2000/11/28 City Council MinutesCITY OF ROHNERT PARK CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES for:
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
November 28, 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 7:28 p.m. in the City Offices, 6750
Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor
Vidak- Martinez presiding.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Vidak- Martinez called the regular session to order
at 7:28 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: (5) Councilmembers Flores, Reilly and Spiro;
Vice Mayor Mackenzie, and Mayor
Vidak- Martinez
Absent: (0) None
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City
Manager Netter, City Attorney Strauss, Planning and
Community Development Director Kaufman, Interim Assistant
City Manager Stephens, Finance Director Lipitz, and
Accountant /Auditor Raymond.
1. CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Vidak- Martinez reported on the closed session
which commenced at approximately 6:00 p.m. to discuss
matters listed on the agenda attachment, representing
an update.
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - NOVEMBER 14, 2000:
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Flores, seconded by
Councilmember Reilly, the Minutes of November 14, 2000,
were APPROVED 3 -0 AS SUBMITTED, with Vice Mayor Mackenzie
and Councilmember Spiro abstaining.
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
November 28, 2000 Page(2 )
3. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS, IF ANY (INFORMATIONAL ONLY):
Mayor Vidak- Martinez asked the Councilmembers if there
were any informational communications to add to the
agenda.
*Mayor Vidak- Martinez reminded the community that the
Holiday Lights Celebration will be held on Thursday,
November 30th, from 6:00 -7:30 p.m. at the Community
Center.
4. YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM HIGH
SCHOOL 2000 -2001 YOUTH OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
SELECTIONS:
1. Senior Harjit Banwait and Juniors Kaitlin Glass and
Laura Lively were recognized. The youth reps shared
the contents of the Youth Report DISTRIBUTED to
Councilmembers. Highlights included the following:
(1) A dance to honor the Exchange Students is in the
works.
(2) Pictures of the Exchange Students will be
displayed in the front office at Rancho Cotate.
(3) Championship football game Saturday, December
2nd, at Santa Rosa J.C. at 7:00 p.m.
Vice Mayor Mackenzie REQUESTED a list of the names and
the countries represented by the exchange students.
5. SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATED STUDENTS, INC.,
REPRESENTATIVE:
1. Seann Pridmore, ASU Vise President of University
Affairs at SSU, was recognized. Highlights from the
SSU Report included:
(1) Copes of SSU's newspaper,
DISTRIBUTED to Council.
(2) SSU back at the Inn of the
December 7th.
(3) Ad hoc committee formed to
alternative name for the S
(4) SSU Women's basketball vs.
Saturday, December 2nd, at
The Star, were
Beginning, Thursday,
come up with an
SU mascot.
Holy Name College,
SSU.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
November 28, 2000 Page(3 )
6. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
Mayor Vidak- Martinez 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).
1. Lauri and Jennifer Heanue, 35 Madrigal Street, were
recognized and thanked the Council for the monetary
support provided for the Rancho Feliz After - School
Program. Mrs. Heanue SUGGESTED opening up the
program to all Rohnert Park schools. Jennifer shared
her comments on the movies, cooking projects, and
games that she and her brother enjoy in the program.
They noted that there are about 30 students in the
program which runs from approximately 3 -6 p.m. after
school. Vice Mayor Mackenzie REQUESTED that
Jennifer's written comments, ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL
MINUTES, be DISTRIBUTED to appropriate staff.
2. Al Barr, 5746 Dexter Circle, was recognized and ASKED
for an update on his complaint about the back -up
alarms from Hertz -Big 4, which he presented to Council
at the October 24th meeting. City Manager Netter
informed Mr. Barr that the City has met with Hertz -
Big 4 to discuss the matter, and they are in the
process of conducting a survey and reviewing their
use permit. The City Manager also indicated that they
are trying to determine if the sounds are coming from
Empire Tractor, and Mr. Barr urged the City to keep
working on rectification of the noise problem. City
Manager Netter noted that staff would be more
informed by mid- December on the matter.
**********************************************************
7. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Vidak- Martinez 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 Mayor signified removal of one Consent
Calendar item for further discussion as follows: Item D
per Councilmember Reilly's recommendation.
