2008/01/08 City Council MinutesCITY OF ROHNERT PARK CONCURRENT MEETING MINUTES FOR:
City Council
Community Development Commission
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
January 8, 2008
Tuesday
The Concurrent Meetings of the City of Rohnert Park for the City Council, the Community
Development Commission and the Rohnert Park Financing Authority met this date for a Regular
Meeting to commence at 6:00 p.m. at the Rohnert Park City Hall, 6750 Commerce Boulevard,
Rohnert Park, with Mayor Mackenzie presiding.
REGULAR MEETING
Call to Order: Mayor Mackenzie called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
Roll Call: Breeze, Smith, Stafford, Vidak- Martinez, Mackenzie
Staff present for all or part of the Regular Meeting: City Manager Donley, Assistant City Attorney
Atencio, Assistant City Manager Schwarz, Management Analyst Babonis, Director of Public
Safety Bullard, Public Safety Lieutenant Sweeney, Public Safety Lieutenant Amato, Building
Official. Bruck, Deputy City Clerk Griffin, and Videographer Beltz.
Mayor Mackenzie introduced Assistant City Attorney James Atencio, who shared brief comments.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Britney Wandrey, student from Waldo Rohnert Elementary School, was not present. Mayor
Mackenzie led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. MAYOR'S OPENING COMMENTS FOR THE NEW YEAR:
Mayor Mackenzie DISTRIBUTED AND REVIEWED his opening comments, which are
ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL SET OF MINUTES.
2. SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY (SSU) STUDENT REPORT:
Nicole Schlossberg, Legislative Representative for Sonoma State University Associated
Students, Inc. (ASI) provided a brief update on several items; including storm- related
problems at SSU, the accreditation process, fiscal matters related to student fees and tuition,
possible GED program changes, and student elections. Council Member Vidak - Martinez
requested reports on climate change and JUMP activities at SSU.
AGENDA CHANGE: At the request of Mayor Mackenzie, Council CONCURRED to consider agenda
item No. 16, City Manager's /City Attorney's Reports, at this time.
City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes (2 of 9) . January 8, 2008
,for City CounciUCommunity Development Commission /Rohnert Park Financing Authority
16. CITY MANAGER'S /CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORTS: [Taken out of agenda order]
1. Other informational items, if any:
Storm Preparation & Response: City Manager Donley reviewed the memorandum provided to
Council regarding the City's storm preparation and response to the January 4"' storm. Staff
responded to Council questions and comments. Council CONCURRED to direct staff to
prepare a letter to the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) regarding G- Section flood -
control improvements, to include a list of suggestions.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES /COMMENTS:
a. John Borba expressed concern about the high commercial vacancy rate in Rohnert Park, and he
recommended adoption of a resolution outlining and addressing Council benefits and yearly
expenses.
b. Ray A. Williams shared comments on a variety of topics.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Approval of Minutes for:
City Council Portion of Regular Concurrent Meetings — December 11, 2007
2. Approval of City Bills/Demands for Payment in the amount of $2,427,143.73
3. Resolutions for Adoption:
2008 -01
Commending Ted Giesige, Public Safety Commander on the Occasion of
His Retirement
2008 -02
Commending Nancy Thompson, Administrative Assistant to the Director of
Public Safety, on the Occasion of Her Retirement
2008 -03
Approving Expenditure of Funds from the Spay/Neuter Forfeiture Account
for the Spay Neuter Voucher Program
2008 -04
Authorizing and Approving the Third Amended Cooperative Agreement
Between and among the Sonoma County Water Agency, the County of
Sonoma, the Cities of Cotati, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, and Sebastopol, the
Town of Windsor, and Cal American Water Company to Provide Funding
and Support Information for the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Study
2008 -05
Accepting the Development Impact Fee Report for the Fiscal Year June 30,
2007
2008 -06
Approving Job Description and Salary Range for Fire Marshal and
Reclassifying an Existing Fire Inspector Position to Fire Marshal
2008 -07
Approving an Affordable Housing Covenant between the City of Rohnert
Park and Jeremiah F. O'Sullivan and Sheila M. O'Sullivan, as Trustees of
the O'Sullivan Revocable Trust of 2002, and Aidan O'Sullivan and Maureen
Healy, as Trustees of the O'Sullivan/Healy Revocable Trust of 2005 for the
Park Gardens H Project
2008 -08
Endorsing an Application for 2008 -2009 Community Development Block
Grant Funding
City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes (3 of 9) January 8, 2008
for City Council/Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park Financing Authority
2008 -09 Accepting Completion and Submission of the Annual State Controllers
Report, Statement of Indebtedness Report and the California Housing and
Community Development Report by the Community Development
Commission of the City of Rohnert Park to Supplement the Annual
Redevelopment Report for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2007
Upon MOTION by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Vidak- Martinez, and
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED,yeading was waived and the Consent Calendar was ADOPTED.
5. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SALES FEE SCHEDULE:
Consideration of Approval of the Proposed 2008 Fee Schedule for Alcoholic Beverage Sales
Establishments as Provided in Rohnert Park Municipal Code Section 8.34.020, "Annual Permit
Fee
1. Staff Report: Public Safety Sergeant Sweeney reviewed the Staff Report and responded to
Council questions and comments.
2. Public Comments: None.
3. Resolution for Adoption:
2008 -10 Approving the 2008 Alcoholic Beverage Sales Fee Schedule
A MOTION was made by Mayor Vidak- Martinez, seconded by Council Member Smtih, to
adopt Resolution 2008 -10. Under discussion, Council Member Breeze stated that she would be
voting against said resolution as it may overburden Public Safety staff and does not promote a
business - friendly environment for businesses which are already paying for alcohol permits.
After Council discussion concluded, reading was waived for said motion, which was
APPROVED 4 -1 with Council Member Breeze dissenting, and Resolution No. 2008 -10 was
thereby ADOPTED.
6. ALCOHOL USE IN CITY PARKS:
Consideration of Recommendations by the Public Safety Department Regarding Alcohol Use in
City Parks:
1. Staff Report: Director of Public Safety Bullard reviewed the contents of the Staff Report and
responded to Council questions and comments.
2. Public Comments:
a. Trish Luna expressed safety concerns about the Girl Scouts' use of Alicia Park given the
alcohol problems in the park, and she noted her support for permitting.
b. Maria Martinez, a neighbor to Alicia Park, reiterated safety concerns.
c. Michael Martinez noted the dangerous situations in Alicia Park, and he expressed support
for permitting of the consumption of alcohol in city parks.
City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes (4 of 9) January 8, 2008
_ for City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park Financing Authority
3. Council discussion /direction: Council discussion concluded with CONCURRENCE (1) to
direct staff to prepare a draft ordinance for Council consideration, and (2) to hold a noticed
public workshop on said matter, to include the posting of notices in all city parks announcing
said workshop.
7. REQUEST FOR RECOGNITION OF FORMER PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR ROBERT
DENNETT:
Consideration of Staff Recommendation Regarding a Request for Recognition of Former Public
Safety Director Robert Dennett:
1. Staff Report: City Manager Donley reviewed the contents of the Staff Report.
2. Public Comments: None.
3. Council discussion /direction: Council CONCURRED to direct staff to make the necessary
preparation to dedicate the.Department of Public Safety Building's Community Conference
Room in honor of Robert Dennett.
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Consideration of Proposed Amendments to Rohnert Park Municipal Code Chapter 2.44 Regarding
Demands against the City:
1. Staff Report: Assistant City Attorney Atencio reviewed the contents of the Staff Report, and
he responded to Council questions and comments.
2. Public Comments: None.
3. Ordinance for Introduction:
795 Amending Rohnert Park Municipal Code Chapter 2.44 Regarding Demands against
the City
Upon MOTION by Vice Mayor Stafford, seconded by Council Member Smith, and
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, reading was waived and Ordinance No. 795 was
INTRODUCED BY ROLL CALL VOTE.
9. COMMISSION /COMMITTEE/BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
1. Council Action Regarding Nominations and Appointments for Terms Expired December 31,
2007
Mobile Home Park Rent Appeals Board 3 — two -year terms (expired 12/31/07)
Lorna Blanc (Vidak- Martinez nomination) DEFERRED until 1/22/08 Council meeting
Katherine Collins (Breeze nomination) REAPPOINTED by CONCURRENCE
Barbara Utter (Smith nomination) REAPPOINTED by CONCURRENCE
City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes (5 of 9) January 8, 2008
_ for City Council /Community Development Commission / Rohnert Park Financing Authority
Sister Cities Relations Committee
Gordon Adam
Cynthia Frazer
Susan Harrow
Tadao Kunishi
Holly Melton
Samantha Skinner
6 — two -year terms (expired 12/31/07)
REAPPOINTED by CONCURRENCE
REAPPOINTED by CONCURRENCE
REAPPOINTED by CONCURRENCE
REAPPOINTED by CONCURRENCE
REAPPOINTED by CONCURRENCE
REAPPOINTED by CONCURRENCE
2. Council Action Regarding One Vacancy on the Bicycle Advisory Committee:
Bicycle Advisory Committee
(Mayor Mackenzie nomination)
1— two -year term (expires 12/31/08)
DEFERRED until 1/22/08 Council meeting
10. CITY COUNCIL LIAISON AND COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS FOR YEAR 2008:
Mayor's Appointments to City Council Liaison and Committee Assignments for 2008: Mayor
Mackenzie explained his memorandum to the Council Members.
