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1997/11/10 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes November 10, 1997 ' The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in regular session commencing at 6:00 p.m. in the City Offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Linda Spiro presiding. Due to Tuesday, November 11th being a holiday, the Council changed the date of its first meeting of this month to Monday, November 10th. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Linda Spiro called the regular session to order at approximately 7:10 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL: Present: (5) Councilmembers Flores, Mackenzie, Reilly, Vidak- Martinez, and Mayor Spiro Absent: (0) None Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Netter, City Attorney Flitner, Assistant City Manager Leivo, City Engineer Gaffney and Department of Public Works Manager Bill Stephens. 1. CLOSED SESSION. Mayor Linda Spiro reported on the closed session which commenced this evening at 6:00 to discuss matters listed on the agenda attachment, representing an update, with no action taken at this time. 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES. The November 4, 1997 adjourned meeting minutes were deferred. Corrections to the previous regular meeting minutes were made by Council and signified on original set of minutes. -- Upon motion by Councilmember Flores, seconded by Councilmember Mackenzie, and Vice Mayor Vidak- Martinez abstaining due to absence from the meeting, minutes of October 28, 1997 were unanimously approved as submitted. 3. APPROVAL OF BILLS. Upon motion by Councilmember Mackenzie, seconded by Vice Mayor Vidak- Martinez, City bills presented per the attached list in the amount of $947,802.75 were unanimously approved. 4. ADDING INFORMATIONAL NON- AGENDAED MATTERS. Mayor Linda Spiro asked Councilmembers or staff if there were any non - agendaed informational items to add to the agenda. *Councilmember Reilly acknowledged tomorrow's holiday being Veteran's Day, and expressed appreciation for Veterans, on behalf of the full Council. Council shared comments in honor of Veterans and their families. Councilmember Mackenzie reviewed the background and significance of Veteran's Day stemming from the 1 lth day of the 1 lth month previously known as Armistice Day for the declaration of the end of World War I. *Councilmember Flores signified three items to add to the agenda under Matters from Council. •Councilmember Mackenzie signified one item to add regarding the Russian River meeting agenda of November 3rd. *Mayor Spiro signified two items to add regarding the odor recently noticed in the community, and another miscellaneous item, if time permits. S. YOUTH CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES from 1997 -98 Youth of the Year Program Youth Representatives Joe Stablein, Senior Class, and Jennifer Weaver, Junior Class, provided the youth report which included: (1) Mr. Dennis Patterson, Owner of Pioneer Tire, is expected at the next Student meeting to report on his daily life and the importance of practicing leadership skills; and (2) the need to contact Diane Tomkins, City staff repre- sentative for the Teen Center Committee, regarding progress of the YMCA Youth Center. 6. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES: Mayor Linda Spiro stated that in compliance with State Law (The Brown Act), citizens wishing to make a comment may do so at this time (limited to 3 -5 minutes per appearance with a 30 minute total time limit). 1) Paul J. Baldocchi, 7075 Sturtevant Dr., Penngrove, Ca. 94951, shared contents of his letter of October 27, 1997 (listed as item #7 on Council Communications for this meeting agenda) regarding inclusion of Canon Manor in a specific plan area currently being examined by the City Council. Mr. Baldocchi made comparisons to recent considerations for other specific plan areas within the City's spheres of influence, including efforts of the School District and the City to meet with LAFCO on the Creekside School annexation, and signified that these areas are not facing the same urgency of problems which are currently being faced by residents of Canon Manor. Mr. Baldocchi urged immediate efforts to form a sub - committee for the purpose of finding a mutual solution to address the problems at Canon Manor. Mayor Linda Spiro responded that this was her other non - agendead item and there would be an opportunity for further comments later on the agenda under other matters from Council. 9. