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1999/12/16 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes December 16, 1999 Adjourned Session The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in adjourned session commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the City Offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Reilly presiding. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Reilly called the City Council Adjourned Session to order at 6:36 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL: Present: (5) Councilmembers Flores, Mackenzie, Spiro, Vidak- Martinez, and Mayor Reilly. Absent: (0) None Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Netter, Assistant City Manager Leivo, City Engineer Gaffney and Planning Director Schulenburg. ACKNOWLEDGING CITY MANAGER/CLERK'S REPORT ON POSTING MEETING AGENDA Mayor Reilly acknowledged the City Manager /Clerk's posting of the meeting agenda. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES: Mayor Reilly asked if anyone wished to speak. No one responded. CEREMONY FOR YEAR 2000 CITY COUNCIL OFFICER SELECTION ♦ REFLECTIONS OF 1999 - Comments from Councilmembers Councilmember Spiro summarized the business of the year and thanked all Councilmembers for their efforts. She particularly noted the hard work of the Council Subcommittee on the General Plan. She stated that the Council has had a very productive year, but expressed a sense of disappointment with having to withdraw the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) ballot measure from the March 2000 election. Councilmember Spiro thanked those present for coming to share in the celebration. Councilmember Flores expressed appreciation for the presence of the public. He noted that the successfulness of the City was due, in part, to citizen participation. Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (2) Adjourned Session December 16,1999 Councilmember Flores extended his appreciation to his spouse and to his daughter. He concurred with Councilmember Spiro's comments on the productiveness of the Council, noting that the Council has accomplished more than anticipated in a given year. He expressed that he has gained a source of joy working with individuals who can argue positions yet maintain professionalism. Councilmember Flores summarized many of the project accomplishments of the Council including: the approval of a City Hall and the widening of the overpass. He acknowledged the hard work extended by Councilmember Mackenzie and XT;I-P- A/iAVnr Vidak_X4nrtina7 nn the General Plan efforts He stated that these projects characterize a very successful year. He also gave special thanks to Mayor Reilly, noting the difficulty in keeping individuals who are verbal and strong- willed focused, yet, keeping everyone involved. Councilmember Flores presented Mayor Reilly with a gift in appreciation of his efforts. Vice -Mayor Vidak Martinez also summarized some of the work of the Council over the past year. She stated that the Council has accomplished major projects that will have a profound and good affect on the City. She commented that the Council has developed political maturity and that they listen to each other and have demonstrated tolerance and stability with each other. She expressed appreciation for a new City Attorney who has kept Council on track. She further expressed thankfulness and appreciation to staff. Councilmember Mackenzie summarized his written 1999 reflections (copy attached to original set of these minutes). He expressed that he was hopeful that the actions of the Council will lead towards a sustainable future for our City. He acknowledged the efforts and abilities of his colleagues, noting that the Council has made major efforts to communicate openly and honestly with each other. He further thanked the staff for their professionalism and hard work, as well as the City Attorney, the citizens and the Planning Commission. Councilmember Mackenzie concluded with special thanks to Mayor Reilly for all of his efforts and he stated that he looked forward to the upcoming year. Mayor Reilly acknowledged the presence of former Councilmember Rogers, and former City Manager Callinan, as well as members of the School Board, and members of his family. Mayor Redly thanked the City Council and noted that it was a pleasure not to have to experience too much discrepancies. He expressed that he appreciated that the Council tried to limit comments during meetings. Mayor Reilly expressed appreciation to staff and asked City Manager Netter to pass on his appreciation to. staff not present. Mayor Reilly summarized the 1999 list of accomplishments (copy attached to original set of these minutes), pointing out that all of the items listed may not have been completed. Mayor Reilly expressed appreciation to City staff, and he extended a special thanks and appreciation to his wife. Mayor Reilly thanked everyone present for their attendance. Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (3) Adjourned Session December 16, 1999 Vice -Mayor Vidak - Martinez presented Mayor Reilly with a framed aerial view photograph of the City of Rohnert Park in appreciation for his services on behalf of the Councilmembers. ® RECOGNITION OF THE SELECTIONS OF CITE' COUNCIL OFFICERS FOR 2000 Mayor Reilly turned the gavel over to the new Mayor, Vicki Vidak Martinez and announced that Jake Mackenzie was the new Vice - Mayor. Mayor Vidak- Martinez presented Vice -Mayor Mackenzie with a new nametag, as Vice Mayor Mayor Vidak- Martinez acknowledged the presence of Superintendent of Schools, Jan Heffron, and 'Tether Members of the Board of Education of the Cotati- Rohnert Park Unified School District, as well as Mike Kerns, 2nd District Supervisor. She further acknowledged staff, neighbors, family and staff from her own place