1992/09/22 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes
September 22, 1992
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in
regular session commencing at 6:30 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 7:00 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance.
Mayor Spiro advised that a closed session commenced this
evening at 6:40 p.m. to discuss litigation matters and
personnel matters. She said no action was taken and there was
nothing to report at this time.
ROLL CALL
Present: (5) Councilmembers Eck, Hollingsworth, Hopkins,
Reilly, and Mayor Spiro
Absent: (0) None
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 and Director of Public Safety Dennett.
Approval of Minutes
Upon motion by Councilmember Hollingsworth, seconded by
Councilmember Hopkins, the minutes of September 8, 1992
were unanimously approved as submitted.
Approval of Bills
Upon motion by Councilmember Hopkins, seconded by
Councilmember Eck, the bills presented per the attached
list in the amount of $1,240,563.93 were unanimously approved.
Non - agendaed
Mayor Spiro queried if any Councilmember had any non - agendaed
Matters
items to add to the agenda.
City Manager Netter said he had one emergency item to add
regarding consideration of a resolution pertaining to the
" ISTEA" program and certain traffic signal installation
projects expressing intent that the City has sufficient funds
to complete said projects. This is a procedural matter under
the ISTEA program and must be adopted tonight to meet the
regulations. Mr. Netter said he also had two items to add
under City Manager's Report.
Councilman Reilly said he had one miscellaneous item to add.
Unscheduled Public Mayor Spiro stated that in compliance 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 Cumber
and unscheduled public appearances are requested to fill out
the cards and present to recording clerk after speaking.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (2) September 22, 1992
Linda Branscomb, 21 Anne Way, referenced comments made during the Budget Work
Session, inu ediately preceding tonight's Council meeting, relating to
the Connunity Development Agency budget. She said she would also like
to attend the meeting the City Council plans to have with the FAIRE
representatives as she has concerns regarding TDA funds the City
appropriated last year from the unmet needs funds that was earmarked
for a bike path. Ms. Branscomb said part of her concern comes from
being on the Transit Committee and review of funding issues at
those meetings.
Discussion followed during which Council agreed Ms. Branscomb should
meet with City staff to obtain the information and clarification.
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 Nbeting Memo.
Acknowledging the City Manager /Clerk's report on the posting of
the agenda.
Resolution A RESOLUTION APPROVING SUBMITTAL OF A HOLRBEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE,
No. 92 -153 NON - DISCRE'T'IONARY GRANT
Resolution A RESOLUTION OF THE COLUCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK APPROVING AN
No. 92 -154 AGREEMENT IN SETTLEMENT AND COMPROMISE OF LITIGATION AND MUTUAL
RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS FOR ROBERTS VS. CITY OF ROHNERT PARK AND
AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAME
Upon motion by Councilmember Hopkins, seconded by Councilmember
Hollingsworth, the Consent Calendar as outlined on the meeting's
agenda was unanimously approved.
Scheduled Public Appearances:
"Youth of Representatives of Rohnert Park Founders' Day Association, Lew Kuehm,
the Year" Chairman, and Vida Jones, Coordinator of the "Youth of the Year"
Program, reviewed details pertaining to the "youth ambassador" program
including comments that it was a good time to start this program with
the celebration of the 30th Birthday of Rohnert Park. Mr. Kuehm
presented a perpetual "Youth of the Year" plaque to Council with the
names of Nb Aimag and Jenny Ito engraved as the first two "Youths of
the Year of the City of Rohnert Park ". Mr. Kuehm said a letter had
been sent to the City Manager requesting that these two young people
be placed on lists for invitations to various City functions and /or
relevant meetings to become involved and informed. He introduced
Nb Aimag to Council who shared comments relating to the group of six
young people involved in this year's "Youth of the Year" Program, and
participated in the recent Bed Race for the Founders' Day event.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (3) September 22, 1992
Resolution A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING, AUTHORIZING, AND APPROVING THE INSTALLATION
No. 92 -155 OF STOP SIGNS (on Bodway Parkway at Magnolia Avenue)
City Manager Netter explained the resolution as reviewed in the
Council Meeting Memo.
Upon motion by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, reading of Resolution No. 92 -155
was waived and said resolution was adopted.
