2005/02/16 City Council MinutesCITY OF ROHNERT PARK
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
February 16, 2005
Wednesday
The Rohnert Park City Council met this date for a
Special Meeting to commence at 4:00 p.m. at the Rohnert
Park City Hall, Council Chambers, 6750 Commerce Boulevard,
Rohnert Park, with Mayor Mackenzie presiding.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Mackenzie CALLED the Special Meeting to order at
4:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: (5) Councilmembers Flores, Smith and Spradlin;
Vice Mayor Vidak- Martinez; and Mayor Mackenzie
Absent: (0) None
Staff present for all or part of the Regular Session:
City Manager Leivo, Assistant City Manager Donley, Interim
City Attorney Whelan, Director Public Safety Bullard, Public
Safety Officer Justice, Public Safety Commander Giesige,
Public Safety Lieutenant Amato, Public Safety Lieutenant
Taylor, Public Safety Lieutenant Frazer, Public Safety
Sergeant Sweeney, Finance Director Lipitz, Finance Services
Manager Lauchner, City Engineer Jenkins, and Senior
Engineering Technician Pedroncelli.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Mackenzie stated that Council will recite the Pledge
of Allegiance after it reconvenes at approximately 6:30 p.m.
None.
PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
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City of Rohnert Park *SPECIAL MEETINGS MINUTES
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ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND /OR ACTION
1. COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC SAFETY PRESENTATION:
1. Presentation on Change in Philosophy by Director of
Public Safety Thomas R. Bullard: Director Public
Safety Bullard gave an oral report on the Department's
philosophy in terms of making Rohnert Park the safest
city on the Highway 101 corridor, as well as the
Department's current and future goals /priorities.
Staff responded to Council questions /comments about
the spike in gang violence, the public's reaction to
CSO's, the need for school resource officers, the
condition of the department's vehicles, the need
for better weaponry, the department's relations with
Cotati and issues of mutual aid, the problems with
the motels on Highway 101, and the department's
relations with Sonoma State University. Councilmember
Smith SUGGESTED that staff review the three -beat
structure, and he encouraged continued efforts with
traffic enforcement.
2. Presentation on the Impact of Drugs by Petaluma
Sergeant Matt Stapleton: Sergeant Stapleton
DISTRIBUTED his business card, and he shared the
contents of a Power Point presentation regarding
local drug issues and aspects of special operations to
combat the problem. Sergeant Stapleton responded to
Council questions /comments about the drug video he
shared with Council, gangs and drugs, the connection
between drugs and stealing, the effects of drugs on
families, the problems with marijuana, and the need
for school resource officers. Mayor Mackenzie
SUGGESTED staff look into Vice Mayor Vidak- Martinez'
concern about child abuse from parents who abuse
drugs. Councilmember Smith expressed an interest in
crime- analysis software that might break down the
data and aid in record - keeping as well as directing
resources where the problems exist.
RECESS /RECONVENE:
Mayor Mackenzie declared a five - minute recess at 5:20 p.m.
Council reconvened at 5:25 p.m. with all Councilmembers
present.
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3. Presentation on Gang Issues by Public Safety Officer
Jeff Justice: Officer Justice shared the contents of
a slide show presentation entitled, "Criminal Street
Gangs in RP." Officer Justice shared photos of recent
drug- related arrests in Rohnert Park, and he responded
to Council questions /comments about gang activities in
local schools, the effectiveness of closed campus,
gang recruitment, sales of drugs to minors, and working
with the School District.
4. Council Discussion /Direction /Action: Councilmember
Spradlin expressed support for Public Safety's new
philosophy. Councilmember Flores discussed the need
for education and enforcement. Vice Mayor Vidak-
Martinez commented on the link between gangs and
methamphetamine. Councilmember Smith discussed the
viability of the three -beat model, the Department's
interaction with Rancho Adobe Fire District and the
City of Cotati, and the need for another school
resource officer. Mayor Mackenzie spoke about the
City's relations with local motels, the need for
accurate data, and aggressive tactics to fight the
drug problem. At the suggestion of Vice -Mayor Vidak-
Martinez, Council CONCURRED to DIRECT STAFF to draft
a policy for Council review.expressing Council's
support for law enforcement and crime- fighting.