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Linda Spiro asked if there were any questions regarding the matters on the Consent Calendar which were explained in the City Manager's Council Meeting Memo. Acknowledging the City Manager /Clerk's report on posting of the meeting's agenda ACCEPTANCE of CASHANVESTMENTS REPORT for Month End, Sept. 30, 1997 Resolution Nos: 97 -197 CALLING FOR SEALED PROPOSALS FOR A GASOLINE TANK AND PUMP SYSTEM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SEWER SERVICES 97 -198 CALLING FOR SEALED PROPOSALS TO REMOVE AND REPLACE FLOOR TILES AT LADY BUG RECREATION BUILDING 97 -199 ACCEPTING RIGHT OF WAY GRANT DEED, COMMERCE BOULEVARD/ ALISON AVENUE (Howe) 97 -200 TO IMPLEMENT THE REPORTING OF THE CALPERS EMPLOYER PAID MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS AS ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FOR MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES Rph� T. ar i + ur�ei[ l iiu>�tes ) MOM *iii ��'1s Resolution Nos: 97 -201 TO IMPLEMENT THE REPORTING OF THE CALPERS EMPLOYER PAID MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS AS ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FOR ROHNERT PARK EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION MEMBERS 97 -202 TO IMPLEMENT THE REPORTING OF THE CALPERS EMPLOYER PAID MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS AS ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FOR NON - REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES 97 -203 APPROVING POLICY DESIGNATION OF MAYOR AS REPRESENTATIVE ON ROHNERT PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE V.I.P. AMBASSADOR TEAM 97 -204 REJECTING THE CLAIM OF LALEH FARAJI (re. alleged damage to tire on vehicle) 97 -205 REJECTING THE CLAIM OF LUCILLE B. MORRIS (re. alleged damage to carpet from toilet replacements) Upon motion by Councilmember Mackenzie, seconded by Vice Mayor Vidak - Martinez, the Consent Calendar as outlined on the meeting's agenda, was unanimously approved. 8. OTHER RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION. Mayor Linda Spiro acknowledged that the City Council reviewed the resolutions, scheduled at this time for consideration on the agenda, during its closed session earlier this evening. Resolution No: 97 -206 AUTHORIZING AND RATIFYING CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY FOR CITY POSITIONS (Department of Recreation) A motion was made by Councilmember Flores, seconded by Vice Mayor Vidak- Martinez, to waive the reading of the resolution and adopt Resolution No. 97 -206. Discussion included Councilmembers Mackenzie and Reilly referring to past discussions of this matter and reviewing reasons for dissenting due to expenditure of the City for the Hayhurst Study and preference to follow the recommendations therein, which would not be represented by this motion. -- Councilmember Flores signified the importance of the Council to consider recommendations of consultants, but not automatic compliance, as it is the responsibility of the City Council to take into consideration other aspects related to particular situations. -- Mayor Spiro expressed agreement with comments by Councilmember Flores. She pointed out that the City has consultants and the Council does not always agree with the recommendations. She signified it was her opinion that this resolution represents a compromise of the considerations reviewed, as some of the rates were lower and some were higher than initially presented, but this resolution represents ranges and not necessarily dollar amounts, as the actual pay rates may be set higher, or lower, or retained at the same salary. The initial motion to waive the reading of the resolution and adopt Resolution No. 97 -206 was approved 3 -2, with Councilmembers Mackenzie and Reilly dissenting. 97 -_ RATIFICATION OF MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH SEIU -LOCAL 707 MAINTENANCE WORKERS Council agreed to defer this resolution as the matter is still under discussion. 9. REVIEW OF COMMISSIONICOMMITTE&BOARD APPOINTMENTS re. Openings and/or terms to expire 12 -31 -97 -- City Manager Netter advised the staff report for this item was provided to Council for its information and consideration of necessary appointments by the end of the year. 10. JOINT MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION- RESULTS 1) Comments from City Council -- The City Council shared comments on the results of this joint meeting held with the Planning Commission on November 4, 1997 related to continual and on -going efforts toward updating the City's General Plan. Comparisons were made to the intertwining and exploratory aspects of efforts with the rewarding successfulness of the recent Community Summit held October 16 -18, 1997. 