1998/07/28 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes
July 28, 1998
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in regular session commencing at
6:00 p.m. in the City Offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Linda
Spiro presiding.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Linda Spiro called the regular session to order at approximately 6:30
p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL: Present: (5) Councilmembers Flores, Mackenzie, Reilly, Vidak - Martinez,
and Mayor Spiro
Absent: (0) None
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Netter, City Attorney Flitner,
Assistant City Manager Leivo, City Engineer Gaffney, Public Works Manager Stephens,
Finance Director Harrow, and Planning Director Schulenburg.
1. CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Linda Spiro reported on the closed session which commenced this
evening at 6:00 to discuss matters listed on the agenda attachment, representing an update,
with no action taken at this time.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Corrections to the previous meeting minutes were made by
Council and signified on original set of minutes.
CORRECTIONS: Councilmember Flores provided corrections on Page 9, spelling of Cale's name. The Sonoma -Merin Area
Rail Transit Program is the SMART acronym.
Upon motion by Councilmember Mackenzie, seconded by Councilmember Flores, the
minutes of July 14, 1998 were approved with four ayes and one abstention, by
Councilmember Reilly as submitted.
3. APPROVAL OF BILLS:
Upon motion by Councilmember Mackenzie, seconded by Vice -Mayor Vidak - Martinez,
City bills presented per the attached list in the amount of $1,674,849.35 were
unanimously approved.
4. ADDING INFORMATIONAL NON- AGENDAED MATTERS:
Mayor Spiro asked Councilmembers or staff if there were any non - agendaed informational
items to add to the agenda — Councilmember Mackenzie signified three items to add
regarding the Open Space Advisory Committee — Mayor Spiro signified three items under
Council report as well.
Ruhnert Park City Council Minutes (2) July 28, 1"8
5. YOUTH CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES from 1998 -99 Youth of the Year Program
Mayor Spiro introduced Youth Representatives Jessica Batacao, Senior, and Angela
Broaddus, Junior, who provided the youth report, as follows:
• Remodel of the new Administrative and Career Center offices will be done by August
17.
• Pictures will be taken August 25.
• School begins September 2, 1998
• The Interact Club participated in the Civil War Reenactment on July 18, but the event
was canceled on Sunday, July 19, due to the weather.
• California Department of Corrections will be hosting their games at the high school;
many students will be participating in the games along with the Rotary Club.
Mayor Spiro signified it would be advisable to alert citizens of Rohnert Park about the
CDC games, as it will have an impact on the city. There will be approximately 2500
participants, including families who will be attending.
Mayor Spiro requested staff install a microphone in time for the next Council meeting for
youth representatives. City Manger Netter explained this is in process and a microphone
has been ordered.
6. SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
1) Virginia Porter, City of Santa Rose re Water Conservation
On June 23, the City of Santa Rosa, as purveyor of the Laguna Treatment Plant, launched
a campaign to reduce indoor water use. This was triggered by the unusual weather
conditions of this year and extra storage in their reclamation ponds. This could be
problematic for Santa Rosa and the community served if the flow to treatment plant is not
decreased and the flow to irrigation is increased. They are seeing a reduction as a result of
this campaign, and are asking businesses, such as hotels and hospitals to participate as well,
that citizens take shorter showers or only flush when necessary. They have gotten a great
response thus far. Flyers are being sent out, as well as a radio campaign and print ad. Ms.
Porter requested flyers go out to all citizens, that businesses develop an employee business
plan and that everyone in community support campaign.
7. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES: Mayor Linda Spiro stated that in compliance with
State Law (The Brown Act), citizens wishing to make a comment may do so at this time
(limited to 3 -5 minutes per appearance with a 30 minute total time limit).
1) Dan Hubley, 135 Alma Avenue, shared his letter addressed to Council with regard to
Community Summit and Measure A. He hadn't heard comments since the Community
Summit and would like to see something in writing. He suggested possibly publishing
comments in the Voice or have a copy available to citizens. He would like to see the
process move forward for when something does come into process. He sees the
Councilmembers as visionaries, who could be leaders in this area. Councilmember Flores
advised that City Council would be moving in that direction.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (3) July 28.1998
2) John Hudson 399 Bonnie Avenue, shared his concerns regarding the Burbank Housing
proposal which is agendized on the Community Development Commission agenda. He
commented that he first took notice of the Burbank Housing project in 1991, that friends
had "looked into" the matter and that at the planning commission meeting on September
12, 1991, a negative declaration on the Burbank Housing Development Tower Apartments
on East Cotati Avenue was recorded, which was prior to the planning commission's action.
