2000/02/08 City Council MinutesROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Concurrent Meetings Minutes for:
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
ROHNERT PARK FINANCING AUTHORITY
ROHNERT PARK HOUSING FINANCING AUTHORITY
February 8, 2000
Tuesday
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park, Community Development
Commission, Rohnert Park Financing Authority and Rohnert Park
Housing Financing Authority met this date in regular session
for concurrent meetings commencing at 6:00 p.m. in the City
Offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor
Vidak- Martinez presiding.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayo
session to
the pledge
ROLL CALL: Present:
Absent:
r Vidak- Martinez called the regular
order at approximately 7:10 p.m. and led
of allegiance.
(5) Councilmembers Flores, Reilly, Spiro,
Vice Mayor Mackenzie and Mayor
Vidak- Martinez
(0 ) None
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City
Manager Netter, Assistant City Manager Leivo., City
Attorney Strauss, City Engineer Gaffney, Planning
Director Schulenberg, Associate Planner Bendorff,
Finance Director Harrow, Recreation Director Barry
and Management Analyst Fogle.
1. CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Vidak- Martinez reported on the -
closed session which commenced at 6:00 p.m. to
discuss matters listed on the agenda attachment,
representing an update. No action was taken at this
time with one exception that the Council decided
not to appeal the small claims action of Mills v.
The City of Rohnert Park.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Corrections to the previous meeting
minutes were made by Council and signified on
original sets of minutes.
Upon motion by Councilmember Flores, seconded by
Vice Mayor Mackenzie, the minutes of January 25,
2000 were unanimously approved as amended.
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(2 )
3. APPROVAL OF BILLS /DEMANDS FOR PAYMENT:
Upon motion of Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Spiro, City bills presented per the
attached list in the amount of $681,401.26, as well
as Community Development Commission bills in the
amount of $41,565.45, were unanimously approved.
Councilmember Spiro posed a question for staff: Why
do we approve bills after they've been mailed out?
City Manager Netter said he would check with the
Finance Department.
4. ADDING INFORMATIONAL NON - AGENDAED MATTERS:
Mayor Vidak- Martinez asked Councilmembers or staff
if there were any non - agendaed informational items
to add to the agenda. No items were added at this
time.
5. MAYOR'S PRESENTATION of PROCLAMATION: Mayor Vidak-
Martinez commended engineers for their hard work
and read a proclamation declaring February 20 -26,
2000 National Engineers' Week in Rohnert Park.
Matt McKamey, on behalf of the Society of Civil
Engineers, accepted the proclamation. Mayor Vidak-
Martinez also acknowledged the presence of City
Engineer Gaffney.
6. YOUTH CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES from the 1999 -2000
Youth of the Year Program, Senior Melissa Canning
and Junior Jackie Snyder, were recognized. Junior
Daniel Cronin was not present. Ms. Canning and Ms.
Snyder provided the youth report which included the
following:
*Council of Councils on January 27, 2000 was a
success.
*Blood Drive on January 26, 2000 was a success.
*Turn- a- Bout. Dance; February 26, 70's theme
*Bop -Til- You -Drop; March 10, concert at Rancho
Cotate.
*Spring sports started yesterday.
*Development of a summer league swim program by
Piranha Swimming will be updated soon.
Vice Mayor Mackenzie noted that he has started
meetings with the Youth Summit follow- through
group. They discussed the downtown mall, and he
W411 meet with them again before they make a
report to the City Council.
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing.Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(3 )
7. SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATED STUDENTS, INC.,
REPRESENTATIVE
Omar Malik, Chair of JUMP, provided the SSU
Associated Student Report. He indicated that
Senior Representative Brian Talbot was not able
to attend due to illness. Mr. Malik reported as
follows:
*Spring Informational Night for JUMP, February 9.
*Annual Children's Spring Carnival, April 28 at SSU.
*Glide Memorial Church, February 20, JUMP will go
work in the soup kitchen.
*Third Annual Hunger Awareness Dinner put on by
JUMP is being planned for May.
*JUMP is working on their travel budget to have
all of its members attend the Campus Outreach
Opportunity League conference this year.
*Events on Campus for February at SSU are noted in Mr.
Talbot's handout distributed to Council.
