1993/02/09 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes
February 9, 1993
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in regular
session com encing at 6:00 p.m. in the City Offices, 6750 Connerce
Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Hollingsworth presiding.
CALL TO ORDER -Mayor Hollingsworth called the regular session to order at
approximately 6:33 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance.
Mayor Hollingsworth advised that a closed session commenced this
evening at 6:00 p.m. to discuss personnel matters and litigation
matters. He said no action was taken and there was nothing to report
at this time.
ROLL CALL Present: (5) Councilmembers Eck, Gallagher, Reilly, Spiro and
Mayor Hollingsworth
Absent: (0) None
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Netter,
Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust, Finance Director Harrow,
and Assistant to the City Manager Leivo.
Mayor Hollingsworth reported that City Attorney Flitner is ill with
high fever and will not be present for tonight's meeting and any
matter that needs legal opinion will be deferred.
Approval Councilmember Spiro stated she wished to make a correction on the
of bottom of page 22, last sentence, second to the last line "in the same
Minutes editorial ". It was not the same editorial; it was a different paper.*
Councilmember Gallagher concurred.
CORRECTION from 2/23/93 Council meeting: This was another editorial of a different date in
the same paper, Upon motion by Councilmember Eck, seconded by Councilmember Reilly,
specifically,the the minutes of January 26, 1993 were unanimously approved as amended.
Press Democrat.
Councilman Eck remarked that the minutes are getting too long and
suggested that reporting be more to the discussion on action items.
Mayor Hollingsworth agreed with Councilman Eck and suggested that if
anyone wished to be quoted verbatim, that the speaker say "for the
record ". Councilman Eck also indicated that the video tapes are
available for review by interested individuals.
Approval Councilmember Spiro stated she had a question on page 6 why the pay -
of ment on Invoice No. 52505 to an out of Rohnert Park company was a lot
Bills larger than Invoice No. 52520 to a Rohnert Park company. City Manager
Netter stated he will look into it.
Upon motion by Councilmember Eck, seconded by Councilmember Gallagher,
the bills presented per the attached list in the amount of
$949,513.59 were unanimously approved.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (2) February 9, 1993
Non - agendaed Mayor Hollingsworth queried if any Councilmember had any non - agendaed
matters items to add to the agenda.
Councilmembers Eck and Gallagher said they had one miscellaneous item
to add.
City Manager Netter said he also had a few items.
Unscheduled Mayor Hollingsworth stated that in compliance with State Law (The
Public Brown Act), anyone in the audience who wished to make a comment may do
Appearances so at this time, and/or wait to speak on agenda items as scheduled.
In most cases, under legislation of the 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.
Jon Krencicki, 1170 Cielo Circle, was recognized and stated he is in 8th grade at
the Rohnert Park Junior High and would like to find a solution to a
problem that started last November 19, 1992 when a letter was received
from Planning Director Skanchy that their next door neighbor ladies
consider his practicing his drums a nuisance. Since November, they
have attempted to satisfy the wants of these ladies by padding his
room with foam rubber, padded his drums, moving his drum set daily to
the family room. He practices for about an hour between the hours of
3:00 and 6:00 p.m. and last February 4th, the ladies called the police
and an official report was made. His parents have had numerous
correspondence and conversations with City officials and the police
but no one seems to know how to resolve this issue. His question is:
can he legally play and practice his drums at a reasonable time of day
at a reasonable length of time and he would like the City Council to
direct proper officials to arrive at a fair and reasonable conclusion
to this unsettling situation.
Councilman Eck suggested getting a decibel reading outside. Jon
stated that they have done this and got a reading of 45 decibel which
is below the legal 55 decibel reading allowed. City Manager Netter
stated he has seen correspondence exchanged with staff regarding this
situation and it seems the family has done everything within reason to
address the sound. Mayor Hollingsworth directed City Manager Netter
to follow up and inform Public Safety if they receive a phone call
from the neighbors to respond appropriately.
Keith Hallock, 1500 Baumgardner, was recognized and informed the Council that he had
an incident with Planning Director Skanchy yesterday when he asked Nt.