Acknowledging the City Manager /Clerk's report on the
posting of the meeting's agenda
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
November 28, 2000 Page (4 )
Approval of Bills /Demands for Payment concurrently for:
*City of Rohnert Park /City Council in the amount of
$1,946,626.47
*Community Development Commission in the amount of
$37,938.35
Resolutions for Adoption:
2000 -233 CALLING FOR SEALED PROPOSALS FOR ONE (1)
MINI HALF -TON PICK -UP FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC SAFETY
2000 -234 REJECTING THE CLAIM OF LOIS L. PATYK (RE:
ALLEGED FALL AT SPRECKELS PERFORMING ARTS
CENTER)
Upon MOTION by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, with the exception of Item D, the
Consent Calendar as otherwise outlined on the meeting's
agenda was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
Item for consideration:
Approval of donations of a Summer Family Pool Membership
and a one -year individual Sports Center Membership for
Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce Auction, Annual
Spring Business Showcase, Thursday, May 10, 2001
Councilmember Reilly asked for clarification on this
donation, and City Manager Netter responded with the
amounts of $180 and $225 respectively.
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Reilly, seconded by Vice
Mayor Mackenzie, Item D was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
8. FINANCIAL REPORTING AWARDS:
*Accenting "Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting" Award from the Government Finance
Officers Association for the City's Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year ending
June 30, 1999 (18th consecutive year): City Manager
Netter and Council presented Finance Director Lipitz
with this award and thanked her and staff for their
efforts. City Manager Netter noted that anyone
interested in viewing this financial report can go to
the Finance Department and check out a copy of it.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
November 28, 2000 Page(5 )
*Presentation of the Award of Financial Reporting
Achievement to George P Raymond, Accountant /Auditor:
City Manager Netter and Council presented Accountant/
Auditor Raymond with this award and thanked him for
his efforts in the Finance Department.
9. SKATING RINK RELOCATION TO SOUTHWEST BOULEVARD:
1. Staff report on Financing Options for privately -owned
skating rink: City Manager Netter shared the contents
of the October 16th staff memo. Councilmember Spiro
REQUESTED more information on the City of Cotati's
financing of Oliver's Market. Vice Mayor Mackenzie
ASKED Next Level Communications to come back to the
Council with an innovative means of financing the
relocation of Cal Skate.
At this time, Mayor Vidak- Martinez called forward
citizens who submitted speaker cards for this item:
1. Charles Kitchen, 4457 Hollingsworth Circle, was
recognized and reiterated his suggestion made at
an earlier Council meeting to pursue Next Level
Communications for the funding of the relocation of
Cal Skate. He briefly discussed his findings on
certain financial matters related to Next Level.
2. Fred Garcia, 926 Hacienda Circle, was recognized and
thanked the Council for its consideration in the
possible relocation of Traditional Aikido of Sonoma
County. He discussed the benefits of Aikido and
PROPOSED a partnership between the Aikido members
and supporters and the City to work with at -risk
youth in the community. He SUBMITTED to the City
Manager a petition signed by 130 residents who support
Traditional Aikido of Sonoma County. Councilmember
Spiro SUGGESTED contacting James Brown at Exchange
Bank regarding a consortium of banks in Sonoma County
that help fund organizations which provide services
to low and moderate - income families in the community.
3. Buck Oates and Bob Cassanova 32.0 Professional Center
Drive, were recognized and thanked the Council for its
efforts in trying to help Cal Skate fund its
relocation. They said that they will explore the
possibilities in seeking funds through Next Level
and the bank consortium. They discussed how Cal
Skate, though privately owned, would enhance the
Southwest area, and they ASKED that the City
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
November 28, 2000 Page(6 )
continue to consider working with them on the
financing aspect of the skating rink relocation.
Council CONCURRED to take no action on this matter due
to budgetary concerns.
10. T'S ACADEMY STATUS REPORT /EXTENSION REQUEST:
Councilmember Reilly discussed his reasons for requesting
an extension of the deadline date for Reverend Tharpe,
noting the 5 -month delay in the letter of support from
the City.
FOR THE RECORD, Councilmember Reilly asked that the
original vote of support for T's Academy be noted: Motion
by Mackenzie, seconded by Spiro, unanimously approved,
with directions for staff to proceed.
Council discussion concluded, and upon MOTION by
Councilmember Reilly, seconded by Councilmember Spiro, a
motion to extend the deadline for a status report from
T's Academy from June 1st, 2001, to November 1st, 2001,
was APPROVED 4 -1 with Mayor Vidak- Martinez dissenting.
11. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS:
1. File No. 1902 - Consideration of Appeal of Jose L.
Sanchez Use Permit for a Second Residential Unit at
7835 Burton Avenue:
a. Staff Report: Planning and Community Development
Director Kaufman shared the contents of the staff
report and noted that a letter from Howard Stiefer,
Jr., the northern neighbor of Mr. Sanchez, was
received today and put in Council's packets. She
and City Attorney Strauss then responded to Council
inquiries. Councilmember Spiro REQUESTED that an
^+rd_nan^-e be drafted cuts fining the requirements for
additional parking for second units.
b. PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Vidak- Martinez OPENED the
public hearing at 8:37 p.m.
1. Sandra Leatherwood 7821 Burton Avenue, was recognized
and voiced her opposition to Mr. Sanchez' application
to construct a second unit on his property. She
discussed current problems with parking, traffic,
access to the backyard, drainage, and property value
issues that have affected her adversely. She
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
November 28, 2000 Page(7 )
SUBMITTED to the City Manager a packet consisting
of letters of opposition from neighbors to Mr.
Sanchez, as well as a printout from the Sonoma
County Assessor's Office regarding the property at
issue. City Attorney Strauss indicated that she
would look into the Vehicle Code to check for
compliance regarding a PG &E vehicle parked in the
area of Burton Avenue in question.
2. Michael R Finale, 7815 Burton Avenue, was recognized
and expressed his concern over the possible precedent
being set by allowing a second unit to be constructed.
He called into question the timing of the drive -by
to check on the parking situation on Burton Avenue.
He discussed the residual effects of allowing a
secondary residence on Mr. Sanchez' property, namely
the increased demand for parking.
3. Joe and Diana McMakan, 7847 Bernice Court, were
recognized and expressed their opposition to Mr.
Sanchez' application. They noted that in addition
to living directly behind Mr. Sanchez, the
backyards are small, and that a secondary residence
would affect the quality of life they enjoy in
that neighborhood. They discussed the effects of
urban sprawl, specifically traffic, cost to
government, crime, and accidents. They indicated that
they moved from San Francisco to Rohnert Park to enjoy
life in a single- family dwelling. Mr. McMakan also
commented on the benefits of having profit- oriented
recreation, such as Cal Skate, in the community.
4. Jose Sanchez 7835 Burton Avenue, was recognized and
REQUESTED the use of a Spanish translator due to his
limited English. Through the translation of
Councilmember Flores, Mr. Sanchez indicated that he
could not understand his neighbors' opposition. He
SUBMITTED photographs of the parking available on his
property, as well as photographs of the neighbors',
some of whom, he noted, have two or three cars and /or
a trailer, in addition to having other individuals
living in their homes with additional vehicles. He
indicated that his interest in building the second
unit is to have a place for his 18- year -old son, and
he noted that, in the interest of maintaining a good
relationship with his neighbors, he would respect
the decision of the Council.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
November 28, 2000 Page(8 )
There being no one further desiring to speak on this item,
Mayor Vidak- Martinez CLOSED the public hearing at
9:00 P.M.
c. Council discussion /action: City Attorney Strauss
provided clarity on State law regarding second units.
Resolution for consideration:
2000 -235 DENYING AN APPEAL OF A USE PERMIT AND
RESIDENTIAL PARKING EXEMPTION TO ALLOW THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND RESIDENTIAL UNIT ON
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7835 BURTON AVENUE (JOSE
L. SANCHEZ)
Council discussion concluded, and upon MOTION by Vice
Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by Councilmember Spiro, a
motion was made to approve Resolution No. 2000 -235 with
the recommendation to the applicant to consider attaching
the second unit to the existing dwelling, and with
amended language as follows:
"If the applicant chooses to attach the second unit to
the main residence, the unit shall be no larger than
300 square feet, shall meet all applicable setback,
height, and lot coverage limitations, shall satisfy
all of the conditions listed above for this approval,
and shall be subject to approval by the Planning
Director."
The motion was APPROVED 4 -1 with Councilmember Flores
dissenting. Councilmember Flores then translated the
following action of the Council into Spanish for Mr.
Sanchez.
