2000/03/14 City Council MinutesCITY OF ROHNERT PARK CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES for:
City Council
Community Development Commission
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
March 14, 2000
Tuesday
The concurrent meetings of the City of Rohnert Park for
the City Council, Community Development Commission and
Rohnert Park Financing Authority met this date in
regular session commencing at 6:00 p.m. in the City
Offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with
Mayor Vidak- Martinez presiding.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Vidak- Martinez called the regular
session to order at approximately 6:54 p.m. and led
the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL: Present: (5) Councilmembers Flores, Reilly, Spiro;
Vice Mayor Mackenzie; and Mayor
Vidak- Martinez
Absent: (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,
Building official Braun and Recreation Director Barry.
1. CLOSED SESSION:. Mayor Vidak- Martinez reported on the
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.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Upon motion by Councilmember Flores, seconded by
Councilmember Reilly, with Vice Mayor Mackenzie
abstaining, the minutes of February 22, 2000 were
approved with the noted amendments below.
Councilmember Reilly: (1)Page 8, second paragraph,
Item 14, should read "staff" suggested adding heights or
lengths, instead of "he"; (2)Page 9, Item 16, should
read Council concurrence "for" the UGB measure; (3)Page
12, under the italics, "Rielly" should be spelled
R- e- i- 1 -1 -y.
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
March 14, 2000 Page(2 )
Councilmember Spiro: (1) Page 8, second paragraph, Tom
Bullard is a commander, not a lieutenant.
Mayor Vidak- Martinez: (1)Page 9, Item 16, first
paragraph, should read competent General Plan, not
ii confident "; (2)Page 12, Item 17, second from last
paragraph, replace "they" with "The City" met with
architects and the City Manager; (3)Page 12, same
paragraph, next sentence, replace "and they thought"
with "although they thought "; (4)Page 12, same
paragraph, next sentence, "they" should be replaced
with "the Council"; (5)Page 13, Item 19, after the word
"appropriate" add "for the Council to support the
letter to ABAG which would be signed by the County and
all cities."
3. APPROVAL OF THE BILLS /DEMANDS FOR PAYMENT:
Upon motion of Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Reilly, City bills presented per the
attached list in the amount of $2,040,543.49, as well as
Community Development Commission bills in the amount of
$74,486.00, were unanimously approved.
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.
* Councilmember Reilly signified two items to add, (1)
adding City employees to the "Meetings with Groups" to
clarify what goes on in closed sessions, (2)an article
pertaining to the $6,000,000 going to Sonoma County
for the tobacco settlement.
* Councilmember Spiro signified one item to add under
"Matters for Council" to update Greg Brogdin on
traffic issues in the L section.
* Councilmember Flores signified one item to add
regarding the Library Mural Committee.
*Vice Mayor Mackenzie.signified one item to report on
the CDBG applications meeting from that morning.
5. YOUTH CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES from the'1999 -2000
Youth of the Year Program, Senior Corrina Cole-and
Juniors Ray Bacani and Nicole Henderson, were
recognized.
In following through with the concerns mentioned
at the Youth Summit regarding alcohol and drug use
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Mi ujes
March 14, 2000
among teens, the representatives gave each
councilmember a letter inviting them to a meeting
of SCYAD (Sonoma County Associates for Youth
Development) on March 23rd, from 4:30 -7:30 p.m., at
SCYAD behind Mountain Shadows Middle School to
discuss and assess the communities policies on alcohol
and drug services.
7. SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATED ST DEN S, INC. report,
REPRESENTATIVE, Brian Talbot, p r
which included the following:
*Lobby Corps of SSU continues their efforts with Voter
Registration 2000
*Sonoma Earth Action and the Committee on Recycling
Education at SSU would like to work with Council
on solving the recycling shortage in Rohnert Park
*ASI would like an update on their request for
local businesses that cater to students to stay open
after 10:00 p.m.
*March 25, #1- ranked SSU Lacrosse team vs. Loyola
Marymount at 1:00 p.m. at SSU
*March 25, "Expanding Your Horizons" conference for 7th
and 8th grade girls; call 664 -2247
*March 28, "Sweatshops in Saipan" lecture at SSU
Omar Malik, chairperson of JUMP, the community service
program at SSU, updated the Council on the recent
successful blood drive sponsored by JUMP, as well as his
appointment to the National Youth Action Council.
Councilmember Reilly requested that Council get some
information to Mr. Talbot about (1) recycling at
apartments, and (2) a list of businesses that close by
10:00 P.M.