Skanchy for information and basically, Mr. Skanchy started swearing at
him and yelling at him and would like an apology and that Council see
that that type of action does not come from a public employee again.
Mayor Hollingsworth stated Mr. Hallock had reported the incident to
him and unfortunately, Mr. Skanchy was not present at tonight's
meeting and Mr. Hallock indicated that the information being asked for
was not City business. City Manager Netter stated he had talked to
Mr. Skanchy and that is why Mr. Skanchy reacted the way he did because
the question was a personal matter.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (3) February 9, 1993
Mr. Hallock also stated that in conjunction with notarized documents
he was requesting from Mayor Hollingsworth and Patricia Leslie who was
his employee at that time, he has a formal letter to both of them.
He quoted from the code that if a person does not deliver to the
County Clerk the notarial documents requested within 30 days,, the
person is guilty of misdemeanor and shall be personally liable for
damages to the person injured by such action or inaction. He then
handed the letter to Mayor Hollingsworth who directed City Manager
Netter to forward same to City Attorney Flitner.
Charles Krencicki, 1170 Cielo Circle, was recognized and stated that he spoke with
Planning Director Skanchy many times about the problems of his son
playing his drum and W. Skanchy was always very gracious on the
phone and always available to talk on the phone.
Jim Clark, 80 Walnut Circle, was recognized and addressed an article that appeared
in the Empire News "Councilwoman Vows to Pursue Conflict Charge ".
This is a sad state of affairs and he was referring to the Mike
M.tl1ins case. If Mike Millins is guilty of conflict of interest,
fine. But if he isn't, how are we going to get him out of it? With
headlines like that, how do you expect to get anybody to serve on
those commissions if you are going to tear them to pieces,
particularly their character. Mr. Clark stated he thinks Mr. Mullins'
character has been destroyed and he has known W. Mullins for 16
years. Mr. Clark commissioned the Mayor to do everything within his
power to see if this kind of thing can be stopped because he does not
think it is fair to anybody in this City.
Mayor Hollingsworth responded that those people who think that people
are doing something wrong, they ought to present those things to the
proper authorities and let the authorities take care of them. To make
innuendoes, meeting after meeting, is totally inappropriate and we
have to stop it at the Council level.
John Hudson was recognized and stated he wished to speak during the discussion of
the Grand Jury report.
George Horvaedel „ 7669 Camino Colegio, was recognized and stated he wished to speak
about Mike Mullins in a different manner. To him, to serve on the
commission is an honor and a trust. Anybody serving on the commission
should resign when he /she runs out of fresh ideas; cannot do the
necessary homework to be an effective representative of the group;
cannot live within the accepted expectations of society norms; or if
the person who appointed him/her resigned or was not re- elected. It
is unfortunate that a new City Council person has to ask for a
resignation of an appointee of a previous City Councilmember. It is
doubly unfortunate that the individual would refuse to resign. He is
on the commission because of a loophole, something that the
Councilmembers thought they had taken care of in the past. A loophole
may be legally correct but is commn sense wrong and he hopes that Mr.
Mullins would reconsider and offer his resignation for the good of the
City.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (4) February 9, 1993
C O N S E N T C A L E N D A R
Mayor Hollingsworth 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 REJECTING
No. 93 -12 THE CLAIM OF JESSIE AGUILAR
Resolution RESOLUTION APPROVING UPDATED JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY
No. 93 -13 SERVICES COMiAmER (POLICE CM PIMER) AND PUBLIC SAFETY FIRE SERVICES
CO44,NDER ( FIRE C0144NDER )
Resolution A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
No. 93 -14 AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A LEASE AGREfEJT WITH THE SONOMA COUNTY
FAMILY YMCA AND THE ROHNERT PARK SOCCER LEAGUE FOR USE OF THE BUILDING
LOCATED AT 7450 SANTA BARBARA DRIVE (the Benicia Recreation Center
Building)
Resolution A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE LEASE AGREEMC BETWEEN THE CRANE NELON
No. 93 -15 FESTIVAL, INC. AND THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK PERTAINING TO THE
TEMPORARY USE OF CERTAIN LAND OWNED BY THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
Upon motion of Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilmember Gallagher,
the Consent Calendar as outlined on the meeting's agenda was
unanimously approved.
