1992/07/28 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes
July 28, 1992
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in
regular session conmencing at 6:00 p.m. in the City Offices,
6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor
Spiro presiding.
CALL TO ORDER Mayor Spiro called the regular session to order at
approximately 6:40 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance.
Mayor Spiro advised that a closed session commenced this
evening at 6:00 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. She said
no action was taken and there was nothing to report at
this time.
ROLL CALL Present: (4) Councilmembers Eck, Hollingsworth, Reilly, and
Mayor Spiro
Absent: (1) Councilman Hopkins (out of town on business)
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager
Netter, City Attorney Flitner, Assistant to the City Manager
Leivo, Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust, Finance
Director Harrow, Director of Public Safety Dennett,
Manager of Youth and Family Services Parks, and Recreation
Director Pekkain.
Approval of Minutes Upon motion by Councilmember Eck, seconded by Councilmember
Reilly, the minutes of July 14, 1992 Budget Work Session
and Regular Session were unanimously approved as submitted.
Approval of Bills Upon motion by Councilmember Hollingsworth, seconded by
Councilmember Reilly, the bills presented per the
attached list in the amount of $547,033.60 were
unanimously approved.
Non - agendaed Mayor Spiro queried if any Councilmember had any non - agendaed
Matters items to add to the agenda.
Councilman. Reilly said he had two items to add.
City Manager said he had one item to add under City
Manager's Report.
Unscheduled Public Mayor Spiro stated that in coiTpliance with State Law (The
Appearances Brown Act), anyone in the audience who wished to make a
comment may do so at this time. In most cases under
legislation of the new Brown Act, the Council cannot handle an
item without agendizing. To ensure accurate recording,
"Speaker Cards" are provided at the entrance of the Chamber
and unscheduled public appearances are requested to fill out
the cards and present to recording clerk after speaking.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (2) July 28, 1992
Daryl Dell, 4464 Graywhaler Lane, said he realized Council is faced with budget
problems and now residents are faced with that particular problem when
the City wants to add another $49 to property taxes by an assessment
district for neighborhood services. He said he wanted Council to be
careful not to place the blame on the State and expressed concern
about the misuse of people's money for projects like the new Public
Safety Building and the new Wine Center. He referred to expenditures
of the City connected with the new Public Safety Building, as well as
the land lease provisions for the new Wine Center.
C O N S E N T C A L E N D A R
Mayor Spiro queried if anyone had 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 the posting of the
agenda.
Resolution A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
No. 92 -120 EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THE ROHNERT PARK FOUNDERS' DAYS ASSOCIATION
Resolution RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING TIFFANY STOKER FOR OBTAINING TITLE OF
No. 92 -121 "AMERICA'S YOUNG WOMN OF THE YEAR' AND DECLARING AUGUST 9 -16, 1992 AS
"CALIFORNIA YOUNG WOMAN OF THE YEAR WEEK" IN THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
Resolution RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO SIGN RIGHT OF
No. 92 -122 WAY CERTIFICATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH STATE AND FEDERALLY FUNDED ROAD
PROJECTS
Resolution A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
No. 92 -123 SUPPORTING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO PROTECT THE REVENUE SOURCES
OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
Resolution A RESOLUTION OF THE ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL DIRECTING THE ROHNERT
No. 92 -124 PARK CITY CLERK TO TAKE APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO PLACE AN ADVISORY
MEASURE ON THE NOVEMBER 3, 1992 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT RELATIVE TO
PERMITTING CARD CLUBS IN THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
Resolution A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
No. 92 -125 AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING AN EASEMENT AGREEMU WITH PACIFIC GAS AND
ELECTRIC COMPANY FOR UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 7 (Public Safety
Building Site)
Resolution RESOLUTION OUTLINING POLICY CONCERNING USE OF FEES DEPOSITED IN
No. 92 -126 CAPITAL OUTLAY F UD
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (3) July 28, 1992
Resolution A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK APPROVING AN
No. 92 -127 AGREEMENT WITH GREAT WESTERN BANK FOR FICA SUBSTITUTE DEFERRED
COMPENSATION PLAN A
Upon motion by Councilmember Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilmember
Eck, the Consent Calendar as outlined on the meeting's agenda, and
explained in the Council Meeting Memo, was unanimously approved.