Tree City Manager Netter explained the resolution for consideration of
Trimming award of contract for tree trimming services as reviewed in the
Services Council Meeting Memo recommending the lowest bidder. He referenced
copies provided to Council of letter dated September 21, 1992 from
said lowest bidder, Hagestrom & Sons Tree Service, withdrawing the bid
due to estimator's failure to add in traffic control people. City
Manager Netter recommended allowing this forfeiture because the
difference of approximately $2,000 would not justify possible costs
that could be incurred if the City chose to pressure the bidder to
fulfill the contract as submitted.
Discussion followed during which City Manager Netter, City Attorney
Flitner and Director of Public Works Brust responded to various
Council questions regarding this matter. City Attorney said it is
usually a question of whether a bidder misunderstands the bid and is
not without precedence. He said he had not had an opportunity to
review this particular situation, but had researched similar issues in
the past, and comwnted on comparisons of types of mistakes dealt with
in the past and resulting decisions. City Attorney Flitner said he
did not know which category tonight's issue fit, but he did not think
Council's acceptance of the above - referenced forfeiture compromised
legalities since the bid was not yet accepted and nothing requires
Council to award a contract because of a call for proposals.
Council concurred to defer this item to the next Council meeting to
allow City Attorney time to review legalities of same.
Animal City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to Council of staff
Shelter report with bid results of September 15, 1992 for Animal Shelter,
Project No. 1990 -14 as reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo. He said
animal shelter funding concerns, due to the State "hit" on
redevelopment funds in excess of a half million dollars, had been
discussed during the Budget Work Session preceding tonight's Council
meeting. It was concluded that this item would be deferred until
after the Council Committee and staff could meet with FAIRE
representatives to further review funding possibilities.
Mayor Spiro advised that there are other items the Council must
consider because of the State impacts. She said the above- referenced
Council Committee meeting for the animal shelter, with staff and FAIRE
representatives should be held prior to the Council meeting of
October 27, 1992 when this matter may be considered further.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (4) September 22, 1992
Traffic Signal Installation Projects:
City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to Council of
procedural resolution for consideration and shared contents therein
pertaining to certain traffic signal installation projects. He said
the resolution of intent for the Surface Transportation Program (STP)
had to be submitted by tomorrow in order to be considered for the 1993
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), therefore, there was a need
to declare this an emergency item as it had not been placed on
tonight's agenda.
Upon motion by Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Hollingsworth, to declare as an emergency item consideration of
resolution for the Surface Transportation Program (STP) for traffic
signal installation projects as described, was unanimously approved.
Resolution A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK EXPRESSING INTENT WITH REGARD
No. 92 -156 TO PUBLIC AGENCY FUNDS AND THE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM (STP)
FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION PROJECTS ON GOLF COURSE DRIVE AT
FAIRWAY DRIVE AND AT COLUTRY CLUB DRIVE AND ON C"ONNERCE BOULEVARD AT
AVRAM AVENUE
Upon motion by Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman Eck, and
unanimously approved, reading of Resolution No. 92 -156 was waived and
said resolution was adopted.
Ordinance AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK AMENDING CHAPTER 17 OF THE
No. 566 ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL CODE BY MODIFYING THE LOCATION HEIGHT OF
FENCES, WALLS AND HEDGES ON EXTERIOR SIDEYARDS
City Manager Netter explained the ordinance as reviewed in the Council
Maeting Memo which was introduced at the previous Council meeting of
September 8, 1992.
Upon motion by Councilman. Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilman Eck,
and unanimously approved, reading of Ordinance No. 566 was waived and
said ordinance was adopted.
Disaster Preparedness /Internal Communications System:
City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to Council of staff
report dated September 16, 1992 regarding Emergency Preparedness
Report and shared commments as reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo.
This report was compiled in response to previous inquiry by Councilman
Reilly concerning the City's plans in case of a disaster.