2) Timeline on Task Force reports -- Mayor Linda Spiro shared concerns she had on this item, which she had listed on the agenda for clarification, as it was one of the items voted on during the above - reviewed joint meeting. She was still uncomfortable with the timing factor and, for the record, wanted assurance of the intent signified on the 2nd page of the prepared report. Mayor Spiro asked if the correct intent was that, if any Task Force reports are prepared, these would be in a timely manner to be incorporated into the process, and not brought in at the eleventh hour to expand the process because of coming in late. •Councilmember Flores expressed agreement with this understanding, signified that he and Councilmember Reilly were both on the Boundary Issues Task Force, and that Task Force reports need to be presented to the City Manager as soon as possible to enable correlation of the reports. Mr. Flores distributed the Boundary Issues Task Force meeting agenda of November 5, 1997 for Council awareness of the inter - linking aspects and correlation of other Task Force issues to boundaries, confirming the need to stick to a time table. •Councilmember Reilly referred to previous Council discussion on the time frame for the Task Force reports, when Council signified flexibility to next June compared to the initially mentioned six -month time frame to next May, and expressed concerns regarding the eleventh hour determination and/or time table flexibility. His recall of the motion was that staff was to relay the message regarding efforts to get this done as efficiently as possible, which was not known for sure, but to check with the Champions and Chairpersons to ensure that the meetings are in progress and, if not, maybe encourage them to get on track. Council should wait for results of letting staff work and the Task Forces meet. •Councilmember Flores added that Council had requested a progress report from the Task Force Champions by the end of this month of November. •Council signified agreement with the preceding comments reviewed for this item, as requested for the record by Mayor Spiro. 11. INTERNETIWEB PAGE 1) Staff update -- City Manager Netter referred to Council direction earlier this year to proceed with efforts toward providing City Internet services, and reviewed staff report dated November 4, 1997 from Assistant City Manager Leivo providing an update on the Internet/WEB Page Project. None of the proposals received for this item focused on the interests of the City, as described in the Request for Proposals, resulting in staff recommendation to delay the project until next year. City Manager Netter advised that, in the meantime, Council had been provided with a staff report dated November 10, 1997 from James C. Park, Manager of Youth & Family Services/Dept. of Public Safety, regarding development of its Web Page ( http: / /www.metro.net /rpdpsyfs /yfs.htm), which can be accessed and utilized for various City Internet services. City Manager Netter responded to Council questions. 2) Councilmember Mackenzie information /discussion -- Councilmember Mackenzie explained the additional informational material he had provided for Council's review regarding Internet possibilities and considerations. 12 COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND /OR OTHER REPORTS. 1) Performing Arts Center (Spiro/Mackenzie) a) Carpeting -- Mayor Linda Spiro advised there would be further consideration of the choice of this new carpeting. Another meeting will be scheduled at the Performing Arts Center to provide a more accurate perception and analysis of the sample carpet choices. b) Lighting -- Mayor Spiro reported that potential lighting for the outside of the Performing Arts Center was also discussed at the recent Committee meeting, and should be considered, so people driving by can tell when there are performances at the Center. Mayor Spiro and Councilmember Mackenzie commended up- coming performances at the Performing Arts Center and encouraged purchasing tickets while still available. 2) Parks & Recreation Commission re. skate park (Mackenzie/Reilly) Council Committee Members Mackenzie and Reilly recognized several School District representatives present at this Council meeting, reviewed results of the Skate Park Sub - Committee meetings held on November 3 & 7, 1997 per meeting minutes provided for these two meetings, and responded to Council questions. The Committee concluded the next step would be for the Council Committee to meet with the Council of PTA Presidents to study concepts. Efforts will be made to set up this meeting within the next two weeks. 3) The Preparatory School - update (Mayor Spiro) Mayor Linda Spiro provided this update advising that representatives of The Preparatory School anticipate opening in the fall of 1998 and are looking for a site, still focusing on Rohnert Park. Anyone desiring to assist with this should contact the City Manager. 