James H. Green
Presentation - Mayor Spiro congratulated James H. Green on the occasion of his
retirement from his position as Youth Services Counselor. She shared
contents of Resolution No. 92 -112 prepared in honor and recognition of
Mr. Green and expressed appreciation to Mr. Green for the completion
of twelve years of dedicated service ..with the City. Mr. Green
accepted the resolution and responded to Council questions.
Director of Public Safety Dennett commented on what a dedicated
employee Jim Green had been during his tenure with the Department of
Public Safety. He said Jim Green was also a highly decorated Naval
Servicemen, serving his country for thirty -one years. Chief Dennett
pointed out that Mr. Green has spent his lifetime serving his
conmuzity and thanked him for his dedication.
Manager of Youth and Family Services Jim Parks expressed appreciation
to Jim Green for his dedicated years of service and particularly for
his contribution and attention to the youth of Rohnert Park.
Mayor Spiro leaves - Mayor Spiro left the Chamber at approximately 6:50 p.m. with
Vice Mayor Hollingsworth presiding.
Scheduled Public Appearance:
Sonoma Life Support representatives Stephen D. Madison, Director of
Operations and Paramedic Officer Dean Anderson presented an airway
management bag as a donation to the Rohnert Park Department of Public
Safety. Officer Anderson described the resuscitation equipment
contained therein to assist in emergency responses. He said he was
one of six paramedics who has enjoyed the pleasure of working with
Rohnert Park's Public Safety Department during the past year.
Director Madison referenced communications with City Council about a
year ago when he made a commitment for Sonoma Life Support to work
with Rohnert Park's Department of Public Safety. He said the past
year has been a fantastic experience and Sonoma Life Support was not
here just to do business, but to become part of the comnunity.
Vice Mayor Hollingsworth expressed appreciation for the resuscitation
equipment donation from Sonoma Life Support, as well as for the
complimentary report of the past year's participation with the City's
Department of Public Safety.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (4) July 28, 1992
Resolution A RESOLUTION OF AWARD OF CONTRACT, WATER /WASTEWATER CONSERVATION
No. 92 -128 RETROFIT PROGRAM, PROJECT NO. 1991 -13
City Manager Netter explained the resolution as reviewed in copies of
the staff report provided to Council. City Manager Netter and
Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust responded to various
Council questions regarding same.
Upon motion by Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilman Reilly, and
unanimously approved, reading of Resolution No. 92 -128 was waived and
said resolution was adopted.
The Assistance Dog Institute facility proposal:
Bonita M. Bergin, President of the Assistance Dog Institute and
Founder of Companions for Independence (CCI) referenced copies
provided to Council of various materials explaining the purpose of the
recently organized and created Assistance Dog Institute. She shared
contents therein explaining that the role of the Institute is to
research and develop assistance dog concepts to help disabled
individuals. She confirmed her feeling that there is tremendous
public interest and support for a project of this nature and would
expect at least 15,000 visitors per year to such a facility. Mrs.
Bergin asked about the possibility of working out an agreement with
the City of Rohnert Park, at no expense to the City, for this facility
to be developed on the City -owned site adjacent and south of the new
Animal Shelter Facility.
Mayor Spiro returns - Mayor Spiro returned to the Chamber at approximately 7:05 p.m.
to preside over the remainder of the Council meeting.
City Manager Netter referenced map on display to point out the general
area of approximately 4 1/2 acres pertaining to this proposal and
shared comments as reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo. He said if
Council desires to consider this proposal in concept, staff would meet
with Bonnie Bergin to work out details for further Council
consideration at a later date.
Upon motion by Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilman Reilly, the
Assistance Dog Institute facility proposal concept for further review
was unanimously approved and staff was directed to proceed with
details for future Council review and possible consideration.
Household Hazardous Waste Element:
City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to Council of staff
report with various attachments regarding the Household Hazardous
Waste Element (HHWE). He shared contents therein as reviewed in the
Council Meeting Mamo explaining that a Joint Powers Agency (JPA) has
been formed that includes all the jurisdictions in Sonoma County, and
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (5) July 28, 1992
which would implement the elements of the HHWE and other elements in
the cities' and counties' solid waste management plans. Mr. Netter
reviewed the costs of the program as outlined, wherein each city would
be responsible for its proportionate share of the costs. City
Manager Netter said a public hearing had been duly noticed and
scheduled at this time. He said staff recommends approval of the HHWE
program as reviewed and, if Council desires to do so, it may adopt a
resolution by title following the public hearing. Discussion followed.
