2004/10/26 City Council MinutesCITY OF ROHNERT PARK CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES for:
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
ROHNERT PARK FINANCING AUTHORITY
October 26, 2004
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 in
Regular Session for a regular meeting to commence at
6:00 p.m. at the Rohnert Park City Hall, 6750 Commerce
Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Nordin presiding.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Nordin CALLED the Regular Session to order at
6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: (5) Councilmembers Flores, Mackenzie and Vidak-
Martinez; Vice Mayor Spradlin; and Mayor
Nordin
Absent: (0) None
Staff present for all or part of the Regular Session:
City Manager Leivo, Interim City Attorney Kenyon, Assistant
City Manager Donley, Director Public Safety Bullard,
Interim City Engineer Jenkins, Finance Director Lipitz,
Senior Planner Bendorff, and Neighborhood Preservation
Officer Denlis.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Nordin adjourned Council to Closed Session at
6:00 p.m. to discuss Litigation Matters. Closed Session
ended at approximately 6:07 p.m. Mayor Nordin resumed
Regular Session at 6:15 p.m. and led the pledge of
allegiance.
1. MAYOR'S REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Nordin indicated that Council took no action
per the Closed Session.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
October 26, 2004 Page(2 )
2. SCHEDULED APPEARANCES /PRESENTATIONS:
1. Presentation of Certificate from the National
Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and
Reserve recognizing Carl Eric Leivo, City of Rohnert
Park, as a Patriotic Employer for Contributing to
National Security and Protecting Liberty and Freedom
by Supporting Employee Participation in America's
National Guard and Reserve Force: Mayor Nordin
read the certificate, and City Manager Leivo shared
brief comments regarding Assistant City Manager
Donley, who recently completed his second tour of
duty and nominated the City for this recognition.
2. Linda M. Long, regarding Wilfred Avenue /Golf Course
Drive Interchange Project request for design change:
Ms. Long DISTRIBUTED AND REVIEWED her comments
requesting more than one design choice for the
project, noting concerns about future casino traffic,
and calling for proper notification of the residents
and closer attention to California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) requirements.
3. Seamus Seanachaoi, regarding (1) decisions for
upcoming election and (2) concerns associated with
recent FCC approval of Broadband over powerlines:
Mr. Seanachaoi called for citizens of Rohnert Park,
when they vote, to think about what will make the
community work best. He also discussed the FCC's
approval of Broadband over powerlines and how that
will negatively impact many of our local
communication networks. He urged the City to look
into protecting its valued communications.
3. STUDENT REPORTS:
SSU - Sonoma State University Associated Students,
Incorporated, by James J. Reilly III, Legislative
Representative: Mr. Reilly DISTRIBUTED copies of
The Star and reported on the following two items:
Thanks to Mayor Nordin and Councilmembers Mackenzie and
Vidak- Martinez for participating in SSU's debate
featuring the local candidates, and the success of the
voter registration drive.
4. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES /COMMENTS:
1. Peter Tscherneff, Sonoma County, was recognized and
shared comments regarding the upcoming State election.
He also called for athletes to step forward as
leaders.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
October 26, 2004 Page(3 )
2. Anita Felton, 1525 Mathias Place, was recognized and
shared her concerns about how a proposed sports complex
is being used to prey on people's love of sports to
get certain candidates elected to City Council. She
indicated that Mayor Nordin looks out only for certain
developers, and she stated that she is voting for
Councilmember Mackenzie and candidate Tim Smith as they
have openly stated their campaign limits.
5. BIG LEAGUE DREAMS PRESENTATION:
Consideration to authorize an informal committee of
interested persons to travel to Redding, inspect the
Big League Dreams facility and meet with representatives,
and make a future presentation:
1. Staff Report and Video Presentation: City Manager
Leivo reviewed the contents of the Staff Report and
showed a seven - minute video to Council. Staff
responded to Council questions /comments about the
loss of Crusher Stadium, the similarity of this
proposed sports complex to the library, the Community
Fields as envisioned in the General Plan., the people
who will comprise the informal committee and the
funding for the trip to Redding, the specific lands
involved in said proposal, smaller versions of Big
League Dreams facilities, and the need for
discussions with SSU, the County and the community.