Vice Mayor Mackenzie noted that he will be speaking
to Lobby Core at SSU tomorrow evening and he will
report back to Council on that.
7.. SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
1)Lisa Ching, Rancho Cotate High School: re Community
Service. Mayor Vidak- Martinez acknowledged that Ms.
Ching cancelled her scheduled appearance and will
reschedule it for a'�later date.
2)Ral h Hornbuckle 20- ear resident of Rohnert Park:
re Department of Public Safety. Mr. Hornbuckle
commended the Department of Public Safety for saving.
his life after he collapsed in his garage on December
*City Council / Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
March 14,. 2000 Page(4 )
10th, 1999. He thanked Officers Wulff Reinhold and
Tricia Seyler in particular for their efforts.
8. 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)Ch6rles Kitchen, 4457 Hollingsworth Circle, requested
that the Council take a course of action with
reference to American Golf since, he feels, nothing
has been resolved since the golf course meeting last
October. He also discussed the presentation at the.
February 17th golf course meeting. He commented that
American Golf would only pay money to upgrade the
clubhouses, not the golf courses. He presented the
the construction of a regional sports center,
including what to do and not do, how to come up with
the money, and maintenance of such facility. He
pointed out that economic vitality, tourism and youth
would all benefit from such a facility since
recreation has risen to the level of organized
activities. He suggested various ways to start
funding the project, and noted that tournament soccer,
an Olympic swimming pool, gymnasiums, and fishing
ponds at this proposed center would enhance everyone's
quality of life.
Mayor Vidak - Martinez, on behalf of the Board of
Education, announced that Buddies Pizza and Dan Hubley
will be the recipients of the District's Partnership
Award. She noted that Johanna Hoagland of the Department
of Public Safety will receive the Media Award for the
Street Beat production.
3)Bob Fleak, 157 Parque Recrero, noted his support of
Tom Woodcock's forthcoming amendment. He also talked
about his research into the issue of the testing of
fire hydrants in the manufactured home parks. He asked
the Council to look into requiring the park owners to
test the fire hydrants every six months and pump them
at least once a year. Councilmember Reilly deferred
the issue to staff.
4)Tom Woodcock 195 Verde Circle, thanked Sergeant
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underlined
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
March 14, 2000 Page(5 )
Saldanha from the Department of Public Safety, City
Attorney Strauss, and the Council for approval of
the sex- offender map. He noted that it is a positive
step in ensuring public safety.
5)Geoff Cartwri ht 56 Rocca Drive Petaluma, presented
the Council with an article from the February 23rd,
2000, Press Democrat entitled, "Flood fix no help to
neighborhood," and commented that Rohnert Park's
expansion east and south is entering the Petaluma
watershed, which has a flooding problem. He asked
Council to bring it up at the General Plan meeting
tomorrow.
6)Dave Hardy, 14,.18 Parkway Drive, presented the Council
with a letter he wrote to President Arm.inana of SSU
concerning SSU's responsibility to mitigate the
traffic problems arising from future events at the
music center project. He asked Council to refer all
legal questions regarding the Draft EIR to the City
Attorney to help determine SSU's responsibility to
pay for mitigation. Vice Mayor Mackenzie stated that
he will discuss some propositions that will address
Mr. Hardy's concerns at the General Plan meeting
tomorrow.
)RRECTION from 3/28/00 city Council meeting:
er Councilmember 7) Jenny Huff, 674 Racquet Club Circle, discussed the
piro as follows: change in attitude about her appointment to the Rent
s.Spiro said the
slue was not about Appeals Board and asked the Council to give her some
er personally, but insight on that. She pointed out that her employment
bout Ms. Huff work- was never an issue and referred to a July 14th, 1997
ng for another
ember of the Rent letter .from Councilmember Spiro. Councilmember Spiro
ppeals Board. stated that she overlooked Ms. Huff's employment on
her application and that Council will discuss the
matter later in the meeting. *See correction added.
9. 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 -58 per Councilmember
Flores' recommendation; and Item D on the Consent
Calendar per Councilmember Spiro's recommendation.