Mr. Hudson questions how this matter was handled and how the current project is
progressing. He is very concerned with the cost of units being constructed by Burbank
Housing.
3) Paul Baldocchi 7075 Sturtevant Drive, reported that the Canon Manor homeowners
received Options A & B from City Council and sub - committee. Canon Manor homeowners
overwhelmingly accepted Option B that allows them to keep roads closed. He thanked the
City Council, committee members, and city staff for their hard work. He is requesting that
a meeting be scheduled with Canon Manor representatives, City Council sub - committee
and the Board of Supervisors to finalize plans.
4) Dan McNamee 2154 Chester Drive, signified he is a homeowner at Canon Manor East.
He is concerned because of the amount of press concerning Canon Manor West that does
not include Canon Manor East and that they are one entity. He would like the discussion
to include both and that Canon Manor East be informed of any new developments.
Councilmember Flores commented he wasn't aware of problems with Canon Manor East.
Mr. McNamee stated there are septic and drainage problems due to the runoff from
Sonoma Mountain that runs onto Roberts Road and causes flooding. City Manager Netter
suggested that the County's Engineering Department be contacted for answers to those
particular drainage problems. Mayor Spiro also advised that he checks with the County
and that City staff checks property lines regarding the West and East sides.
Councilmember Flores recommended Mr. McNamee attend future meetings regarding
Canon Manor.
s. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Spiro asked if there were any questions regarding the matters on the Consent Calendar
which were explained in the City Manager's Council Meeting Memo.
Mayor Spiro reviewed the titles of the items listed on the Consent Calendar.
Acknowledging the City Manager /Clerk's report on the posting of the meeting's agenda
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (4) July 28, 1998
Resolution Nos:
98 -147 Approving Agreement with Northwestern Pacific Railroad Authority (Golf Course
Drive)
98 -148 Rejecting the Claim of Lauren Holman (re. alleged damage to car by fallen tree)
98 -149 Rejecting the Claim of Terry Braiker (re. bicycle accident allegedly caused by a deep
crack in road)
Ordinance No. 640 Amending the Rohnert Park Municipal Code, Title 2, Chapter 2.16.180,
Department of Public Safety – Volunteer Police Auxiliary.
Upon motion by Councilmember Flores, seconded by Councilmember Mackenzie, the
Consent Calendar, Items A through C as outlined on the meeting's agenda were
unanimously approved. Councilmember Mackenzie requested Item D be pulled for
further discussion.
ITEM D
Approval of Final Map, Honeybrook H, Subdivision
Councilmember Mackenzie commented he would need to further examine final subdivision
map before approving. He farther commented that he was disappointed with this
subdivision's connection with surrounding neighborhoods or lack thereof. He would
continue to remind Council regarding future projects to look at connectivity between cul-
de- sacs and other parts of "H" section and to keep looking at bicycle and walking
pathways. Discussion ensued regarding the name — Councilmembers were under the
impression it would be called Heavenly Way. City Engineer Gaffney assured
Councilmembers there were no conflicts with names, that it complied with the Planning
Commission and deferred name change issue to City Attorney. City Attorney Flitner
stated that Council has authority to change the name. Mayor Spiro signified there were 3
votes to change name. Upon motion by Councilmember Jake Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, with Councilmember Reilly "nay ", Item D of the Consent Calendar,
as outlined on the meeting's agenda was put on hold for further investigation of name
change. Discussion followed with Councilmember Flores stating his preference would be
in the form of a recommendation to change the name and Vice Mayor Vidak- Martinez
asked if it was too late to change name. Planning Director Schulenburg reported applicant
was given option to name the street that best fit the neighborhood, that's why street was
not named Heavenly Way. City Engineer Gaffney explained that the name would have to
be checked to ensure there is not another street with that name.
9. HOMELESS PREVENTION GROUP LETTER REQUESTING DONATION
Ralph Jones reviewed the letter requesting that the City donate a Summer Pool
Membership or Sports Center Membership for a raffle prize at their Golf Tournament on
August 21, 1998. City Manager Netter commented on the support the City has received
from the Homeless Prevention Group. This group formed in 1990 to prevent homelessness
46, Park City ou>r 25,:19
in the area and has granted 200 loans since. He further commented that the total cost of
the Summer Pool Membership and Sports Center Membership would cost approximately
$500. Discussion followed on publicizing the group. Mr. Jones commented that the group
has kept a low profile due to lack of funds and that the funds they do have would not go
very far if they advertised. Discussion concluded upon motion made by Councilmember
Flores, seconded by Vice Mayor Vidak - Martinez, and unanimously approved, that the
City provides a Sports Center Membership, Pool Membership and tickets to the
Performing Arts Center as raffle prizes, with the value not to exceed $550.