Vice Mayor Mackenzie thanked Omar for his work and
reminded City Manager Netter to get information to
SSU regarding Christmas in April. He stated that he
would continue to discuss shuttle service to SSU and
discrimination by landlords against students at the
next Associated Students meeting on February 24.
Councilmember Flores thanked the Chamber of Commerce
and local merchants for including several student
discounts in upcoming booklets and brochures.
8. SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
1)Ken Holmes 220 Parque Margarita: re Rancho Grande
back rents. Mr. Holmes, of Rancho Grande Mobilehome
Park, referred to a letter he sent to the.Council,
expressing the frustration of residents over the
$75 back rent issue. However, he believes that the
courts seem to rule consistently for the owners,
and that perhaps paying the $75 would be the best
solution, rather than facing an expensive and
lengthy legal battle. He challenged the Council to
come up with a better suggestion if possible.
2) Greg Brogdon, 8471 Lancaster Drive: re _traffic
issues on Lancaster Drive. Mr. Brogdon presented
the Council with a petition from several
residents along a two -block stretch of Lancaster
Drive and a letter from himself, requesting that a
traffic study be done by the City Engineer for the
purpose of installing a stop sign on said street.
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert: Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(4 )
Mr. Brogdon acknowledged that due to the
unchecked and excessive speed by vehicles and
buses alike, children, pets and property are
not safe anymore. He further requested the
need for two stop signs on Lancaster, speed
bumps every 20 feet, more coverage and
ticketing by regularly scheduled public safety
officers, and a letter to Golden Gate Transit
personnel about the speed limit on Lancaster Drive.
Vice Mayor Mackenzie commended Mr. Brogdon on the
recommendations and deferred to staff for response.
Councilmember Flores seconded. Councilmember
Reilly wanted clarity as to why the courts are not
recognizing speeding tickets unless they're over
10 m.p.h. and clarity as to how Golden Gate Transit
selects the two -lane streets for bus routes.
Councilmember Flores suggested to staff that stop
signs be put up immediately, and Mayor Vidak-
Martinez requested a traffic count be done.
Councilmember Spiro further added that, in
conjunction with the City of Cotati, radar
trailers and officers could be regularly
scheduled to ticket the speeding drivers.
9. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES: Mayor Vidak- Martinez
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)Bob Severan 5879 Commerce Boulevard, owner of
Rugworks for the last 25 years, in the interest
of improving his business and keeping Commerce
Boulevard clear of his delivery trucks, asked
the Council to consider allowing him to build
nnn �n „mr° foot addition to his buildinn as
�
well as acquire a small piece of property north
of him for an additional parking lot. He noted
that his treatment by the Planning Commissioner
was less than cordial and that the underground
utilities, a concern of the City Engineer, had
never been a problem. He mentioned all the work
he has done for the City of Rohnert Park, and
shared copies with Council of a general plot plan
for his property.
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(5 )
2)Geoffrey Cartwright 56 Rocca Drive, Petaluma,
expressed concern over Rohnert Park's expansion
east and west into the Petaluma watershed,
particularly in the areas of Railroad Avenue and
Old Redwood Highway, as well as downtown Penngrove.
He asked the staff to review the packet he gave
out at the General Plan Committee meeting last.
week and also gave Council the names and numbers of
contacts in the City of Petaluma and at Resource
Management International, Inc.
3)Tim Danesi 6400 Meadow Pines Avenue, presented
the Council with a letter from the City of Rohnert
Park Cultural Arts Commission, requesting permission
for the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical
Society to use up to 200 square feet of space that
the Cultural Arts has at a storage facility near
the stadium. The NPRHS has to relocate from SSU
within the next few months. Mr. Danesi hopes to
see a railroad museum get built in Rohnert Park as
there are several members of NPRHS who live here..
He requested Council to set a date in two weeks for
him to come back with more information on this
matter.
Mayor Vidak- Martinez indicated that staff would work
with the Cultural Arts Commission on this issue.
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10. CONSENT CALENDAR: Mayor Vidak- Martinez asked if there were
any questions regarding the matters on the Consent
Calendar, which were explained in the City Manager's
Council Meeting Memo. The Mayor signified removal of
two Consent Calendar items for further discussion.as
follows: Resolution No. 2000 -31 per Councilmember
Reilly's recommendation; and Item D on the Consent
Calendar as per Councilmember Spiro's concerns.