Council discussion /direction /action: Council discussion concluded with the following action:
Council CONCURRED with the proposed liaison assignments, to include (1) the elimination of a
liaison to Sonoma County Tourism, and (2) the addition of a liaison to the Golf Course Oversight
Committee. Furthermore, Council CONCURRED (1) with the proposed list of standing
committees, (2) with the forwarding of Tribe, School District, and SSU issues to existing
subcommittees, and (3) with the retention of the SSU Subcommittee. Council also CONCURRED
(1) to eliminate all existing ad hoc subcommittees, and (2) to appoint a Development Agreement
Negotiations Ad Hoc Subcommittee. Finally, Council CONCURRED (1) to submit their requests
for liaison and committee assignments to staff by January 15, and (2) to direct City Manager
Donley to draft a memorandum, for the Mayor's signature, to be provided to Council to aid in
reviewing their interests. Mayor Mackenzie stated that said appointments will be made at the City
Council meeting on January 22, 2008.
11. LETTERS TO LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES:
Consideration of Letters to Assemblymember Jared Huffman and Senator Carole Migden
Regarding Proposed Legislation For 2008: Mayor Mackenzie reviewed the contents of the
proposed letters.
Council discussion /direction /action: FOR THE RECORD, Council Member Breeze stated that
she cannot support the proposed letters, with the statements about the implementation of voter -
approved marijuana use for medicinal purposes, unless they include language about the state
working with the federal government for clarity on said'matter. A MOTION was made by Council
Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Vidak - Martinez, to direct staff to send the letters as
written. Said motion was APPROVED 4 -1 with Council Member Breeze dissenting.
12. LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR SOLAR SONOMA COUNTY:
Consideration of a Letter of Support for Santa Rosa's Application for a Solar American Cities 2008
Grant: City Manager Donley and Mayor Mackenzie reviewed the contents of the proposed letter.
City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes (6 of 9) January 8, 2008
_for City Council/Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park Financing Authority
Council discussion /direction /action: A MOTION was made by Council Member Smith,
seconded by Vice Mayor Stafford, to direct staff to send the letters as written. Said motion was
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
13. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND /OR OTHER REPORTS:
Mayor Mackenzie explained the change in the agenda format for "Council Committee and /or
Other Reports."
1. Sonoma County Waste Management Agency meeting, 11/28: Council Member Smith provided
a brief report.
2. Parks, Recreation & Open Space Committee meeting, 11/28: Vice Mayor Stafford provided a
brief report. Council CONCURRED to agendize the matter of Community Gardens prior to
the submission of the PROS report by approximately March, 2008.
Mayor Mackenzie left the Council chambers at 8:45 p.m. and returned at 8:49 p.m.
3. Corridor Concept Plans Community Workshop, 12/5: Council Member Vidak- Martinez
provided a brief report.
4. Tribal Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting, 12/6: Council Member Vidak- Martinez
provided a brief report, and she DISTRIBUTED the newsletter of the Federated Indians of
Graton Rancheria.
5. Creeks Master Plan Subcommittee meeting, 12/12: Mayor Mackenzie and Council Member
Breeze provided a brief report.
6. General Plan Steering Committee meeting, 12/13: Council Member Vidak - Martinez provided
a brief report.
7. Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Advisory Committee
meeting, 12/13: Council Member Smith provided a brief report.
8. Santa Rosa Plain Conservation Strategy Implementation Committee (California Tiger
Salamander) meeting, 12/19: Mayor Mackenzie provided a brief report.
9. Other informational reports:
Council Member Smith: 50th Anniversary Parry of First Home in Rohnert Park, 11/30; Grand
Opening of Hampton Inn, 12/5; North Bay Economic Insight, Winter 2007, 12/13; 47th Annual
Moosefeed Luncheon, 12/14; Spirit of Sonoma County Awards Luncheon, 11/29. Other, if
any: None.
