2000/09/26 City Council MinutesCITY OF ROHNERT PARK CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES for:
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
September 26, 2000
Tuesday
The concurrent meetings of the City of Rohnert Park for
the City Council and the Community Development Commission
met this date in regular session for a regular meeting
commencing at 8:07 p.m. in the City Offices, 6750
Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Vice Mayor
Mackenzie presiding.
CALL TO ORDER:
Vice Mayor Mackenzie called the regular session to order
at approximately 8:07 p.m. and led the pledge of
allegiance. Council wished the Mayor a speedy recovery
from her illness.
WORK SESSION: A work session for the Community
Development Commission 2000 -2001 Budget was held at
6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: (4) Councilmembers Flores, Reilly, Spiro;
Vice Mayor Mackenzie
Absent: (1) Mayor Vidak- Martinez
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City
Manager Netter, City Attorney Strauss, Assistant City
Manager Leivo, Planning and Community Development
Director Kaufman, City Engineer Gaffney, Director of
Public Safety Miller, Police Commander Bullard, and
Fire Commander Cassel.
1. CLOSED SESSION:
Vice Mayor Mackenzie reported on the closed session
which commenced at approximately 7:30 p.m. to discuss
matters listed on the agenda attachment, representing
an update. He noted that Council had nothing to report
from their discussions concerning the pending litigation
in the case of Indian Springs vs The Citv of Rohnert
Park.
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 26, 2000 Page(2 )
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 12, 2000:
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Flores, seconded by
Councilmember Spiro, the Minutes of September 12, 2000,
were APPROVED 4 -0 with Mayor Vidak- Martinez absent.
3. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS, IF ANY (INFORMATIONAL ONLY):
Vice Mayor Mackenzie asked the Councilmembers if there
were any informational communications to add to the
agenda.
*Councilmember Spiro signified one item to add: (1)
Parking issue on State Farm and Commerce Boulevard.
*Vice Mayor Mackenzie signified one item to add: (1)
An item from the meeting of the Sonoma County
Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District.
4. YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM HIGH
SCHOOL 2000 -2001 YOUTH OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
SELECTIONS:
1. Seniors Ray Bacani and Nicole Henderson and Junior
Tyron Cabalsi were recognized. Highlights from the
Youth Report included:
(1) Youth of the Year will continue its work with a
focus on drug, alcohol and tobacco consumption.
They will try to organize a day of informative
activities on November 16th in conjunction with the
American Cancer Society's "Great American Smoke
Screen."
(2) Homecoming Dance, October 28th
(3) Rancho Cotate H.S. football game, October 27th
5. SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATED STUDENTS, INC.,
REPRESENTATIVE:
1. Seann Pridmore, ASU Vice President of University
Affairs at SSU, was recognized. Highlights from the SSU
Report included:
(1) Voter Registration Drive next week at SSU,
October 2nd through October 6th
(2) Skateboarding event at SSU on Saturday, September
30th, from 12:00 to 4:00
(3) JUMP, SSU's community service organization, will
take donations through tomorrow to sponsor them in
the Relay for Life.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 26, 2000 Page(3 )
6. SCHEDULED APPEARANCES /PRESENTATIONS:
1. Mayor's Presentation of Proclamations Recognizing and
Congratulating Andre Libarle, Brian Cronin, David
Cross, and Ted Williams, Rancho Cotate High School
Graduates of the Class of 1999, for their Contribution
to the Community for Developing a Plan for Rancho
Cotate Scholarships Entitled, "It's Almost Free Money
Scholarship."
Vice Mayor Mackenzie presented David Cross and Ted
Williams with their Certificates of Recognition for
Outstanding Community Service. Andre Libarle and Brian
Cronin were not able to attend. Mr. Cross and Mr.
Williams thanked the Rotary Club for all of their support
and help in setting up this scholarship.
2. Lynne Conde - Update on formation of new 501(C)(3)
Non - Profit for Library Grant Funding.
Ms. Conde discussed the Library Steering Committee's push
for new grants for the library fund and the advice from
grant writer Ginny Helms to form a non - profit corporation.