10. PRESENTATION BY COMMUNITY OUTREACH FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES
(COYF) COMMISSION -- Bernine Hudosh presented COYF's goals developed through a
strategic planning session. The goals are: 1) To establish a partnership between the Rohnert
Park Recreation Department and Cotati/Rohnert Park School District for usage of facilities
to create and offer an after - school recreation and enrichment program; 2) Rohnert Park
construct a recreation building at every park adjacent to a school site as follows: a) prioritize
sites needing buildings, b) research building costs, c) allocate funding for at least one building
per year, d) build the building; and 3) Establish communication between Rohnert Park and
needed agencies; and find a central location suitable to house all services. Councilmember
Flores commented that goal number one, referring to an after school program, is an excellent
idea; and with regard to goal number two, has the commission considered partnering with
schools using their facilities? He further commented that in Santa Rosa, programs like this
use school facilities. Mrs. Hudosh commented that many sites use portables in order for
programs like this to happen. Councilmember Flores stated that it would be put on the
Agenda for the 2 x 2 x 2 Committee Meeting this Friday. Some of the issues raised were:
*
C O R R E C T 10 N BELOW from 8/11/98 City Council meeting: Per Vice Mayor Vicld Vidal- .Martinez (addition underlined)
♦ Vice Mayor Vidak- Martinez commended COYF for developing goals. She also asked if
they had considered a youth and family component *to be added to the General Plan.
Also, what the next step was?
♦ Councilmember Mackenzie requested an explanation of what a recreation building was?
What would it include?
♦ Councilmember Mackenzie commented he would like to pursue goal #1 once Council
had heard back from committee —to present recommendations back to Council.
♦ Mayor Spiro questioned who would staff the building, as staffing may be an issue as
well as costs.
Lengthy discussion concluded upon motion made by Councilmember Reilly, seconded by
Council - member Flores, and unanimously approved, that City Council accept the report and
forward it to the City Manager and staff to develop recommendations for implementation for
Council's consideration.
11. 1998 -99 BUDGET
City Manager Netter reported that Councilmembers and Department Heads have had two
marathon budget work sessions, and that another session is scheduled for Friday, July 31.
He distributed an update to the proposed budget for Council's review and consideration.
He also reported Budget revenues and expenditures as explained on the update. He
recommended the formal public hearing be continued due to the additional session on
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (6) July 28,1998
Friday. A final report will be presented at the Budget session on Friday. Finance Director
Harrow addressed questions from Council regarding expenditures for city hall furnishings.
City Manager commented that the budget would be balanced by using revenues from
reserve retirement funds, and that Finance Director Harrow has prepared a Five -year
projection plan along with a `snapshot' of discussions thus far. Councilmember Flores
advised that if interested parties wanted to look at the 50 -page budget, they could come to
City Hall and check out a copy. Councilmember Reilly commended City Manager and his
staff on the work they've been doing. Vice Mayor Vidak- Martinez requested that the
$20,000 earmarked for marketers in the Performing Arts Center be brought back into the
budget proposal. Finance Director Harrow will add this item into the budget.
Councilmember Mackenzie commended the staff on taking a `team approach' this year; he
felt it was an excellent exchange of ideas and also thanked the management team for all
their hard work. Mayor Spiro also thanked the Department Heads for coming to the
Budget sessions as it gave Councilmembers an opportunity to have questions answered.
PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Spiro opened the public hearing at approximately 7:40 p.m.
1) Dave Hardy, 1418 Parkway Drive, commented that there were some concerns with the
maintenance along the bike paths. He further commented that some of the cracks are
really had. Councilmember Reilly advised Mr. Hardy that City staff does inspect the
bike paths on an on -going basis, that if Mr. Hardy knew of any specific places where
repair was needed, to call staff with a detailed description of where the crack is and it
would get fixed right away. Repairs like this do not have to wait for the Budget to be
passed. Councilmember Mackenzie stated he was appreciative that Mr. Hardy had
brought up this discussion, as it is a concern of his as well.
2) Lew Kuehm, 1406 Gregory Court, advised that he has been meeting with Public Works
Director Stephens about the Founder's Day set -up. He also advised Council that he
would be serving as Treasurer of that committee and that he had applied for a $1500
grant. Has this been approved? In the past the committee has been able to raise
$2000. City Manager Netter advised that nothing has been approved as yet, but that it
was under Council's consideration. Councilmember Mackenzie reported that the
Founder's Day is not operating the same as it has in the past, that the California Horse
Association is in charge of the parade and that the Building Bridges group is also
working on it. He also reported that someone has been requested to appear in front of
the Board of Supervisors on August 20, Public Works Manager Stephens volunteered
to attend.