Mayor Nordin called forward members of the public
interested in speaking on this issue.
1. Rick Savel, P.O. Box 227, Penngrove, was recognized and
noted that the City's General Plan calls for Community
Fields in that area with day and passive use. He
referred to an article in today's Press Democrat about
Big League Dreams, and he expressed concern with the
scope of the project as described in said article. He
indicated that any projects, such as the casino or Big
League Dreams, which could require road openings on
Petaluma Hill Road, will be an area of sensitivity.
2. Dan Hubley, 135 Alma Avenue, was recognized and expressed
support for a regional sports complex. He noted that
many residents support it, and he encouraged Council to
move forward with the project.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
October 26, 2004 Page(4 )
2. Council Consideration /Action to authorize an informal
committee:
Council Motion /Discussion /Vote:
Councilmember Mackenzie discussed the Community Fields
as outlined in the General Plan, and he expressed
support for sports, but noted his concern that Big
League Dreams looks like a commercial development.
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez asked that Council be
kept abreast of matters relating to Big League
Dreams,-and Mayor Nordin indicated that three other
organizations would like to share their ideas with
the City.
Upon MOTION by Council Flores, seconded by
Councilmember Vidak - Martinez, a motion to establish
an informal committee, as recommended by staff, to
travel to Redding and to report back to Council on
November 23rd regarding the meeting and Big League
Dreams facility, was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
6. DRAFT WATER SUPPLY ASSESSMENT:
Receive and review the City's Draft Water Supply
Assessment and consideration of setting public hearing
date on November 23, 2004 to consider adoption of the
Final Water Supply Assessment:
1. Staff Report: Interim City Engineer Jenkins reviewed
some key points of the Draft Water Supply Assessment.
Mary Grace Pawson of Winzler & Kelly Consulting
Engineers and Vicki Kretsinger of Luhdorff &
Scalmanini Consulting Engineers (LSCE), who
DISTRIBUTED her resume, reviewed the contents of a
Power Point presentation, covering matters including
the purpose of said assessment, water supplies and
demands of Rohnert Park, groundwater sources, Sonoma
County Water Agency supply, recycled water supply and
SB 610 Provisions. Said representatives responded to
Council questions /comments regarding the Petaluma
groundwater basin, the depth of City wells, the
General Plan and the Penngrove agreement, the
Temporary Impairment MOU, the use of recycled water
from the Santa Rosa Treatment Plant, SSU's contract
with the City per sewer service, Rohnert Park's
recharge area and projected demands in terms of the
casino. Councilmember Mackenzie REQUESTED that all
councilmembers get a copy of the draft assessment.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
October 26, 2004 Page(5 )
2. Public Comment:
1. Van Logan, 2560 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, was
recognized and stated that the Northeast property owners
along with three other Specific Plan owners paid for
this report. He expressed two concerns with the
report: (1) There is only one reference to the casino in
the report, and that could result in the need for
another report and /or hold up every project in the City;
(2) The Southeast Specific Plan has been singled out
over the other Specific Plans to have its Draft EIR
considered for certification as early as January '05.
2. John King, 8617 Petaluma Hill Road, Penngrove, was
recognized and referred to reports which were the
backbone of the City's General Plan and which indicated
the water table was dropping. He shared reasons
disputing the positive.water supplies for Rohnert Park
as outlined in the assessment, and he warned the City
that the County supervisors may not accept these
findings. He urged the City to comply with the
provisions of the Settlement Agreement with Penngrove.
3. Rick Savel, P.O. Box 227, Penngrove, was recognized and
referred Council to the Canon Manor EIR. He pointed to
inconsistencies in the surface divide and the subsurface
divide whereby groundwater is being redrawn into Rohnert
Park. He stated that the City's studies come into direct
conflict with what's coming into the County now, and he
urged the City to get these studies consistent.