Ms. Conde distributed to Councilmembers a packet which
provides information about grants for the Rohnert
Park /Cotati Library, the Library Steering Committee, and
particularly about the new status as a 501(c)(3) non-
profit corporation. She noted that the grant the City is
seeking is worth $1 million and that the City must come
up with $150,000 locally. Ms. Conde then encouraged
local businesses to pledge money, and she described the
new Executive Summary packet which outlines for businesses
the benefits of a philanthropic donation to the Library.
She stated that small and large businesses interested in
making a pledge should contact Mr. Maurice Fredericks at
795 -5485 or Mr. Rick Marraffino at Exchange Bank at
584 -7300. Ms. Conde also provided Council with a flier
for the Friends of the Rohnert Park /Cotati Library's Fall
2000 Book Sale from October 3rd through October 7th (call
584 -9121 for more information).
7. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
Vice Mayor Mackenzie 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 limit).
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 26, 2000 Page(4 )
1. Len Carlson 349 Circulo San Blas, President of Rancho
Grande, DEFERRED his comments to Item 19 on the agenda.
2. Charles Kitchen, 4457 Hollingsworth Circle, stated to
Council that in an effort to gather information about
various aspects of golf course upgrade projects, he
has been calling local golf courses. Mr. Kitchen
REQUESTED that Council allow him to represent himself
as a member of the Rohnert Park Golf Course
Subcommittee in order to facilitate his efforts to
pull together information for the next Golf Course
meeting.
Council CONCURRED to allow Mr. Kitchen to represent
himself as a member of the Golf Course Subcommittee in
his quest to gather information, with the direction that
he clear all of the information that he obtains through
the City Manager, staff, and the subcommittee first
before presentation at the next Golf Course Committee
meeting.
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8. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Vice Mayor Mackenzie asked if there were any questions
regarding the matters on the Consent Calendar, which
were explained in the City Manager's Council Meeting
Memo. The Vice Mayor signified removal of one Consent
Calendar item for further discussion as follows:
Ordinance No. 660 per City Attorney Strauss'
recommendation.
Acknowledging the City Manager /Clerk's report on the
posting of the meeting's agenda
Approval of Bills /Demands for Payment concurrently for:
*City of Rohnert Park /City Council in the amount of
$11654,098.27
*Community Development Commission in the amount of
$4,290.00
Resolutions for Adoption:
2000 -192 CALLING FOR SEALED PROPOSALS FOR PORTABLE AND
MOBILE RADIOS
2000 -193 AUTHORIZING A CERTAIN SALARY RANGE ADJUSTMENT
FOR A CITY POSITION (DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING
ARTS)
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 26, 2000 Page (5 )
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Spiro, seconded by
Councilmember Reilly, with the exception of Ordinance
No. 660, the Consent Calendar as otherwise outlined on
the meeting's agenda was APPROVED 4 -0 with Mayor Vidak-
Martinez absent.
Ordinance for adoption:
No. 660 ADDING CHAPTER 5.34 TO THE ROHNERT PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE USE OF THE PUBLIC
RIGHTS OF WAY AND PUBLIC PROPERTY FOR
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, PHONE, GAS, ELECTRIC, AND
OTHER FACILITIES AND SERVICES
City Attorney Strauss indicated that two clarifying
changes will be made to Ordinance 660 regarding (1) the
need for only one company to have a right -of -way
agreement to use the City's facilities, and similarly
the need for a company that is using the facilities that
it leases to register its use with the City; and (2)
notification to the City of the transfer of a facility.
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Spiro, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, Ordinance No. 660 was APPROVED 4 -0
with Mayor Vidak- Martinez absent and with the revisions
as outlined by City Attorney Strauss.
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9. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY (POLICE AND FIRE)
SERVICES:
Presentation by Director of Public Safety Miller:
Director Miller provided Council with a status report
and gave an informative presentation about the Police
and Fire Service Divisions of the Department of Public
Safety, as well as current projects and challenges
facing the Department. Police Commander Bullard and
Fire Commander Cassel were on hand to respond to Council
inquiries.