Public Hearing - Mayor Spiro opened the public hearing at approximately 7:09 p.m.
There being no one desiring to speak, Mayor Spiro closed the
public hearing.
Resolution A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE .CITY OF ROHNERT PARK APPROVING
No. 92 -129 THE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE ELEK]NT (HHWE)
Upon motion by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilman Eck,
and unanimously approved, the HHWE by Resolution No. 92 -129 was
adopted by title.
Parks and Recreation matters:
1) Rohnert Park Bambino Baseball League request for use of PA system
at "A" Park - Recreation Director Pekkain referenced copies provided
to Council of staff report dated July 22, 1992 with related
attachments pertaining to the Rohnert Park Bambino Baseball League
request for use of PA system at "A" Park for its Allstar tournament
during August 1 - 16, 1992. He shared contents therein relating to
the City's Noise Ordinance Regulations in Section 9.44.200 in the
Rohnert Park Municipal Code, and said the Parks and Recreation
Commission questioned the intent of the Sound Ordinance applying to
youth sport leagues, and recommended allowing the limited use of the
public address system by the Rohnert Park Bambino Baseball League as
requested for its August tournament. Recreation Director Pekkain said
one complaint had been received from a neighboring "A" Park resident
who is not against use of the field for the sports tournament, but is
against use of the PA system. Discussion followed.
City Manager Netter referenced map on display showing park locations
and shared comments, as reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo,
confirming that use of the PA system as requested does violate the
City's current Noise Ordinance because of the need to exceed the
stipulated 6:00 p.m. time on Sunday evenings to 9:00 p.m. Therefore,
if Council desires to permit such sports league PA system usage, the
Council should consider amending the Noise Ordinance to allow for it.
In the meantime, it is hoped that an agreement can be reached between
the Bambino League and the referenced local resident.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (6) July 28, 1992
Discussion followed during which Council confirmed the necessity
of adhering to the City's Noise Ordinance as established. Council
also concluded the need to review same to consider the possibility of
more permissive language relating to the needs of the community's
youth sport leagues, as well as the need to receive public input
from surrounding residents of the referenced park areas regarding
this matter.
A motion was made by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Mayor
Spiro, and unanimously approved, confirming the need to adhere to the
City's Noise Ordinance regarding PA system hours of usage, with
friendly amendment by Mayor Spiro to proceed with review of said
Ordinance and, in the interim, encourage an agreement between the
local "A" Section resident and the Bambino League regarding use of
the PA system for additional hours during its August 1992 tournament.
2) Scholarship program proposal for low income and disabled persons -
City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to Council of staff
report dated July 7, 1992 regarding a Scholarship Program proposal for
low income and disabled persons. He shared comments, as reviewed in
the Council Meeting Memo, and confirmed that staff recommends approval
of this program.
Recreation Director Pekkain further explained his above- referenced
staff report and responded to various Council questions regarding same.
Upon motion by Councilman Eck, seconded by Mayor Spiro, the
Scholarship Program for low income and disabled persons was
unanimously approved as recommended by staff.
3) Sammy Poueu contribution to participate in Good Will Series 4th
Annual Friendship Baseball Series in Beijing, China - City Manager
Netter referenced copies provided to Council of Request for Funds
Application Form dated June 25, 1992 with various attachments for
Sammy Poueu to participate in the above - described Baseball Series.
He shared comments, as reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo, and
confirmed staff recommendation to ratify the Parks and Recreation
Commission approval of a $75 donation toward the cost of sending Sammy
Poueu to China for this series.
A motion was made by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilman
Eck, and unanimously approved, ratifying Parks and Recreation
Commission recommendation for $75 contribution to send Sammy Poueu to
Beijing, China to participate in the referenced Baseball Series.
City Manager Netter introduced Sammy Poueu's mother, Mrs. Faauuga
Poueu, who was present at tonight's meeting. Council congratulated
Mrs. Poueu on her son's participation in the Baseball Series, wished
him well in the venture, and expressed appreciation for his represen-
tation of the community.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes
(7) July 28, 1992
Planning and Zoning matters:
1) File No. 1548 - Specific Plan - Consideration of
Amending the Zoning Ordinance to
Add a Specific Plan Ordinance - City
Manager Netter referenced copies
provided to Council of staff report dated July 14, 1992 with attached
Specific Plan Ordinance amending the
Zoning Ordinance as reviewed at
the previous City Council meeting.
