2000/03/28 City Council MinutesROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 28, 2000
Tuesday
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in
regular session for a regular meeting 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 8:14 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 and Public Safety Director Miller.
WORK SESSION: A work session was held at 6:00 p.m. to consider
(1) affordable housing and (2) the 2000 -2001 Budget and
Preliminary Review.
1. CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Vidak- Martinez reported on the closed
session which commenced at 7:30 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 Vice Mayor
Mackenzie, with Councilmember Spiro abstaining, the minutes
of March 14, 2000 were approved with the noted amendments
below.
Councilmember Spiro: (1)Page 4,.under "Unscheduled Public
Appearances," add the fact that Mr. Kitchen requested a
report on his cancelled public appearance; (2)Page 5, under
Jenny Huff's "Unscheduled Public Appearance," add that
Councilmember Spiro said the issue was not about her
personally, but about her working for another member of the
Rent Appeals Board; (3)Page 7, under "motion by
Councilmember Spiro," please note that "with the.exception
of the children's swimming lessons" was a friendly
amendment which was not accepted and should be deleted from
the motion; (4)Page 11, under "Council Discussion" for
Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2000 Page(2 j
Councilmember Spiro, please clarify that she could not
support the Spanos project based on inadequate parking or
parking solutions, and therefore it would be better at a
different location.
Councilmember Reilly: (1)Page 12, second paragraph, please
clarify that the motion was approved 3 -2, not 4 -1, with
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Mayor Vidak- Martinez: (1)Page 13, Item 13, under "Rugworks
Expansion Project," please note that Council had asked for
a review and explanation of other approved non - conforming
uses near the Rugworks, specifically Safeway and /or other
businesses.
3. APPROVAL OF THE BILLS /DEMANDS FOR PAYMENT:
Upon motion of Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, City bills presented per the attached
list in the amount of $1,926,784.62 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 four items to add: (1)a
report on the traffic on Lancaster.; (2)a percent
attendance update at commissions /committees; (3)the issue
of decorum based on observation of videotapes at
commission /committee meetings; (4)possibility of setting
up a policy of how far councilmembers or commissioners
will travel before a hotel stay is deemed necessary.
* Councilmember Spiro signified three items to add: (1)a
report on the on- street parking status; .(2)the issue of
the Council's policy on the "Agenda" and "Scheduled Public
Appearances" and the possibility of creating a written
policy regarding those items; (3)a review of the issue of
passing on the funding process to the COYF Commission.
*Vice Mayor Mackenzie signified two items to add: (1)the
Wall of Honor ceremony held Saturday, March 25th; (2) the
City Hall project.
* Councilmember Flores signified two items to add: (1)the
addition of regular committee reports regarding the
stadium and the Library Mural Committee at the next
meeting; (2)a brief discussion with City Attorney Strauss
for the back rent liability issue.
*Mayor Vidak- Martinez signified one item to add: (1)road
improvements.
Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2000 Page(3 )
Councilmember Spiro inquired if there had been a procedural
change in light of Councilmember Flores' adding reports
regarding committees. She asked if it could be brought up
in advance of making the report, and City Attorney Strauss
said it could be added to the present Council meeting.
5. INTRODUCTION & WELCOME TO NEW PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR -
JEFFREY MILLER
*Welcome event scheduled Monday April 10,2000,__6:00 -8:00
g m at Dorothy Rohnert Spreckels Performing Arts Center.
Public Safety Director Miller briefly addressed the Council
and expressed his thanks for the opportunity to serve the
community of Rohnert Park. He commented on his belief in
his accountability to the people he would be serving, doing
the right thing, and teamwork. The Council thanked him and
wished him well in his new position.
5. YOUTH CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES from the 1999 -2000 Youth
of the Year Program, Senior Angela Broaddus and Junior
Kaitlin Glass, were recognized. Junior Sean Tate was not
able to attend due to an interview for California Boys
State. Ms. Broaddus and Ms. Glass provided the Youth
Report which included the following:
*Racism Project: Youth reps will meet with local leaders to
research.this issue, present their findings to the Council
An June, and then create a project focused on this topic.
*State- mandated testing, grades 9 -10, April 5 -6
*JC Placement Test for seniors, in April, or community
service for seniors not taking the test
*Project Graduation events: (1)Annual Flea Market, March
31 -April 2, 8 -5 p.m., Padre Town Center; (2)Gong Show /Cake
Auction, April 7, Rancho Cotate High School Multi -Use Room
*Quad Dance, March 31, RCHS, and Spring Dance, Luau theme,
April 13
*Talent Show, April 23
*Various sporting events listed in Youth Report handout
Councilmember Reilly encouraged people to purchase Project
Graduation tickets for $5 because they.are a great
fundraiser for a well attended event for graduating seniors
to celebrate graduation in a facility for the night, rather
than driving on the roads.
7. SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATED STUDENTS, INC.
REPRESENTATIVE, Brian Talbot, provided the ASI report,
which included the following:
*Best wishes for a speedy recovery for Dr. Peter Phillips,
Professor of Sociology at SSU and Director of Project
Censored
Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2000 Page(4 )
*Book release of Censored 2000, keynote speaker Bruce
Brugmann, March 29, at SSU, 7 p.m.
*Benefit concert by singer /songwriter Holly Near for
Project Censored, March 29, at SSU, 8 p.m.
*Request for Council direction regarding Rohnert Park's
recycling contract, and an interest in having Sonoma
Earth Action and Committee On Recycling Education at SSU
offer_ sucappti nnz to .rniinr-i l nn +-Y,; c
*Announcement of the establishment of the Mario Savio Free
Speech Area at SSU
Vice Mayor Mackenzie conveyed to Mr. Talbot that the
committee of the Mayor and himself have a proposed
direction on the recycling issue, and they will be coming
back in a workshop format later in the year after they
further reexamine the existing contract for recycling. He
indicated that the City Manager would be able to supply the
staff reports, which the councilmembers already have, to
enable the student constituents to examine where the
committee is in this process.
Mayor Vidak- Martinez indicated that the committee is very
aware, in particular, of the recycling issue.in the multi-
family units, and that that will be looked at in the new
contract.
8. SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCE:
1.Lisa China, Rancho Cotate High School - Community Service.
Mayor Vidak - Martinez welcomed Ms. Ching and noted that'
there are several more students from Rancho Cotate High
School who.have written speeches with various focuses on
the theme of community service. The Mayor shared her
belief that community service is an appropriate theme for
the opening of a new millennium, and she would like those
other students to deliver their speeches as well. Ms.
Ching gave a rendition of her speech on community service
at a speech competition held at the El Rancho Lions Club.
Ms. Ching noted that there has been.a diminishing
interest in community service as less parents volunteer,
more parents are paid for coaching and other services,
and teenagers are "forced" to-do only 40 hours of
service. She pointed out that through thoughtful
advertising through fliers, commercials and newsbriefs,
people could be made more aware of opportunities for
service in animal shelters, hospitals, churches, soup.
kitchens and local committees.
Mayor Vidak- Martinez thanked Ms. Ching for her poise and for
projecting an important message to the community.
Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2000 Page(5
Vice Mayor Mackenzie congratulated Ms. Ching on her good use
of eye contact and hyperbole in expressing her point of
view.
Councilmember Flores thanked Ms.
noted that'Rohnert Park has many
to become involved. He indicates
involved as freshmen, they could
contributors to the community by
in high school.
Ching for her message and
opportunities for people
3 that if students get
be exceptional
the time they are seniors
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.Tom Woodcock 195 Verde Circle, GSMOL President at Rancho
Verde Mobilehome Park, expressed his disappointment over
the endorsement by three councilmembers of the newest
appointee to the Rent Appeals Board. He said that
concerns from various parties over this new appointee to
the RAB should have held off the endorsement. He shared
his belief that the new appointee has deceived and
disrespected the people by not acting fairly and
objectively when dealing with the problems of the
residents the same as the problems of the owners'. He
asked the Council to reexamine their appointment of the
new appointee. He closed by stating.that the appointment
could become an issue in.solving future mobilehome
matters, and that the residents are interested in
maintaining the positive perception they have at the
City Council.
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 one
Consent Calendar item for further discussion as follows:
Resolution No. 2000 -63 per Councilmember Reilly's
recommendation.
Acknowledging City Manager /Clerk's report on posting of the
meeting's agenda
Resolution Nos:
2000-62 RECOGNIZING APRIL 9 -15, 2000, AS "NATIONAL VOLUNTEER
RECOGNITION WEEK"
Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Minutes,
March 28, 2000 Page(6 )
2000 -64 EXTENDING TRUGREEN LAND CARE (REDWOOD LANDSCAPING,
INC.) MAINTENANCE CONTRACT ON A MONTH -TO -MONTH
BASIS
2000 -65 DECLARING WEEDS GROWING UPON OR IN FRONT OF CERTAIN
PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE,
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO POST NOTICE THEREOF,
AND DETERMINE HEARING DATES AS REQUIRED BY CHAPTER
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2000 -66 AUTHORIZING CERTAIN SALARY ADJUSTMENTS FOR CITY
POSITIONS
2000 -67 APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH INSIDE TRACK COMPUTING
INC. TO PROVIDE DATABASE DESIGN AND STANDARDIZATION
FOR CITY LOCATION DATA BASE .
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Flores, with the exception of Resolution No.
2000 -63, the Consent Calendar, as otherwise outlined on the
meeting's agenda, was unanimously approved.
Resolution for consideration:
PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF SUNDAY, APRIL 30, THROUGH SUNDAY,
MAY 7, 2000, AS "DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE" IN MEMORY OF VICTIMS
OF THE HOLOCAUST
Councilmember Reilly expressed a concern over the
possibility of misstating any of the references to
historical events in the resolution and recommended that
Council get a final approval from the organization that
helped with the drafting of the resolution. City Manager
Netter responded that an actual copy of the resolution was
given to the City by the organization requesting the
resolution. Mayor Vidak- Martinez shared the contents of
Resolution 2000 -63, and Councilmember Reilly requested a
copy of the City's resolution to compare with the copy from
the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, the
organization that supports Remembrance observances
throughout the country.