Council thanked staff for the thorough report and
shared various suggestions. Councilmember Spiro
REQUESTED that staff take a look at a letter in the
Communications from Bill Conde of Boy Scout Troop 68,
seeking a focal point for a volunteer resource center
where businesses and services who need volunteers
could notify the public about their needs.
Councilmember Spiro SUGGESTED the Community Outreach
Center as a good location for the Boy Scouts to set
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 26, 2000 Page(6 )
up their volunteer resource center in response to the
community's needs. City Manager Netter noted that
staff will review the letter tomorrow at the staff
meeting.
Councilmember Flores SUGGESTED that the Department of
Public Safety consider the possibility of a refrigerator
magnet with emergency numbers for the residents.
In commenting on the last segment about "Traffic
Enforcement" found in Director Miller's report, Vice Mayor
Mackenzie REQUESTED that the Department of Public Safety
look into the complaints of speeding vehicles in several
neighborhoods with an emphasis on traffic safety
enforcement.
10. MOBILEHOME PARK MATTER RE MOBILEHOME PARK SEISMIC
SAFETY:
This item was DEFERRED at the request of City Attorney
Strauss until a later Council meeting.
11. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION APPOINTMENT:
Consideration of appointment to fill vacancy left by
resignation of Lew Kuehm: Vice Mayor Mackenzie
presented Ms. Catherine Isett as a qualified nominee to
fill the vacancy on the Cultural Arts Commission. At the
request of Vice Mayor Mackenzie, Council CONCURRED to
confirm the nomination of Ms. Catherine Isett to the
Cultural Arts Commission.
12. ENERGY SERVICES CONTRACT PROPOSAL AND CHEVRON ENERGY
SOLUTIONS, L.P.:
1. Staff Report: City Manager Netter stated that this
item is DEFERRED until all of the necessary information
is ready.
2. PUBLIC HEARING:
Vice Mayor Mackenzie OPENED the public hearing at
9:33 p.m. There being no one desiring to speak, the
Vice Mayor CLOSED the public hearing at 9:33 p.m.
The public hearing will be CONTINUED to the 10/10/00
Council meeting.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 26, 2000 Page(7 )
13. WATER ISSUES - LETTER FROM THE SONOMA COUNTY WATER
AGENCY:
Consideration of SCWA request for letter of intent to
participate in proposed Russian River - Kastania Water
Project: City Engineer Gaffney provided Council with a
copy of his faxed memo of September 25th regarding the
regular meeting of the Water Advisory Committee (WAC)
which met that same day. In his report, he discussed the
September 15th letter from Mr. Randy Poole, General
Manager and Chief Engineer for the Sonoma County Water
Agency (SCWA), which proposes separate contract
negotiations for each of the water contractors as well as
a draft for an agreement for the Russian River- Kastania
Water Project. City Engineer Gaffney conveyed the WAC's
desire to remain as a unified oversight group, and he
indicated to Council that he needs more time to analyze
the cost implications of the proposed new agreement as
outlined in Mr. Poole's letter. He noted that there is
a proposed regional water forum tentatively scheduled for
October 19, 2000.
City Manager Netter, City Attorney Strauss, and City
Engineer Gaffney then responded to Council inquiries.
Council discussion concluded upon Council CONCURRENCE (1)
to AGENDIZE this water matter for a full discussion of
the Council at the next Council meeting on October 10th
prior to any action; and (2) to INVITE Mr. Randy Poole
from SCWA and Supervisor Mike Kerns from the Sonoma County
Board of Supervisors to the October 10th Council meeting.
EXTEND COUNCIL MEETING:
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Reilly, seconded by
Councilmember Spiro, a motion to extend the meeting
past 10:00 p.m. to finish necessary agenda items was
APPROVED 4 -0 at approximately 10:06 p.m., with Mayor
Vidak- Martinez absent.
RECESS: Vice Mayor Mackenzie declared a recess at
approximately 10:06 p.m.
RECONVENE: Vice Mayor Mackenzie reconvened the Council
at approximately 10:13 p.m. with all
Councilmembers present except Mayor Vidak-
Martinez.