He said the duly noticed public
hearing also proceeded as scheduled
and was closed, accordingly, at
the previous Council Meeting of July
14, 1992. W. Netter said it was
Council's discussion of this matter that was to be continued at
tonight's Council meeting, not the
public hearing as incorrectly
signified on tonight's agenda. City Manager Netter indicated,
however, that if the Mayor or City
Council so desired, the public
hearing could be re- opened in light
of the agenda misprint. No one
from the audience indicated the desire to speak, therefore, the
hearing was not re- opened.
Discussion followed during which Councilman Eck said this Specific
Plan Ordinance was one of the toughest issues he has had to consider.
He complimented staff on the comfortable way it presented the item for
review that gives more flexibility to the issue.
Ordinance AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK AMENDING TITLE 17 - ZONING OF
No. 563 THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK'S M- VICIPAL CODE TO INCLUDE PROCEDURES FOR
THE ADOPTION, AT42D4ENT OR REPEAL OF SPECIFIC PLANS
Upon motion by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilman Eck,
and unanimously approved, reading of Ordinance No. 563 was waived and
said ordinance was introduced.
2) File No. 1554 - "MV Zones/Mobile Home Park (HiP) Zones - City Manager Netter
said this item was continued from the previous City Council meeting as
staff was checking with the Department of Housing and Urban
Development to make sure the ordinance complies with all State
regulations. City Attorney Flitner confirmed City Manager's comments
regarding this matter, as reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo, and
said, to date, there has been no response from the State. However, it
was City Attorney's opinion that, until such time as a zoning change
is allowed, re- zoning the mobile home parks to "Ni" zones would be a
better protection for the parcels to remain as mobile home parks.
W. Flitner said he, therefore, recommended going ahead and placing
this item on the next Council meeting agenda, even if a report has not
come back from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. He
responded to various Council questions regarding this matter. City
Attorney Flitner said he hoped to have the necessary information in
hand within the next 4 to 6 weeks regarding this matter, to enable a
more detailed report to Council.
Mayor Spiro said this item regarding File No. 1554 would be continued
following receipt of the above- referenced reports from City Attorney.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (8) July 28, 1992
Mobile Home Park Council Committee Reports (Eck & Reilly):
1) Mobile Home Park Protection Ordinance (Pacifica Ordinance) -
Council Committee Mamber Eck said the Council Committee comprised of
himself and Councilman Reilly met with staff to discuss the Mobile
Home Protection Ordinance (i.e. the Pacifica Ordinance). He shared
comments resulting from this meeting, as reviewed in the Council
Meeting Memo. He said after discussing the matter with the City
Attorney, it seemed apparent that the mobile home zone, as in "MH"
Zones, gives most of the protection the City is after, therefore, it
was the consensus of the Committee that the State requirements along
with the various other elements, as listed in the Council Meeting
Memo, be combined into a mobile home park ordinance rather than take
the "Pacifica Ordinance" approach, which is more cumbersome. This
would streamline the efforts involved for a governing board and, at
the same time, would certainly give the "spirit" of the Pacifica
Ordinance and ample protection to the mobile home owners.
City Manager Netter and City Attorney Flitner responded to various
Council questions regarding this matter confirming City Attorney's
continued research of possibilities to separate the referenced
elements protecting displacement and relocation, and the State
requirements from the zoning requirements. City Attorney Flitner said
he would propose a basic and simple ordinance be developed for
protection of displacement and that this matter go directly to City
Council for review and consideration, rather than bounce it back and
forth with the Planning Commission.
2) Rancho Verde Petition and Long Term Leases proposal - City Manager
Netter said the Council Committee comprised of Councilman Eck and
Councilman Reilly had some general discussion during the above -
referenced meeting regarding the 30 homeowners in Rancho Verde who
have not signed long term leases pertaining to what costs and
procedures may be encountered under Ordinance No. 494 of the Rohnert
Park Mobile Home Rent Appeals Board. City Manager Netter also shared
contents of copies provided to Council of letter dated July 22, 1992
from Attorney David Spangenberg, Counsel for Rancho Verde Mobi lehome
Park and Jim Goldstein requesting the City's Wbilehome Rent Appeals
Board consider the adoption of a rule or regulation decontrolling rent
stabilization on those spaces not on long term leases when a
mobilehome park has achieved 70% or more of its residents on long
term leases.