Acknowledging City Manager /Clerk's report on posting of
the meeting's agenda
Accepting Cash /Investments Report for Month End,
January 31, 2000, concurrently for:
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
March 14, 2000 Page(6 )
*City of Rohnert Park /City Council
*Community Development Commission
*Rohnert Park Financing Authority
Resolution Nos:
2000 -51 CALLING FOR SEALED PROPOSALS FOR RE- ROOFING AT
VARIOUS CITY LOCATIONS
7000 C2 MG-T
c.vvv-:a� r+�tit`L VF CONTRACT FOR RESURFACING '1'r;tVNlS C:UUK'1'S AT
DOROTEA PARK AND LADYBUG PARK
2000 -53 AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE SEPARATE WATER
RECIRCULATION SYSTEM FOR LADYBUG WADING POOL
2000 -54 APPROVING APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION
FUNDS, ROHNERT PARK EXPRESSWAY PARK & RIDE LOT
2000 -55 APPROVING APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION
FUNDS, ROHNERT PARK EXPRESSWAY INTERCHANGE RAMP
IMPROVEMENTS
2000 -56 AUTHORIZING SALARY ADJUSTMENTS FOR CERTAIN
PART -TIME RECREATION POSITIONS
2000 -57 APPOINTING AN ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE
REDWOOD EMPIRE MUNICIPAL INSURANCE FUND (REMIF)
BOARD
2000 -59 APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH COTATI- ROHNERT PARK
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR JOINT USE OF CERTAIN
PUBLIC FACILITIES OWNED BY CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
AND COTATI- ROHNERT PARK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Approval of Rohnert Park Animal Shelter Updated Fee
Schedule
Approval of Community Funds in the amount of $500 for
Rancho Elite Cheerleaders of Rancho Cotate High
School to attend the USA Nationals competition in
Anaheim, CA, March 30 -April 2, 2000, as recommended
by the Parks and Recreation Commission at its meeting
of February 28, 2000
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION matter:
*Homeless Prevention Group 1999 -00 Funding
CDC Resolution for adoption:.
2000 -02 Approving Amendment No. Three to the
Agreement with.the Homeless Prevention Group of
Cotati, Rohnert Park and Penngrove, Inc. (to grant
1999 -00 funding of $5,000 to HPG)
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, with the exceptions of Resolution
No. 2000 -58 and Item D, the Consent Calendar as
otherwise outlined on the meeting's agenda was
unanimously approved.
Resolution for consideration:
ADOPTING NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND CALLING FOR SEALED
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rnhnart Aark Tai �tri ni-.
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGPSS Minutes
March 14, 2000
PROPOSALS MAGNOLIA PARK POOL PROJECT NO. 1999 -09
Councilmember Flores commented on the positive impact
the project will have on the community and noted that
construction is set to begin late summer /early fall.
City Engineer Gaffney addressed Councilmember Spiro's
inquiry about adequate parking at the pool and stated
that the parking is adequate to serve the uses that the
project will see.
Upon motion by Councilmember Flores,.seconded by
Councilmember Spiro, Resolution No. 2000 -58 was
unanimously approved, with directions to staff to come
back with a comparison and evaluation of the number of
parking spaces at the other pools.
Item for Consideration:
D APPROVAL OF NON - RESIDENT AQUATIC FEE SCHEDULE FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2000 -2001
Councilmember Spiro pointed out that residents of Cotati
and Penngrove do not pay taxes to maintain, upgrade and
operate the pools. City Manager Netter and Recreation
Director Barry indicated to Vice Mayor Mackenzie that
there would be a reduction in business as Cotati
represents about 30% of the business at L Pool. He
noted staff's recommendation of Choice #1.
Mayor Vidak- Martinez and Councilmember Flores expressed
a desire to maintain the waiver of the non - resident fee
so as not to create any hard feelings with neighboring
cities, nor to eliminate the opportunity for childr
to learn how to swim. Councilmember Reilly suggested
waiving the non- resident fee for all children, not just
those in Cotati and Rohnert Park.
Upon motion by Councilmember Spiro, seconded by
Councilmember Reilly, a motion to accept Choice #3
*CORRECTION from eliminating the waiver of the non - resident fee at all
3/28/00 Council pools
meeting per _1_ee,.te, failed.
Councilmember
Spiro, noting that the deletion was a friendly amendment not accepted in the motion.
Further discussion ensued. Upon motion by
Councilmember Flores, seconded by Vice Mayor Mackenzie,
a motion to accept Choice #1, as recommended by staff,
maintaining the non - resident fee with directions to
staff for further review regarding the provision to
provide swimming lessons to children /adults, was
approved with Councilmember Spiro and Councilmember
Reilly dissenting.
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
March 14, 2000 Page(8 )
10. 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. Also requested
is an amendment to the General Plan Land Use Map to
redesignate the site from Community Commercial to High
Density Residential and a rezoning to redesignate the
site from a Commercial Recreation District (C- REC:P -D)
to a Multi- Family Residential District (RM: 1500PD)
designation. The project will also require
certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration.
