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2009/02/24 City Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK City Council Wlelm MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CONCURRENT MEETINGS OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK City Council Community Development Commission Rohnert Park Financing Authority Tuesday February 24, 2009 The City Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date for a Special Meeting to commence at 4:00 p.m., followed by the Regular Concurrent Meetings of the Rohnert Park City Council, Community Development Commission of the City of Rohnert Park, and Rohnert Park Financing Authority, to commence at 6:30 p.m. at the Rohnert Park City Hall, 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Breeze presiding. CALL TO ORDER The Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park was called to order by Mayor Breeze at 4:01p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Arnie Breeze, Mayor Gina Belforte, Vice Mayor Joe Callinan, Council Member Pam Stafford, Council Member Absent: Jake Mackenzie, Council Member Staff participating in all or part of the special meeting: Daniel Schwarz, Interim City Manager; Benjamin Winig, Assistant City Attorney; Sandy Lipitz, Director of Administrative Services; and Terri Griffin, Deputy City Clerk. Bruce Heid, IEDA, also attended the closed session. 1. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION TO CONSIDER: Mayor Breeze adjourned the City Council to Closed Session at 4:02 p.m. to discuss the following matter: LABOR NEGOTIATIONS (Government Code §54957.6) Agency designated representative: Daniel Schwarz, Interim City Manager Employee organizations: Rohnert Park Employees' Association (RPEA) Rohnert Park Public Safety Officers' Association (RPPSOA) Service Employees' International Union (S.E.I.U.) Local 1021 City of Rohnert Park Special and Concurrent Meetings Minutes (2 of 9) February 24, 2009 ,for City Council/Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park Financing Authority 2. RECONVENE REGULAR SESSION Mayor Breeze reconvened the special meeting open session at 6:35 p.m. All members were present except Council Member Mackenzie. ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL Community Development Commission Rohnert Park Financing Authority REGULAR CONCURRENT MEETINGS CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park was called to order by Mayor Breeze at 6:36 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Amie Breeze, Mayor Gina Belforte, Vice Mayor Joe Callinan, Council Member Pam Stafford, Council Member Absent: Jake Mackenzie, Council Member Staff participating in all or part of the regular meeting: Daniel Schwarz, Interim City Manager; Benjamin Winig, Assistant City Attorney; Darrin Jenkins, Director of Engineering Services; Sandy Lipitz, Director of Administrative Services; Brian Masterson, Director of Public Safety; Guy Miller, Recreation Services Manager; and Terri Griffin, Deputy City Clerk. Note: Community Media Center staff present for the televised production of the concurrent meetings: Tola Bennington and Vanessa Vann, Interns. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Kassidy Sharp, 4"' Grade Student, Gravenstein Elementary School, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Breeze presented Kassidy with a card and pen. I. PRESENTATIONS Mayor's Presentation of Mayor's Proclamation honoring Technology High School Bronze Medal Winner, named by U.S. News and World Report 2009 Search as one of the best high schools in America: Mayor Breeze read aloud and presented the Proclamation to Adam Littlefield, Principal of Technology High and students Dylan Field (senior), Lindsey Pedroncelli (freshman) and Jake Fukunaga (sophomore). Mayor Breeze further acknowledged Superintendent Barbara Vrankovich, who was in attendance. Mr. Littlefield thanked the Council for the recognition and made brief comments. 2. Presentation of Mayor's Proclamation recognizing and honoring Cecilia Jacobo on her appointment as the new Rohnert Park Postmaster: Mayor Breeze read aloud the Proclamation and presented it to Cecilia Jacobo. Mayor Breeze called attention to the Inauguration Day Official Commemorative Souvenir she received from Postmaster Jacobo', at her swearing -in ceremony and indicated it would be framed and displayed at City Hall. Postmaster Jacobo thanked the Council and made brief comments. City of Rohnert Park Special and Concurrent Meetings Minutes (3 of 9) 1 February 24, 2009 for City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park Financing Authority 3. Mike Thompson, Sonoma County Water Agency, provided an overview of 2008 stream maintenance activities and the status of the Stream Maintenance Program Manual and EIR via PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions. Mr. Thompson offered to guide the Council on a tour of Rohnert Park's creeks on Student Creek Cleanup Day in May. MAYOR'S REPORT ON SPECIAL MEETING CLOSED SESSION (Government Code § 54957.1) Mayor Breeze announced that the Council had met in closed session regarding the matter listed on the Special Meeting agenda and that no reportable action had been taken. 