Council Member Breeze: 50'h Anniversary Party of First Home in Rohnert Park, 11/30. Other,
if any: Council Member Breeze noted her attendance at the Public Safety Open House.
Council Member Vidak- Martinez: Tour of Sonoma State University Green Center, 12/17.
Other, if any: Council Member Vidak- Martinez noted a meeting with Cotati- Rohnert Park
School District Superintendent, Barbara Vrankovich, and City Manager Donley.
City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes (7 of 9) January 8, 2008
for City Council /Community Development Commission / Rohnert Park Financing Authority
Vice -Mayor Stafford: 50"' Anniversary Party of First Home in Rohnert Park, 11/30; Grand
Opening of Hampton Inn, 12/5; Tour of Sonoma State University Green Center, 12/17. Other,
if any: None.
Mayor Mackenzie: North Bay Economic Insight, Winter 2007, 12/13. Other, if any: None.
14. COMMUNICATIONS:
Raising Golden Gate Bridge toll to fund Doyle Drive upgrade: Vice Mayor Stafford called
attention to a letter from Joann Sanders regarding the Doyle Drive /toll matter, and Mayor
Mackenzie expressed an interest in AGENDIZING said item.
North Coast Railroad Authority (NCRA) amicus support: Council Member Smith raised said
topic regarding NCRA, and Mayor Mackenzie DIRECTED STAFF to note said matter for the
next Mayors' & Councilmembers' meeting.
15. MATTERS FROM/FOR COUNCIL:
1. Calendar of Events: Document provided in Council agenda packets.
2. City Council Agenda Forecast: Document provided in Council agenda packets. Council
CONCURRED to commence the meeting of January. 22, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.
3. 2008 Sonoma County Mayor's Challenge for Blood Donations, 1 /1- 1/31/08: Mayor
Mackenzie REQUESTED that city staff be informed of said event.
4. Other informational items, if any:
a. Recognizing citizens who put Rohnert Park in the spotlight: Mayor Mackenzie suggested
such recognition, and he recommended Scott Weaver for his holiday lights display on
Cielo Court and/or Sherie Almond and United Parcel Service for use of a ZIP car to deliver
packages during the holidays.
b. Sonoma Mountain Village Art & Wine Festival, September 20, 2008: Vice Mayor Stafford
ANNOUNCED said event.
c. Commendation for City employee efforts regarding budget issues: Vice Mayor Stafford
expressed her gratitude for the efforts of City employees in resolving budget issues during
negotiations.
16. CITY MANAGER'S /CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORTS: [Taken out of agenda order]
1. Other informational items, if any: Considered earlier in the meeting.
17. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Mackenzie adjourned the City Council meeting at 9:21 p.m. to
consecutively and separately convene the meetings of the Community
Development Commission and the Rohnert Park Financing Authority.
City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes (8 of 9) January 8, 2008
for City Council/Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park Financing Authority
MINUTES FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Call to Order: 9:21 p.m.
Roll Call: Breeze, Smith, Stafford, Vidak- Martinez, Mackenzie
Also present: Executive Director Donley, Assistant General Counsel Atencio, and Assistant Executive
Director Schwarz
Unscheduled public appearances: None.
1. CDC CONSENT CALENDAR:
Approval of Meeting Minutes for:
CDC Portion of Regular Concurrent Meetings — December 11, 2007
2. Approval of CDC Bills/Demands for Payment in the amount of $582,224.95
3. CDC Resolutions for Adoption:
2008 -01 Rescinding Resolution Nos. 2007 -22 And 2007 -26 and Authorizing and
Approving Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property Known as 100
Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, California (Assessor's Parcel Number 143-
380 -022)
2008 -02 Rescinding Resolution Nos. 2007 -23 And 2007 -27 and Authorizing and
Approving Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property Known as 120
Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, California (Assessor's Parcel Number 143-
061 -052)
2008 -03 Acknowledging the Completion and Submission of the Annual State
Controller's Report, Statement of Indebtedness Report and the California
Housing and Community Development Report from the Community
Development Commission to Supplement the Annual Redevelopment Report
for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2007
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Vice Chair Stafford, to approve
the Consent Calendar. After the motion, reading was waived, and the CDC Consent Calendar,
as outlined in the agenda, was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
3. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chairperson Mackenzie adjourned the CDC
meeting at 9:22 p.m.