There being no one further desiring to speak, Mayor Spiro *elesed continued the public
hearing at approximately 8:00 p.m.
*C O R R E C T 10 N ABOVE from 8/11/98 City Council meeting: Per Councilmember Reilly (deletion lined out/addition underlined)
RECESS: Mayor Linda Spiro declared a recess at approximately 8:00 p.m.
RECONVENE: Mayor Spiro reconvened the Council meeting at approximately 8:07 p.m. with all
Councilmembers present.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (7) July 28,1948
12. ORDINANCE REQUIRING BUDGET TO BE APPROVED BY 7 /1 /XX -- City Manager Netter
reported to Council that Rohnert Park is not a chartered city, therefore, not required to adopt
a budget by fiscal year beginning July 1 of a given year, that Council, if so desired, can
establish the rules. Vice Mayor Vidak - Martinez requested that this ordinance be *reselved
created and then approved for two reasons: 1) it is difficult for vendors or contractors who
have contracts with the City, and 2) there is so much difficulty getting together, given
vacation and summer schedules; she would like to have a budget consistent with fiscal year.
Discussion followed on developing timelines, meeting earlier in the year; maybe get a 6 -month
report in January. City Manager Netter reported Department Heads would move up their
calendars for budget discussions, before the vacation season, to come forth with a timely plan.
Councilmember Mackenzie made a motion to request that an ordinance be prepared
expressing Council's goal that a budget be in place by July 1 of a given calendar year. Vice
Mayor. Vidak- Martinez seconded it. Discussion followed with Councilmember Mackenzie
commented that timing of efforts, timelines and discussions should begin in January of the
calendar year, then discussions in May. Councilmember Flores stated that he would not
support an ordinance, but would support a resolution focused on a tentative budget. He also
commented that the goal is admirable. Councilmember Reilly stated he would not support an
ordinance but would support a stated goal given Councilmembers' vacation schedules. He
further commented that he sees responsibility from Council also —time should be set aside and
Council should meet whether it's Saturdays or late evenings. Mayor Spiro commented that in
the 12 years she has been on the City Council, the budget very seldom has been passed by July
1 and that the bills come in late June so there would be a problem with goals of the ordinance.
Discussion concluded with Councilmember Mackenzie making a motion to amend his
motion —that a resolution be drafted expressing the goals of City Council, seconded by Vice
Mayor Vidak- Martinez, and passing unanimously.
*C. O R R E C T 10 N ABOVE from 8/11/98 City Council meeting: Per Vice -Mayor Vidak - Martinez (deletion lined out/addition underlined)
RECESS: Mayor Linda Spiro declared a recess at approximately 8:20 p.m. to convene
the Community Development Commission of the City of Rohnert Park.
RECONVENE: Mayor Spiro reconvened the Council meeting at approximately 8:43 p.m.
with all Councilmembers present.
13. KRCB — CHANNEL 22, LAND AND TOWER -- City Manager Netter stated that he had received
a letter from Nancy Dobbs, President and CEO of KRCB, requesting City Council's consent
to a sublease between KRCB and Cellular One. City Manager read part of the letter regarding
the existing tower, specifically where it addresses the revenue generated by KRCB in the
amount of $650. Discussion followed on whether or not the City of Rohnert Park should
receive part of the revenue. Mayor Spiro stated for the record that she does support public
television, but did not support gifting of potential City revenues from leases since the City
requires this from everyone else; that it should also be done with KRCB. Vice Mayor Vidak -
Martinez made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Reilly, that the City would not object
to the lease and would write a letter to that effect to meet the 90 -day period under section 28
of the lease. The letter would also state that if KRCB -TV, Channel 22 should default on the
master lease, Cellular One must enter into a new lease with the City directly or with the new
tenant, unless the City waives that right in writing. It was also decided that City Manager
Netter and Council sub - committee would meet to develop recommendations on the lease
revenues or revenue sharing policy for Council's approval at a later meeting.
14. DRAFT SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM STRATEGIC PLAN
City Manager Netter previously provided Councilmembers a report of the draft Sonoma
County Tourism Strategic Plan that included the following concerns:
♦ The City of Rohnert Park must have permanent representation.
♦ Recommended representation from the cities involves `sr. leadership' that would
eliminate representation from the major hotel purveyors in the population centered cities.
City Manager Netter also recommended that the City transfer its allocation into the new
organization and monitor the program based on certain contingencies. A lengthy discussion
followed with concerns voiced by Councilmembers as follows:
♦ Councilmember Mackenzie stated he concurred with City Manager in that Rohnert Park
must permanent representation.
