforts to reduce future damages and/or loss of life. It was the consensus of the City Council to receive the report on New Year's flood damage restoration efforts and most recent costs estimates related to the storms and to receive additional reports when substantial information is available. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10a. Annual Review of the Redwood Business Park (Airport Industrial Park) Capital Improvement Fees 7:36:38 PM Deputy Public Works Director Seanor advised that in accordance with Government Code Section 66006, an annual report for funds collected and interest earned during fiscal year 2004/2005 for the Redwood Business Park (Airport Industrial Park) Capital Improvement Fees is being provided to the Council. He explained that capital improvement fees are imposed on development within the Redwood Business Park for the purposes of financing the design and construction of improvements needed to mitigate traffic impacts to three off-site intersections resulting from increased traffic generated by new development within the Business Park. He explained the reimbursement to this fund as development occurs in the Business Park. Discussion continued with regard to various aspects of the Redwood Business Park Capital Improvement Fees report submitted by Staff. Other matters discussed included mitigations mandated by the City and adjustment to the fees for undeveloped parcels. It was noted by City Attorney Rapport that the mitigations for the Business Park were based on the EIR for that project. It was the consensus of the Council to accept the annual review of the Redwood Business Park (Airport Industrial Park) Capital Improvement Fees. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10b. Authorize City Manager to Negotiate and Sign Contract for Five-Year Master Microsoft Server and PC Software License and Complete Purchase of New E-Mail System 7:54:34 PM Finance Director McCann explained that Staff Report contains a comprehensive report concerning the City's current software and problems associated with upgrading the current system. He noted that beyond direct financial savings, the avoidance of loss through accidental means or malicious loss from having a non-securable infrastructure protect the City from business disruption and potential liability risk exposures such as exposure of private citizen information and loss of irreplaceable data. M/RC Rodin/Baldwin authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and sign a contract for a five-year master software license and complete purchase of new exchange e-mail system; carried by the following 5 roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 7:56:17 PM Councilmember Crane left meeting. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10c. Adoption of Resolution Approving Dissolution of the Mendocino Emergency Services Authority 7:56:43 PM City Manager Horsley provided a brief overview concerning the City of Ukiah's involvement with the Mendocino Emergency Services Authority (MESA) and its components. M/RC McCowen/Rodin adopting Resolution 2006-48 approving the dissolution of the Mendocino Emergency Services Authority, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Crane. ABSTAIN: None. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10d. Discussion of Various Water Issues Includin_a Trout Unlimited Petition Meetings and the Mendocino County Water Agency Proposed Groundwater Study 7:57:46 PM City Manager Horsley discussed her Staff Report with the City Council concerning various water issues that pertain to the Mendocino County and Ukiah Valley area that Staff believes are important topics for the City Council to be informed on and to discuss. The items included Trout Unlimited Petition - and Assembly Bill 2121 (AB 2121) which requires that before January 1, 2007, the state Regional Water Quality Control Board would adopt principles and guidelines for processing applications for water permits. At the March Mendocino County Water Agency (MCWA) meeting, Mr. Roland Sanford submitted a draft proposal for funding of a County groundwater study. Mr. Sanford's proposal suggests that the 1986 USGS investigation study of Ukiah Valley groundwater resources be updated to provide a current assessment of these resources. 7:58:35 PM Councilmember Crane returned to meeting. 8:02:48 PM Mr. Roger Foote, representing the Peregrine Chapter of the Audubon Society, responded to questioning concerning the matter. He stated that collaborative process currently exists and is optimistic because of the progress made by both the steering committee and subcommittee. 8:07:34 PM City Manager Horsley drew attention to Mr. Sanford's draft proposal for a groundwater study and noted that she and Councilmember McCowen attended a meeting of the Russian River Public Water Agencies where Mr. Sanford presented his draft proposal for a groundwater study. Further discussion on the matter included whether the City could share its well siting information with Mr. Stanford for his study. Other topics discussed included "urban growth pressure", the common interests of all water purveyors, smart growth, cooperative efforts with other water agencies, devising ways of protecting the City's current population based water needs, environmental effects on the aquifer and protecting the City's current water users. 8:23:20 PM Richard Shoemaker advised that he sits on the Russian River Flood Control Board, and voiced his support of a groundwater study. 8:26:48 PM City Manager Horsley discussed the Urban Water Plan versus the State Water Board's requirement with regard to the City's peak demand and will prepare a comparison chart for Council's 6 review. Mayor Ashiku polled the Council concerning Staff's recommendation that Mr. Sanford attend the meetings concerning the Trout Unlimited Petition on the City's behalf and the Council unanimously concluded that it would benefit the City and requested that Mr. Sanford keep the City informed of issues. 11. COUNCIL REPORTS8:30:04 PM Councilmember Rodin reported that the Economic Development Financing Corporation (EDFC) meeting was cancelled today. She explained that she attended meetings sponsored by the state with regard to the budget process. She reported that she submitted an application to the League's Leadership Institute and was accepted to attend their two sessions this summer. The Institute sessions will focus on housing and infrastructure issues. Councilmember Baldwin reported that he attended a special meeting of the inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC) and recommended that the City Council review the draft agreement that City Attorney Rapport developed. He requested the draft agreement and cost sharing benefits of a project be agendized for Council's next meeting. He noted that federal funds need to be spent by October 2006. Councilmember McCowen noted that a number of concerns were raised by Lee Howard which are being investigated by the City. He recommended that the City's responses to Mr. Howard's concerns be made available to the City Council. 12. CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK REPORTS City Clerk Ulvila advised that a Press Release was distributed to the media announcing a vacancy on the Traffic Engineering Committee. The deadline for submitting an application is April 12th at noon. City Attorney Rapport advised that the City Attorneys conference by the League will take place on May 4th and he will lead discussion concerning the conflict of interest issue previously discussed by the City Council. His group will provide proposed regulations and descriptions concerning how the current regulations have impacted small cities. Adjourned to Closed Session: 8:4! :49 PM 13. CLOSED SESSION a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation, Cal. Government Code §54956.9(c) (2 cases) b. Employee Negotiations: Fire and Electric Units Negotiator: Candace Horsley Reconvened: 10:35 PM No action taken. 14. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:35 PM. Marie Ulvila, CMC City Clerk