Director of Public Safety Dennett reviewed contents of the above -
referenced staff report regarding emergency preparedness, as prepared
by Officer John Ellis, confirming participation with surrounding
communities to develop the best possible contingency plans for the
citizens. Chief Dennett and Officer Ellis responded to various
Council questions regarding same. City Manager Netter confirmed to
Council inquiry that emergency instructions would continue to be
placed in the Rohnert Park News Letter when published, and such
information could now also be put into the utility billing system.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (5) September 22, 1992
Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce Agreement:
City Manager Netter referenced recent meeting with Chamber of Commerce
representatives regarding agreement with the City and said options are
still being considered. Another meeting with Chamber representatives,
including the Executive Director, will be held in the near future,
therefore, this item will be deferred to the next Council meeting.
Resolution A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH J. KARLA LENDN TO PROVIDE
No. 92 -157 SERVICES AS SYMPHONY CONDLUTOR/MJSIC DIRECTOR AND AUTHORIZING THE
MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAME
City Manager Netter explained the resolution as reviewed in the
Council Feting Memo. He referenced copies provided to Council of
Memo Of Understanding dated August 5, 1992 regarding the 1992 -93
Symphony Contract Transition Plan and shared contents therein
pertaining to the first year of a two year transition changing the
Rohnert Park Symphony from a civic entity to a private/ independent
company. City Manager Netter acknowledged Rohnert Park Symphony
representatives present at tonight's meeting, specifically,
Conductor Carla Lemon, new Symphony Manager Linda Temple, and
Mr. Tom Anderson and his wife, Suzanne, who have been instrumental in
the development of Friends of the Symphony (a non - profit entity for
promotional purposes).
Upon motion by Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Hollingsworth, and unanimously approved, reading of Resolution
No. 92 -157 was waived and said resolution was adopted approving the
one (1) year agreement with the Rohnert Park Symphony including
Memorandum of L,hderstanding for transition plan as recommended
by staff.
Mobile Home Relocation Protection Ordinance:
City Manager Netter shared comments as reviewed in the Council Meeting
Memo regarding Ordinance No. 567 which was introduced at the previous
Council meeting of September 8, 1992. He said a public hearing had
been duly noticed and scheduled at this time regarding same.
Public
Hearing Mayor Spiro opened the public hearing at approximately 7:38 p.m.
James Clark, 80 Walnut Circle, said he had reviewed the proposed Mobile Home
Relocation Protection ordinance and approved of its entirety with the
exception of making one change on page 4 under Section 16.58.030. He
recommended changing the estimated cost of moving to locations from
"within a twenty (20) mile radius" to locations "within a ten (10)
mile radius ". He said a lot of people that would be affected by this
ordinance are senior citizens who would have their medical help within
a close proximity, therefore, the 10 mile radius should be sufficient.
There being no one further desiring to speak, Mayor Spiro closed the
public hearing at approximately 8:40 p.m.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (6) September 22, 1992
Discussion followed during which Council comrents confirmed agreement
with Mr. Clark's above recommendation. Acknowledgment was made that
there is a big difference between a 10 mile radius and a 20 mile
radius when considering pi radius squared.
Ordinance AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK PROVIDING MLNIKJM STANDARDS
No. 567 AND REQUIREMfi'S FOR THE CONVERSION OR CHANGE OF USE OF NDBILEHOW
PARKS WITHIN THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
Upon motion by Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Hollingsworth, and unanimously approved, with amendment under Section
16.58.030 to change the referenced 20 mile radius to 10 mile radius,
reading of Ordinance No.567 was waived and said ordinance was adopted.
Mobile Home Park Purchase Program (City of Capitola MWel)
City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to Council of City of
Capitola Bond Prospectus dated July 15, 1987 regarding its mobile home
park purchase program enabling homeowners to purchase their own. sites.
Mr. Netter said this item was previously reviewed during July 28th,
1992 Council meeting during which Liaison Councilmember Eck was
directed to further investigate the matter. Since then, Councilman
Eck has met with representatives of the City of Capitola followed by a
meeting with the owners of Rancho Feliz Mobile Home Park regarding the
feasibility of a similar program in the City of Rohnert Park.