4. Tony Piazza, Rohnert Park, was recognized and recommended
injecting a colorless dye to determine which way the
groundwater is being routed. He discussed the effects of
the casino on the water supply, noting that the casino
will have its own processing plant and can sell the
recharged water. He also expressed support for the
Community Fields and suggested using recycled water for
them.
City Manager Leivo advised staff to respond to some of
the public comments:
Interim City Engineer Jenkins discussed the following
matters: (1) Staff can clarify matters regarding the
casino in the report; (2) Referring to the "Historical
and Future Total Watershed Pumpage," he noted that a
69- percent increase is a conservative number for private
and commercial; (3) Per PES and the Environmental Plan,
staff had five more years of data since the General Plan,
which is evidence that the data is measurable; and (4)
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
October 26, 2004 Page(6 )
Per the County EIR for Canon Manor for adding sewer and
water, he noted that Canon Manor took the most extreme
approach and that their analysis is not much different
than the City's.
Vicki Kretsinger of LSCE discussed the following matters:
(1) In reference to the PES report, LSCE staff was able
to take an improved look at six cross sections across an
area; and (2) Per the groundwater divide, LSCE staff used
the most recent data in analyzing shell versus deeper
zone data.
3. Resolution for Adoption:
2004 -284 SCHEDULING A TIME AND DATE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING
TO CONSIDER CITY'S ADOPTION OF THE FINAL WATER
SUPPLY ASSESSMENT
Council Motion /Discussion /Vote:
FOR THE RECORD, Councilmember Vidak- Martinez requested that
staff contact the Sonoma County Planning Department and the
Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) for their comments on this
Draft Water Supply Assessment so that Council may have said
comments for consideration at the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Mackenzie additionally requested responses
from the cities of Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Cotati and
Petaluma, as well as from SSU and organizations in
Penngrove. He also suggested that staff and consultants
discuss and enter more specific references to the Canon
Manor study. Councilmember Flores reiterated the need
for scientific analysis, and-he encouraged the City to
continue to look at the use of treated water in the new
Specific Plans.
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, seconded
by Councilmember Mackenzie, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED,
reading was waived and Resolution 2004 -284 was ADOPTED.
Vice Mayor Spradlin left the chambers at 8:48 p.m.
7. FINANCE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM:
Consideration of Agreements for Bond and Disclosure
Counsel Services and Underwriting Services:
1. Staff Report: City Manager Leivo shared the contents
of the Staff Report.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
October 26, 2004 Page(7 )
2. Resolutions consecutively and separately for
Adoption:
2004 -285 APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH STRADLING YOCCA CARLSON &
RAUTH FOR BOND AND DISCLOSURE COUNSEL SERVICES FOR
THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK'S FINANCE PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
and
2004 -286 APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH STONE & YOUNGBERG FOR
UNDERWRITING SERVICES FOR THE CITY. OF ROHNERT
PARK'S FINANCE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
Council Motion /Discussion /Vote:
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Flores, seconded by
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, and APPROVED 4 -0 -1 with
Vice Mayor Spradlin absent, reading was waived and
Resolutions 2004 -285 and 2004 -286 were CONSECUTIVELY
AND SEPARATELY ADOPTED.
Vice Mayor Spradlin returned to the chambers at 8:50 p.m.
8. NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION PROGRAM:
Staff Report /Presentation.on City's existing Code
Enforcement Process and Update on Public Education
Campaign for Pending Nuisance Abatement Ordinance
scheduled for consideration of adoption on November 9,
2004:
Senior Planner Bendorff shared the contents of a
slide show presentation reviewing the previous process
of code enforcement. Neighborhood Preservation Officer
Denlis DISTRIBUTED a brochure entitled, "Most Common
Blight Violations," and she discussed the philosophy
behind Neighborhood Preservation, the education
component, the target neighborhoods, the duty of the
Neighborhood Preservation Officer to work with staff in
various departments, amendments to the Nuisance
Abatement Ordinance and the enforcement process.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
October 26, 2004 Page(8 )
Councilmember Flores expressed support for community
preservation, and he SUGGESTED that the brochure be done
in color. Councilmember Mackenzie inquired about the
mechanism of communicating with absentee landlords, and
he RECOMMENDED looking at neighborhood commissions/
councils /coalitions. Councilmember Vidak- Martinez
expressed concern about the severity of some provisions
of the Nuisance Abatement Code, the ability of some
citizens to comply due to income or age, the focus on
lower - income sections of town, and the need for an
effective education program and assessment in six months.