Discussion followed during which City Attorney Flitner responded to
various Council questions regarding this matter. He confirmed Council
concern that this only leaves the thirty people to divide the cost of
hearing the petition. Even so, an advantage to consider is that one
of the problems with large numbers of people is it takes a long time
to review, whereas if it is a very small number, enough of the facts
could be presented to the Rent Appeals Board so the Board may handle
the situation by becoming the hearing body. There could be some
savings by taking it to the Rent Appeals Board rather than taking it
to the Hearing Examiner. Discussion continued.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (9) July 28, 1992
Attorney David Spangenberg reviewed contents of his above- referenced
letter requesting decontrol when a mobilehome park has achieved 70% or
more of its residents on long term leases. He confirmed that by doing
this those residents who have elected to negotiate a long term lease
with the park owner and a park owner who has satisfied a clear
majority of residents in a park will be able to bind all parties to a
comprehensive rent solution satisfactory to the majority of residents.
Attorney Spangenberg responded to various Council questions explaining
content and intentions of his letter representing the request of
Rancho Verde Nbbilehome Park. He said there could be built in
protections, or some sort of mechanism in the lease, if decontrol
offered the same lease to everybody. Attorney Spangenberg said
nothing could be put in the lease that waives the rights of the law
and even if something like that were put in, it would not be a valid
provision. Attorney Spangenberg also referred to comments regarding
closure of the mobile home park in 1993 and said there has been no
such intention. s
3) Proposal to Purchase Nbbile Home Park using Assessment Bonds (City
of Capitola Nadel) - City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to
Council via George Horwedel of a Bond Prospectus dated July 15, 1987
from the City of Capitola outlining a plan it used to purchase a
mobile home park and offer those spaces for sale back to the tenants
of the park. He said staff is in the process of contacting elected
officials or other staff members of Capitola to obtain more
information regarding this matter. He also indicated he had talked to
representatives of SLJIRO & ConQany on a nilti- Family Bond program that
has also been used to purchase mobile home parks and said that a
presentation could be made at a later date.
Discussion followed during which concerns were expressed regarding the
necessity of the mobile home park comnanity being interested in the
purchase of a park, even if there was a willing seller. In previous
years there was no such interest and Council was accused of
interference when such a suggestion was even made. Council Committee
Member Eck acknowledged his lack of interest in this proposal when it
first surfaced, but the more the Committee looked into it, the more
they realized the mechanism had merit. He said he would like to keep
the proposal in the back of his mind and wanted City Manager and
himself to meet with the City Manager of Capitola to discuss the
matter further. It was his understanding that Council had directed
the Council Committee to review George Horwedel's proposal which
was presented at the previous Council meeting.
Mayor Spiro directed the Council Committee to give a further report of
this item following its discussion with Capitola.
Attorney David Spangenberg said they were working on selling this idea
to the mobile home park residents. He said he could report to Council
what happened in Capitola because he had communicated directly
regarding the matter. Nbbile Home Park tenants decided to purchase
the park five years ago. The City has never heard from that
particular park again and wishes all the parks would sell out to
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (10) July 28, 1992
residents. Attorney Spangenberg said he is working with Skip Green
who is talking about selling to the residents. Mr. Spangenberg said
he represents one park owner who is interested in selling to
residents, so there is at least one interested. He said this is
actually a new phenomena and it creates an atmosphere that is
uncomfortable, but there are advantages to both sides, and once the
residents own the park, there is no fear of conversion. Also, the
value of the coaches are enhanced which includes the advantage in
terms of the landlord getting out of rent control. Attorney
Spangenberg said he really felt this approach is the long term
solution for the mobile home parks.
4) Sim vs. City of Rohnert Park - City Attorney Flitner updated
Council on Sim vs. City of Rohnert Park and said the Judgment has
been prepared and signed, so that starts the briefing time, which is
usually granted the first time around. The briefing could be done by
the end of the year or at least by mid -1993. Regardless of the
specific timing, it will be argued most like in 1993 -94.
RECESS Mayor Spiro declared a recess at approximately 8:00 p.m.
RECONVENE Mayor Spiro reconvened the Council meeting at approximately 8:10 p.m.
with all Councilmembers present except Councilman Hopkins.