Discussion followed during which Councilman. Eck responded to various
Council questions regarding the results of his above - referenced
meetings confirming the positive interest of the owners at Rancho
Feliz in the City of Capitola model program for mobile home park
purchases. Councilman Eck said he had been asked to see if any other
parks might be interested in same, that Rancho Feliz owners said they
would be willing to set up work shops in their club house to enable
further consideration of this matter, and that he was in the process
of contacting Valley Village Mobile Home Park whereby some good
questions have been raised that will need to be addressed. Councilman
Eck said he understood that the City of Capitola is now proceeding
with a second similar program. A two to three year time frame for
Rohnert Park would be a realistic consideration so people would not
get the feeling that there might be some kind of hidden agenda
regarding this proposal. Councilman Eck stated further that the park
owners suggested the possibility of considering counter clauses such
as more affordable units. City Manager Netter indicated he was in the
process of contacting other park owners (from the other four parks) to
find out if they are also interested in this program. City Manager
Netter confirmed staff would work toward setting up work sessions with
the mobile home parks, if desired. Council agreed.
Water/Wastewater Conservation Fee:
City Manager Netter shared comwnts as reviewed in the Council Meeting
Memo regarding Ordinance No. 568 establishing a Water /Wastewater
Conservation Fee, which was introduced at the previous Council Meeting
of September 8, 1992. He confirmed the recommended fees are $300 per
residential unit and $1500 per acre for commercial /industrial
projects. City Manager Netter said a public hearing had been duly
noticed and scheduled at this time regarding same.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (7) September 22, 1992
Public
Hearing Mayor Spiro opened the public hearing at approximately 8:45 p.m.
Bill Adams, 762 Bret Avenue, expressed concerns about the recommended $300 fee per
residential unit and said such a fee is bound to be passed on from the
developer to the home owner. He said, as a home owner, he did not
want to pay for someone else's connections and he was here tonight to
urge Council to remember who ends up paying for this.
There being no one further desiring to speak, Mayor Spiro closed the
public hearing at approximately 8:47 p.m.
Discussion followed during which Council convents confirmed that the
concern expressed regarding the passing on of the $300 residential fee
is a good point, however, agreed the fee is fairly economical and
reasonable conpared to costs involved for the purchase of a new home.
City Engineer Brust responded to Council directive that their homes
would be scheduled for retrofitting as requested.
Ordinance AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OR ROHNERT PARK ESTABLISHING A
No. 568 WATER/WASTEWATER CONSERVATION FEE
Upon motion by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, reading of Ordinance No. 568 was
waived and said ordinance was adopted.
Resolution A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK ESTABLISHING FEES FOR
No. 92 -158 WATER/WASTEWATER CONSERVATION FEE FUND
Upon motion by Councilman. Hopkins, seconded by Councilman Eck, and
unanimously approved, reading of Resolution No. 92 -158 was waived and
said resolution was adopted.
Water/Wastewater Conservation Retrofit Program update:
Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust updated Council on the
Water/Wastewater Conservation Retrofit Program including convents
reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo. He advised that approximately
2,000 toilet retrofits and 900 shower head replacements have been
installed to date, which represents approximately 80% completion of
the first phase of the retrofit project. Following completion of the
process for staff to calculate the actual water /wastewater flow saved,
and when those figures are available for Council review, consideration
will be given to proceeding into a second phase of the project.
Transportation matters /Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA):
City Manager Netter said copies were provided to Council of Sonoma
County Transportation Authority agenda notice and attachments for its
meeting of September 14, 1992. Mr. Netter shared convents as reviewed
in the Council Meeting Memo confirming the attendance of Councilman
Eck and City Engineer Brust at this SCTA meeting.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (8) September 22, 1992
City Engineer Brust referenced his notes as written on the above -
referenced SCTA meeting agenda. He and Councilman Eck responded to
various Council questions and reviewed action items of said meeting
which were outlined on tonight's City Council agenda as follows:
1) Budget - Approval of Final SCTA Budget for Fiscal Year 1992 -93 with
change to hire or contract a full -time Planner and full -time Clerk to
assist in relieving the work overload of the Executive Director.
Lengthy discussion of this particular item during the SCTA meeting
concluded the additional staff would result in being more than
economical when compared to the staff assistance that has been
necessary from the cities.
2) Establishment of a Countywide and City Bicycle Committee - City
Engineer Brust explained the second item adopted by the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission (MI'C) regarding the use of TDA funds and the
requirement of a Countywide Bicycle Committee and City Bicycle
Committees. Councils of cities will need to appoint three members to
the County Committee along with a staff member to take minutes at
the meetings.