14. COUNCIL YEAR 2000 PROJECT - MATTERS RELATED
TO THE GENERAL PLAN PROCESS, IF ANY:
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 26, 2000 Page(8 )
1. Staff Update: Planning and Community Director Kaufman
shared the contents of her September 19th memo provided
to Council regarding the General Plan document,
Implementation, and the status of the Wilfred - Dowdell
Specific Plan. She noted that the final General Plan
document should be ready for distribution to the
Council at the October 10th Council meeting.
15. COMMISSION /COMMITTEE /BOARD POLICY REVIEW:
1. City Attorney /Committee Reports: Vice Mayor Mackenzie
commented.on the draft ordinance, and City Attorney
Strauss clarified certain matters per Council
inquiries.
Vice Mayor Mackenzie briefly paraphrased the resolution
for consideration, and upon MOTION by Councilmember
Reilly, seconded by Councilmember Flores, Resolution No.
2000 -194 was APPROVED 4 -0 with Mayor Vidak- Martinez
absent.
16. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND /OR OTHER REPORTS:
1. Mavors' & Councilmembers' Association General Meet_in
9/14/00 meeting: (Water Task Force Council
representation) Vice Mayor Mackenzie reported that
the Mayors' & Councilmembers' Association will be
setting up a water task force to represent their
association, including a member from the Sonoma County
Board of Supervisors, to discuss issues relating to
water in Sonoma County. He SUGGESTED that the Council
bring the matter of representation on this water task
force back to the next Council meeting on October
10th when the Council will be discussing water
committees and other related issues.
2. Mayors' and Councilmembers' Association Working Group,
9/12 meeting: Vice Mayor Mackenzie reported briefly on
three matters stemming from this meeting: (1) The
Executive Directors of the Association will be
considering the possibility of drawing up an MOU
between all nine jurisdictions in Sonoma County in
terms of possible mechanisms to increase the
availability of workforce and low - income housing; (2)
A group of environmental entities and labor unions
signed a joint statement, provided to Council in their
agenda packets, indicating their interest in working
together to encourage the building of additional
housing: and (3) Council is encouraged to review a
CORRECTION frota 10 /TO /Oo city council,meeting: Per Councilmember Linda Spiro,
ADD to above report that there was a Council discussion about the Mayors'
and Councilmembers' Association Working Group at which Councilmember Spiro
expressed her feeling that the Working Group's agenda does not necessarily
reflect the_ opinions of all of the elected officials.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 26, 2000 Page(9 )
report prepared by Economic and Planning Systems,
Inc., for the City of Santa Rosa, entitled, "Housing
Strategy Evaluation."
3. Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open
Space District Advisory Committee meeting: Vice
Mayor Mackenzie reported on one information item:
The competitive grant program will be renewed, and
every city in Sonoma County is eligible to compete for
the $2 million grant. He ASKED Council to begin
considering some projects to put forward since the
City has a major open space plan as part of its
recently adopted General Plan.
17. TRANSPORTATION MATTERS:
1. Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) - Staff
report re State Transportation Improvement Program
(STIP) funding recommendation for reserves: City
Engineer Gaffney elaborated on his September 21st
memo provided to Council regarding the background
for the STIP funds, and he discussed the project
proposals for STIP funding as outlined in his
September 26th memo. City Manager Netter distributed
City Engineer Gaffney's additional memo of September
26 regarding the funding for the Golf Course /Wilfred
Interchange.
Council discussion concluded with Council CONCURRENCE to
direct staff to convey to SCTA the Council's interest in
using the STIP funding for the Snyder Lane Widening, the
Countywide Bike Lane, and the Penngrove Area
Improvements.
2. Lancaster Drive Traffic Study: City Manager Netter
DEFERRED this item to the next Council meeting.
3. Audible Traffic Signals -..Cost Analysis & Feasibility:
City Manager Netter provided a brief recap of City
Engineer Gaffney's memo of September 21 regarding
background information on audible crosswalk signals,
and he outlined the cost of installation of such
devices. Councilmember Flores PRESENTED Council with
a list of intersections and several petitions collected
by Ms. Lillian Gaines, a senior activist who supports
the audible crosswalk signals, particularly for people,
with visual impairments like herself.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 26, 2000 Page(10)
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Reilly, seconded by
Councilmember Spiro, a motion to direct staff to come
back to the Council with a plan about how to carry out
an audible crosswalk signalization project and which
intersections to install the signals on, was APPROVED
4 -0 with Mayor Vidak- Martinez absent.