♦ Mayor Spiro stated for the record, that the *niaterrals finance charts provided to Council
for review were illegible, that she couldn't read the recommendations.
♦ Councilmember Reilly stated that a strong letter be sent and possibly send installments
rather than one lump sum.
♦ Vice Mayor Vidak - Martinez asked what other options were there?
*C O R R E C T 10 N ABOVE from 8111198 City Council meeting: Per Mayor Linda Spiro (deletion lined out/addition underlined)
Amer lengthy discussion, Council's consensus was that a STRONG letter should be sent
with the following:
♦ their concern regarding proper allocation of monies given and the services provided —a
reasonable formula must be developed, being fair to all contributing agencies;
s that it is important for the City of Rohnert Park to be a charter member of the newly
created tourism advisory council;
♦ that Rohnert Park must have permanent representation on the new advisory council;
e that the "101 corridor" should highlight all cities, including Rohnert Park, and other
cities; and
♦ the City would actively monitor the success of the newly formed organization.
City Manager will draft a letter to be sent to the Board of Supervisors and the Sonoma
County Economic Development Board.
15. CANON MANOR OPTIONS -- City Manager Netter previously provided Councilmembers a
final copy of the report prepared by the Canon Manor subcommittee and staff. City
Manager Netter outlined Options A and B for Councilmembers and stated that City
Engineer Gaffney and Planning Director Schulenburg would be available to answer
questions. Mr. Baldocchi clarified that Option B was chosen so roads would remain
closed. After lengthy discussion, Councilmember Mackenzie made a motion to ratify the
report and to formally report to Canon Manor property owners and request
Councilmembers be authorized to begin meeting with the appropriate parties and the Board
of Supervisors to discuss specific allocation emergency wastewater capacity from the Santa
Rosa subregional treatment plan and the formation of a County Assessment district.
Councilmember Reilly seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved including
Councilmember Flores asked that the motion be amended to include staff assistance as
determined by the City.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (9) July 28,19"
16. MEASURE A — WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
*C O R R E C T 10 N S BELOW from 8/11/98 City Council meeting: Per Mayor Linda Spiro (additions underlined)
Mayor Spiro signified that Councilmembers had written statements on this matter and that
discussion would begin with Councilmember Reilly. Councilmember Reilly read his letter
submitted to Council for discussion and commented on his letter. Mayor Spiro read her
memo and clarified wording on her document. Councilmember Mackenzie stated for the
record that he was asked to present a timeline with little preparation time and apologized
for not having sufficient copies for the audience. Councilmember Mackenzie read his
document. Discussion ensued on the wording of Mayor Spiro's document.
Councilmember Mackenzie made a motion *to proceed with inclusion of Mayor Spiro's
three steps, as well as the four steps presented in his document of the following:
*Reading from the Mayor's proposal, to proceed with the three steps as follows:
1) All five Councilmembers pledge to work through the General Plan process and the
community process to arrive at a unanimous consensus of what Rohnert Park's UGB
should be in sufficient time to meet the requirements of the elections deadline.
2) All five City Councilmembers pledge to support these efforts to put one ballot initiative
on the March 2000 Primary election
3) All five City Councilmembers, having arrived at. a unanimous consensus on the UGB
measure, pledge to vigorously oppose any efforts by any group or individual to put any
other UGB, or land use related initiative on the ballot on or before March 2000.
He further motioned that his document listing four (4) steps (attached to original of these
minutes) be included *with contents of said document from Mr. Mackenzie recorded in these
minutes for clarity as follows: A Proposal to Implement Measure N - "Peace in our Time"
It is now time to follow the purpose of Measure N to "manalger the City's growth consistent
with the availability of infrastructure and services" and to follow its clear legislative intent so
that a true 20 year Urban Growth Boundary can be put in place. The General Plan update should
be placed on hold until we take the following steps to accomplish the intent of Measure N:
Step 1 The City Council should adopt the recommendation of the Community Summit's Next
Steps Committee to "develop a concrete vision that can be taken to the community at
large, with afirm, public commitment to honor the process. The Hudson Report [a.k.a. the
City of Rohnert Park Community Issues Report) should be used to start Phase II of the
Community Summit by utilizing the "options portion" of that report.
Step 2 The City Council should convene a workshop to meet with ALL the regulatory and logistical
parties who have a role to play in confirmation of the city's General Plan update and realization of
the city's vision.
Step 3 The City Council should hire independent specialists in planning, consensus building and
community participation to review data gathered from the Community Summit, Hudson Report
and work already done by other consultants. They should then design and run the process,
including Phase Il of the community Summit and the "neighborhood -up" development of General
Plan policies and implementation measures.