Discussion followed. Councilman Eck and City Engineer Brust responded
to various Council questions pertaining to the make up of the
Countywide Bicycle Committee and coordination of same by SCTA. Each
City will be required to have a separate Bicycle Committee to qualify
for use of the above - referenced TDA funds. Council concurred that a
notice should be placed in the local newspaper for the Bike Committee
appointments.
3) County Public Hearing for Unmet Transit Needs - City Engineer Brust
said the notice regarding the County Public Hearing on Unmet Transit
Needs was provided for informational purposes. Said hearing will be
held at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 1992 in the Sonoma
County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 575 Administration Drive,
Room 102, Santa Rosa, California. City Engineer Brust responded to
various Council questions pertaining to the possibility of certain TDA
funds and MrC process of determination. He confirmed that $65,000 had
been set aside for the bike path, which could possibly be available
for streets and roads, but the matter would have to go through
the hearing process followed by MM determination of no unmet
transit needs.
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.
Mayor Spiro referenced item 2 on the Communications list from resident
opposing stop signs on Country Club Drive at Daniel and Santa Dorotea
Streets and said, if her recall was correct, the particular stop signs
had been installed because of numerous accidents at that intersection.
City Manager Netter said staff had recommended against the stop signs
and referenced staff report dated June 16, 1992 reviewing traffic
accidents at intersections along Country Club Drive. Councilman
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (9) September 22, 1992
Hollingsworth said he uses the referenced intersection constantly, and
though the traffic might be slowed down somewhat, the stop signs do
seem to help considerably in driving onto Country Club Drive. City
Manager Netter confirmed the detailed information would be mailed to
the resident, K. Acton, who expressed opposition to the stop signs.
City Manager's Report:
1) 1984 Mortgage Revenue Bonds - City Manager Netter said copies were
provided to Council of letter dated September 8, 1992 from Janie V.
Walsh, Executive Director of Sonoma County Community Development
Commission regarding Sonoma County Home Financing Authority 1984 Home
Mortgage Revenue Bonds: Authorized Uses for Funds from Retirement of
1984 Bonds with attached letter dated September 1, 1992 from Ken Jones
of Jones Hall Hill & White responding to said matter. City Manager
Netter reviewed contents therein and responded to various Council
question regarding same. He confirmed the funds should be allocated
to some type of housing program and the intent was to help first time
home buyers. He said the funds would be placed in the Community
Development Agency account for housing rehabs or set asides to be used
at Agency discretion.
2) Scandia Family Fun Center - City Manager Netter said copies were
provided to Council of letter dated September 3, 1992 from Scandia
Family Fun Center responding to City's request to consider the 1% fee
of "other sales ". Mr. Netter shared contents therein confirming
Scandia's regrets that it is financially unable to continue with the
fee of "other sales" as requested. City Manager Netter reviewed the
history of establishing the initial agreement with Scandia, and
Council's decision a little over a year ago when the Council
considered phasing out the "2% on other sales" and directed the City
Manager to work out a phase out program. With Scandia's above -
referenced response, City Manager asks for Council direction as it
seems Scandia owners do not agree with the proposed phase -out program.
Discussion followed during which City Manager Netter and City Attorney
Flitner responded to various Council questions regarding this matter.
City Attorney Flitner reviewed former City Manager Callinan's position
that a deal is a deal regarding this agreement with Scandia whereby
the City traded off other items such as the set back and parking
requirements, and Scandia's argument that they felt squeezed or
coerced. Council also recalled additional allowances and
considerations pertaining to the initial agreement with Scandia.
Confirmation was made regarding Scandia's payment of sales tax on
mechanical play devices and other sales items and that the fee of
"other sales" compensated for the golf game that is not subject to
sales tax. Comments were also made regarding the possibility of
considering an entertainment tax. City Council concluded the
discussion by directing the City Manager to inform Scandia of the
City's phase out program.