Acknowledging the City Manager /Clerk's report on
posting of meeting's agenda
Resolution Nos:
2000 -32 PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 12, 2000 AS "NATIONAL ORGAN
DONOR DAY"
2000 -33 ACCEPTING COMPLETION AND DIRECTING CITY ENGINEER
TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION, ROHNERT.PARK,
EXPRESSWAY /ROUTE 101 OVERCROSSING BRIDGE NO.
20- 235L,04- SON - 101 -KP 22.4, PROJECT NO. 1991 -4
2000 -34 ACCEPTING SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENTS AND AUTHORIZING
RELEASE OF SECURITIES, HONEYBROOK II SUBDIVISION
*City Council /Community Development Commission /RohnertiPark
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(6 )
2000 -35 AUTHORIZING SALARY ADJUSTMENTS FOR CERTAIN
MISCELLANEOUS, NON- REPRESENTED POSITIONS
2000 -36 REJECTING CLAIM OF MICHAEL BOLES (RE: ALLEGED
INJURIES FROM BICYCLE ACCIDENT)
Approving Project Graduation request for waiver of
fees for use of Sports Center for June 9, 2000 event
Approval and authorization of assigning Rohnert
Park's Annual State Beverage Container Recycling and
Litter Abatement Funds to the Sonoma County Waste
Management Agency (SCWMA) to manage annual funding
for Region
Approval of Rohnert Park Food Waste Diversion Pilot
Project paid by Sonoma County Waste Management Agency
(SCWMA) Funding
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION matter: Christmas in
April *Rohnert Park. CDC Resolution for adoption:
2000 -01 Approving Transfer of CDCRP Allocated Funds
to Christmas in April *Rohnert Park to Assist
Very Low & Low Income Residents.
Upon motion by Vice °Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, with the exceptions of
Resolution No. 2000 -31 and Item D, the Consent
Calendar as otherwise outlined on the meeting's
agenda was unanimously approved.
Resolution for consideration:
CALLING FOR SUPPORTING PROPOSITION 12 (NEIGHBORHOOD
PARKS, CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND COASTAL PROTECTION
BOND ACT)
Councilmember Reilly indicated that although he is not
overly enthused about supporting propositions because
the public can vote after the propositions are on the
ballot, this particular bond act will give Rohnert
Park $500,000 as its share of the monies to improve
local facilities.
Upon motion by ro>>nc,i 1 member Reilly, seconded by Vice
Mayor Mackenzie, Resolution No. 2000 -31 was
unanimously adopted.
Item for Consideration:
D CALLING FOR APPROVAL OF AQUATIC FEE SCHEDULE FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2000 -2001
Councilmember Spiro wanted to go over the rationale
for certain items on the Aquatic Fee Schedule.
Council concurred that a discussion was in order.
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(7 )
City Manager Netter called Recreation Director
Barry to respond to the inquiries by Council.
Councilmember Spiro asked about certain fees, as
well as why the non - resident fees were being waived.
Councilmember Reilly asked the Council to have
staff look at non - resident fees and set an
appropriate fee based on that review.
Councilmember Reilly made a motion to approve
Item D, seconded by theunon ies3d"ent 'ores, with the
exception of * &t-etn was unanimous y Approved with
with directions to the Recreation Department to do
further review of the non - resident fee.
*CORRECTION ABOVE from 2/22/00 City Council meeting: Per Councilmember Reilly.
********************** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
11. MOBILE HOME PARK MATTERS:
•1)Proposed Amendments to the Mobile Home Ordinance
Staff Report: City Manager Netter mentioned the
continued public hearing from January 11, 2000. He
noted that vacancy control has been an issue that
the Council has wrestled with for the last 15 years.
He indicated that the City Attorney's research
brings two items before the Council: vacancy control,
in which it is believed the federal courts would be
superior, and the statute of limitations, which would
force the Council to consider what risk to take in
settling under the existing settlement agreement.