2. Communications Facilities Zoning Ordinance:
a. Staff Report: Planning and Community Development
Director Kaufman shared the contents of the staff
aea ,...., C,...
report ailu respoiiuCU �v �.vu11c11 gilestioils .
b. Ordinance for introduction:
No. 661 REPEALING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 17.64,
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES, AND ADDING
A NEW CHAPTER 17.64, COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Spiro, seconded by Vice
Mayor Mackenzie, a motion to introduce Ordinance No. 661
was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park
November 28, 2000
12. GOLF COURSE MATTERS:
*CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
Page ( 9 )
1. Results of 11/20/00 Special Meeting held for the
purpose of considering alternatives presented by
American Golf Corporation for golf course
improvements or to consider other options:
and
2. Staff update on progress of any options selected for
consideration: City Manager Netter briefly recapped
the Golf Course Special Meeting held on November 20,
2000. He talked about two option for upgrading the
north and south courses, specifically the aspect of
a signature golf course. He also commented on
possible financing structures for such improvements
and on the discussions around rate charges.
At this time, Mayor Vidak- Martinez called forward
citizens who submitted a speaker card for this item.
1. Robin Bleckwehl 5000 Roberts Lake Road, was
recognized and expressed her support for improvements
to both golf courses as an excellent means for
economic development. She discussed how a first -class
destination golf course could be added to a
travel package that would include the newly
renovated Doubletree Hotel and the Wine Center/
California Welcome Center. She also noted American
Golf's commitment to the community via various
fundraisers, and she encouraged the City to forge a
new relationship with them.
2. Charles Kitchen, 4457 Hollingsworth Circle, was
recognized and encouraged the Council to shorten
and tighten the contract with American Golf to
five years. He expressed his feeling that American
Golf is solely responsible for the poor condition of
both courses, and he suggested 18 workers need to
be working the course. He read an excerpt about
American Golf's previous handling of a golf course
in Miami.
3. Barrymore Ivers, 5753 Davis Circle, was recognized
and talked about how signature golf courses don't
always provide a good return on investment. He
suggested more investigation into that option. He
indicated that there should be more accountability
and tighter controls in any new contract with
American Golf, and he discussed the problem with the
sale of buckets of balls as an example. He also
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
November 28, 2000 Page(10)
suggested that an efficient maintenance plan be
drafted for the improved courses.
4. Jim Cronin, Alma Avenue, was recognized and indicated
that he was speaking as a resident and a golfer. He
noted his support for the $5.3 million option and
suggested starting with the south course. He
expressed his problems with the proposed rate
structure, and he SUGGESTED the formation of a
small, ongoing oversight committee made up of
representatives from the City, American Golf, the
golf reps, and residents. He also SUGGESTED
putting a preventative maintenance program in place
so as to reestablish and maintain the images of the
newly improved courses.
5. Ray Regnault, 4406 Hedge Court, was recognized and
noted that he was a 20 -year golfer and 16 -year
resident. He expressed his support for higher green
fees as a means of raising funds to improve the
courses. He discussed the problems with signature
courses, and he SUGGESTED hiring local architect
Fred Bliss to design the north course and then
using the extra money to improve the clubhouse.
Furthermore, he SUGGESTED following the City of
Fairfield's example in leasing out their City -
owned clubhouse at night to Legends & Heroes
Sports Bars, which could generate more income for
the City and the golf courses.
Council discussion concluded with Council CONCURRENCE
to direct staff to come back in a timely manner with
proposals from at least lo professional firms which
would outline specific cis and details of improvements
for both courses.
EXTEND COUNCIL MEETING:
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Flores, seconded by vice
Mayor Mackenzie, a motion to extend the meeting past
10:00 p.m. to finish necessary agenda items was
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED at approximately 9:55 p.m.
RECESS: Mayor Vidak- Martinez declared a recess at
approximately 9:55 p.m.
RECONVENE: Mayor Vidak- Martinez reconvened the Council
at approximately 10:09 p.m. with all
Councilmembers present.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
November 28, 2000 Page(11)
13. SELECTION OF CITY COUNCIL OFFICERS FOR 2001:
1. Selection of Mayor: Upon MOTION by Councilmember
Spiro, seconded by Mayor Vidak - Martinez, a motion to
select Vice Mayor Mackenzie to serve as Mayor was
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
2. Selection of Mayor Pro Tempore (Vice Mayor): Upon
MOTION by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by Mayor
Vidak- Martinez, a motion to select Councilmember
Flores to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore (Vice Mayor)
was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
14. POSSIBLE PARTNERSHIP WITH STUDENTS:
1. Consideration of new Teen Center -joint use by Rohnert
Park Teens and Sonoma State University Students: City
Manager Netter briefly recapped the contents of the
staff reports provided to Council from Recreation
Director Barry. Mayor Vidak- Martinez called Seann
Pridmore, A.S.U. student rep from Sonoma State
University, and Mr. Pridmore commented that in his
discussions with the Teen Center youth
representatives, they indicated to him great
enthusiasm in attending occasional A.S.U. events
that would be held at the Teen Center.