City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes (9 of 9) January 8, 2008
for City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park Financing Authority
MINUTES FOR THE
ROHNERT PARK FINANCING AUTHORITY
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Call to Order: 9:22 p.m.
Roll Call: Breeze, Smith, Stafford, Vidak- Martinez, Mackenzie
Also present: Executive Director Donley, Assistant General Counsel Atencio, and Assistant Executive
Director Schwarz
Unscheduled public appearances: None.
1. RPFA CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Approval of Minutes for:
RPFA Portion of Regular Concurrent Meetings — December 11, 2007
A MOTION was made by Member Breeze, seconded by Vice Chair Stafford, to approve the
RPFA Consent Calendar. After the motion, reading was waived, and the RPFA Consent
Calendar, as outlined in the agenda, was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
2. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chairperson Mackenzie adjourned the meeting
of the RPFA at 9:24 p.m.
*Katy Leonard
Certified Shorthand Reporter
C.S.R. 11599
*(Minutes written in absentia)
Jalce Mackenzie
Mayor
City of Rohnert Park
Comments for the New Year -2008
When we left these Chambers, now in their last year of occupancy, other
things being equal, when we left it was with the thought that we would come
back collectively refreshed, having contemplated the year ahead. Well here
we are, no doubt refreshed and undoubtedly in a contemplative mood.
Bombarded in National Politics by the "C" word - Change, and assaulted by
the prospect of Fiscal Deficits in our State Government, what's a council to
do? Stasis is not an option: the city is a collection of organisms and like
naturally occurring ecosystems under pressure from various directions, the
city changes and adapts. We have some, but not total, control. As we have
over the past 3 years, we will move forward.
I said I would elaborate on our direction as a city. I will.
We still stand by our budget priorities displayed above us.
REVENUES
Partnerships
Safety
Infrastructure
Sustainability- all discussed in my cogent remarks a month ago.
We will have an opportunity on February 14th to discuss our direction as a
council in an all day session with Bill Mathis. (Open to the PUBLIC! !) I
suspect we will NOT change our budget priorities. We will be able to re-
examine our Economic Development Action Plan in light of the fiscal
situation of the city, as impacted by regional and state -wide forces. There
will be an opportunity to re- examine the strategies and tactics we plan to
employ to implement this Plan.
I will lay out some proposed directions for our council this year.
Civility
I expect that we five will continue the civil way with which we have dealt
with one another over the past number of years, including the many years in
which I found myself in a minority. In this, an election year, I would hope
that this theme would be observed by those who appear in front of us.
Openness
It will continue to be my policy, expressed 3 years ago in 2005, to have my
calendar available through the office of the city manager. As our past Mayor
has done, when I meet with Tribal or University representatives, I will report
back to the council in public session. Obviously, matters involving personnel
and real estate issues will continue to be handled in closed session.
Immediately preceeding our next council meeting, in a work session, we will
be reviewing our Protocols for the conduct of our City Business. This will be
an opportunity to examine how other cities conduct their business and to
review our current practices.
Tonight I have laid out a proposal for our Committee structure. I am
proposing that virtually all of our Ad -hoc committees be eliminated and
some functions consolidated. I believe that this will result in a more open
process.
Vigor
We need to encourage all of our citizens, our commissioners and encourage
ourselves to engage in our issues. For example, climate change is a. subject
about which we need to be educated. We need to be letting folks know what
resources and educational opportunities are available. We must participate as
a community and as a governing body. To hear what our citizens have to ''
say, to engage them in problem- solving, and to enlist their creative ideas, we Ce,�,w
Ja plan a Community Summit, for later this year.
Happiness
We need to celebrate our successes and make sure that we are recognized for
our accomplishments. And we can have fun doing this. I like the idea of a
fund- raiser based on the idea of "Razing City Hall " - the old one, that is. Our
REMIF rep will have to scrutinize this approach!
Fairness
We will continue to treat people with respect. We will expect from ourselves
what we expect from our commissioners, volunteers and citizens —
engagement in the issues
THE ATHENIAN OATH.
We will never bring disgrace on this our city by an act of dishonesty or
cowardice.
We will fight for the ideals and sacred things of the city, both alone and with
many.
We will revere and obey the city's laws, and will do our best to incite a like
reverence and respect in those above us who are prone to annul them or set
them at naught.
We will strive increasingly to quicken the public's sense of civic duty.
Thus in all these ways we will transmit this city, not only not less, but
greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.