10. MATTERS FROM/FOR COUNCIL 1. Calendar of Events: Document provided for informational purposes. 2. City Council Agenda Forecast: Document provided for informational purposes. 3. Other informational items At the request of Mayor Breeze, the Council CONCURRED to consider Agenda Item No. 10 at this time. Mayor Breeze read a statement regarding the City's financial condition (copy attached to original set of minutes). Mayor Breeze requested and received Council consensus that the City is facing a more significant fiscal crisis than what has been reported in the press. Council Member Stafford announced her attendance at the Mayor's Gang Prevention Task meeting on February 11"' and announced a community meeting regarding gangs in the community on February 28 "' at Piner High School. She further called attention to a green building article in the Press Democrat that showcased City Hall, Sonoma Mountain Village and Sonoma State University Student Recreation Center and an article in Western Cities magazine regarding use of redevelopment funds to stimulate the local economy. Council Member Callinan requested agendizing a review of the recent increase in Sports Center fees. Recreation Service Manager Miller responded to Council questions regarding the January I" rate increase. Council CONCURRED to direct staff to place a report regarding review of Sports Center fees on a future agenda. Vice Mayor Belforte announced a Community -wide iWALK event by Heath Action scheduled for May 16`x'. 2. SSU STUDENT REPORT Casey Jones, Legislative Representative for Sonoma State University (SSU) Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) introduced himself as Speaker of the Senate for ASI and reported on the status of budget cuts and next year's operating deficit at SSU. Mr. Jones further reported on ASI's upcoming consideration of a resolution to no longer fund external programs and a resolution to change "Sea Wolves Den" to "Wolves Den." City of Rohnert Park Special and Concurrent Meetings Minutes (4 of 9) February 24, 2009 for City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park Financing Authority 3. CITY MANAGER / CITY ATTORNEY / DEPARTMENT HEAD BRIEFINGS Annual Report on the expenditures of alcohol permit fees collected: Interim City Manager Schwarz summarized the contents of the 2008 Annual Report on expenditure of alcohol permit fees. collected. Interim City Manager Schwarz and Public Safety Director Masterson responded to Council questions. Council CONCURRED to direct staff to place a report on a future agenda regarding the use of officer flex time versus overtime and the incorporation of the shoulder tap program. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Peter Tscherneff, Sonoma County, read a written statement regarding various topics and distributed written materials. 2. Doug Millar spoke in favor of civilian police review boards. 3. Jodie Palmi iano, Rohnert Park, spoke requested assignment of a liaison to work with the PTA regarding school district events and waiver of banner fees. Mayor Breeze recommended working with the Education Committee and Interim City Manager Schwarz regarding these requests. 4. Erin Armstron4, Rohnert Park, spoke regarding the Mayor's recent State of the City address. 5. CONSENT CALENDAR Interim City Manager Schwarz signified removal of Resolution No. 2009 -09. Mayor Breeze signified removal of the City Council Portion of the Minutes of the Regular Concurrent Meetings for February 10, 2009, Resolution No. 2009 -09, and Item 5(5). Council Member Callinan signified removal of Resolution No. 2009 -10. 2. Approval of City Bills /Demands for Payment 3. Accepting Cash /Investments Report for Month Ending October, 2008 and Final Report for Fiscal Year Ending June, 2008 MOVED by Vice Mayor Belforte, seconded by Council Member Stafford, and CARRIED 4 -0 -1 with Council Member Mackenzie absent, reading was waived and the Consent Calendar was APPROVED with the exception of the City Council Portion of the Concurrent Meetings Minutes of February 10, 2009, Resolution No. 2009 -09, Resolution No. 2009 -10, and Item No. 5(5). Items for Consideration: 1. Approval of Minutes for: City Council Portion of Regular Concurrent Meetings — February 10, 2009 Mayor Breeze made the following correction to the announcement at the bottom of page 1 of the minutes: "She further announced that the City will receive an additional $125,000 on April Ist and an anticipated $400,000 in six months from FIGR toward funding SEU." City of Rohnert Park Special and Concurrent Meetings Minutes (5 of 9) February 24, 2009 fior City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park Financing Authority MOVED by Council Member Stafford, seconded by Council Member Callinan, and CARRIED 4 -0 -1 with Council Member Mackenzie absent, reading was waived and the City Council Portion of the Concurrent Meetings Minutes of February 10, 2009, was APPROVED. 4. Resolutions for Adoption: 2009 -09 Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Funding and Stating the Assurance to Complete the Project Interim City Manager Schwarz summarized revisions to the resolution as requested by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and recommended that the Council adopt the resolution as amended. Mayor Breeze thanked Engineering staff for the timely application for this funding. MOVED by Council Member Stafford, seconded by Vice Mayor Belforte, and CARRIED 4- 0-1 with Council Member Mackenzie absent, reading was waived and Resolution No. 2009 -09 was ADOPTED AS AMENDED. 