Neighborhood Services District (Street Lighting & Park Maintenance):
City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to Council of various
staff reports with accumulated information on Street Lighting and
Landscaping Maintenance Assessment District and shared contents
therein, as reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo. He said this item
had been considered last year by Council, and again in January of
1992, with staff recommendation to inplement this program in order to
assist the City's budget by offsetting the costs of street light
operations and maintenance, and maintenance of City parks.
City Manager Netter referenced previous comments made about the City
budget and fiscal crisis and explained what the State has done to
the cities, which included an approximately $300,000 hit already
in 1992 -93. Vice Mayor Hollingsworth responded to comments made
during the Unscheduled Public Appearance by Daryl Dell and indicated
his comments were unfair and without merit, and that he was sending
out misinformation by being misinformed.
City Manager Netter and City Attorney Flitner responded to various
Council questions regarding options available to the City indicating
that the City has overall taxing authority for most of its services,
but would require a two - thirds vote of the electorate for special
taxes and a majority vote for general taxes. Staff recommends an
Advisory Vote for an assessment district be placed on the November
1992 ballot regarding this matter. City Manager Netter indicated that
a vote of the electorate is not necessary for a benefit assessment
district and that, if the City council wanted to consider this parcel
tax itself, it has that option.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (11) July 28, 1992
Discussion followed during which comparisons were made to the
possibility of the people voting against the issue with future
complications of mandatory budget needs that will have to be met, and
the responsibility of Council to make certain decisions to this effect
regardless of popularity. City Manager Netter confirmed that this
issue is inportant because of the August 7, 1992 deadline timing of
submitting the November ballot measure. He said the City does not
have the information of knowing what the State is going to do at this
point, but if the proposed budget cuts come down the line, then the
City will have to "bite the bullet" and take necessary action. City
Manager Netter said consideration could also be given to separating
the issues on the ballot measure, such as, library expansion, street
lighting, park maintenance, and reimbursement of costs of fire
suppression services. Councilman Hollingsworth suggested making the
ballot measure a generic question, such as, "should the need arise,
how do you feel about enacting an assessment district ? ". He said if
any kind of increase in taxes is put on the ballot, the people will
vote against it, and speaking for himself as previously stated, said
he could not vote in favor of enacting any additional tax without
first going to the vote of the people.
Dawna Gallagher, 7342 Rasmussen Way, inquired about the cost of
putting this item on the ballot.
City Manager Netter responded that the cost of a ballot measure is
approximately $5,000 for the General November 1992 election as
compared to $40,000 to $50,000 for a Special Election ballot measure.
Further discussion followed during which comparisons were made to the
logic of the economical cost of the November 1992 General Election
ballot measure with the more expensive cost of a Special Election.
Comparisons were also made to the pros and cons of a binding vote.
City Manager responded to Council inquiry regarding the ability of the
City's budget to sustain any heat the State gives between now and next
June, that the total City reserve would have to be depleted, if the
City has not prepared in advance for some kind of back up plan.
A motion was made by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilman
Reilly, and unanimously approved, to draft the above - reviewed
Assessment District language for consideration of a ballot measure and
schedule a public meeting regarding same at 6:00 p.m., next Tuesday,
August Yth, 1992.
Golf Course matters:
1) North Course Snack Bar /Letter request for Extension of Use Permit -
City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to Council of letter
dated July 22, 1992 from Jack Anderson, General Manager of Mbuntain
Shadows Golf Resort, requesting an extension of the Use Permit for the
temporary North Course Snack Bar located south of the 10th tee. He
shared contents therein as reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo.
Discussion followed.
Upon motion by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilman Eck,
extension of the Use Permit for only one additional year for the
temporary North Course Snack Bar was unanimously approved.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (12) July 28, 1992
2) Capital Improvement Plan - City Manager Netter said Mountain
Shadows Golf Resort submitted its capital improvement plan for fiscal
year ending 12/31/92. This is a requirement of the lease amendment as
approved two years ago. He said Nbuntain Shadows was requesting to
raise the resident fees. The Council Committee said "no" to this
request because the lower resident fees are a resident benefit and
part of the City's terms of agreement with the Golf Course.