She RECOMMENDED that common sense prevail, and she
REQUESTED a printed copy of the slide show presentation.
Mayor Nordin RECOMMENDED using high school students who
need community service hours to assist citizens who need
a hand, and Vice Mayor Spradlin called staff attention to
an area near Rancho Cotate High School that has an
accumulation of trash and graffiti.
9. SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT UNIT REPORT AND HIGHLIGHTS OF
PUBLIC SAFETY:
Update /Presentation by Director Public Safety Bullard:
Director Public Safety Bullard shared his written
comments reviewing the SEU's current statistics and
the numerous internal and external changes at Public
Safety, including higher standards for hiring, a
strengthened team approach, new vehicles and uniforms,
successful programs like Shoulder Tap, new equipment
and improved training.
Council acknowledged the SEU's success in the community,
and staff noted the SEU's 200th arrest last week.
Councilmember Mackenzie REQUESTED a copy of Director
Public Safety Bullard's written comments.
RECESS:
Mayor Nordin declared a five - minute recess at 9:47 p.m.
Council reconvened at 9:51 p.m. with all Councilmembers
present.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
October 26, 2004 Page(9 )
10. SISTER CITIES RELATIONS COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS:
Consideration of "at large" appointments to fill current
vacancies:
Council action to fill vacancy with a two -year term to
expire December 31, 2004 due to previous resignation of
Rebecca Rishe:
and
Council action to fill vacancy with a two -year term to
expire December 31, 2005 due to previous resignation of
Keiko Monraz:
At the suggestion of Councilmember Vidak- Martinez,
Council CONCURRED TO APPOINT CONSECUTIVELY AND SEPARATELY
Jessika Frazer to a two -year term to expire December 31,
2004 and Cynthia Frazer to a two -year term to expire
December 31, 2005.
11. RECYCLED WATER USE ORDINANCE:
Consideration of Repealing and Replacing Chapter 13.62 of
the Rohnert Park Municipal Code for Water Waste
Regulations:
1. Staff Report: City Manager Leivo shared the contents
of the Staff Report.
2. Public Comments:
1. John King, 8617 Petaluma Hill Road, Penngrove, was
recognized and stated that local agencies have stated
publicly that treated water is not fit for human
consumption. He also referred to Senior Planner
Bendorff's concerns about failing septic systems and
leaking holding ponds. He urged the City to get the
quality of the water-upgraded before it leaves the
plants.
3. Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance by reading
title:
No. 723 REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 13.62, WATER WASTE
REGULATIONS, OF THE ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL CODE
(RECYCLED WATER USE)
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
October 26, 2004 Page(10)
Council Motion /Discussion /Vote:
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, seconded
by Councilmember Flores, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED,
reading was waived and Ordinance No. 723 was ADOPTED.
12. WATER SHORTAGE EMERGENCY PLAN ORDINANCE:
Consideration of Amending Title 13, Water and Sewers, of
the Rohnert Park Municipal Code to Add Chapter 13.66 to
Establish a Water Shortage Emergency Plan:
1. Staff Report: City Manager Leivo shared the contents
of the Staff Report.
2. Public Comments:
1. John King, 8617 Petaluma Hill Road, Penngrove, was
recognized and inquired of staff if there is any language
in this ordinance which would circumvent the Settlement
Agreement with Penngrove. City Manager Leivo responded
that the ordinance has no bearing on the Settlement
Agreement.
3. Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance by reading
title:
No. 724 AMENDING TITLE 13, WATER AND SEWERS, OF THE ROHNERT
PARK MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH A WATER SHORTAGE
EMERGENCY PLAN
Council Motion /Discussion /Vote:
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, seconded
by Vice Mayor Spradlin, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED,
reading was waived and Ordinance No. 724 was ADOPTED.
13. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND /OR OTHER REPORTS:
1. Water Issues Subcommittee, October 19, 2004 meeting:
Councilmembers Mackenzie and Flores reported on the
following items: (1) Dismal report card on Best
Management Practices (BMP's); (2) Importance of
November 1st meeting with the SCWA to discuss water
supply water issues.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
October 26, 2004 Page(ll)
2. Sonoma County Waste Management Agency (SCWMA),
October 20, 2004 meeting: Councilmember Mackenzie
DISTRIBUTED the following documents to Council for
their review: "The Integrated Waste Management
Report Card 2003" and "The Landfill Issues Status
Report" dated October 1, 2004. He noted that the
Ad Hoc Waste Management Subcommittee will meet with
representatives from the City of Petaluma next week
to discuss how they will meet their JPA obligations.
3. Russian River Watershed Ludwigia, October 20, 2004
meeting: Councilmember Mackenzie shared his concerns
as a member of the Ludwigia Technical Task Force. He
RECOMMENDED that staff invite Sonoma County Mosquito &
Vector Control District representatives to make a
presentation to the Council as the invasion of
Ludwigia affects the City.
4. Tiger Salamander Ad Hoc Committee, October 21, 2004
meeting: Councilmembers Vidak- Martinez and Mackenzie
briefly discussed the high cost of providing
mitigation areas. City Manager Leivo reported that
one tiger salamander has shown up in traps set up on
the southern portion of the Agilent property.
5. Other informational reports, if any: None.
14. COMMUNICATIONS:
Communications per the attached outline were brought to the
attention of Council. No communications were discussed.
15. MATTERS FROM /FOR COUNCIL:
1. Schedule of Events and Meetings: Mayor Nordin
referred Council to the "Upcoming Events" document.
2. City Council Agenda Forecast: Provided in the
agenda packet.
3. Other informational items, if any: None.
16. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
1. International City Management Association (ICMA)
Conference, San Diego, October 16 -20, 2004: City
Manager Leivo reported that he and Assistant City
Manager Donley attended this conference and that
they will be bringing information to Council over
the next 3 -4 months.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
October 26, 2004 Page(12)
2. Other informational items, if any:
a. Rohnert Park L /R /T2 Funding Request: City Manager
Leivo reported on the City's request to SCWA for
its allocation of $649,629 for use in the 2005 -06
fiscal year to expand the existing Rohnert Park
recycled water storage and distribution facilities
to serve existing landscaping - intense properties
and future development. He also discussed the
high - quality testing standards of the Santa Rosa
Subregional system.
17. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Nordin asked if there were any questions about the
matters on the Consent Calendar, which were explained in
the City Manager's Council Meeting Memo.
A. APPROVAL OF CONCURRENT MEETING MINUTES FOR:
REGULAR CONCURRENT CITY MEETINGS - OCTOBER 12, 2004
B. APPROVAL OF BILLS /DEMANDS FOR PAYMENT CONCURRENTLY FOR:
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK /CITY COUNCIL IN THE AMOUNT OF
$1,755,785.51
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION IN THE AMOUNT OF:
$37,058.69
C. ACCEPTING CASH /INVESTMENTS REPORTS FOR MONTH END,
JULY 31, 2004 CONCURRENTLY FOR:
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK /CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
ROHNERT PARK FINANCING AUTHORITY.
D. RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION:
2004 -287 ACCEPTING PUBLIC SEWER, 25 -FOOT SIDEWALK, 12 -FOOT
PEDESTRIAN AND BIKE PATH EASEMENTS FROM RONCO 8,
INC., 6001 COMMERCE BOULEVARD (APN 143 - 021 -036)
2004 -288 ACCEPTING STORM DRAIN, SIDEWALK, BICYCLE AND
PEDESTRIAN EASEMENTS FROM THE SPANOS CORPORATION,
500 -600 ROHNERT PARK EXPRESSWAY WEST
(APN 143 - 391 -002, 003 AND 004)
2004 -289 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE QUITCLAIM
DEED TO THE SPANOS CORPORATION FOR ABANDONMENT OF
STORM DRAIN EASEMENT, 500 -600 ROHNERT PARK
EXPRESSWAY WEST (APN 143- 391 -002, 003 AND 004)
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
October 26, 2004 Page(13)
2004 -290 AWARDING CONTRACT TO OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF
SANTA ROSA, INC. FOR CITY HALL AUTOMATION OF FRONT
COUNTER ROLL -UP DOORS
2004 -291 AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH CINQUINI & PASSARINO, INC., LAND
SURVEYING FOR STADIUM /SEWER PONDS LANDS SURVEYING
AND MAPPING SERVICES
2004 -292 APPROVING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY'S CEQA
INITIAL STUDY CHECKLIST
2004 -293 AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH COASTLAND
CIVIL ENGINEERING FOR THE UPDATE OF THE CITY'S
PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
2004 -294 APPROVAL OF TASK ORDER NO. 2004 -21 WITH WINZLER &
KELLY ENGINEERS FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
SERVICES FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER MULTI -USE FLOOR
REPLACEMENT PROJECT NO. 2003 -24
2004 -295 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE AN
ADMINISTRATIVE AGREEMENT FOR COLLECTION OF
ASSESSMENT FOR SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT AREA
2004 -296 AUTHORIZING.THE PURCHASE OF THERMOPLASTIC STREET -
MARKING EQUIPMENT FOR PUBLIC WORKS
2004 -297 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT
VOTER /REPEATER EQUIPMENT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY
2004 -298 AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A POSITION
RECLASSIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE CHANGE FOR THE
POSITION OF FIRE INSPECTOR TO FIRE PROTECTION
SPECIALIST
E. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MATTERS:
CDC RESOLUTION FOR ADOPTION:
2004 -10 APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE WITH
THE COTATI- ROHNERT PARK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Flores, seconded by
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, the Consent Calendar, as
on the meeting's agenda, was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
***************************** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
October 26, 2004 Page(14)
18. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Members of the public desiring to speak were invited to
come forward.
1. Linda Beltz, San Bruno Court, was recognized and noted
that her grandson will be trick -or- treating in Rohnert
Park instead of Petaluma. She commended the efforts of
the Special Enforcement Unit for making the City safer.
2. John King, 8617 Petaluma Hill Road, Penngrove, was
recognized and stated that tertiary- treated water is
still not fit for human consumption. He noted that
Canon Manor residents are not required to hook up, and
he discussed litigation about the assessment district
and a lack of evidence showing that contamination is not
coming into the system.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Mayor Nordin ADJOURNED the
meeting at 10:20 p.m.
Katy Leonard
Certified Shorthand Reporter
CSR No. 11599
Grory
of Rohnert Park
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
Please �Loj
c�
Wilfred Avenue /Golf Course Drives
Interchange Project Design Choices �{
ee: .i
My name is Linda M. Long
I live with my family, neighbors and friends on
a street that backs up to Golf Course Drive.
I'm here to respectfully request that we have
more than one design choice for the Wilfred
Avenue /Golf Course Drive Interchange Project.
Limiting the choice to one new design is highly
unusual.
Cotati for instance had .8 design choices for their
highway project.
As you know the plans with the current design
are to raise the 101 Freeway and do a `punch
through' making Golf Course Drive and
Wilfred Avenue one street.
If you stand at the west end of Golf Course
Drive and peek over 101 you will see that Golf
Course Drive directly aligns with Wilfred
Avenue.
Residents in Golf Course Drive area
neighborhoods who don't realize this turn a
little pale when they find out.
Residents also become pretty animated when
they learn that the current interchange project
design. would cause a four -lane traffic corridor
from Snyder Lane, down Golf Course
Drive /Wilfred Avenue, to Stony Point Road.
This would create a `super highway' funneling
traffic from Petaluma Hill Road down Snyder
Lane to Golf Course Drive through to Wilfred
Avenue to the entrance to the proposed 762,000
square foot Casino/Resort/Hotel.