Staff Report: Planning Director Schulenberg provided
the contents of the staff report which includes more
information which addresses the concerns of the public
over the traffic impact and the sewer allocation and
water availability for the project. Associate Planner
Bendorff addressed the concerns of Council over the
parking survey in their packets, while City Engineer
Gaffney discussed the issues of sufficient water and
wastewater allocations in his report. He shared the
projected figures and noted the marginal increase
that the Spanos project would represent within Rohnert
Park's yearly water production capacity and wastewater
treatment allocation. An ordinance for introduction
and a resolution were provided to Council for
consideration of this item following the staff report.
Councilmember Reilly inquired about the local water
table's capacity to handle the increased production
over time.
Councilmember Flores asked about the procedure and the
timetable to increase the daily yield from the
aqueduct, and City Engineer Gaffney indicated that the
Sonoma County Water Agency plans to expand the water
allocation 15 million gallons per day to Rohnert Park
within the next five to seven years.
Vice Mayor Mackenzie discussed the timing of the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the
hydrogeological report, both tentatively due in
April this year. City Engineer Gaffney indicated that
Rohnert Park is doing well to meet its water
conservation goals, and further that the current flow
.meters are 95% accurate and indicate acceptable values
for the subregional system.
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority /
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
March 14, 2000
Tom Allen of the A.G. Spanos Corporation discussed
various reasons why the project makes good planning
sense. As an in -fill project, he commented-on the
location, the future customer base, and the increase
in rental housing that it represents. On the traffic
issue, he noted that multi - family projects create less
stacking of traffic as opposed to commercial projects.
On the affordable housing issue, he estimated that
with people moving into the apartments, 100 apartment
vacancies would thus be created in Rohnert Park. As
a sign of support for affordable housing, he proposed
that the Spanos Corporation make a one -time
contribution to a housing project commission in Rohnert
Park for low and very -low income homebuyers.
PUBLIC HEARING: City Attorney Strauss indicated a 3- minute
time limit was allowed for a public hearing, and with
that, Mayor Vidak- Martinez opened the public hearing at
approximately 8:27 p.m.
Citizens submitted speaker cards and shared verbal
and /or written comments expressing support or opposition
to the planning and zoning matter, File No. 1854.
OPPOSE 1. Barney Hirson, 915 Dorine Street, business owner,
formes Planning Commissioner
OPPOSE 2. Axel Jensen, 4502 Heath Circle
OPPOSE 3. Leland Kolb, 4627 Fairway Drive
OPPOSE 4. Dan Hughes, 175 Firethorn Drive
OPPOSE 5. Carol Lindeman, 951 Holly Avenue
OPPOSE 6. Hertzel Harrison, 4413 Hamlet Court
OPPOSE 7. Scott VanderLinden, 4811 Fairway Drive
OPPOSE 8. Dave Mochel, 4405 Hollingsworth Circle, Planning
Commissioner
OPPOSE 9. Edward Sorenson, 465 Floral Way
OPPOSE 10. Bill Borah, 291 Firethorn Drive
OPPOSE 11. Dennis Baney, 297 Firethorn Drive
OPPOSE 12. Bob Weil, 193 Fescue Way, civil engineer
OPPOSE 13. John Rommel, 473 Floral Way
SUPPORT 14. Patrick Malunat, 4995 Fern Place
SUPPORT 15. Jeff James, 6861 Grove Street, Cotati, Chairman of
the Board of Directors of RP Chamber of Commerce
OPPOSE 16. Wes Hardisty, 4951 Flower Court
OPPOSE 17. Richard Endreszl, 239 Fauna Drive
OPPOSE 18. Larry Roudebush, 308 Firethorn
OPPOSE 19. Terry Purpus, 4319 Fairway Drive
OPPOSE 20. Charles Kithchen, 4457 Hollingsworth Circle
OPPOSE 21. Jenny Huff, 674 Racquet Club Circle
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
March 14, 2000 Page(10)
Questions and remarks stemming from public comments
included:
*Is there sufficient room for entrance and egress to and
from the project?
*Who has led the Spanos Company to believe that their
plan was that acceptable that they could spend the
amount of money they have on this project with some
favorable optimism, knowing that the odds were in their
favor?
*When was the traffic study done? What day? What hour?
*Is there any reason the project has to be decided on
tonight, or can it be placed on the ballot, allowing the
people to speak?
*Reports seem to use only projections and assumptions and
seem to reflect a desire for a concession with the
contractors, rather than a concern for the quality of
life of the people in Rohnert Park.