4) LAFCO decision on School District Creekside annexation (Vidak- Martinez) Vice Mayor Vicki Vidak - Martinez reviewed background leading up to Mayor Spiro's request for Vice Mayor Vidak - Martinez to attend the recent LAFCO meeting for this item. Ms. Vidak- Martinez shared contents of the staff report dated November 10, 1997 from Planning Director Schulenburg and Assistant City Manager Leivo summarizing the Thursday, November 6, 1997 LAFCO meeting regarding the Creekside Middle School Annexation (copy attached to original set of these minutes). Discussion included Councilmember Flores commenting on concerns he had regarding Creekside School representing a meritorious project, but even with that attribute, it will not be approved by LAFCO according to its decision signified in the above - reviewed report. He favored ABAG's Alternate 2 providing for the 1.5% population growth rate and signified the preference for Creekside Middle School to proceed and that the City Council would assist with a plan. -- Mayor Linda Spiro advised that on Monday, she and City Manager Netter attended a meeting with School District representatives to visit with Supervisors Cale and Smith regarding this matter, including the implication of the City's need to plan, but technically was not the applicant, as the School District is the applicant for the Creekside Middle School annexation request and, therefore, recommended the City not bring it forward due to various reasons including favoring a comprehensive planning approach vs. piecemeal. -- Further discussion ensued. Discussion concluded in Council concurrence with recommendation by Councilmember Mackenzie to consider forming a Canon Manor Sub - Committee and to place on the next Council meeting agenda consideration of a workshop with LAFCO and representatives from surrounding communities, such as Cotati, Santa Rosa, etc. on the Community Separator issue and LAFCO's policy to set aside matching acres to mitigate. -- City Attorney Flitner responded to Council questions pertaining to use permits previously stopped until plans were brought into compliance. Council also presented questions related to previous inquiries on the possibilities of self - certification and requested the City Attorney to research same and report back to Council. 5) Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) meeting, Mon., Nov. 10, 1997 Mayor Linda Spiro reviewed highlights of this meeting she attended earlier today which included updates on numerous items, many which are currently on hold, such as ISTEA funding obligations, SB 45 related to transportation projects, COPS bill funding possibilities, Executive Director's report on the Sales Tax Initiative /traffic measure with a task force to be meeting over the next twelve months. Many business matters were handled including sending a letter to Senator John Burton to address traffic problems of this area, i.e. a copy of the recent letter regarding the U. S. 101 widening. Councilmember Reilly commented that Senator Burton also spoke on this issue at the recent AM Rohnert Park breakfast meeting. 13. COMMUNICATIONS. Communications per the attached outline were brought to the attention of the City Council. No action was taken unless specifically noted in these minutes. 1) First Draft of Housing Element -- Councilmember Mackenzie referred to item #25 listed on Communications regarding the First Draft of Housing Element, which was distributed to Council earlier this evening. Councilmember Mackenzie advised, for the record, that the Housing Task Force will be having its first meeting next Wednesday evening and assumed it would be appropriate to share this draft document with the Housing Task Force. - -City Manager Netter responded to Council questions. The Housing Task Force will be provided copies of this draft for its review. It is hoped that a draft could be sent to the State HCD as soon as possible. R iin t*arlC ifg Ui3ne Mien ('? Noyeriiber 10: 1997 2) Canon Manor concerns -- Councilmember Flores referred to item #7 from Mr. Baldocchi regarding Canon Manor concerns shared earlier this evening. Mr. Flores recalled that Former Councilmember Eck was on the sub - committee for this item and worked with residents of Canon Manor toward solutions, which included consideration of an Assessment District. Councilmember Flores commented on the importance of reviewing this to see if any progress has been made with respect to infrastructures. In terms of what the residents would want, Mr. Flores thought they would be in support of a rural neighborhood in their community, and would need to look at what the financial obligations would be for them and, perhaps, help with the idea of the City being compensated for expenses. Council concurred. 