Monte Vista School request for installation of a stop sign at Mattice and Mitchell:
City Manager Netter referred to his Council Meeting Memo dated
February 4, 1993 for explanation. Discussion followed on who will be
responsible for putting the portable stop signs, concern that people
are not used to the temporary stop sign, Caltran's policy of generally
not recommending portable stop signs, and having crossing guards
instead of the Stop signs.
City Manager Netter reported on a volunteer at Hahn School through PSA
program and he approved this person wearing a uniform for traffic
control. The only complaint he received is why is there an officer
only in one school and not in the other schools and asked the Council
if the City could pay for the volunteer's workman's comp so adults can
do traffic control instead of the temporary stop signs.
More discussion followed during which Councilman Eck suggested to put
this matter on the agenda for discussion at the joint meeting with the-
School District. The Council also directed that the volunteer at Hahn
School not wear his uniform so the City cannot get exposed to any
liability.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (5) February 9, 1993
Scheduled Public Appearances
Jenny Payne, 4359 Fairway Drive, and Danielle Slanina, 5551 Daniel Drive, were
recognized and discussed the need for a Teen Center in Rohnert Park.
There is a lack of place for teens to socialize without the pressure
of drugs or alcohol and gave uses for the Center during the day and at
night and gave reasons why this facility should be built.
Discussion followed on going through Comrunity Outreach, dig out the
Youth Comnission bylaws, have an adult or a faculty member chair this
effort because students come and go and interest fluctuates with the
enthusiasm of the students cycling in, and how the Teen Center is in a
competitive mode because everyone is looking for facilities.
Councilman Reilly made the motion to approve the need for a Teen
Center in principle. Said motion was seconded by Councilmember Spiro
and unanimously approved.
Mayor Hollingsworth comrended the three young people who spoke before
the Council and asked them to stay involved and stay active and for
the 2 senior girls to meet with Councilmember Spiro to work out a
program and meet with ConT=ity Outreach (COYF) and come back to the
Council with some proposals.
Lew Kuehm, Founders Days Committee, was recognized after City Manager Netter
referred to the Committee's balance sheet and reconciliation statement
and the Committee's specific request, which is staff's recomrendation,
for the Council to waive repayment of the $5,000 seed money. This was
based on the fact that the 4th of July celebration caused the regular
Founders Day event to contribute its surplus. Otherwise, the
Committee would have been able to pay the majority of the seed money.
Mr. Kuehm stated this year the July 4th committee will be separated
from the Founders Day committee and there are promotions in the works
to raise funds.
Discussion followed after which Councilman. Eck stated there is a need
for tradition and made the motion to accept staff's recomrendation and
keep the tradition alive. Councilmember Spiro stated she was
seconding the motion with a friendly amendment for future events such
as the fireworks that the committee ask for donation from people
watching the fireworks. Notion passed unanimously.
Jan White, President, Boys & Girls Club of Rohnert Park, was recognized and stated
she wished to address the young girls that the Teen Center is part of
what they are offering and they can work things out with them to have
a place to suit their needs under the umbrella of Boys and Girls Club.
She then referred to the letter sent requesting distribution with the
City's March utility billing a mailing to ask for donation.
Discussion followed after which Councilman Eck made the motion to
authorize placement of the flyer with the utility billing. Said
motion was seconded by Councilmember Gallagher and unanimously
approved.
In response to Councilmember Spiro's query, Ms. White stated that Nt.
Condiotti thus far is the largest contributor and the Club also
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (6) February 9, 1993
received substantial amounts from Jimmie and Joyce Rogers and Don
Davis and the Club is grateful for their response to the needs of the
connun.i ty .