City Manager Netter discussed four major items in the
settlement that involved current Ordinance 494:
vacancy control, the net offering income formula,
Rent.Board meetings and Rent Board members. He
deferred to the City Attorney to explain how vacancy
control and the statute of limitation issues would
make it more difficult for the Council to pursue the
system as originally planned with a potential for
lengthy litigation.
City Attorney Strauss added that although the vacancy
control issue is pending in the 9th Circuit Court of
Appeals and will ultimately be decided in the.U.S.
Supreme Court, she believes Rohnert Park's Ordinance
494 is unconstitutional as it concerns vacancy control.
She also explained how the statute of limitations is
four years for claims that arise from written
contracts, running out in 1998 on Rohnert Park's issue
of back rent claims.
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(8 )
Vice Mayor Mackenzie inquired about the various
courses of action and whether the Council could
go back and vote on the settlement. agreement. City
Attorney Strauss advised the Council to put any
amendments on the next agenda because the approved
settlement agreement obligates the Council to hold
public hearing, consider the ordinance amendments
and vote yes or no on their propriety.
Councilmember Flores asked in reference to the
settlement if it was the 14th Amendment that was
not favorable. City Attorney Strauss explained that
it is the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,
which is applied to the states through the 14th
Amendment.
PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Vidak- Martinez opened the public hearing
at approximately 8:10 p.m.
Citizens submitted speaker cards and shared verbal
and /or written comments expressing support or
opposition to the proposed amendments to the Mobile
Home Ordinance No. 494.
OPPOSE 1. Len Carlson, 349 Circulo San Blas
OPPOSE 2. Troy Donahue, 28 Hemlock Court
OPPOSE 3. Roger Martin, Circulo Lujo, Rancho Grande
Homeowners Association Vice President
OPPOSE 4. Maggie Flynn, 725 College Avenue, Santa Rosa, on
behalf of the Rancho Grande Association
OPPOSE 5.. Heloie Flair, 180 Walnut Circle, from Valley
Village
OPPOSE 6. R. Waller for Virginia Owens, 327 Circulo Taxco
OPPOSE 7. Tom Woodcock, 195 Verde Circle
OPPOSE 8. Tim Smith, 575 Administration Drive, #100 A. Santa
Rosa, 3rd District Supervisor
OPPOSE 9. Don Huberty, 296 Circulo Puebla
SUPPORT 10. Violet Moir, 411 Sonoma Lane, Las Casitas
(Distributed letter and spreadsheet)
OPPOSE 11.. Art Lowry, 171 Circulo Monterey, Rancho Grande
OPPOSE 12. Jean Phillips, 139 Garth Street, Napa, GSMOL Region
Manager, Region 2
OPPOSE 13. Charles Kitchen, 4457 Hollingsworth Circle
Questions and remarks stemming from public comments
included:
*Why not take a stance against Hillsboro and their
threat of a lawsuit which may not even exist?
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS'Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(9 )
*Where will Rohnert Park's citizens with limited
incomes move to if they are forced to move?
*The Hawaii judgment in the 9th Circuit Court of
Appeals was based on land use and had nothing to do
with rent - based, affordable housing.
*Where did the Council gain the power in the City
Codes to cede third -party rentals?
*In a study done for the Montclaire vacancy control
issue, vacancy control was determined to be the
linchpin for mobilehome affordable housing.
*Why would the Council take away the protection of
vacancy control in the rent - control ordinance before
a court requires them to do so?
*.Why not form a co -op, move the residents out and
trade vacancy of 150 mobile homes rather than
fighting this issue?
*If the City chooses to reexamine vacancy control, do
it outside of the threat of litigation.
There being no one further desiring to speak, Mayor
Vidak- Martinez closed the public hearing at
approximately 8:49 p.m.
Council discussion included comments as follows:
*Ci.ty Attorney Strauss clarified that the statute of
limitations does not prevent lawsuits and that the
park owner's attorney has told her that if a
lawsuit against the residents fails, then a lawsuit
will'be brought against the City for back rent.
*Councilmember Flores commented that he is not afraid
of litigation and noted that, unless a settlement is
reached, the City would face continuing litigation.
*Vice Mayor Mackenzie said that he didn't fully
understand the settlement last fall because legal
analyses were not available at that time. He
also stated that he reviewed the discussions of the
meeting with the Rent Appeals Board in January and
spoke with his appointee, Kurt Englehart, who has
information of an approach involving arbitration.