*Why are the citizens paying an additional assessment for
fire services if the report indicates that the Fire
Department has the additional capacity to service the
400 additional people in the project?
*With 200 units, who is going to get the 11 additional
guest spaces?
*Noise levels for toddlers outside and people inside the
apartments. will be above average noise - decibel levels.
*Where will overflow parking go, especially during
yearly events and conventions?
*How did we come up with the sewer capacity for this
project when we were not able to come up with it for
similar projects?
*If Council approves the Mitigated Negative Impact
Declaration, the project proceeds without any further
environmental analysis.
*Does this project satisfy Rohnert Park's highest
priority needs, or will its construction actually
diminish the City's ability to satisfy higher priority
needs because it uses up scarce resources?
*Traffic study grossly underestimated the number of
trips people will make, as well as the efficiency of
the intersections.
*Why not move the project closer to SSU to better
address the trickle -down theory?
*Has there been a study on the impact on the schools?
*Where will the kids play if there's only a bar, gas
station, railroad tracks and a highway?
*Can the Spanos Corporation put up story poles to give
the public an idea of the visual impact?
*Why is PG &E shutting down groundwater pumps?
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGpSS Minutes
March 14, 2000
*Innovative ideas with the railway can eventually be
put into place.
*Local employers are in need of housing for employees.
*How can the City circumvent zoning laws?
*It takes less time to go to Santa Rosa and spend
money on groceries and other products and services, as
opposed to sitting in traffic just to get across town.
*How are you going to monitor the 200 apartments and
the number of tenants living in them? ark,
*Has there been any consideration of building a p
transit station, or library on that site?
There being no one further desiring to speak, Mayor
Vidak- Martinez closed the public hearing at
approximately 9:22 p.m.
Council discussion included comments as follows:
*Councilmember Reilly indicated that until the Council
knows where the water is coming from, where the
wastewater is going to, and how to get more cars
both sides of the freeway, he would supp postponing
the project.
*Councilmember Flores discussed the challenges of
residential growth, noting the development of E, D, F,
G, and H neighborhoods and the contributions of their
residents to the City. He acknowledged the need for
housing in the community and noted that the Council has
been giving careful consideration of whether the project
will have a reasonable impact on the community.
*Vice Mayor Mackenzie raised the issue of what are the
City's zoning and General Plan regulations that
the
regulate the use of this property, and whether
property owner has a right to do something with this
land. City Attorney Strauss indicated that outside of
the General Plan zoning regulations, the California
Environmental Quality Act applies, and it is up to
the Council to thoughtfully evaluate the extensive
environmental paperwork in front of them. Vice Mayor
Mackenzie expressed his desire not to proceed further
with the project until the hydrogeological reports are
*CORRECTION from in along with a more thorough explanation of the
3/28/00 Council traffic study.
meeting per Spiro shared her belief that this is a
Council_member *Councilmember Sp
Spiro—based on needed project. However, she indicated that she could
inadequate parking p * e-- l- oea- (see corr.)
or parking solu- not support it based on t--P
tious, and there- *Mayor Vidak- Martinez raised the issue of where would
fore it would be the money come from to buy the land at an estimated
better at a
different location-$3.5 million. Among other things, she noted that sea
has spent a great deal of time considering this
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority /
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
March 14, 2000 Page(12)
project; that Rohnert Park is a declining enrollment
school district; that parking, water and sewer concernsy
are adequately addressed in the repsective studies;
that there is an affordable housing provision in the
project; that the project will address the critical
housing need; that there is only 3 /4ths of an acre
available and, zoned for housing within the city
limits; and that there are good examples of in -fill
development. She reiterated the Council's duty to look
at the greatest good for the greatest number and the
Council's moral obligation to look at housing in their
community.
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by Mayor
Vidak- Martinez, a motion for a two -month continuation
until the hydrogeological report and further traffic
*impact analyses are available tq� ounq'1 Was a roved
4- / ni�th Councilmember Reilly /ac`isSeiffJ m er SPpi o
*CORRECTION from 3/28/00 Council meeting: Per Councilmember Reilly.
City Attorney Strauss indicated the public would.be
renoticed the next time that this item appears on the
agenda.
RECESS: Mayor Vidak - Martinez declared a recess at
approximately 9:50 p.m.
RECONVENE: Mayor Vidak- Martinez reconvened the Council
meeting at approximately 10:01 p.m. With the
exception of Councilmember Spiro, all other
Councilmembers were present.
Councilmember Spiro leaves -- Councilmember Spiro left the
chamber during the break due to illness.