Transit Route Changes:
City Manager Netter said copies of maps were provided to Council maps
with attached information regarding proposed route changes for Sonoma
County Transit Routes, which are planned to start on Sunday, August
23rd, 1992. The changes for Routes 10 and 11 are predominantly in the
"M" Section including the Maurice Avenue route to Bodway down to East
Cotati Avenue. Changes for Routes 44 and 48, along Commerce Blvd. and
Redwood Drive, are being made in order to accom odate the Wal -Mart
area and areas west of U. S. Highway 101. These route changes are
provided at no additional costs to the City. City Engineer Brust
responded to various Council questions regarding this matter.
Transportation matters:
City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to Council of Sonoma
County Transportation Authority (SCTA) meeting agenda of July 13, 1992
and reviewed notations of City Engineer Brust thereon, as reviewed in
the Council Meeting Memo. Discussions included 1) Northwest Pacific
(NWP) Right -of -Way, 2) Sonoma -Marin Transit District Proposal, and
3) Countywide Transportation Plan. No action was taken on these items
at this meeting. Mr. Netter said copies were also provided to Council
of City of Petaluma resolution declining to support the Sonoma County
Transportation Coalition's Proposal for a 1992 ballot measure, which
was also more fully reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo.
Councilman Eck explained the reason for SCTA taking no action on these
issues was because there was strong positions expressed that would
basically have resulted in a split vote. City Engineer Brust
confirmed SCTA would be putting these issues together in a
Transportation Element by working with the General Plans of the
various areas. He said the first step will be to work with the
Countywide Transportation Plan.
Robert and Carol Sissa annexation request:
City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to Council of letter
dated July 18, 1992 from Robert and Carol Sissa requesting
consideration of annexation of approximately 47 acres of their
property located at 4948 Snyder Lane, 5026 Snyder Lane and 1309 Keiser
Avenue. He said copies were also provided for Council's information
of an Assessor's Parcel Nbp showing the parcels in relation to Snyder
Lane and Keiser Avenue.
Robert Sissa, 172 Fescue Way, was acknowledged and reviewed his
family's history of the Snyder Lane property location and request
for annexation.
Mayor Spiro responded to Mr. Sissa that his request would be
considered when Council reviews the entire area for possible
future annexation.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes
Communications - Communications
attention of the
specifically noted
(13) July 28, 1992
per the attached outline were brought to the
City Council. No action was taken unless
in these minutes.
Councilman Reilly referenced item #13 on the Communications list
regarding Proposition 99 funds for Tobacco Free Business Project
overlap between the City and North Bay Health Resources Center
representing the STAMP program. He expressed concern that the two
programs might get referred to as a type of contest and since both
programs are doing good, precautionary measures should be taken that
would not prevent one from working.
City Manager Netter reviewed contents of the referenced letter to more
thoroughly explain the issue. He confirmed efforts are being made by
staff to coordinate the two programs without conflict.
City Manager's Report:
1) Budget /State Fiscal Crisis - City Manager Netter said copies have
been provided to Council of various communications and letters from
the League of California Cities regarding the State Budget Crisis
which is still at a stalemate. He mentioned the "Hill & Phil" term
that signifies the issues represented by Phil Eisenberg and Senator
Hill. City Manager said he believed conclusions would be reached
within the next couple of weeks.
2) Open Space Agreements with Santa Rosa /Open Space District -
City Manager Netter referenced map on display and said copies were
provided to Council of Draft Acquisition Plan dated July 15, 1992,
with attached color -coded area map, from Sonoma County Agricultural
Preservation and Open Space District. He said he met recently with
Open Space District General Manager David Hansen and Santa Rosa City
Manager Ken Blackman regarding this matter and they are still in the
process of working up an agreement. W. Netter reviewed the color
coded areas of the map on display and confirmed that Santa Rosa City
Manager Blackman mentioned that the South Santa Rosa Avenue area is
not a high priority for them to get developed. W. Blackman said they
have no opposition to the referenced open space concerns of Rohnert
Park, and is willing to formulate an agreement among the two cities
and the Open Space District to protect lands between the two cities.
City Manager Netter said David Hansen confirmed that they want to get
the Acquisition Plan adopted and then start laying out how to go about
addressing the various priorities and open space agreements. He
indicated that the area between Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park will be
one of the highest priorities.
Discussion followed during which Council Committee Member
Hollingsworth confirmed that a motion previously made by the Council
Committee had been approved to take this approach. Councilman Eck
said he would like to see an open space agreement clearly specified so
the plan would be consistent and there would be no crowding up of
the areas.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (14) July 28, 1992
3) Public Utilities Settlement Agreement - City Manager Netter said
copies were provided to Council of letter dated July 6, 1992 from
County Counsel regarding Public Utilities Settlement Agreement -
Validation Action. He explained how the utility lines were assessed
in connection with the telephone company and said the impact on
Rohnert Park will be approximately $300,000 over the next three (3)
years, which is good news in a way compared to a previous figure of
approximately $1.4 million.