3) League of California Cities - Leadership Team Workshops -- Mayor Linda Spiro referred to item #S on Communications regarding these upcoming workshops in January and June of next year, and requested the item be placed on the next Council meeting agenda for consideration of attendance. 4) Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) General Assembly, Fri., Nov. 21, 1997 Mayor Linda Spiro referred to item #10 on Communications regarding the ABAG General Assembly to be held in San Francisco, and advised she would be unable to attend. Councilmember Mackenzie acknowledged he is the alternate for this item and signified his interest to attend, but asked if the Vice Mayor was interested. Vice Mayor Vidak - Martinez responded she would not be able to attend as she had another job related meeting to attend on that date. -- Mayor Spiro referred to a paragraph of this notice from ABAG urging attendees to invite a member of your local school board to accompany them to the General Assembly. The Mayor extended the invitation to School Board Members present at this Council meeting, and advised that Delaine Eastin, the State Superintendent of Public instruction, has agreed to be the keynote speaker at this ABAG General Assembly. 5) Mayors'& Councilmembers' Assn. General Membership Meeting, Thrs., Nov. 13, 1997 Mayor Linda Spiro referred to item #13 on Communications and announced this meeting to be held at SAM's Cafe at the Antique Mall in Sebastopol. 6) Innovations in American Government re. Grants to Creative Public Sector Programs Mayor Spiro referred to item #14 on Communications and asked if this affects Rohnert Park. City Manager Netter responded he would check into application possibilities. 14. MATTERS FROM/FOR COUNCIL: 1) Spreckels Performing Arts Center - outside lighting (Spiro) This item was handled previously on this agenda under Council Committee Reports. 2) Community School & T's Academy (Flores) -- Councilmember Flores reviewed background efforts of the Council Committee comprised of himself and Councilmember Reilly toward utilizing a facility beside the existing Animal Shelter for the Community School and T's Academy. Councilmember Flores recommended placing this item on the next Council meeting agenda to present the concept for Council consideration of approval. Council concurred. Park £t CUe€t Mils (it)aWemtbt` fU,194?! 3) Mayor rotation consideration - 11/25/97 meeting; Ceremony on 12/9/97 (Reilly) Councilmember Reilly reviewed reasons for this procedural recommendation as a courtesy to family and friends of newly elected officers, which would change the past practice of having the annual Council Officer rotation and ceremony at the same time. Council concurred. 4) Rules on Conflicts of Interest (Reilly) Councilmember Reilly shared recent examples of Councilmembers abstaining or excusing themselves from participation on certain items due to being involved in some way, compared to the previous understanding of abstentions related only to financial reasons. -- Discussion ensued. -- As President of *Rancho Cotate Little League, Councilmember Reilly questioned whether he would need to abstain on matters related to Little League and, *applying the same question to Councilmember Flores as Superintendent of the Bellevue School District, requested the City Attorney to provide an updated analysis on this item. Council concurred. *C O R R E C T 10. N ABOVE from 11/25M City Council meeting: Per Councilmember Reilly (additions underlined) 5) Mayors' & Councilmembers' Assn.- City Selection Committee 11/13/97 mt2. re: •two appointments to the County Airport Land Use Commission -- letter from Santa Rosa Councilman M. Runyan requesting support for appointment; and :1nda an alternate member to the Hazardous Waste Management Facility Allocation Mayor Spiro acknowledged being the Chairperson of this meeting and reviewed the above - signified appointments to be considered. 6) Former Councilmember Dave Eck "Better Late Than Never" Retirement Celebration, Saturday, December 6, 1997 (Reilly) -- Councilmember Reilly commented on the background difficulty of scheduling a date for Dave Eck's retirement event, and recommended staff to proceed with preparations toward above - proposed theme and date. Council concurred. 7) Memorial Brick at Roberts Lake Park in Memory of Julie Yonemura (Flores) Councilmember Flores reviewed indication previously made to proceed with preparations to provide this memorial for Julie Yonemura. Council concurred. 8) Watershed Stewardship Program Proposal (Mackenzie) Councilmember Mackenzie reviewed a recent Russian River meeting agenda item with report, by representatives of the Army Corp of Engineers, on a Cooperative Watershed Stewardship Program proposal. It is anticipated that cities will be invited to be partners in this very positive approach to watershed stewardship. 