Rancho Cotate High School "Spirit Leaders" request for funds to travel to
competition in Anaheim:
City Manager Netter referred to his Council Meeting Memo dated
February 4, 1993 for explanation and stated that Parks & Recreation
Comnission voted 2 -2 on the matter.
Karen W- Gregor, 845 Bernadette, was recognized and stated she had an
updated cost summary and asked for travel expenses to Anaheim for the
cheerleaders.
Discussion followed after which Councilman Eck made the motion to
authorize and donate the same amount ($660) as last year's.
Councilmember Gallagher asked if the donation could be raised to $800.
More discussion followed and the original motion, seconded by
Councilmen ber Gallagher, was unanimously approved for the donation of
$660.00.
Councilmember Spiro asked Mrs. NbGregor if she would bring back a
video after they get back.
Ordinance AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK AMENDING CHAPTER 2.24
No. 572 (CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION); CHAPTER 2.32 (PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION); AND CHAPTER 17.60 (PLANNING COMvUSSION) OF THE ROHNERT
PARK M- VICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERW OF OFFICE OF APPOINTIVE
W�SERS OF THE CULTURAL ARTS CONMISSION, THE RECREATION AND PARKS
M44ESSION AND THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO COINCIDE WITH THE TER1v6 OF
THE C"CILPERSON NOMINATING THEM FOR APPOINTNM.
City Manager Netter referred to his Council Meeting Memo dated
February 4, 1993 for explanation and stated that a public hearing has
been scheduled on this matter as recommended by the Council.
Mayor Hollingsworth opened the public hearing at approximately 7:27
p.m. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Hollingsworth closed
the public hearing at approximately 7:28 p.m.
Upon motion of Councilmember Spiro, and seconded by Councilman Eck,
adoption of Ordinance No. 572 was unanimously approved.
Sister Cities Committee: City Manager Netter referred to his Council Meeting Nbmo
dated February 4, 1993 and initiated discussion on whether it was
Council's wish to leave Sister Cities Committee "at large ". After a
short discussion, Council consensus was for City NHnager Netter to get
the minutes and leave Sister Cities Committee at large and amend the
resolution to allow for same.
Councilman Eck stated the wording on the resolution should be changed
to "nominated" because Councilmembers do not appoint and the Council's
policy is to rotate nomination.
Bay Area Air Quality Management District - Trip Reduction Ordinance
City Manager Netter referred to his Council Meeting Memo dated
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (7) February 9, 1993
RECESS
February 4, 1993 for explanation and requested Director of Public
Works /City Engineer Brust to explain further details. Mr. Brust
stated he recommended not to implement the ordinance and let Air
Quality handle and implement their own ordinance throughout the City
because of its complicated format in implementing their ordinance and
this is another non - funded mandate.
Discussion followed after which Councilmember Gallagher made the
motion to accept staff's recommendation. Said motion was seconded by
Councilman Eck and unanimously approved.
Mayor Hollingsworth declared a recess at approximately 7:35 p.m.
Mayor Hollingsworth reconvened the Council meeting at approximately
7:45 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Public Agency rates for garbage service
City Manager Netter referred to his Council Meeting Memo dated
February 4, 1993 and supplemental report for explanation and City
Attorney Flitner's memo dated February 4, 1993 which outlined legal
status.
Finance Director Harrow was recognized and outlined different
advantages of an exclusive franchise and the City's different options.
Discussion followed on the outcome of the Garbage Committee's meeting
and Councilmember Gallagher stated she finds it inappropriate to
discuss legal matters without the City Attorney.
More discussion followed during which Councilman Eck suggested that
the City sit down with the School Board to discuss why we need a
franchise fee and if the School Board is saving money at the expense
of the City's franchise fee, the City should be upfront about it, but
until we know what they are thinking about, how are we going to
negotiate?
Kevin Wohlbridge, 409 Hatteras Court, Empire Waste Management
representative, was recognized and stated there is some State
precedent and the cities have the right to control solid waste within
its boundaries. This is not the first School District that has done
this. Because of the budget crisis, everyone is trying to save money
and these items have been negotiated out of court.