He indicated that after reviewing the resolutions of
the Rent Appeals Board, he could go along with the
meeting schedule, but he was not in favor of the
vacancy control part of the proposed ordinance.
*Councilmember Spiro stated for the record that she
didn't support it in the fall and that she wasn't
going to support the ordinance tonight.
*Councilmember Flores signified, based on the two
statute of limitation cases that had run out and the
70/30 chance expressed to him by the City Attorney,
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(10)
that there is no validity to the back rent claims
and that he would be willing to go to court and fight
the issue. He shared his impression that, with the
citing of the case law from Ms. Strauss, he would
not support the change in the ordinance. .
*Councilmember Reilly commented that it was time for
this important issue of the county to leave the'
subcommittee forum and come before the people so
that a proactive plan of action could be sought. He
clarified that the Rent Appeals Board, in its duty
of enforcing Ordinance 494., should be fair to the
residents, but that it is not the duty of the Board
to be the advocate for the residents. He noted that
changing 494,to make it fair and legal was what had
to be done.
*Mayor Vidak- Martinez shared her impression that the
City has a good record of support for the mobilehome
owners. She pointed out that Rohnert Park owns a
mobilehome park for the benefit of its residents,
and that there is a childcare center going in one
mobilehome park and extensive earthquake
retrofitting in several others. She mentioned the
Burbank project as almatter of public record and
said the *Beard/rna -a supported it, but the neighbors
around it were opposed to the project. She also
noted that several residents have experienced
significant rent increases, and that litigation
could be costly and lengthy.
*CORRECTION ABOVE FROM 2/22/00 City Council meeting: Per Mayor Vidak - Martinez
Ordinance for Adoption:
No. Amending Chapter 9.70, Mobilehome Ordinance
(Ordinance 494)
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, the ordinance considered for
adoption failed 0 -5 by.roll call vote.
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Spiro, a motion to withdraw the City's
appeal in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in order
to limit the attorney's fees the City would be
obligated to.pay Hillsboro Properties, was
unanimously approved.
2)Mobile Home Rent Appeals Board Appointment
Accepting letter of resignation from Onna Rayos,
term expired 12/31/99
Councilmember Spiro said she has received only one
application for consideration to fill the RAB vacancy
and asked for more applications to be sent in.
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(11)
3)Other: Vice Mayor Mackenzie asked the Council to
contact Kurt Englehart at the Rent Appeals Board to
have him bring his proposal on arbitration on back
rents back to the Council. He also requested to find
out from the Rent Appeals Board, in light of the
cancel action, if they would still recommend any
change at all in the ordinance?
RECESS: Mayor Vidak- Martinez declared a recess at
approximately 9:00 p.m.
RECONVENE: Mayor Vidak - Martinez reconvened the Council meeting
at approximately 9:15 with all Councilmembers
present
12. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTER:
1)File No . 1854 - A.G.Spanos Corporation -
Consideration of Site Plan and Architectural Plan
approval of a 200 -unit apartment complex to be
constructed at 120 Golf Course Drive.
Staff Report: Planning Director Schulenburg
summarized the land use request, the General Plan
Amendment, the rezone and the history of the Spanos
Project. She shared her impression that ultimately
the land use elements' goals strive to provide the
opportunity to develop residential areas to suit the
different consumer preferences, tastes and purchasing
abilities. She pointed out Policy #12 which supports
multi- family use in the commercial zone. She noted
all of the issues staff looked in considering the
applicant's request for a zone change from
commercial /recreational to R- M:1500, which would thus
allow 200 units to be built. Among the staff's
findings, she stated that the rezone would be
consistent with the established land use pattern, and
that housing for all socio- economic groups would be
consistent with the General Plan and could benefit
the surrounding commercial uses. She deferred water
and sewer availability to the time of the building
permit issuance and mentioned the construction of
two traffic signals that are noted in the traffic
analyses in the Council's packets on the matter.