4) MiltiVision Cable TV/Reallocation of prior assessments -
City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to Council of letter
dated July 15, 1992 from the City's Finance Director Michael Harrow to
the County Assessor and shared contents therein regarding reallocation
of prior assessments for MultiVision Cable TV. Based on the
redevelopment project area referenced in the letter, Finance Director
Harrow believes a more equitable allocation should be used other than
the 90 %-10% split. He is awaiting response from the County Assessor
to discuss the matter further.
5) Tower Apartments Groundbreaking - City Manager Netter said the
Tower Apartments project on East cotati Avenue will begin during the
seek of August 24th and asked Council if it desired to set a date for
a groundbreaking ceremony. Council concurred to August 24th, 1992 at
12:00 noon.
City Attorney's Report:
City Attorney Flitner confirmed he had nothing further to report at
this time.
Matters from Council:
1) City Manager Netter said copies were provided to Council of various
communications with schedules regarding California's Young Woman of
the Year Pageant to be held at the Dorothy Rohnert Spreckels
Performing Arts Center from August 12 - 15, 1992.
2) City Manager Netter said copies were provided to Council, for
informational purposes, of San Francisco Chronicle article dated July
10, 1992 via Councilman Reilly entitled "Toxic -Risk Rules Change
Likely - Bush expected to take final authority from regulatory
agencies ". Councilman. Reilly said he had this article brought to
Council's attention for information regarding the economic impact and
because of the idea that, as the White House changes, so does the idea
of what is toxic.
3) ABAG Growth Management Plan - City Manager Netter said copies were
provided to Council of reminder notice dated July 10, 1992 from Pete
Foppiano requesting responses to previous receipt of ABAG's
Preliminary Growth Management Platform. W. Netter confirmed that the
City of Rohnert Park has sent various opposing letters regarding
the Becky Morgan bill.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (15) July 28, 1992
4) City Manager Netter said copies were provided to Council of letter
dated July 14, 1992 from League of California Cities regarding
Designation of Voting Delegate for League Annual Conference. He said
the Annual League Conference will be held from October 13 - 15, 1992
and this request is to ensure voting delegate designations. Council
agreed to put both the Mayor and Vice Mayor on as voting delegate
designations and it will be decided later who will be able to attend
the conference.
5) Councilman Reilly expressed concern regarding phone calls received
from a resident pertaining to Fairway Drive that should be handled by
the Department of Public Safety. Discussion followed.
6) Councilman Eck referenced copies provided to Council of brochure
delivered via Dan Carlson regarding City of Santa Rosa Subregional
Water Reclamation System. He said it would be a good idea for Council
to work out a date for a trip to review the sewer plant. Council
agreed to a meeting at the sewer plant at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday,
September 8th, 1992.
Unscheduled
Public Mayor Spiro asked if anyone in the audience wished to make an
Appearances appearance at this time.
Dawna Gallagher, 7342 Rasmussen Way, expressed disappointment in not being able to
speak tonight regarding the Specific Plan Ordinance because of the
explanation that the Public Hearing had been.closed at the previous
Council meeting and the "continued" corrrent on the agenda referred to
Council discussion. She said there were several persons in tonight's
audience that had planned to comment on this item. Mayor Spiro
confirmed there would still be an opportunity for input regarding this
item on the next Council agenda when the Specific Plan Ordinance will
be considered for adoption.
Dawna Gallagher also expressed concern regarding Council response to
resident comments about the budget expressed earlier during tonight's
meeting, and said she thought an apology was in order. Councilman.
Hollingsworth responded that if the Dell's thought he was putting them
down, then he apologized, however, the intention of his response was
simply that they were misinformed, if anyone thinks this Council takes
a casual approach when reviewing budget matters, because very
extensive efforts are put forth toward resolving budget matters.
Adjouniment Mayor Spiro adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:35 p.m. to
6:00 p.m. next Tuesday, August 4th, 1992 at the City Offices for a
public meeting regarding Neighborhood Services District (Street
Lighting and Park Maintenance).
Depu Cit C e
Mayor