More discussion followed after which Mayor Hollingsworth authorized
City Manager Netter to meet and negotiate with the School District and
come back to the Council with recommendations. The Council Garbage
Committee could join in the meeting if desired. The Council
concurred.
Transportation Matters:
1. SCTA - City Manager Netter referred to his Council Maeting memo dated February
4, 1993 and City Engineer's Brust memorandum dated February 3, 1993
regarding comprehensive list of ISTEA projects and improvements
regarding Highway 101 /Expressway interchange for STP funding. City
Brust stated he would like to take the list to the Techical Advisory
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (8) February 9, 1993
Committee workshop during the SCTA meeting on February 11 for the
projects to be graded according to MPC criteria.
Councilmember Spiro stated she has had requests from citizens for a
shelter, like the bus stop shelters, at where Airport Express loads
and unloads passengers. City Engineer Brust replied the shelters are
under construction.
Howard Boggs asked if this list shouldn't have any public input rather
than just staff. Mayor Hollingsworth stated he will entertain any
public input after Council and staff discussion.
Councilman Reilly asked which of the lists is "guaranteed" to which
City Engineer Brust replied that the list is guaranteed only if it
meets with MTC criteria of traffic congestion relief, air quality,
etc.
Councilman Eck asked if Bicycle Advisory Committee has gone over #2 to
#6 of the list. City Engineer Brust replied that BAC came up with a
priority list that will be given to the City Council at its next
meeting. Councilman Eck stated he wants to see the BAC priority list.
Mayor Hollingsworth read to the audience the projects on both lists.
Jake Mackenzie, 1536 Gladstone Way, Chairperson for BAC, was
recognized and stated that the priority list BAC reviewed is for TDA
Section 3 funding which is not under discussion tonight. BAC has not
looked at the ISTEA list being discussed. TDA is a much smaller pot.
Councilman Eck stated if MTC criteria is met, then that would free up
TDA funds for other projects.
Linda Branscomb was recognized and stated that in response to Mr.
Bogg's comment about public input, TAC and SCTA meetings are open to
the public and perhaps the date and time of such meetings can be
posted to inform the public.
Councilmember Spiro made the motion to approve the lists and for City
Engineer Brust to take them to the SCTA meeting. Said motion was
seconded by Councilmernber Gallagher and unanimously approved.
2. Preliminary meetings on transportation /traffic problems on US Hwy. 101: City
Manager Netter stated this item is for information only. He wanted
the Council to know that meetings have been called with
representatives of local businesses and government which included Dan
Condron, Hewlett Packard; Maureen Middlebrook, PG&E; Keith Woods,
Santa Rosa Chamber; Tim Smith, County Board of Supervisors; Ken
Blackman, Santa Rosa City Manager, and City Manager Netter. A
brainstorming session was held on where we go with transportation and
traffic, testing the waters again what should happen with sales tax
initiative, gas tax, etc. The first meeting was about transportation
versus traffic, regional transportation versus Hwy. 101 traffic
congestion problem. This matter will eventually surface at the
Mayor's and Councilmen's Association.
3. Two additional memos from City Engineer Brust regarding League of Cities "Jump
Start" projects to get public works projects moving and the U.S.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (9) February 9, 1993
Conference of Mayors "Ready to Go" projects - high priority projects
that we have on line. About 18 months ago, we sent our list but
nothing came out of it. Hopefully, something will come out of these.
Extension of Bodway Parkway to Valley House Drive: City Manager Netter referred to
his Council Meeting Memo dated February 4, 1993 for explanation and
stated that we are waiting to hear from Hewlett Packard. City
Engineer Brust reported that he talked to Mr. Tom McKelvey yesterday
who indicated that he received Mr. Brust's letter and indicated that
he felt that summer of 1993 as construction date for completion of
Bodway is reasonable assuming that the project of the sale of their
property comes together. Mr. Brust told Mr. McKelvey to respond in
writing with a firm schedule and construction timetable. Mayor
Hollingsworth asked staff to keep pressing so that Hewlett Packard
will fulfill their commitment to build the road which has nothing to
do with the tie -in with the sale of their property.