Associate Planner Bendorff gave an overview of the
site plan, discussing design, recreational amenities,
landscaping, access and parking. He elaborated on the
four controversial issues of availability of water
and sewer, affordable units, potential traffic impact
and visual impact and referred to a memo from City
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert, Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
.Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(12)
Engineer Gaffney about the water availability and the
traffic study. As far as affordability, he stated
that the City does not currently have an inclusionary
mandate in place. As far as visual impact, he noted
that the three -story units would be 50 feet from the
Golf Course Drive curb line. He closed by
recommending the Council to approve the application
as recommended by the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Spiro inquired whether the Golf Course
parking lot was a public facility and Planning
Director Schulenburg stated that it is.
Vice Mayor Mackenzie asked City Attorney Strauss if
the Council had the ability to require affordable
units, and she responded that the question of
affordability comes up in the rezoning ordinance.
Councilmember Flores inquired what the range is for
affordable housing, and Planning Director Schulenburg
explained that, based on 199 statistics, for a single
person or two person home, rent and utilities cannot
exceed $1,140 a month; furthermore, the applicant
would be asking $950 for a one bedroom.
Councilmember Reilly raised questions about the
traffic impact, specifically the four stop lights and
the railroad crossing. City Engineer Gaffney briefly
explained that Golf Course Drive would be widened to
match Wilfred Drive and that Commerce Boulevard would
be realingned north of the ramps to sweep over to the
east.
� 011 • aK - V - IL41
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, a motion to extend the meeting
past 10:00 p.m. to finish necessary agenda items was
unanimously approved.
.
Councilmember Spiro elaborated on her desire to see
the lack of adequate parking remedied before she
could lend her full support to the project. Planning
Director Schulenburg stated that in the current
parking ordinance, for three bedrooms or less, only
two spaces are required per unit. She said she
would seek the advice of the City Attorney to
determine if the Council had some discretion to
increase the parking, . if needed.
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert-Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(13)
PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Vidak- Martinez opened the public hearing
at approximately 10:06 p.m.
Citizens submitted speaker cards and shared verbal
and /or written comments expressing support or
opposition to the planning and zoning matters of
the A G Spanos Corporation proposed prolect.
(Ordinance for introduction, No. 656; and
Resolution for adoption, No. 2000 -37)
OPPOSE 1. David Grabill, 1930 Alderbrook Lane, with the
Sonoma County Housing Advocacy Group
OPPOSE 2. Jim Cronin, 205 Alma Avenue
OPPOSE 3. George Barkhurst, 4601 Flores Street
OPPOSE 4. Leland Kolb, 4627 Fairway Drive
SUPPORT 5. Jeff Rodrigues, 6056 Diane Court, SSU student
OPPOSE 6. Albert Perron, 4735 Fairway Drive, 24 -year resident
SUPPORT 7. Susan Adams, 1413 Gold Way
OPPOSE 8. Shawn Kilat, 1374 Rebecca Way, from the Planning
Commission
SUPPORT 9. Robin Bleckwehl, 5000 Roberts Lake Road, President
CEO Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce
SUPPORT 10. Jeff James, 5000 Roberts Lake Road., Rohnert Park
Chamber of Commerce (Distributed letter)
SUPPORT 11. Tom Miller, 5000 Roberts Lake Road, Board of
Directors of the Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce
SUPPORT 12. Tamara Davis, 903 Hacienda Circle, Chair of
Government Affairs Comm., RP Chamber of Commerce
OPPOSE 13. Charles Kitchen, 4457 Hollingsworth Circle
SUPPORT 14. Tom Allen, Representative of the A.G. Spanos
Companies
There being no one further desiring to speak, Mayor
Vidak- Martinez closed the public hearing at
approximately 10:54 p.m.
Questions and remarks stemming from public comments
included:
*Council should consider adding inclusionary
zoning in the new General Plan to identify
sufficient sites for affordable housing for the low
to very low income segment of the population.
*200 units and approximately 400 residents generally
translates into 500 vehicles, creating gridlock
and other traffic and parking problems.
*High- density units could adversely affect the nearby
property values.
*How will the lighting from the building affect the
neighbors?
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert.Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority /
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(14)
*Is the Fire Department adequately.equipped for third-
floor rescues?
*Will children be safe on Golf Course Drive with the
increased traffic; even though there are two other
busy thoroughfares with schools located on them?