Council further DIRECTED STAFF to continue to work
with the City of Cotati, Sonoma State University, and
the Rohnert Park - Cotati Unified School District.
RECESS /RECONVENE:
Mayor Mackenzie declared a break for dinner at 6:08 p.m.
Council reconvened at 6:37 p.m. with all Councilmembers
present. Mayor Mackenzie led the pledge of allegiance.
2. SEWER AND.WATER SYSTEMS:
Consideration of amending Title 13 of the Rohnert Park
Municipal Code for proposed sewer and water rate
increases:
1. Staff and Bartle & Wells Consultant Reports: City
Manager Leivo shared opening comments, and Finance
Director Lipitz reviewed the contents of the Staff
Report via a Power Point presentation. Interim City
Attorney Whelan commented on codified and uncodified
ordinances, and she clarified matters related to
property- related fees. Staff responded to technical
questions from Council.
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2. PUBLIC HEARING(S): Mayor Mackenzie opened the Public
Hearing at 7:16 p.m.
1. Len Carlson, 349 Circulo San Blas, Rancho Grande, was
recognized and stated that the City should mandate
individual meters in the mobile home parks and pay for
their installation as well. He cited problems with the
master meter system in that residents end up subsidizing
large amounts of water for the pool, Laundromat, hot tub
and other commercial /community endeavors. He noted how
the master meter gives mobilehome park residents no
incentive to conserve water. He expressed concern that
park owners would not voluntarily install individual
meters, and he reiterated his support for the two -tier
system.
2. John Hudson, 399 Bonnie Avenue, was recognized and
discussed aspects of the applicability of
Proposition 218 regarding property- related services. He
stated that the new sewer pipe and the Water Supply
Assessment (WSA) were needed by the large developers, not
by the residents. He noted that the City always uses
sewer rates to finance development, when, in fact, the
developers should finance an assessment district.
3. Paul Leiber, 33 Frederick, was recognized and inquired of
staff whether the term "multifamily property" included
homeowners' associations. He also inquired about
discounts for homeowners' associations.
4. Lillian Jones, 115 Francis Circle, was recognized and
expressed concern that common developments with
homeowners' associations have not been included in
Council's discussion on the sewer and water rate
increases. She noted that quorums generally vote down
large assessments, and she urged the Council to consider
this matter more closely before adopting it.
Mayor Mackenzie closed the Public Hearing at 7:28 p.m.
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3. Ordinances for Introduction:
a. Waive First Reading and Introduce Ordinance by reading
title.
No. 729 (UNCODIFIED) AMENDING TITLE 13 OF THE ROHNERT PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE SEWER SERVICE CHARGES
(SEWER USE ORDINANCE)
Council Motion /Discussion /Direction:
A MOTION was made by Councilmember Flores, seconded by
Councilmember Spradlin, to CONSECUTIVELY AND SEPARATELY
introduce ordinance Nos. 729, 730, 731 and 732 as listed
on the agenda. Under discussion, Vice Mayor Vidak-
Martinez, FOR THE RECORD, made a REQUEST that staff and
Council review in twelve months how well the voluntary
program is going with the mobilehome parks and multifamily
units and make adjustments if necessary. Council AGREED
with said request, and Interim City Attorney Whelan
indicated that it would not require an amendment to the
ordinances. Councilmember Flores SUGGESTED that staff
explore incentives for the property owners to implement
the voluntary program, and Mayor Mackenzie SUGGESTED
directing staff to look for a loan for multifamily units
similar to the loan the City received for single - family
meter installations. Councilmember Smith emphasized that
the new sewer line recently approved by the City is needed
for public health and finance reasons, and not simply for
the advantage of the developers, if at all. He also
discussed how the City needs to recapture the costs for
the water and sewer services it provides and how it would
be inappropriate to run said services from the City's
reserve funds. Mayor Mackenzie discussed the City's
current costs for its partnership with Santa Rosa in the
Subregional Wastewater System, and he commented on the
City's aging infrastructure and implementation of the
General Plan in terms of the City's contractual status
with the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA). He further
noted the City's reduced consumption of water over the
last few years as part of its aggressive conservation
efforts. At the conclusion of Council discussion after
said motion, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE,
reading was waived and Ordinance No. 729 was INTRODUCED.