Step 4 The City Council should terminate our outside legal contracts and utilize our City Attorney with
whatever support he deems necessary.
After taking the above steps and arriving at consensus on vision, direction and community needs,
the development of a 20 year UGB will be part of the General Plan update. This UGB measure
can then be voted on in the primary election of March 2000. By this time, the General Plan will
have been environmentally reviewed, the AG Preservation and Open Space District involved, the
Cotati- Rohnert Park School District consulted, our neighbors in Canon Manor, Cotati and Sonoma
State University fully engaged in the debate, and a true community consensus achieved.
/s /Jake Mackenzie 7/7/98
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (10) July 28,1998
Councilmember Mackenzie requested feedback from Councilmembers Flores and Vice-Mayor
Vidak Martinez. Vice Mayor Vidak Martinez stated she concurred with a number of the
points presented. However, her concern was in getting bogged down in the process. She
commented that she liked Mayor Spiro's timeline as it says "let's make a commitment to
work together." Discussion followed after Councilmember Flores requested clarification of
Number three of Councilmember Mackenzie's proposal. Councilmember Mackenzie clarified
number three with the following:
"I very specifically used this language. I believe that we expect the City Manager, once
we have adopted this motion, which is basically, would be a very strenuous policy
statement, how to proceed into the year 2000. Having hopefully approved this then falls,
as I understand it, to the City Manager in our form of government, to implement the
policy that we have adopted. It is his choice as to which of his staff that would work to
execute this policy. It would be his recommendations coming back to us as to how to
proceed to hire a specialist consultant and I would expect that work to be done in a
professional manner —in the manner that the City Manager has demonstrated in the year
and a half I have been City Councilmember. So all of that language is specific,
Councilmember Flores, in that it talks to hiring independent specialists in planning
consensus, building and community participation. My comment that followed that just
now indicates how I expect the City Manager to implement any policies we pass
tonight." Councilmember Flores thanked Councilmember Mackenzie for clarifying that
*specific personnel would not be deleted from service.
*C O R R E C T 10 N ABOVE from 8/11/98 City Council meeting: Per Councilmember Flores (addition underlined)
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores. Mayor Spiro requested a roll call
vote be taken, the motion passed unanimously.
17. GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT -- City Manager Netter signified that at the request of
Councilmember Mackenzie and according to California Government Code Section 65400,
which states local legislative bodies shall review an annual report outlining the progress
made in implementing their General Plan, a status report be presented to Councilmembers.
Councilmembers were provided a status report and discussion ensued as to what meets the
requirements of this law. City Manager Netter recommended to Councilmembers that the
annual report be less extensive and that the report submitted to Council would be a
synopsis of the annual report. With Councilmembers consensus, it was decided that the
report did not have to be as elaborate and that staff could proceed as recommended.
EXTEND COUNCIL MEETING: Upon motion by Councilmember Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, the meeting was extended past 10:00 p.m. to finish necessary
agenda items, with Mayor Spiro's "nay"
Councilmember Mackenzie leaves /returns – Councilmember Mackenzie left Council Chambers at
approximately 10:02 and returned at approximately 10:04 p,m.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (11) July 28,,1998
18. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND /OR OTHER REPORTS
1) Golf Course Committee (Spiro /Flores)
Councilmember Flores reported on some of the issues the committee discussed:
♦ competing golf courses in Petaluma and Windsor and the renovation of Fountaingrove
(market shows that it is difficult to sustain in the absence of improvements of our local
golf course);
♦ Mountain Shadows Golf Course needs improvements due to:
a) drainage problems,
b) irrigation,
c) cart path and bunker needing renovation, and
d) practice facilities needs;
♦ Rates are extremely low; the committee is considering increasing resident rates; and
♦ Capital improvement costs - -$2.3 million would provide a superior completion set of courses.
2) Hospital Site - RPWC (Spiro /Reilly) -- Councilmember Reilly reported that a new
partner is involved who is helping with the process and that a consultant has also been hired.
*Cetineilmembef Reill The Committee will come back with proposals for Council's review.
Vice Mayor Vidak - Martinez commented she understands the project is 80% profit and 20% non-
profit, that she liked the project being proposed, but wants to make sure market rents are paid.
*C O R R E C T 10 N ABOVE from 8/11/98 City Council meeting: Per Councilmember Reilly (deletion lined out/addition underlined)
3) Open Space District Committee (Mackenzie) -- Councilmember Mackenzie reported that
he will be attending the Open Space District Committee (OSDC) in August and would report
back to Council in September. He also reported that OSDC has been in existence for 8 years.