Cable TV: Mayor Hollingsworth stated that since this is a media matter, and the
Council is sometimes critical of Press Democrat, he would
like to thank the Press Democrat for making us look good by telling
the truth in writing the article on sales tax to the City and thanked
Mike McCoy who was in the audience for writing the article.
City Manager Netter referred to his Council Meeting Memo dated
February 4, 1993 for explanation and stated a letter was received from
Kiltivision dated February 5, 1993 and he also reported on his phone
conversation with Fran Parkey and suggested that because regulations
are still incomplete to table this matter and brought this up for
Council information only.
Discussion followed during which Councilmember Spiro stated the
information W. Netter received from Mrs. Parkey is different from the
information she received from the company and asked W. Netter to look
into it. Councilmember Spiro also stated that citizens should not pay
the $59 charge to switch if they have been misinformed. City Manager
Netter stated his experience with maltivision has been that they are
responsive to give credits or refunds to correct their errors.
Bingo matters:
1. T's Academy's fees - City Manager Netter referred to his Council Meeting
Nbmo dated February 4, 1993 regarding the letter received from Rev.
Sam Tharpe. Mayor Hollingsworth made the motion to accept the
proposed payment plan. Said motion was seconded by Councilmember
Spiro and unanimously approved. Councilmember Spiro asked Rev. Rev.
Tharpe if it is true that he is leaving town.
Rev. Sam Tharpe, 407 Snyder Lane, was recognized and stated that he is
still contemplating because he has people who are now willing to build
them a place and it is nice to be asked but he is still contemplating.
Councilmember Spiro and Mayor Hollingsworth wished Rev. Tharpe well
and asked him to stay because he is doing a good job.
2. Bingo audit update - City Manager Netter stated that the report from the
Accountant /Auditor was received late and asked to defer this matter to
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (10) February 9, 1993
the next Council meeting. The Council con ed.
Grand Jury Report: City Manager Netter referred to his Council Meeting Nbmo dated
February 4, 1993 and stated that he had a discussion with the District
Attorney's office because he wanted to know what authority the Grand
Jury has. There seems to be a misconception that the Grand Jury is a
part of the District Attorney's office and it is not. They are a
separate group of citizens addressing complaints of other residents.
They get consultation from the District Attorney's office or the City
Counsel's if they request it. They are not a branch of the criminal
justice system and do not investigate criminal activities but the
District Attorney's office can use their information to investigate on
their own if there is something that the District Attorney's office
would like to pursue.
Mayor Hollingsworth stated he felt the list of responses was
appropriate and discussion followed on setting up Council workshop to
draft the response. Consensus was to meet at 5:00 p.m. on February
23, 1993 prior to the City Council meeting.
John Hudson, 399 Bonnie, was recognized and stated there are two evils
cited by the Grand Jury - proposed annexation and favoritism. His
criticism of the Grand Jury report is that it did not get into the
cause of favoritism and stated there are two rational causes: if the
person who is the favorite has really, really good friends i high
places; and bribery. The nature of bribery is it will always be
undiscovered unless the person who is suspected of bribery is under
surveillance and is seen taking the money, incriminating documents are
found, or if the suspect confesses, and the Grand Jury does not have
this evidence and is unable to pinpoint the cause of favoritism. He
would like to see the City Council, in its response, discuss their
personal relationships with Jimmie Rogers and those on the Council who
favored his projects so that the possibility of bribery is negated.
If the government of the City of Rohnert Park is to regain the respect
of the public and its legitimacy, he thinks it is required. He thinks
a short letter to the Grand Jury is insufficient and there should be a
public hearing as to why there was favoritism towards Jimmie Rogers.
Keith Hallock asked if he could get a copy of the City Attorney's
response. Mayor Hollingsworth stated it is public information.
Assistant to City Manager Leivo left the chambers to make a copy of
the response for Mr. Hallock.