*Rents are moderately priced and good for people who
can't afford a down payment but want a certain
quality of living.
*Project meets the major concerns of the General
Plan, especially because the high density nature of
it addresses urban sprawl.
*Request for a visual impact analysis to determine if
the building will be looming and imposing or if the
shadows will be slight.
*Suitable locations for a railroad station and a
transit site should be identified now and included in
the General Plan.
*High technology companies are having difficulty
recruiting and retaining skilled employees due to
lack of upscale apartments with quality amenities.
*Project would allow the local workers to live in
Rohnert Park and walk and ride bikes to work.
*Lower - priced apartments would be freed up as
middle - income people move into the project.
*Parking for the Golf Course and the Jazz Festival
could pose a major problem.
*Peak levels of traffic for an apartment building
are minimal compared to other commercial uses, and
project would accommodate all parking on -site.
Council discussion included comments as follows:
*Vice Mayor Mackenzie asked of City Attorney Strauss
if the Council was sitting at a properly noticed
meeting to address the above listed issues, absent
the duly revised minutes of the Planning Commission.
She responded that only the recommendation of the
Planning Commission is legally required. She
further clarified some questions on amending the
General Plan to introduce the affordability issue.
*Councilmember Reilly asked if the Stadium was the
original site of this project. City Manager Netter
clarified that it was, but that there were certain
issues that prompted another site search.
*Councilmember Spiro indicated that she can only
support the project with a plan for additional
parking. She requested that the Council consider
the parking issue closely.
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(15)
*Councilmember Flores reiterated the need for
affordable housing and the importance of the City's
efforts to maintain families and satisfy the
employment needs of companies that come to Rohnert
Park.
*Councilmember Reilly commented that affordable
housing comes about through building. He did
express concern over the location and asked the
City to quantify the amount of water it has.
*Mayor Vidak- Martinez discussed the water and sewer
issues, as well as the dire need for housing in
Rohnert Park. She believes the project would shake
lose other affordable housing. She reiterated the
benefits of high density building near transit, and
she reminded the audience that Rohnert Park is home
to Sonoma State University.
*Vice Mayor Mackenzie then called for certain changes
in the Mitigated Negative Declaration to include
clarification on water and sewer issues.
*Councilmember Flores was advised by City Attorney
Strauss that any action on environmental documents
must be before action on the zoning and the General
Plan. He added that additional information on water
and sewers would be an asset to the Council.
*Vice Mayor Mackenzie stressed the merits of getting
a more clear understanding of the amount of water
used by the apartment complex, the wastewater
treatment and the amount of water available in
Rohnert Park. He stated that all water, waste
treatment and parking analyses should be made
available to the Council and the community. He
expressed his desire to see interest in an
affordability provision and a parking study.
For the record, he reminded the audience that he
believes in in -fil development as well as high
density housing next to the railroad corridor.
*Mayor Vidak- Martinez clarified that before permits
are issued, water and sewer capacities are known.
She then called Mr. Allen of the Spanos project up to
comment on his perception of what the impact of
economic and financial feasibility on the project
would be were it to include 15 affordable units.
*Councilmember Spiro asked Mr. Allen for more
information on various alternatives to the parking
problem.
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert ;Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority /,
Rohnert Park District.
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8,.2000 Page(16)
Ordinance for Introduction:
No. Rezoning One (1) Parcel Totaling 8.4 Acres
Resolution for Adoption:
No. Approving an Amendment of the General Plan
Land Use Map and Architectural and Site Plan Review
and Certification of the Mitigated Negative
Declaration for a 200 -Unit Apartment Project
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Spiro, the ordinance considered for
adoption failed by an 0 -5 vote until further analyses
of water, sewer and parking are made available to
Council.
Planning Director Schulenburg indicated that it would
take more than two weeks to gather all of the
requested information.
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, continuance of the public
hearing to the March 14, 2000 meeting without
requirement for.renotification was unanimously
approved.
2)City Center and Library - Environmental Review
Process
Planning Director Schulenburg summarized the staff
report and touched on three major points: an initial
study for the Library with a Negative Declaration;
updated traffic analyses for the Library; and a
complete project description for the City Center
so staff can move forward with a Program EIR.