This Casino/Resort/Hotel would, by the way,
be larger than the Santa Rosa Plaza and it would
be open 24/7.
Much has happened since I talked to you on the
subject of this interchange on Jul y 13th.
Letters were sent to state officials from city
hall that in part intimated that traffic generated
from the 762,000 square foot proposed
Casino/Resort/Hotel would not significantly
contribute to traffic on 101.
The letters go on to say that traffic "...will be
dispersed among four different routes (see
enclosed map) ".
The maps included Golf Course Drive with this
proposed interchange project.
One map included planned road - widening
changes on Golf Course Drive that would make
it a four lane major arterial.
There are also plans to make Wilfred Avenue a
four lane major arterial.
In the City Hall letters and in press accounts it
appears that the Federated Indians of the Graton
Rancheria and Stations Casinos are somehow
weighing in on the proposed Golf Course
Drive /Wilfred Avenue Interchange Project.
On July 13th I asked that the residents in the
Golf Course Drive area be included in the
design choices regarding The Wilfred
Avenue /Golf Course Drive Interchange Project.
That we be notified by mail of any meetings on
this project.
That we be shown the designs discussed at the
May 25t'' city council meeting.
Designs that were said to be better but never
made public.
- The current design creating a four -lane
highway down Golf Course Drive to a
762,000 square foot casino is counter intuitive.
And so far the entities involved in this
interchange design choice appear to be the
Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria,
Stations Casino, Peter Siggins, legal secretary
for the governor, Daniel Kolkey, chief
negotiator for the governor regarding Indian
gaming compacts.
The Golf Course Drive area neighborhoods
Were not made part of Golf Course Drive
Interchange Project meetings involving the
above.
By the way no Golf Course Drive area
neighborhoods were properly notified of the
Caltrans August 5, 2004 Public Hearing on the
interchange project.
Some say that the current design is 20 years old
as if that makes it more valid than other designs.
That is like submitting 20- year -old plans to
build next to the World Trade Center.
The landscape has changed!!!
CEQA recognizes such changes.
On August 17th 2004 I hand carried a 30 page
comments letter in to Caltrans Oakland
regarding the Wilfred Avenue /Golf Course
Drive Interchange Project and the CEQA
requirements.
CEQA mandates that the proposed 762,000
square foot Casino/Resort/Hotel project be
considered a probable project where the
incremental effect is cumulatively
considerable as it relates to this interchange
project.
The combination of the interchange project
evaluated in the EIR together with the probable
Casino/Resort/Hotel Project would result in
related impacts with regard to traffic on Golf
Course Drive.
Caltrans is mandated to consider such impacts
including those impacts from projects outside
the control of the agency.
The Caltrans ISEA Document assesses the
impacts with regard to biologicals and this
casino project.
Logic follows that the cumulative impact of the
casino, as it relates to this project, with regard to
traffic, noise, air quality, etc. be part of the
assessment.
Other designs need to be considered with
regard to this interchange project.
An interchange design that caused traffic to
flow over the freeway emptying out in the area
of the Press Democrat building right in the
middle of our business district is a more
reasonable design and one that apparently has
been on the books in the past.
As it 'stands you are asking the Golf Course
Drive area neighborhoods to bare the brunt of
the proposed Casino/Resort Hotel traffic and all
that entails.
Previously discussed weight limits on vehicles
are necessary but just a band aide.
As our friends who reside on urban casino roads
in Highland, California tell us if this interchange
design is used the residents in the Golf Course
Drive area neighborhoods will be inundated
with casino traffic with noise, trash and
pollution beyond our imagination 24 hour a
day 7 days a week.
Regular gamblers would not only travel down
Golf Course Drive but they would soon find the
shortcuts through our neighborhoods.
As one family said casino traffic is like water;
it finds the point of least resistance.
This Interchange Project is one area where we
have control and one area where you on the city
council can help your community.
Thank You,
Li a M. Long
'Jef 36, 0
944 Helene Court
Rohnert Park, CA
94928