Communications: PG&E - Councilmember Spiro stated she would like PG&E to be more
aware when there are outages in Rohnert Park and if PG&E writes a
letter to explain each time there was an outage that she hears of,
they will be aware that is a problem in Rohnert Park.
Councilman Eck stated he would prefer the method of how it happened.
Dave LeFevre, PG&E representative, was recognized and stated that most
outages have been storm related. A letter written for each outage
will not necessarily tell what is going on on a daily basis and it is
a lot of extra work and that it would be fair if all other utility
companies be required to do the same and he feels that PG&E is being
singled out and that a quarterly report would be more meaningful.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (11) February 9, 1993
Councilman Reilly agreed with Mr. LeFevre's statement and made the
motion to have PG&E write a quarterly report. Councilman Eck stated
at the time they voted on PG&E writing a letter each time there was an
outage, it seemed like a good idea but he does not think so any longer
and seconded the motion which passed on a majority vote.
City Manager's Report:
1. Rohnert Park Cultural Arts Corporation name changed to " Rohnert Park Association
for the Arts" - City Manager Netter stated that revised bylaws being
worked on with the Committee will be submitted for the Council's
review.
2. National Figure Skating Championships event to possibly be held at Red Lion
Hotel - City Manager Netter reported that Mayor Hollingsworth will be
meeting with the group and the championship should be a nice event.
3. County Reorganization Project - includes SCWA - City Manager Netter referred to
City Engineer Brunt's memo on the County looking at consolidation.
City Engineer Brust reported he met with other representatives from
other cities and one concern is that the County may take some control
on SCWA's land use regulations to provide water supply in a timely
fashion. SCWA is concerned that the exenption will be pre -enpted by
County environmental groups. City Manager Netter reported he talked
to Tom Schopflin who said that the consolidation will be in
administrative and technical functions. City Engineer Brust stated he
just received a fax on a list of questions on the problems of
consolidation which will be discussed at a public hearing.
4. Lease agreement with School District - new middle school - City Manager Netter
reported he talked to School Superintendent Buster to put together a
draft agreement for the new middle school. There is a "handshake"
agreement that the City will provide police, water, sewer and fire
services, and maybe trash service also. Staff will provide the basic
conditions and then the School District will complete a draft for
City's review.
5. Mobile Home purchase program - City Manager Netter reported that he and Finance
Director Harrow have met with the Bond Underwriters. We have given
them information on the bonding program that we have researched and
they are coming back with different options and proposals. Staff will
work on hypothetical situations based on the Capitola model and will
have a preliminary report to give to the Council committee in about 2
weeks.
6. Length of minutes have been covered earlier in Approval of the Minutes.
7. City Manager Netter referred to map on display and stated he will be working
with City Engineer Brust to get a legal description to put together a
quit claim deed to be eliminated from the lease which is approximately
3 acres which could be designated for a Japanese garden. Mayor
Hollingsworth stated he and Councilman Eck attended the Japanese
Festival over the weekend and it was indicated to them that they wish
to put the garden inside the atrium at the Community Center. City
Manager Netter stated that preliminary discussions with American Golf
indicated they have no problem and the main thing is to get it out of
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (12) February 9, 1993
the lease and the Council can decide what to do with it.
8. City Manager Netter reported that the last CPI salary adjustment for all City
employees was made on February 1st in accordance with the Memorandum
of Agreements and Outline of Benefits for non - represented employees.
This concludes the 4 -year agreements with the employee groups which
are scheduled to expire June 30, 1993. City Manager Netter is
currently meeting with representatives and working on negotiations of
the new agreements.
City Attorney's Report - Due to City Attorney's absence, all items have been
deferred to the next Council meeting.
Matters from/for Council:
1. Report on League of California Cities "Land Use Planning" session at League
conference in San Francisco: Councilmember Spiro reported on the
session she attended. She suggested to have an economic conference in
Rohnert Park and suggested to have one of the speakers come to Rohnert
Park to speak about land use planning in Rohnert Park to give
Councilmembers ideas instead of sticking to personal stands about
issues which will not be beneficial to the City either way. She was
impressed with a financial chart analyzing 10 -year history of the cost
of services, factoring out inflation, population growth and level of
services, and projected 20 years forward.