EXTEND COUNCIL MEETING:
Upon motion by Councilmember Reilly, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, a motion to extend the meeting
past 10:00 p.m. to finish necessary agenda items was
approverd, with (`niunCi`l mcx�er Spiro absent.
11. TAXI CAB SERVICE APPLICATION - Consideration of final
approval of Malcolm Jacobson's application for Rohnert
Park Taxi Service following completion of application
process and meeting requirements of Rohnert Park
Municipal Code Sections 5.20.10 through 5.20.180
City Manager Netter indicated that Mr. Jacobson's
application was complete and that he has clearance from
the Department of Public Safety.
Councilmember Reilly asked why it was listed on the
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
March 14, 2000
agenda as a policy determination versus just an
approval.
Councilmember Flores inquired about the time table
and the number of vehicles. Mr. Jacobson indicated
that he was ready to start service immediately after
final approval and that he has two taxi cabs.
Upon motion by Councilmember Flores, seconded by Vice
Mayor Mackenzie, a motion to approve the taxi cab
service application of Mr. Jacobson was approved 4 -0
with Councilmember Spiro absent.
12. WEB SITE PRESENTATION BY CONSULTANT MICHAEL D'AMICO OF
ALPHA INTERNET
Building Official Braun, who acted as project manager,
announced Rohnert Park's new informational web site at
www.ci.rohnert- park.ca.us. He informed Council that the
Municipal Code will soon be on the web .site too, and
then introduced Consultant Michael D'Amico of Alpha
Internet, who addressed the questions of Council.
Mr. D'Amico thanked the staff for their enthusiasm in
collaborating on the project and then browsed through
and explained some features of the new web site, due to
open tomorrow, March 15, at neon. He noted the site will
always change and eventually grow to 250 screens and 3,000
pages of information, with the newspaper portion updated
every two weeks.
13. RUGWORKS EXPANSION PROJECT REQUEST - PROCEDURAL PROCESS
REVIEW FOR CITY -OWNED LAND
Staff Report: City Manager Netter explained that the
Council needs to consider selling or leasing this piece
of land, and the procedural questions were deferred to
Planning Director Schuienberg and Associate Planner
Bendorff. City Engineer Gaffney discussed a letter he
wrote to Mr. Sevenau back in February, explaining why
he recommends against the use of this land as a parking
lot. He elaborated on seeking a permanent use of the
*CORRECTION from land, . several utilities under the grass on the land, and
3/28/00 Council the Bicycle Advisory Committee's idea for a Class 1 Bike
meetingg pper Pa over r of the 1 nd. *Council requested a re view and
Mayor Vidak- Pat h- over Rp o her approvead, non- conforming uses near the Rugworks,
Martinez. like Safeway and other businesses.
Councilmember Flores and Mayor Vidak- Martinez inquired
about the nature of the proposed parking lot: how much
land would it use, would it be landscaped, and would
there be enough spaces.
Planning Director Schulenberg discussed the requirements
of parking, right -of -way improvements, and the 30 -foot
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Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
March 14, 2000. Page(14)
landscape setback along the entire frontage. She noted
that to alter a legal, nonconforming use piece of land,
it has to be fully brought up to code. She suggested
a two -story parking lot, although it would have inherent
code problems, or relocation to a larger piece of land.
Mr. Sevenau, owner of the Rugworks, addressed the Council
and elaborated on how the proposed wrap - through driveway
would improve the land and free up some traffic on
Commerce Boulevard, as well as how there would always be
access to underground fiberoptic lines and utilities. He
questioned why Safeway on Commerce Boulevard does not
have the required 30 -foot setback.
Mayor Vidak- Martinez directed Mr. Sevenau to give
more information to staff and asked Council to explore
the possibility of leasing the land within the code
requirements. Vice Mayor Mackenzie supported the idea
of a bike path, while Councilmember Reilly stated that
he was not interested in making exceptions to the
30 -foot setback requirement.
14. MOBILE HOME PARK MATTERS:
1)Proposed Amendment to the Rent Control Ordinance by
Tom Woodcock
Tom Woodcock and Catherine Collins of the Rent Appeals
Board explained to the Council the reasons for asking
them to refer this item back to the Rent Appeals
Board., Assistant City Manager Leivo and City Attorney
Strauss answered questions from Council regarding
the purpose, legality and scope of referring it back
to the Rent Appeals Board. Councilmember Flores
suggested that the full scope of any rent increases be
explored.
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, with Councilmember Spiro absent, a
motion to refer this matter to the Rent Appeals Board
for their consideration was approved 4 -0.