19. PROPOSALS FROM YOUTH OF THE YEAR PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVES
(carryover next time and put first)
1) Request for Youth Member Representatives of the Month for
Mayor, City Manager, and /or other Directors of City Departments
2) Request for Major Pool Complex
20. CIVILIAN REVIEW ADVISORY BOARD (COUNTYWIDE BOARD)
Carried over to August 25, 1998 City Council meeting.
21. TRANSPORTATION MATTERS: Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) 7/13 mtg.
Councilmember Flores reported on highlights of the 7/13/98 SCTA meeting as follows:
♦ Transportation Equity Act: there has been an agreement that a formula of 75% to source
and 25% discretionary at MTC. However, the 25% application process is still developing.
♦ November Sonoma County Transportation Advising Measure: which planning process will
they use: a) Program EIR; b) Master EIR; or c) Project EIR's
♦ SCTA Staffing: there is presently an Executive Director, Suzanne Wilford, and a Planner
II, both supported by a secretary. The Planner II is contracted from the County. A
subcommittee was selected to make staffing recommendations.
♦ Sonoma/Marin Rail Implementation Plan: a joint powers agency structure will be formed
as Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) and will function in the coming months.
♦ Sonoma CounM/City Transportation Land Use Subcommittee: Councilmember Armando
Flores was appointed to the subcommittee.
22. 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.
1) City Manager referred to item #4, where High School student Jerald Navarrette requested
that the City have more recycling bins available for the public.
23. MATTERS FROMIFOR COUNCIL
1) Summer Swimming Pool Hours (Flores)
Councilmember Flores has had an opportunity to speak with Recreation Director Mikalis
with regard to pool hours. Some of the pools have had limited availability, especially
during hot summer days and he would like to see the hours extended. This may be a
possibility for next year.
2) Walmart Parking Lot (Flores) -- Councilmember Flores expressed his concern regarding the
overflow of shopping carts littering the parking lot. He requested that City Manager Netter
contact the local manager about his concern and ask that the parking lot be kept attractive and
free of carts.
3) Towing Committee (Spiro) -- Mayor Spiro proposed Council members meet with the towing
service company and called for volunteers for the committee. The committee will consist of
Councilmember Jake Mackenzie, Councilmember Armando Flores and Cary Sterner, of
Rohnert Park Towing Service.
4) Proposal to Enact Ordinance to Itemize Political Contributions (Mackenzie)
Councilmember Mackenzie would like to treat this item in he same manner as the Elections
ordinance request. He requested this item be agendized for the August 25 Council meeting.
5) Signals/Red & Yellow (Spiro) -- Mayor Spiro expressed her concern regarding the flashing
yellow /red lights and that the lights were fixed the same day.
6) Semi Trucks in Neighborhoods (Spiro) -- Mayor Spiro expressed her concern that there have
been more and more semi trucks in the M section neighborhood, that's it's dangerous for
children who may be playing. She also requested this item be agendized for next meeting.
7) Proposal to Amend Sign Ordinance for Political Sign Locations (Mackenzie)
Councilmember Mackenzie requested this item be carried over to the next Council meeting
of August 25, 1998.
8) League of Ca.Cities Joint Division Meeting with North Bay Division/Empire Division (Spiro)
Mayor Spiro announced that Rohnert Park is hosting the September 3'd LOCC Joint
Division Meeting. She requested that Councilmembers, if available, please attend the
meeting. Vice Mayor Vidak - Martinez and Councilmember Armando Flores stated they
would attend.
9) Neighborhood Watch BBQ "Picnic in the Park", Sat. 7/25/98 -- City Manager Netter
reported that the picnic was successful but had only been reminded of the picnic on Friday.
10) Endorsement for California Children campaign (Spiro) -- Mayor Spiro requested Council's
concurrence for the above campaign." The campaign asks for a $.50 tax on cigarettes and
doesn't cost anything.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (13) July 28, 1998
l 1) Roberts Lake Road Sign (Spiro)
Mayor Spiro reported that the "Roberts Lake Road" sign is misspelled and requested
that it be corrected.
12) Water Shed Meeting (Mackenzie)
Councilmember Mackenzie reported he would be attending the County Water
Resources meeting on August 1 in Ukiah, as a representative of the City Council. For
the record, he would also be attending a meeting at Dominican College on Systems
Development as Councilmember.
13) Senior Advisory Commission (Spiro)
Mayor Spiro requested. an ad be placed for the position on the Senior Advisory
Commission.
24. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
1) Public Service Employment for Welfare to Work Participants
City Manager Netter reported that he has been working with the City Manager of Cotati on
a joint program. He has also spoken with Cecelia Belle, who would be willing to supervise
program participants. Vice Mayor Vidak- Martinez requested Rohnert Park residents be
considered first.