2009 -10 Extending the Contract for Independent Audit Services with Odenberg, Ullakko, Muranishi & Co., LLP In response to Council questions, Director of Finance Lipitz indicated that the City has utilized the services of this firm for the past three years. MOVED by Council Member Callinan, seconded by Council Member Stafford, and CARRIED 4 -0 -1 with Council Member Mackenzie absent, reading was waived and Resolution No. 2009 -10 was ADOPTED. 5. Authorizing letter indicating the City of Rohnert Park's agreement to allow inclusion of properties identified in Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation's proposal for designation of the Laguna de Santa Rosa as a Wetland of International Significance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands In response to Council questions regarding the inclusion of this particular parcel, Interim City Manager Schwarz recommended bringing the item back to Council with further clarification regarding the distinction between a wetland and a wetland complex. Following Council discussion, no action was taken by the Council. 6. TAXICAB SERVICE Consideration of an Application from Alem Assefa and Alganesh Yohannes for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Provide Taxicab Service in the City of Rohnert Park 1. Interim City Manager Schwarz reviewed the contents of the staff. report and responded to Council questions. 2. Public Hearing: Mayor Breeze opened the public hearing at 7:52 p.m. -• a. Alem Assefa spoke regarding his desire to respond to calls for taxicab service in Rohnert Park. City of Rohnert Park Special and Concurrent Meetings Minutes (6 of 9) February 24, 2009 _ for City Council/Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park Financing Authority Mayor Breeze closed the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. 3. Resolution for Adoption: 2009 -11 Finding the Public Convenience and Necessity for Alem Assefa and Alganesh. Yohannes d.b.a. Freedom Cab to Provide Taxicab Service in the City of Rohnert Park MOVED by Council Member Callinan, seconded by Vice Mayor Belforte, and CARRIED 4- 0-1 with Council Member Mackenzie absent, reading was waived and Resolution No. 2009 -11 was ADOPTED. Interim City Manager Schwarz acknowledged the work of Sergeant Welch in reviewing these types of applications. 7. SWIMMING POOLS Review of Capital Improvements and Appropriations to Budget 1. Interim City Manager Schwarz reviewed the contents of the staff report and indicated that questions regarding the use of redevelopment funds for mandated maintenance would need to be referred to bond counsel. 2. Public Comments: Betty Fredericks, Rohnert Park, spoke in favor of neighborhood outreach regarding Alicia Pool and suggested signage advertising pools, adoption of "L" Pool by the City of Cotati, and establishment of a senior or adult pool. 3. Resolution for Adoption: 2009 -12 Authorizing a Transfer of Funds from the Capital Replacement Reserves to the Recreation Department Budget for Costs Associated with Mandated Improvements at Benicia, Honeybee and Magnolia Pools MOVED by Council Member Stafford, seconded by Council Member Callinan, and CARRIED 4 -0 -1 with Council Member Mackenzie absent, reading was waived and Resolution No. 2009 -12 was ADOPTED. Council CONCURRED to place on a future agenda further consideration of Alicia and Ladybug pools. Interim City Manager Schwarz indicated that the future report will discuss availability of tax increment funds and bond funds and the consequences of utilizing those funds. He further indicated that if redevelopment funds cannot be utilized, the agenda item will include a resolution allowing the use of capital reserve funds to improve the two pools. 8. STANDING COMMITTEE / AD HOC COMMITTEE / LIAISON REPORTS Standing Committees Council Member Stafford reported on a meeting of the Water Issues Committee held February 17, 2009. Council Member Stafford further reported on Council Member Mackenzie's present attendance with representatives of the Sonoma County Water Agency at meetings in Washington D.C. to seek funding for the Russian River Biological Opinion. City of Rohnert Park Special and Concurrent Meetings Minutes (8 of 9) February 24, 2009 _for City Council /Community Development Commission / Rohnert Park Financing Authority 2. CDC CONSENT CALENDAR Vice Chair Belforte signified removal of the CDC Bills /Demands for Payment. 1. Approval of Meeting Minutes for: a. CDC Portion of Regular Concurrent Meetings — February 10, 2009 3. Accepting CDC Cash /Investments Report for Month Ending December, 2008 MOVED by Commissioner Stafford, seconded by Commissioner Callinan, and CARRIED 4 -0 -1 with Commissioner Mackenzie absent, reading was waived and the Consent Calendar was APPROVED with the exception of the CDC Bills/Demands for Payment. Items for Consideration: 2. Approval of CDC Bills /Demands for Payment In response to Vice Chair Belforte's question regarding a listed payment to the Chamber of Commerce, Interim Executive Director Schwarz confirmed that all monies paid to the Chamber of Commerce are from the CDC budget. MOVED by Vice Chair Belforte, seconded by Commissioner Callinan, and CARRIED 4 -0 -1 with Commissioner Mackenzie absent, reading was waived and the CDC Bills /Demands for Payment were APPROVED. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Breeze adjourned the CDC meeting at 8:40 p.m. MINUTES FOR THE ROHNERT PARK FINANCING AUTHORITY (RPFA) Tuesday, February 24, 2009 CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Rohnert Park Financing Authority was called to order by Chair Breeze at 8:40 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Amie Breeze, Chair Gina Belforte, Vice -Chair Joe Callinan, Board Member Pam Stafford, Board Member Absent: Jake Mackenzie, Board Member City of Rohnert Park Special and Concurrent Meetings Minutes (7 of 9) February 24, 2009 _for City Council /Community Development Commission / Rohnert Park Financing Authority Ad Hoc Committees and Other Liaison Assignments Vice Mayor Belforte reported on a meeting of the Ad -Hoc Budget Subcommittee and the status of the interviews for internal auditor. Council Member Stafford reported on her attendance at a Community Climate Action Plan meeting. 9. COMMUNICATIONS Council Member Stafford called attention to a letter from Linda Beltz and thanked her for her service to the City Council and the City of Rohnert Park. She also called attention to a letter regarding development potential of the former Yardbirds site. Council CONCURRED to send a letter of appreciation to Linda Beltz over the Mayor's signature. 11. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Breeze invited members of the public to come forward to speak. No members of the public responded. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Breeze adjourned the City Council special and regular meetings at 8:37 p.m. MINUTES FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (CDC) OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK Tuesday, February 24, 2009 CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Community Development Commission of the City of Rohnert Park was called to order by Chair Breeze at 8:37 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Arnie Breeze, Chair Gina Belforte, Vice -Chair Joe Callinan, Commissioner Pam Stafford, Commissioner Absent: Jake Mackenzie, Commissioner Staff participating in all or part of the CDC meeting: Daniel Schwarz, Interim Executive Director; Benjamin Winig, Assistant General Counsel; and Terri Griffin, Deputy Secretary. 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Breeze invited members of the public to come forward to speak. No members of the public responded. City of Rohnert Park Special and Concurrent Meetings Minutes (9 of 9) February 24, 2009 ,for City Council /Community Development Commission / Rohnert Park Financing Authority Staff participating in all or part of the RPFA meeting: Daniel Schwarz, Interim Executive Director; Benjamin Winig, Assistant General Counsel; and Terri Griffin, Deputy Secretary. 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Breeze invited members of the public to come forward to speak. No members of the public responded. 2. RPFA CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Approval of Minutes for: a. RPFA Portion of Regular Concurrent Meetings — February 10, 2009 2. Accepting RPFA Cash /Investments Report for: Month Ending December, 2008 MOVED by Vice Chair Belforte, seconded by Board Member Stafford, and CARRIED 4 -0 -1 with Board Member Mackenzie absent, reading was waived and the Consent Calendar was APPROVED. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Breeze adjourned the meeting of the RPFA at 8:41 p.m. Terri Griff Deputy City 1 City of Rohnert Park February 24, 2009 Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Statement made by Mayor Breeze 2008 -2009 FISCAL CRISIS Rohnert Park is in the midst of a budget crisis. On this point, we all agree. I am concerned, though, with the figures that I have seen published in the media about our deficit. I want to be very clear. In the current fiscal year 2008 -2009, we face a $7 -8 million General Fund shortfall. Our reserves are rapidly dwindling. If we do nothing, we will run out of cash in the General Fund in 2010. We are up to this challenge. First, the Budget Ad -Hoc Subcommittee will be bringing forward a recommendation to the full council for the hiring of a Temporary Internal Auditor to assess all city operations and identify opportunities to raise revenues and reduce expenditures. Second, under Council direction, staff is reviewing contracts with outside vendors and identifying opportunities to bring work in- house. Third, we will be working with our employee groups to ensure that they are fairly compensated while City services are maintained at the standards our community expects and deserves. Our task is not easy. Tough decisions must be made. There will be changes. I have the utmost confidence in my fellow council members that they will join me in making these decisions and implementing change for the better. I am confident Rohnert Park will emerge from this challenge stronger than ever.