A motion was made by Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilman
Hollingsworth, and unanimously approved, to accept a 1% fee for
"other sales" this year from Scandia (from January 1, 1992 through
June 30, 1993) and beginning on July 1, 1993 the percentage on
"other sales" would be reduced to 0 %.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (10) September 22, 1992
3) Status of bingo licenses - City Manager Netter reviewed recent
conflicts regarding Bingo games in the process of making sure specific
items met both City and State laws. PAL submitted an application to
the Department of Public Safety to include an additional day for bingo
which was Tuesday night. PAL advertised it as non - smoking night.
This conflicted with Soroptomist and E1 Rancho Lions Club bingo on the
same night. Bingo operators discussed the matter with City Manager
Pro - Tempore Brust in the absence of City Manager Netter who was out of
town on business attending International City Managers Association
meeting. City Manager reviewed the complexities involved with the
applications and understanding the interpretation of the ordinance.
Chief Dennett had responded to what he thought was clearly the letter
of the law and sent the second bingo group home. Since then the City
has received a few calls from the other side saying this situation has
hurt their bingo nights. City Manager Netter said he did not think
the City Ordinance is that clear regarding restricting the number of
nights for a bingo operation and that the City may not have the
authority to restrict the Tuesday night game, if PAL meets all other
conditions as outlined in the Bingo law. City Manager Netter
indicated he met with representatives from PAL and representatives
from El Rancho Lions Club and Soroptomists in an attempt to resolve
the conflict in an acceptable manner.
Discussion followed during which City Attorney Flitner responded to
Council questions and said he had briefly reviewed the Bingo ordinance
and discussed the matter with City Manager Pro- Tempore Brust. He
further reviewed the complexities of understanding the ordinance in
laymen terms pointing out that the meaning of the word "shall"
continues to be debatable. City Attorney Flitner said it seemed to
him that if Council desires to allow the various bingo games, it would
be better to amend the ordinance so there is no misunderstanding
regarding such specifics.
Further discussion followed during which Council made comparisons with
the requirements for 4th of July fireworks stands and the possibility
of card rooms in the near future which could further complicate the
wording of the ordinance. Council concluded that Council Committee
Member Hopkins and Eck should meet with staff and Bingo
representatives at the meeting scheduled this week on Thursday,
September 24th at 6:00 p.m. in efforts to resolve the matter. The
ordinance should also be reviewed by City Attorney for clarity of
meaning regarding the word "shall ".
4) Update on State budget impacts - City Manager Netter said this
item was reviewed during the Budget Work Session immediately preceding
tonight's Council meeting.
5) David Nelson, Eagle Scout, cleanup project - City Manager Netter
referenced copies provided to Council of staff report dated September
4, 1992 from Department of Public Works regarding recent efforts of
David Nelson, Eagle Scout candidate from Troop 101 to organize a creek
cleanup project for Copeland Creek from the High School to City Hall.
Mr. Netter said staff recommends sending a letter to Eagle Scout
Nelson over the Mayor's signature expressing appreciation for this
commendable effort. Council concurred.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (11) September 22, 1992
6) Mayor Spiro referenced her concerns expressed at the previous
Council meeting regarding red lights on the inside window of patrol
cars, and asked if Chief Dennett could report on this matter. Chief
Dennett responded that the lights on the windshield are CHIP approved,
that there are only four lieutenants with such lights, and that the
standard rule regarding the sound of a siren is to pull over to the
curb and stop. Councilman Reilly commented that sometimes siren
vehicles come up to a person on the right and, therefore, the visual
site of the red light is necessary at such times.
7) City Manager Netter said some work is being done on the #1 tee at
the golf course pertaining to drainage and it would be a good time to
get started on the City's part of necessary work at that location.
He said this project was a commitment to the golf course by former
City Manager Peter Callinan. He asked for Council's concurrence to
proceed with the golf course work and approval of approximately
$35,000 from set aside funds. Discussion followed during which
Council concurred to complete this project but said this matter should
be placed on the next Council agenda for consideration.
8) Milt Hudis Dedication - City Manager Netter asked if Council
desired to consider Magnolia park dedication on behalf of Milt Hudis,
who recently passed away. Mr. Hudis engineered the drainage on many
of the parks for the City of Rohnert Park and did much of the
engineering work for the City. Council comments included that Mr.