of work *2' Child Cafe SeFviees, Catholic Youth Organization, and thanked all present for their attendance and good wishes for Rohnert Park. *1&2 - CORRECTIONS from 1/11/00 City Council meeting: Per Mayor Vidak - Martinez (deletions lined out /additions underlined) ® PERSPECTIVES FOR 2000 - COUNCIL. COMMENTS Mayor Vidak - Martinez asked for comments on Perspectives for 2000 Councilmember Spiro stated that former Mayor Reilly has been a real inspiration and a consistent person with his opinions. She stated that she appreciated his humor and commented that it was relaxing and contagious and thanked him for his humor. She stated that she hopes the Council will continue with planned projects. She expressed appreciation for all of the existing collaborative efforts in the City. Former Mayor Reilly extended congratulations to new Mayor Vidak- Martinez and stated that he is looking forward to working with her. He summarized some of the.goals for the year 2000 which include: a skate park, teen center, and the purchase of a mobile home park. He commented that he is hopeful that the Council will not have to cut projects because they have over - extended the budget. He concluded by stating that he looks forward to the upcoming year. Vice -Mayor Mackenzie summarized perspectives where he's come from and where he is now, as outlined in his written report (copy attached to original set of these minutes). He thanked his political consultant, his wife, Barbara, and acknowledged her support and thanked her for her presence. He also thanked Vicki Vidak - Martinez, noting that having worked with her, and others, that he has gained appreciation for her points of view and balanced approach. In conclusion, he stated that he is looking forward to working with the Mayor and expressed that it is going to be a grand year. R®hnert Park City Council Minutes (4) Adjourned Session December 16, 1999 Mayor Vidak- Martinez stated that she hopes that Rohnert Park will become a stronger community. She further expressed that she wants the City to claim its' rightful place with communities of Sonoma County, expand and enhance their partnerships between the City, the School District, community based organizations, and with other elected officials. She expressed appreciation to everyone attending this celebration meeting, and invited everyone present to partake in the refreshments. AT)JOITRNN4F,,li T- 'T'herP hPina nn ffirthar himinPae Mavnr �lirlak_MartlnP7 a�in„rnarl the meeting to refreshments at approximately 7:22 p.m. Teresa Taylor -Kin ecorder 121699mn Vicki Vidak - Martinez, Mayor CITY OF ROHNERT PARK `G' 1999 Significant Accomplishments City sold $12,000,000 worth of Tax Allocation Bonds and $5,000,000 worth of Certificates Participati n for the Library/City Hall and other Capital projects. (Issue was sold January 1999 at the lowest interest rate in 25 years) Expressway Bridge Improvement Project was started and completed (bridge portion). (Planning process has taken over 8 years. State project funded entirely by the City.) General Plan and Urban Growth Boundary Measure — Formed General Plan Ad Hoc Committee which developed a process that is expected to be completed in the first/second quarter of 2000. City Hall Center Project — Hired consultants and developed a City Hall Center through major public participation which resulted in a 26,000 sq. ft. Library under design and City Hall vision. Private /public ventures on City land. Developed a City Staff Technology Committee who have updated the City's telephone and computer systems /networks, initiated a web site and informational telephone system. Assisted with development of a County -wide Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System for Public Safety. Council authorized the design and construction of M Pool. Began the coordinated process of economic development through a contract with the Chamber of Commerce. (Filled the empty KMart building with Burlington Coat Factory) Other commercial business locating in town: El Tordto Wraps & Rolls Les Schwabb Cultural Arts Commission and City Council commissioned a sculpture which was installed in the reflection pond at the Performing Arts Center site. Finalized transfer of Century Communications to TCI /ATT. Reached settlement terms with Rancho Grande Mobile Home Park. (Currently in settlement discussions with other parks.) Successful Founders Day Parade and Events. Initiated the Christmas in April Program for renovating homes in older sections of town. Wilfred /Dowdell Avenue 24 acre Specific Plan — Initiated and in the process of being completed. Purchased PAL building. Continued goal setting and team building processes with Executive /Dept. Head Staff. Tennis courts installed at M Park Instituted an owner occupied community development program. Last year at this time, I waxed eloquently if tangentially in my normal loquacious fashion on the theme of "Our Place ". I hoped that our actions in 1999 would, with thought and due consideration of the consequences , lead us towards a sustainable future for our city. The efforts we have made have had a very real impact on how this city will present itself in the next era ,about to dawn. We have raised monies to build the civic part of the city center. Designing this center brought accolades to our community We can sense the excitement of our neighbours at SSU and at the School District with the opening of the Technical High School on campus and with the appearance of the soon -to -be vine covered berms which will encompass the new "Green Farm "or" Arminana's Amphitheatre" It's easy to applaud one's own efforts when one is as as shy and retiring as myself; whether these efforts are worthy of my rehiring I'll leave for voters to decide next year. It is, however, meet and right to acknowledge sterling behaviour, effort and diligence