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b. Waive First Reading and Introduce Ordinance by reading
title:
No. 730 (CODIFIED) AMENDING TITLE 13 OF THE ROHNERT PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE SEWER SERVICE CHARGES
(SEWER USE ORDINANCE)
Council Motion /Discussion /Direction:
Upon previous MOTION of Councilmember Flores, seconded by
Councilmember Spradlin, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BY ROLL
CALL VOTE, reading was waived and Ordinance No. 730 was
INTRODUCED.
c. Waive First Reading and Introduce Ordinance by reading
title:
No. 731 (UNCODIFIED) AMENDING TITLE 13 OF THE ROHNERT PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE WATER SERVICE CHARGES
(WATER SYSTEM ORDINANCE)
Council Motion /Discussion /Direction:
Upon previous MOTION of Councilmember Flores, seconded by
Councilmember Spradlin, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BY ROLL
CALL VOTE, reading was waived and Ordinance No. 731 was
INTRODUCED.
d. Waive First Reading and Introduce Ordinance by reading
title:
No. 732 (CODIFIED) AMENDING TITLE 13 OF THE ROHNERT PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE WATER SERVICE CHARGES
(WATER SYSTEM ORDINANCE)
Council Motion /Discussion /Direction:
Upon previous MOTION of Councilmember Flores, seconded by
Councilmember Spradlin, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BY ROLL
CALL VOTE, reading was waived and Ordinance No. 732 was
INTRODUCED.
Interim City Attorney Whelan stated that said ordinances
will be considered for second reading and adoption at the
City Council's February 22, 2005 regular meeting. She
further noted that the Public Hearing has been closed as of
tonight.
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3. WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (WAC):
Consideration of proposed Sonoma County Water Agency
(SCWA) Budget 2005 -06 and Water Supply Rates:
Councilmember Mackenzie shared brief comments on this
matter.
Council Discussion /Direction /Action: Council CONCURRED
with the proposed Sonoma County Water Agency Budget
2005 -06 and Water Supply Rates. Staff indicated
that they were prepared to review water conservation
measures for residents, and Mayor Mackenzie REQUESTED
that that review occur at Council's February 22nd
regular meeting. Coucilmember Flores SUGGESTED that
staff prepare a visual presentation, and Mayor
Mackenzie REQUESTED that said presentation include
rate comparisons with other Sonoma County cities.
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4. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Mackenzie asked if there were any questions about the
matters on the Consent Calendar.
A. RESOLUTION FOR ADOPTION:
2005 -41 APPROVAL.OF AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO TASK ORDER
NO. 2004 -13 WITH WINZLER & KELLY CONSULTING
ENGINEERS FOR SEWER INTERCEPTOR /OUTFALL
PROJECT NO. 2003 -11
B. AUTHORIZATION TO SEND LETTER TO THE SANTA ROSA BOARD
OF PUBLIC UTILITIES REGARDING RECYCLED WATER RESERVOIR
Upon MOTION by Vice Mayor Vidak- Martinez, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, a motion to approve the Consent
Calendar, as outlined in the meeting's agenda, was
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
S. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Members of the public desiring to speak were invited to
come forward.
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City of Rohnert Park *SPECIAL MEETINGS MINUTES
February 16, 2005 Page(8 )
1. Len Carlson, 349 Circulo San Blas, Rancho Grande, was.
recognized and urged the Council to seriously consider
immediately mandating installation of individual water
meters by the mobilehome park owners. He indicated that
having mobilehome park residents pay for park owners,
water usage for one year is a long time, and he expressed
strong disagreement with the voluntary system.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Mayor Mackenzie ADJOURNED
the Special Meeting at approximately 7:47 p.m.
Katy Leonard
Certified Shorthand Reporter
CSR No. 11599
Ja e Mackenzie ✓�.
Mayor
City of Rohnert Park
*City Council Special Meeting