2. Council discussion /direction /action: Upon MOTION by
Councilmember Reilly, seconded by Councilmember
Spiro, a motion to direct staff to work with SSU
students and youth reps to formulate a plan for the
joint use of the Teen Center, was UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED.
15. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND /OR OTHER REPORTS:
1. Report on Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
Executive Board Meeting: Mayor Vidak- Martinez
reported that she conveyed the information about
Rohnert Park's housing unit allocations into the
record, and that the City was encouraged to appeal
ABAG's decision on the final allocations within
30 days. City Manager Netter noted that the City
Attorney is drafting an appeal, and he directed
Council to the November 17th memo from ABAG.
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Reilly, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, a motion to proceed with the appeal
to ABAG was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
November 28, 2000 Page(12)
2. Other: South Laguna Watershed Group: Mayor Vidak-
Martinez and Vice Mayor Mackenzie reported on the
extensive community effort put into the planting of
4000 trees along Copeland Creek at the beginning of
November. Vice Mayor Mackenzie noted that the City
would like to eventually accurately map the drainage
areas around Rohnert Park.
16. COMMUNICATIONS:
Communications per the attached outline were brought to
the attention of the City Council.
*City Manager Netter directed Council to No. 11: "N.
Kaufman /Planning Director: Alternative Proposals for
Public Review of Draft Zoning Ordinance." He noted
that the recommendation is to use the Planning
Commission with a Council liaison to set up a public
process for the Zoning Ordinance changes.
Council CONCURRED TO AGENDIZE this matter for the next
Council meeting.
17. MATTERS FROM /FOR COUNCIL:
1. Senior Center Expansion Request: At the suggestion of
Councilmember Spiro, Council CONCURRED TO AGENDIZE
this matter for a January Council meeting.
2. Park Benches and Containers for Pet Poop:
Councilmember Spiro stated that she has received
written and verbal communications about the need for
benches and poop containers in certain areas of the
City. Council CONCURRED TO AGENDIZE this matter for
a January Council meeting.
3. Appointment procedures /City and Regional: At the
request of Councilmember Spir^ Council (•nW TTWOrT1
Spiro,
TO AGENDIZE the matter of regional appointments for
a January Council meeting.
4. Review of Santa Clara Valley 1/2 -cent Transit Sales
Tax and Alameda 1/2 -cent Transportation Sales Tax
Ballot Measures:. At the suggestion of Councilmember
Reilly, Council CONCURRED TO AGENDIZE a discussion of
these various transportation sales taxes for a
January Council meeting.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
November 28, 2000 Page(13)
5. Concurrence for Cancellation of December 26th City
Council meeting due to holiday: Council CONCURRED to
cancel the Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday,
December 26th, due to the holiday.
18. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
1. Code Enforcement Action Plan: For informational
purposes, City Manager Netter referred Council to the
Code Enforcement Program timeline as outlined in the
staff report provided to the Councilmembers. City
Attorney Strauss acknowledged the extensive amount .
of work which Building Official Braun has put into
this code program.
19. OTHER UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
At this time, Mayor Vidak- Martinez called forward any
citizens wishing to speak. No one responded.
There being no further business, Mayor Vidak- Martinez
ADJOURNED the meeting at approximately 10:27 p.m.
14�0 -
Katy Leonard,
Certified Shorthand Reporter
CSR No. 11599
iG�, /,. . &_ I '
Vicki Vidak- Martinez,
Mayor
City of Rohnert Park
*City Council /Community Development Commission
6.P�L3
IrC.��loa
Z'All Ova
VT
rK
'vp kA cAr
t' +6
.5 1
�X':5 /4-ci an
kC
CI �k)p (,A_) its
-H�C7 youc.
E {
C
The-
(a V-)d c) +C)
f yF
boct
�ef Ate.
Is
a
1 CX