on the part of colleagues and fellow labourers in our own particular vineyard as we look back over an action - packed year. On this council , while our various swords may not always have been turned into ploughshares , I believe that there has been a major effort on all of our parts to communicate openly and honestly with each other .There has been a major amount of committee work dealing with ever popular Mobile Home Park Issues, Jud Snyder's favorite - the UGB measure, the real ? that bugs every citizen who watches TV- when do we get to watch VH -1 24 hours a day? Joe Netter and his senior Management Team from Assistant City Manager Lievo through our wellwater and traffic expert City Engineer Joe Gaffney to retiring Chief of Public Safety Pat Rooney have all been part and parcel of these efforts. Every person who works in our city government is expected to work as a professional and they do- Public Works and our Founder's Day event, our Animal Shelter staff and their multitude of volunteers , the PAC and their ambassadors extraordinaires who usher us to our seats. Time after time throughout city government, we see this level of service and commitment. We now have a new city attorney, Betsy Strauss, who has already endeared herself to the council by upsetting our plans for a splendid spring campaign and who then immediately disappeared into hospital from whence we wish her a speedy return to her chore of extracting us out of the particular trench in which we now find ourselves. Many citizens have honoured us and themselves by their dedication and unceasing efforts to remind us why we grind away at the tasks of local government. Whether its on the Planning Commission or on the BAC or Parks and Rec Commission, thank you all! My previous reflections have had a bitter sweet quality to them which reflected a very real sense of frustration on my part. Upon contemplation, the "sweet "fit was the true challenge of governmental issues and my love of a good battle, the "bitter" a frustration with the reality of the 3 -2 world in which we live. Nonetheless we do have in place at process which has developed a DRAFT 20 year UGB and a DRAFT updated General Plan. I see no reason, despite the already mentioned CEQA- related delay to change the direction charted by this balanced approach to the future. I believe that finally we are getting closer to a design for our city which will result in a sustainable future for us all. So in this next period what can we look forward to- a real mixed use city center , a railroad station, a real greenbelt around us , a bikeways system , linkages with the university, a real center for family services , a hang -out for younger citizens to match what we have in our senior center? But it won't happen the way we think unless we grapple with the tough issues -It's the water stupid! It's the traffic, stupid ! It's the population, stupid! So to quote Burns again "but pleasures are like poppies spread -you seize the flower, its bloom is shed: or like the snow falls in the river -a moment white- then melts for ever'-'Tam O'Shanter however survived his wild ride and as the poem stated ," Kings may be blest, but Tam was glorious, Oe'r a' the ills of life victorious!" So here we are another year forward along this interesting journey. Here's wishing that we in Rohnert Park will find ourselves "Oe'r a' the f "CS — �,,�sl• die �� New in her midst. I was honoured to be present at that event and to represent this city and this state. The new First Minister in his speech to the new Scottish Parliament touched a responsive chord when he said , "At the heart of the song[ just sung by the parliament and the guests ] is the very Scottish conviction that honesty and simple dignity are priceless virtues , not imparted by rank or birth or privilege but part of the soul. Burns believed that sense and worth ultimately prevail. He believed that was the core of politics; that without it ours would be an impoverished profession.... Wisdom, Justice, Compassion, Integrity. Timeless values. Honourable aspirations here on the cusp of a new century..... We are fallible We will make mistakes but we will never lose sight of what brought us here : the striving to do right by the people ; to respect their priorities ; to better their lot; and to contribute to the commonwealth" It's always interesting for an expatriate to return to one's native land. Why did I leave if I'm so moved by what I found on my return? I left to find work in my chosen profession- work that wasn't available in the Scotland of the 1960's. I owe a lot to my country of adoption As others make similar decisions seeking work and a place to live it is worthwhile keeping in mind these timeless values and honourable aspirations. That speech to my former countryfolk was moving both in its delivery but also in the context of the times with voter ennui appearing to be the most popular value held. So as we contemplate life in Rohnert Park in the 2000's, how do we see ourselves ? Wisdom, Justice ,Compassion, Integrity -in the reality of the year 2000, what will be important to us as a community? I think we need to be wise as we plan our future; let's be adventurous and inventive also. I think we need to be just as we consider where and on whom our resources are spent. I think we should be compassionate as we consider where folk are going to find housing and work I think we should demonstrate integrity as we make these choices and vote on these issues. There was a poem about my native country read that day of July 1 in Edinburgh. In this new year I hope to remember these words written about Scotland: "Let it be true to itself and to its origins /Inventive, original ,philosophical/Its institutions mirror its beauty ;then without shame we can esteem ourselves ". Let's say the same about our selves and our city.