9) Canon Manor Ad Hoc Committee -- In response to Mayor Spiro's request for volunteers to this Committee, Councilmember Mackenzie and Vice Mayor Vidak- Martinez signified interest. Council concurred. 10) Home Depot Store in Santa Rosa- Proposal/Survey (Reilly) Councilmember Reilly reviewed the form letter with survey from Home Depot to Rohnert Park resident, John Dundas, which Mr. Dundas provided to Council, regarding proposal for a Home Depot Store in Santa Rosa. Mr. Reilly expressed concerns about this communication to a Rohnert Park resident for the Santa Rosa proposal and recommended an appropriate letter to Home Depot addressing same. Council concurred. �vcuar 1�, �►' 11) Retirement Proclamation -- Mayor Linda Spiro reviewed plans for preparation of a retirement proclamation for Administrative Secretary Lorraine Roberts to express appre- ciation for her seventeen years of service to the City. 15 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT.• 1) Japanese Garden - Snvder Lane Parcel - update -- City Manager Netter reviewed the staff report of November 4, 1997 from Planning Director Wendie Schulenburg for this update, provided for informational purposes, and responded to Council questions. 2) Department Head Timelines - update /format -- City Manager Netter explained this informational report provided to Council regarding the progression and/or completion of various projects throughout City Departments, and responded to Council questions. 3) Report on odor in community -- City Manager Netter referred to previous comments on concerns regarding this matter and explained that the "right to farm" ordinance exempts signified impacts from agricultural efforts. The recent odor has been due to annual fertilizing procedures. -- Discussion included Councilmember Mackenzie commending the natural process of rain and nutrients into the soil. Mayor Spiro recommended that staff call a Sonoma Planning Commissioner to inquire about possibilities regarding agricultural concerns, as she understood there are certain things that can be done about it. 4) Sports Center - Corporate Membership rate -- City Manager Netter explained this staff report of October 28, 1997 recommending a Sports Center Corporate Membership rate as a marketing tool. -- Discussion included differing views expressed by Council on this proposal, and concluded in deferral of the item to a future Council meeting agenda for further review and consideration, following determinations of closed session discussions earlier this evening on related personnel matters. 5) Retirement Reception for Jim Pekkain, Friday, November 21, 1997,3:00-7:00 p.m., Rohnert Park Community Center -- City Manager Netter announced this event. 6) RFP -City Property -- City Manager Netter reported it was the consensus at the recent meeting for this item, to wait on the Request for Proposals on City property until after obtaining results of the Summit, as Council preferred not to pursue this at this time. Council agreed. 7) Proposed Traffic pattern changes -- City Manager Netter explained efforts in process by City Engineer Gaffney regarding various changes toward improved traffic patterns, as well as changes in the parking schemes. -- Mayor Spiro suggested the inclusion of addressing the traffic concerns around the Taco Bell location. 8) Joint Meeting with Sonoma State University -- Councilmember Mackenzie referred to suggestion made by SSU representatives during the recent joint meeting, that City Council and SSU representatives have a joint meeting every semester. Mr. Mackenzie recommended scheduling another joint meeting with SSU within the next two months. Council agreed. :> .<::: is ';>;;;;, >;:;�;;;i:i >.. <.:i >:ii< >:.;:.;:::<: < 16. CITYATTORNEY'S REPORT.• 1) Anv items from closed session -- City Attorney Flitner acknowledged that the Mayor's report on the closed session was sufficient. He advised that the items listed under litigations on the agenda attachment would be going into judgment on settlement proposals. Mr. Flitner reviewed aspects of the Rancho Feliz dispute regarding signified funds that were to be paid from them to the City and the City to assume certain management responsibilities, which is on track and anticipated to be resolved in a couple of weeks. 17 UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES: Mayor Linda Spiro asked if there were any additional unscheduled public appearances at this time. No one responded. 