Councilmember Flores asked that the areas north of the
Library be refocused on in the next EIR.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Mackenzie and
seconded by Councilmember Flores to accept staff
recommendations to proceed with the Library EIR
first, and then for the Council to complete the
project description for the remainder of City Hall.
The motion was unanimously approved.
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(17)
13. PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Finance Director Harrow gave a brief summary of
the status of certain financial reports. He was
pleased to report that there were no instances
in preparing the reports in which he was required
to report internal control weaknesses. He also
said there will be significant changes in the way
financial statements are presented, requiring staff
training.
*CITY OF ROHNERT PARK Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report and Management Letter
*CITY OF ROHNERT PARK Transportation Development Act
(TDA) Fund
*CITY OF ROHNERT PARK Agree -Upon Procedures Report
for the Appropriations Limit Calculation
*COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Independent
Auditor's Report
* ROHNERT PARK FINANCING AUTHORITY Independent
Auditor's Report
* ROHNERT PARK HOUSING FINANCING AUTHORITY Independent
Auditor's Report
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Spiro, acceptance of the 1998 -99
Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports was
unanimously approved.
2)Staff Presentation of Financial Report for Fiscal
Year End, June 30, 1999.
3)Staff review of Six -Month Financial Report as of
December 31, 1999
4)Discussion of 2000 -2001 Budget
City Manager Netter indicated that it would be
appropriate to review and discuss Items 2, 3 and 4 at
the next Budget /Finance Work Session scheduled later
this month.
14. LIBRARY PROJECT
(Item No. 16 on the Agenda)
Mayor Vidak- Martinez moved Item No. 14 forward on the
Agenda.
1)Counci1 review of 1/25/00 Work Session
Council concurred to proceed as discussed.
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert.;Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(18)
2)Contract extension with David Sabsay
City Manager Netter commented that he feels it is
important to keep David involved in the library
process.
Upon motion by Councilmember Reilly, seconded by
Councilmember Spiro, extension of the contract with
David Sabsay was unanimously approved.
15. WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT MATTERS:
(Item No. 14 on the Agenda)
1)Waste Management Contract Process - Status
Report
2)Hiring Waste Management Consultant
City Manager Netter emphasized the need for direction
in the process of addressing the City's future needs
for waste reduction, recycling, waste diversion and
refuse collection services.
Management Analyst Fogle briefly commented on the
recommended procedures and processes. She pointed out
that it will be important to secure a consultant to put
the process together.
Mayor Vidak- Martinez noted that the process is in
the information - finding stage to bring the
information together.
Councilmember Reilly and Councilmember Spiro
discussed with City Manager Netter various ways to
get the waste diversion in Rohnert Park down to 50%.
Management Analyst Fogle recommended a complex
rate analysis-
1 ___ .
Vice Mayor Mackenzie made a motion to accept the
recommendations of staff for this matter.
Councilmember Flores seconded, and the motion
was unanimously approved.
16. MATTERS FROM /FOR COUNCIL:
(Item No. 20 on the Agenda)
1) Consideration of a Library Mural committee
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
February 8, 2000 Page(19)
Councilmember Flores expressed his desire to have the
Council specifically designate individual members to
work with the architects and engineers in developing
a process for a mural or murals in the Library. He
wants the selection of two representatives
respectively from the Cultural Arts Corporation, the
Association for the Arts, the Library Steering
Committee and the Library Advisory Board, with the
Mayor as liaison.
Councilmember Flores made a motion in favor of
moving the consideration of a Library Mural
Committee to an action item on the next agenda.
Councilmember Spiro seconded, and the motion was
unanimously approved.
17. COMMUNICATIONS
(No. 19 on the Agenda)
Communications per the attached outline were brought
to the attention of the City Council. No action was
taken unless specifically noted in these minutes.
Due to the lateness of the hour, the remaining items as listed
on the Agenda were provided for Council's information and /or
deferred to a later date.
18. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Mayor Vidak- Martinez
adjourned the meeting at approximately 11:55 p.m.
I 4k�=
Katy Leonard,
Certified Shorthand Reporter
CSR No. 11599
V,CL";i/ - (-"-:; �--< - r,-
Vicki Vidak- Martinez, Mayor
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District