15. COUNCIL YEAR 2000 PROJECT - MATTERS.RELATED.TO THE
GENERAL PLAN PROCESS, IF ANY
1)General Plan Oversight Committee update (VVM /JM)
2)General Plan Budget /Contract Amendments
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION:
2000 -60 Approving Amendment Number Three to the
Agreement with Crane Transportation Group
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Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
March 14, 2000 Page(15)
2000 -61 Approving Amendment Number Two to the
Agreement with Vicki Hill
Mayor Vidak- Martinez briefly updated the Council on
the General Plan meeting held last night. She touched
on the Urban Growth Boundary issue, the housing element,
the timeline and the need for more meetings and
consultation. Vice Mayor Mackenzie announced that the
public meeting for the City /County Working Group for
Rohnert Park General Plan will meet tomorrow at 2:00
p.m. in the chambers. He said that, among other things,
SSU's role in the transportation studies and other
matters will be discussed.
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, and approved 4 -0 with
Councilmember Spiro absent, reading was waived and
Resolutions 2000 -60 and 2000 -61 were adopted.
16. CITY CENTER, CITY HALL & LIBRARY - BONDS /BUDGET -
RESULTS OF 2/22/00 WORK SESSION
Council discussion: Councilmember Reilly reiterated
that he favors spending the money on projects that
enhance the recreational or economic development of
the community, such as swimming pools or recreational
fields. He shared his feeling that the Library
adequately addresses the need for a City Center /Civic
Center.
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, with Councilmember Spiro absent, a
motion to authorize expenditure of $5,000,000 for design
and construction of City Hall at the City Center site
was approved 3 -1 with Councilmember Reilly dissenting.
17. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PARKING IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES -
ORDINANCE
1)City Attorney /Staff report
2)Council discussion /action - DEFERRED to enable review
by full Council.
18. ABANDONED VEHICLE - ORDINANCE
1)City Attorney /Staff report
2)Council discussion /action - DEFERRED to enable review
by full Council.
19. 1999 -2006 ABAG REGIONAL HOUSING DISTRIBUTION
Mayor's and Councilmembers' joint letter: Mayor
Vidak- Martinez explained the drafted letter from the
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
March 14, 2000 Page(16)
Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers' Association
to ABAG asking them to reconsider their very high growth
model. The final letter would be reviewed by the Council
before signing..
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, a motion to authorize the Mayor to
ha A Pi rmgt-nry nn t hi q - ni nt letter to ABAG was annroved
4 -0 with Councilmember Spiro absent. yj
20. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND /OR OTHER REPORTS:
1)Cannon Manor, 2/28/00 mtg. (JM /VVM)
2)Tourism Council - Investors Committee (VVM)
3)Other, if any - DEFERRED due to the lateness of the hour.
21. TRANSPORTATION MATTERS:
1)Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA), 3/13/00
mta. (JM)
Vice Mayor Mackenzie announced that the SCTA will meet
on Monday, March 20, and give serious discussion to
post- election matters and convening a Transportation
Summit with professional mediation to bring the
parties together and work towards resolution on this
particular matter.
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.
23. MATTER FROM /FOR COUNCIL:
.1)Council Web Site policy - .Mayor Vidak- Martinez raised
the issue of getting clarity on the biography
sections, particularly on including the dates on former
assignments for councilmembers. After a brief
discussion, Council concurred, with Councilmember
Spiro absent, to bring this item back as an agenda
item to enable a review by the full Council.
2)Consideration of rescinding Jenny Huff appointment to
fill Mobile Home Park Rent Appeals Board vacancy
(two -year term to expire 12/31/01) (LS) - Mayor
Vidak- Martinez questioned the appropriateness of
bringing this item forward at this time and then
referred to'a March 6, 2000 Memorandum from City
Attorney Strauss clarifying the conflict -of- interest
issue. Councilmember Reilly favored bringing this
issue up the next time the nominating councilmember,
Councilmember Spiro, is present. Councilmember Flores
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
March 14, 2000 Page(17)
suggested bringing the matter back earlier in the
next meeting as Ms. Huff had to change her work
schedule to be at tonight's meeting. After further
discussion, Council concurred to bring this matter
back at the next meeting.
Mayor Vidak- Martinez noted the lateness of the hour and asked
if there were any other matters Council wanted to deal with.
3)Mayoral representation on behalf of full City Council
JR - Councilmember Reilly asked for clarification on
a "No on 22" flyer which had listed three
councilmembers, yet he had not received a phone call on
the matter. Mayor Vidak- Martinez apologized for. not
following through with the phone calls and said that in
the future she would only agree to make the calls if she
could or otherwise direct the party to the City
Manager's Office.