2. United Way: Councilmember Spiro stated she has a problem with the City
collecting for a particular charitable organization. Councilman Eck
stated he feels that it is still worthwhile to do and that the Council
directed staff to continue. Mayor Hollingsworth stated that the
Council cannot make the choice for the employees. City Manager Netter
reported that a flyer was enclosed with the employees' paychecks to
cut back on presentation time to staff. It was Council's consensus to
continue and not to change.
3. Mayors & Councilmembers Association Executive Board February 11th meeting:
Mayor Hollingsworth reported that he will be attending the meeting
with City Engineer Brust.
4. Water problem in R section - Councilman Eck referred to a letter regarding water
problem in the R section. City Engineer Brust stated that he has
been working with the homeowners and the home builder and that McBail
feels that the problems are related to grading and landscaping and
they indicated they want to be responsive but they do not want to deal
with homeowner's problems. City Engineer Brust stated he cannot do
mach more at the level that he can work at.
5. Policy of bicycles on sidewalks on busy thoroughfares - Councilman Eck stated he
would like to reaffirm that Council adopted a policy that officers
will not ticket bicyclists on sidewalks of busy thoroughfares and City
Manager Netter and City Engineer Brust stated it will brouqht up at
staff meeting.
6. Councilman Eck stated it is unfortunate that Mr.
Hallock
had
left because he
doesn't see why Mr. Leivo should get up
during
the
meeting to make
copies of any report. While we make sure
that we
are
serving the City
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (13) February 9, 1993
and the residents, Mr. Hallock can be told to pick up the copy during
office hours. Councilmember Gallagher concurred.
7. Counciln -e b r Gallagher reported on the session of the League of California
Cities conference she attended. She wished to address Councilman.
Reilly's suggestion to have a budget committee formed to educate the
public what hard choices the Council needs to make. She reported on
the videotape that the City of Davis made to explain to the conm.uzity.
Mayor Hollingsworth explained that he thinks that the Council does not
need to get involved with staff's time at the very beginning of
setting up a budget. When staff gives the Council some concrete
figures, that is the time to sit down and discuss the budget but he
does not want to sit down with Finance Director Harrow, City Engineer
Brust, and City Manager Netter in detailing what they are going to do.
That is what they are getting paid for.
Councilmember Reilly agreed with Mayor Hollingsworth but he felt that
if neighborhood meetings were held to inform residents about
assessment districts, it won't be a shock. Councilman Eck stated
that because there is a new Councilmember, it would be an advantage to
educate some leaders and for residents to get used to the idea.
8. Councilmember Gallagher reported that she spent 3 days in Sacramento to lobby
for children's issues. There are 27 new members and the senior
members are overwhelmed. They are considering revisiting Proposition
13.
9. Councilmember Gallagher reported she attended Self- esteem Task Force and was
at the right place at the right time and got invited to the signing of
the proclamation by the Governor declaring February to be "Self Esteem
Nbnth."
10. Councilm niDer Spiro inquired about the traffic signals and scooters coming
out of R section. City Engineer Brust stated they are working on new
traffic signal loops having special detectors near the crosswalk
sensitive enough to detect scooters and motorcycles.
11. Councilmember Spiro stated she would like staff to do an analysis of our
operating expenses, factoring out inflation, population increase and
level of services. Councilman Eck stated he would like to see first
what Councilmember Spiro is asking for and for her to come up with a
formula how to do it.
12. Mayor Hollingsworth stated he wished to pass on a letter he received about
residents asking when "M" Park will open. City Engineer Brust replied
the park will open in 30 to 45 days because of extreme problems with
the Contractor refusing to finish some items.
Adjournment Mayor Hollingsworth adjourned the meeting at approximately
9:33 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., February 23, 1993.
k*JI "
Deputy City Clerk Mayor