4. Fairway Drive Residential Parking - Status Report:
City Manager Netter shared the contents of the
September 20 memo from Director of Public Safety
Miller regarding Fairway Drive Preferential Parking.
He conveyed staff's recommendation to wait and see
how events unfold, particularly the building of a
new apartment complex in that area, before
reinstituting the preferential parking program.
18. COMMUNICATIONS:
Communications per the attached outline were brought to
the attention of the City Council.
*Councilmember Reilly directed Council to No. 16, "J.
Young /Resident: Home Invasion Incident." Councilmember
Reilly ASKED that staff look at what could be done to
regulate the type of facility as mentioned in the
communication. City Manager Netter indicated that he
would look into the matter.
19. MATTERS FROM /FOR COUNCIL:
1. Mobilehome Park Rent Appeals Board appointment:
Councilmember Spiro noted that this issue was
agendized because of the comments of public speaker
Len Carlson who asked the Council to review the
tape of a Rent Appeals Board meeting at which a
member of the RAB may have made inappropriate
comments. Councilmember Spiro stated that she reviewed
the tape, and in light of the fact that she came across
no distasteful remarks, she asked the City Attorney for
clarity as to the term of the Board member in question.
At this time, Vice Mayor Mackenzie called forward a
citizen who had earlier deferred his comments until this
matter came up on the agenda.
1. Len Carlson 349 Circulo San Blas, President of Rancho
Grande, was recognized and commented extensively on his
perception of the unprofessional treatment by certain
members of the Rent Appeals Board toward citizens who
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 26, 2000 Page(11)
come before the Board and who expect to be treated with
respect and maturity in the discussing matters before
the Board. He expressed his distaste for the
child -like behavior of certain RAB members, noting that
people who regularly attend RAB meetings are losing
their faith in the Board. He urged Council to act now
in dealing with the lack of professionalism
demonstrated repeatedly by a particular member of the
Rent Appeals Board.
Council discussion ensued with a SUGGESTION by
Councilmember Flores that a Councilmember attend a RAB
meeting and report back to the Council. Councilmember
Reilly SUGGESTED (1) that the RAB member in question,
Jenny Huff, reconsider her appointment as far as the time
and energy commitment involved; and (2) that staff inform
the Council if there is a problem with decorum.
At the suggestion of Councilmember Spiro, Council
CONCURRED to AGENDIZE the appointment of RAB member
Jenny Huff for a full Council discussion at the next
meeting.
2. Parking matter: Councilmember Spiro called attention
to a parking matter at the Hertz facility,
specifically trucks that are being parked beyond the
building. She REQUESTED to AGENDIZE this parking
issue along with a review of the contract at the
next Council meeting. City Manager Netter stated that
staff would be coming back with a report.
20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
City Manager Netter indicated that he had nothing to
report on at this Council meeting.
21. OTHER UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
At this time, Vice Mayor Mackenzie called forward any
citizens wishing to speak. No one responded.
There being no further business, Vice Mayor Mackenzie
ADJOURNED the meeting at approximately 11:26 p.m.
At this time, a citizen came forward wishing to speak
on the Mobilehome Park Rent Appeals Board appointment
matter. Vice Mayor Mackenzie RE- OPENED the Council
meeting at approximately 11:27 p.m.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 26, 2000 Page(12)
1. Jenny Huff, 674 Racquet Club Circle, Rent Appeals
Board member, was recognized and presented the Council
with her resignation.
Council CONCURRED to accept the resignation of Ms. Huff
as a member on the Mobilehome Park Rent Appeals Board.
There being no further business, Vice Mayor Mackenzie
ADJOURNED the meeting at approximately 11:32 p.m.
Katy Leonard,
Certified Shorthand Reporter
CSR No. 11599
J , ke Mackenzie
M or Pro Tempo e
*City Council /Community Development Commission