4)Status of Commission /Committee /Board attendance
requirements (JR) - Councilmember Reilly asked for an
update because there were some areas of attendance, as
well as decorum and attitude in communicating, that
were of concern to him. Mayor Vidak- Martinez
responded that a policy dealing with whether a person
can serve and whether that person will make a good
faith effort to do so will be dealt with.
5)Budget information (JR) - DEFERRED
6)Establishing a set calendar of meeting with other
bodies (JR) - Councilmember Reilly recommended
.that Council consider scheduling meeting dates
for various joint meetings. Council concurred with
City Manager Netter to re- agendize this matter.
7)S reckels WALL OF HONOR Saturday, March 25 2000 -
INFORMATIONAL
8)Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), General
Assembly Meetin & Re resentation San Francisco
Thursday & Friday, April 27 & 28, 2000 — Vice Mayor
Mackenzie indicated that he would be attending this
General Assembly as the delegate.
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, a motion to send Vice Mayor
Mackenzie to the General Assembly as the delegate and
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS Minutes
March 14, 2000 Page(18)
appoint Councilmember Spiro as the alternate was
approved 4 -0 with Councilmember Spiro absent.
9)Miscellaneous, if any -
1. Tobacco settlement - Councilmember Reilly asked.
Council to look into what the Council's input is
as far as spendinq the tobacco settlement monies
on projects - outside of the county.
2. Appointment of two representatives for the Library
Mural Committee- Councilmember Flores signified that
two representatives from the Rohnert Park /Cotati
Library Advisory Board need to be appointed to work
with a group on developing a mural for the
children's section of the Library. Council
concurred to appoint Mr. Hertzel Harrison as one
representative on the'Library Mural Committee.
24. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
1)SSU Trip to Massachusetts = Tanglewood, July 27 -30,
2000 - City Manager Netter explained that in his
discussions with SSU's administration it has become
necessary for the university to approve the
expenditure for this trip. He noted also that SSU is
seeking to send one representative from the Department
of Public Safety and one from the administration of
the City of Rohnert Park, as well as one elected
official.
Emergency item declared: Upon motion by Vice Mayor
Mackenzie, seconded by Councilmember Flores, with
Councilmember Spiro absent, this item was declared an
emergency item due to the time frame.
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, with Councilmember Spiro absent,
a motion to approve travel for an Out-of-state visit
was approved 3 -1, with Councilmember Reilly dissenting
due to his disapproval of using City funds for travel
expenses outside the State.
City Manager Netter pointed out that the Council by
consensus has agreed to Mayor Vidak- Martinez going
on the trip as an elected official.
2)Update on Grant Writer - Report re Library - City
Manager Netter referred the Council to the written
report concerning this issue.
3)Miscellaneous, if any - City.Manager Netter reminded
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March 14, 2000 Page(19)
the Council about the Sister Cities trip to Japan from
April 20 -27, 2000, and no councilmember indicated
interest in taking the trip.
25. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
1)Any items from Closed Session
City Attorney Strauss had nothing further to add to the
Mayor's report on the closed session at this time.
OTHER UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
1)Hertzel Harrison, 4413 Hamlet Court, requested that
the staff look into putting notices out to the
residents again regarding the pooper scooper issue.
He also asked that staff look into the long "Walk"
light on Rohnert Park Expressway near the Library
site.
2)Bob Fleak, 157 Parque Recrero, President GSMOL
Rancho Grande, expressed to the Council that he
takes exception to the nomination process as far
as the Rent Appeals Board is concerned. Mayor
Vidak- Martinez explained the nomination process to
Mr. Fleak at this time. He further questioned the
present make -up of the Rent Appeals Board, namely
that some appointees are business - oriented and
pro park management.
3)Len Carlson Rancho Grande, raised the issue of his
application for the Rent Appeals Board. He questioned
both City Attorney Strauss' advice to the Council that
it would not be advisable to have anymore mobile home
people on the Board, and the general make -up of the
Board itself. He expressed to the Council that in his
years as a negotiator and a mediator he would
certainly be able to make decisions based upon the
letter of the law.
There being no further business, Mayor Vidak- Martinez
adjourned the meeting at approximately 11:44 p.m.
�6 -
aty Leonard,
Certified Shorthand Reporter
CSR No. 11599
Vicki Vidak- Martinez, Mayor
*City Council /Community Development Commission /Rohnert Park
Financing Authority /Rohnert Park Housing Financing Authority/
Rohnert Park District