18. ADJOURNMENT. • There being no further business, Mayor Linda Spiro adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:20 p.m. De ty C' k// j Wr iins: i i 1 o97mn Mayor Gtr` r�-- t CITY OF ROHNERT PARK 6750 Commerce Blvd. Rohnert Park, CA 94928 (707)793 -7212 FAX: (707)793 -7274 TO: Joseph Netter, City Manager FROM: Wendie Schulenburg, Planning Director Carl Eric Leivo, Assistant City Manager DATE: November 10, 1997 / / / /6��� Council Corespondence Copy to ea. Councilman COPY to Copy to rM,•, , SUBJECT: Summary of 11/06/97 LAFCO meeting Regarding Creekside Middle School Annexation Chairman Cale opened the hearing and recognized Vice Mayor Vidak - Martinez. She noted that Measure N included Creekside Middle School and the City Council approved of the annexation. She asked what we need to do to annex the Middle School. Chairman Cale explained that the Urban Boundary is not codified in state law. Local elected officials would be bound by an urban boundary however LAFCO is not obligated to consider an Urban Boundary. LAFCO reviews the sphere of influence issues. He further indicated that Council actions alone do not necessitate annexation approval. Land can be annexed to a city with LAFCO approval. He noted that the southwest Santa Rosa annexation took ten years. He stated that at present Rohnert Park does not have a General Plan that adequately addresses land outside the City limits. The City has not done comprehensive planning. It should proceed post haste to complete its current General Plan process and identify a proposed sphere of influence. The City should expedite the process and address its General Plan issues. Chairman Cale stated that Sonoma County and LAFCO support City centered growth. Of all the jurisdictions in the County, Rohnert Park has not been a partner in implementing this policy. Chairman Cale labeled the Creekside Middle School annexation as a piecemeal annexation. If piecemeal annexation were generally allowed, it would lead to urban sprawl. Vice Mayor Vidak- Martinez asked if the policy has changed. Chairman Cale stated that this position has not changed in six years to his knowledge. He further noted that the nine cities within the county need to work together with the county to accomplish regionwide planning goals such as improved transportation. Joseph Netter November 10, 1997 Page 2 Supervisor Smith stated that LAFCO wants to work with all nine cities but has to be judicious in its decisions. He favors a comprehensive planning approach rather than spot annexation. It is difficult for LAFCO to consider an isolated annexation of Creekside Middle School without the guidance of a overall plan. The planning has not been done. It is time to make planning decisions in Rohnert Park. The City should keep on with its General Plan process. Supervisor Smith warned that it will be hard to obtain certification from HCD for the City's Housing Element when there are only 22 acres within its sphere of influence and urban boundary. Without a certified Housing Element, the City may be risking sanctions. The birth rate is double the death rate in Sonoma County. Rohnert Park should be a responsible member of the cities in the County and do its fair share in housing these citizens. Chairman Cale stated that Rohnert Park was in a box at present. It is destined for failure. The City should get on with its planning and become part of the County. The City is sinking without a sphere of influence. Superintendent Jan Heffron was recognized and asked, given the general statements, that the School District be granted a thirty day continuance on its application. This will give her time to discuss the item and obtain direction from the School Board. Paul Baldocchi, representing Canon Manor residents, stated that Canon Manor was in the sphere of influence. He protested annexation of Creekside Middle School until the City and Sonoma County addressed Canon Manor. He stated that Rohnert Park should not undertake piecemeal annexation. We should find mutual solutions to problems. Canon Manor cannot continue to be ignored. Property owners ask for assistance. Chairman Cale closed the public hearing. Commission Member Cullinen stated that he was concerned about utilization of the back of the property. He asked for a plan for use of this property and if the district could sell the land outright. Commission Member Boyett stated that determining a use for the back of the property would be part of doing an overall General Plan. This is part of the problem. He stressed the differentiation between urban boundary and sphere of influence. The terms cannot be used synonymously. LAFCO cannot act regarding Canon Manor until there is an application. It cannot advise the City or County on how to proceed. Joseph Netter November 10, 1997 Page 3 Supervisor Smith stated that Canon Manor was created by the County. Such a subdivision would not be approved today. Canon Manor will be a difficult problem to solve. Commission Member Collins underscored the need to do planning and determine a use for the back of the parcel. The item was continued to the next LAFCO meeting on December 4, 1997.