2) Donation of 1977 Ambulance to City in Peru ( Rohnert Park/Cotati Rotary)
City Manager Netter reported that he received a request for donation of a 1977 ambulance
that hasn't been used in awhile. He has requested that City Attorney Flitner research this
and make a recommendation for Council's consideration. Depending on City Attorney's
recommendations, City Manager Netter recommends the donation, Council concurred.
3) Recruitment Update/Positions filled in 97 -98
City Manager reported that only 1 and one -half positions have not been filled.
4) At -Grade Railroad Crossings — Update
City Manager reported that it has not been accomplished, but that City Engineer Gaffney is
working on this project. He will look into expediting this process, the hope is that it will
be accomplished this year, although it has to go out to bid; their best efforts will be to get it
done this year.
5) Joe Camel Grant
City Manager reported Cecelia Belle, of SCAYD, submitted this grant and received a 2-
year, $70,000 grant. A memorandum had been provided outlining the services. An
update by SCAYD will be agendized at a later date.
6) Park in Front of PAC
City Manager stated he wanted to remind Council of the Open Space District Park in front
of the Performing Arts Center. He will agendize this item for next meeting.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (14) July 28, 1998
25. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
1) Any items from closed session: The Mayor's report on the closed session was
sufficient.
2) Roberts Rules/Points of Order: City Attorney reported he had submitted a memo to
Councilmembers stating the following:
♦ "The presiding officer shall determine all points of order subject to the right of any
councilman to appeal to the council. If an appeal is taken, the question shall be,
`shall the decision of the presiding officer be sustained.' A majority vote
conclusively determines the question of order."
"Citizens do not place matters on the agenda. The Mayor does or councilman
individually or collectively do so. If a citizen wants an item on the agenda the
approach should be made through the council or at the least, through a
Councilperson who would then make the request."
3) Transfer of Utility Funds to General Fund to support salaries and benefits of Utility
Fund Services: City Attorney reported he had also submitted a memo to City Manager
Netter regarding this item and that this also affects building fees as well. He stated:
"So long as payments to the general fund which are charged to these other funds or
`trust fund' type departmental operations are based on objective determination as to the
actual time spent by city employees r elated to the charges made, in my opinion the
charges are legal and will withstand legal challenge."
4) Other, if any: none reported
Rohnert Park District matters — none.
26. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
Mayor Linda Spiro asked if there were any additional unscheduled public appearances at
this time. No one responded.
27. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Mayor Linda Spiro adjourned the meeting
at approximately 10:45 p.m.
Deputyy Oty Clerk
km:072 9
Mayor
7 -07 -1998 1:SSPM FROM BLUEMACJAZZ 707 584 2338 P.2
A -Proposal to Implement Measure N - u Pence in our Time"
It is now time to follow the purpose of Measure N to ! n nagc the Citv�g wth cviwuteRi
_dih the availabiUa, i2f infrastmeture and s ,ic " and to follow its clear legislative illicni so
that a true 20 year Urban Growth Boundary can be put in place. The Gcncl al Plan update should
be placed nn hold until we take the following steps to accomplish the intent of Measure N:
Step l The City Council should adopt the reco.-nrneridguiun of the Community Summit's .Next
�:rYS CMmi*+ce to "develop a concrete vision that Lwn be taken 10 the community at urge,
H)ith a firm, public commitment to /sonar the prucess". The Hudson Report [a.k.a. the City of
Rohnert Park Community Issues Rcport] sl,uuld be used to start Phase IT of the Community
Sumruit by utilizing the "options purlion" of that report.
Step 2 The City Council sliuuld convene a workshop to meet with ALL the regulatory and
logistical parties who liuvc: a role to play in confirmation of the city's General Plan update and
realization of tht: city's vision.
Step 3 The City Council should hire independent specialists in planning, consensus
building and community participation to review data gathered from the Community Summit,
Hudson Report and work already done by other consultants. They should then design and run the
process, including Phase 11 of the Community Summit and the "neighborhood -up" development
of General Plan policies and implementation measures.
Step 4 1 he City Council should terminate our outside legal contracts and utilize our City
Attorney with whatever support he deems necessary.
After taking the above steps and arriving at consensus on vision, direction and community
needs, the development of a 20 year UG8 will be part of the General Flan update. This UGB
measure can then be voted on in the primary election of March 2000. By this time, the General
Plan will have been environmentally reviewed, the Ag Preservation and Open Space District
involved, the Cotati-Rohnert Park School District consulted, our neighbors in Canon Manor, Cotati
and Sonoma State University fully engaged in the debate, d a true community consensus
achieved. .lake kenzje 7.7/98