Hudis was also the first City Engineer for the City. City Manager
Netter indicated that a nice statement would be added to the plaque in
memory of Milt Hudis.
A motion was made by Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman Eck,
and unanimously approved, for staff to proceed with necessary
preparations for Magnolia park dedication in memory of Milt Hudis.
9) City Manager Netter reviewed results of recent survey regarding
the appreciation affair(s) for City commissions, employees and
volunteers, with the conclusion that the majority prefer the formal
occasion but would like consideration given to putting it back in the
Community Center. Since the Community Center is too small to have
everybody at one affair, it would still be necessary to have separate
occasions for employees and commissioners. The space might still be
questionable for all City employees and volunteers, so consideration
could be given to including certain volunteers (such as fire fighters,
police dispatchers, etc.) with commissions, which would save money as
compared to having a third appreciation affair for volunteers. City
Manager Netter responded to various Council questions and said
bringing it back to the Community Center could possibly lower the
costs. Other scenarios have also been considered, such as using
the gym for a sock hop type of occasion since the protective
requirements of the gym floor would include people wearing white soled
tennis shoes or socks.
Discussion followed during which Council comments included the need to
consider budget concerns with encouragement for City Manager to meet
with Employees' Committee to work out details. Councilman Hopkins
expressed preference to have the occasion at the Red Lion Inn and said
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (12) September 22, 1992
the displeasure with the meal at last year's event was unfortunate,
but that would probably not be the case for future events. Mayor
Spiro expressed concern that volunteers might prefer attending an
affair with their co- workers as compared to being included with
commissioners. Councilman Eck expressed preference to having one
appreciation affair.
City Attorney's Report:
1) Centex v. City of Vallejo - City Attorney Flitner referenced
copies provided to Council of letter dated September 3, 1992 from
City of Vallejo requesting support in the amicus brief regarding
Centex v. City of Vallejo. He shared contents therein explaining the
significance of provisions allowing cities to impose development fees.
City Attorney Flitner said joining this amicus brief would be no cost
to the City and recommended same as it is hard to find reasonable
sources of funding for cities.
A motion was made by Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman Eck,
and unanimously approved, to join the amicus brief pertaining to
Centex v. City of Vallejo as requested.
2) City Attorney Flitner reviewed the Kathleen Cox accident related to
a falling tree. He said the case was recently dismissed and explained
the three year timeframe pertaining to papers served. W. Flitner
said the timeframe for this case has been 2 years and 11 months,
therefore, the dismissal should be final.
3) City Attorney Flitner reviewed Roberts case regarding property by
Willis Avenue and abandonment of public right of way. W. Flitner
said he expected settlement this evening with the agreement to install
the roadway. He said the City is not that involved with the
private factor, but thought the City has done all it can do regarding
the matter. City Attorney said the intention now is to get their
answer on file and, hopefully, they will agree to the settlement. He
recommended Council approval for City Attorney to give notice to have
said agreement by next Council meeting. Council agreed.
Matters from Council:
1) City Manager Netter advised that the retirement dinner for
Councilman Hopkins has been scheduled for Friday, November 13, 1992 at
the Rohnert Park Community Center. Discussion followed.
2) Mayor Spiro said she would like the City to start requiring a
P. G. & E. representative to provide an explanation for outages at
each Council meetings following same for purposes of accountability.
Discussion followed.
Bill Adams, 762 Bret Avenue, responded from the audience that he
worked for the Public Utilities Commission for 22 years and explained
tariffs for planned outages with requirement to give notice.
Otherwise, if accidental outages occur, notice is not possible.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (13) September 22, 1992
3) City Manager Netter referenced notice dated September 14, 1992
from County Board of Supervisors that the City Selection Committee
will hold a special meting on October 8, 1992 regarding Local Agency
Formation Commission appointment. He asked if Council desired to make
a recommendation for said appointment. Mayor Spiro signified her
interest in same.
A motion was made by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, recommending Mayor Spiro be the
designated alternate appointment to the Local Agency Formation
Commission.
Unscheduled
Public Mayor Spiro asked if anyone in the audience wished to make an
Appearances appearance at this time.
Adjournment Mayor Spiro adjourned the meting at approximately 9:00 p.m.
De y Cit Cler Mayor