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Spiro, Resolution No. 2000 -63 was
unanimously approved.
11. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PARKING IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES - ORDINANCE
Staff Report: City Attorney Strauss shared the contents of
the staff report which clarified a concern raised at the
February 22 Council meeting regarding the parking on
residential streets of larger pick -up trucks purchased for
personal use, but registered as commercial vehicles. She
stated that the amendments to the Municipal Code proposed
Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2000 1 Page(7 )
by this ordinance would not prohibit parking one of the
larger pick -up trucks that carries commercial plates in a
residential district and recommended the ordinance for.
adoption.
ORDINANCE FOR ADOPTION:
No. 655 Amending Rohnert Park Municipal Code Sections
10.40.240 and 17.34.230 to Commercial Vehicle
Parking in Residential.Zones
Upon motion by Councilmember Flores, seconded by
Councilmember Spiro and unanimously approved, reading was
waived and ordinance No. 655 was adopted.
12. ABANDONED VEHICLES - ORDINANCE
Staff Report: City Attorney Strauss provided the report,
explaining how the ordinance to the Municipal Code would
now be in compliance with the State Vehicle Code by
incorporating special abatement procedures for abandoned,
wrecked, and inoperative vehicles. She noted that the
owner of the vehicle could request a hearing on the
abatement order and could appeal to the City Council as
well. She clarified which vehicles are affected by the
ordinance and recommended the ordinance for introduction.
Council Discussion: Councilmember Reilly asked about who
the hearing examiner would be, and City Attorney Strauss
stated that based on the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance of
the City, the City Manager is allowed to appoint the
hearing examiner. Vice Mayor Mackenzie had two
suggestions: (1)an enforcement policy presentation by the
Department of Public Safety for the citizens; (2)signage
around the City specific to the parking policies in the
Municipal Code for commercial vehicles. Councilmember
Reilly asked for clarification on the criteria the Council
would use if an appeal comes to them. City Attorney
Strauss replied that it would be within the Council's
discretion to determine whether the circumstances
constitute a public nuisance and whether the person has the
responsibility for the maintenance of that nuisance.
ORDINANCE FOR INTRODUCTION:
No. 656 Adding Chapter 10.84 to the Rohnert Park Municipal
Code Relating to Abandoned. Vehicles
Upon motion by Councilmember Spiro, seconded by Vice Mayor
Mayor Mackenzie and unanimously approved, reading was
waived and Ordinance No. 656 was introduced.
Rohnert'Park City Council Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2000 Page(8 )
13. COUNCIL YEAR 2000 PROJECT MATTERS RELATED TO THE
GENERAL PLAN PROCESS, IF ANY
1.General Plan Oversight Committee update.(VVM /JM)
Vice Mayor Mackenzie reported that the working group met
and reviewed the draft policy statements on community
separator and transportation issues, which will be
reflected in a revised policy statement coming back to
the General Plan Committee and eventually to the Council.
When the matter does come to the Council, he asked that
they pay close attention to the language regarding
transportation because the Committee is proposing a
compact between Rohnert Park, neighboring cities and
Sonoma State University, and it involves commitment
to certain measures of amelioration and financial
responsibility. He added that 'Friday, April 7, 2000,
would be the ultimate meeting of the ad hoc committee
because they still have to look at infrastructure costs
under the growth management part of the draft General
Plan. Workshops with the Council will begin once the
work is done with the ad.hoc committee. Mayor Vidak -
Martinez added that the Council would be seeing the
housing element as soon as the work winds down.
14. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND /OR OTHER REPORTS:.
1.Tourism Investor Committee /JPA formation & plan (VVM)
Mayor Vidak - Martinez reported on last month's meeting of
the Tourism Investor Committee, explaining the make -up of
the committee and the suggestion from the County through
the Economic Development Board to form a JPA with all of
cities in the County forming a united front in working on
tourism matters. She enumerated on two problems with the
proposed JPA: (1)the make -up of the governing board; (2)
the move to have a county -wide bed tax of 12 %. She noted
that that bed tax would represent a loss of $100,000 a
year for Rohnert Park, which,is already at 11 She and
City Manager Netter asked the Council for feedback as to
creating another formula for bringing monies into the JPA.
City Attorney Strauss explained to Councilmember Spiro
how it would require another vote for this new agency to
raise the tax in a city, and how that vote would be
subject to the 2 /3rds vote only if the funds were
earmarked.
Councilmember Reilly inquired about the nature of the
possible election, whether it would be county- wide, or
both county -wide and city -wide, to which City Manager
Netter responded that that is under debate, but the
issue is really whether it would be identified as a
Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2000 Page(9 )
general tax or a special tax, noting that the Economic
Development Board would like to identify it as general
fund revenues.
Mayor Vidak - Martinez pointed out that she has not been
impressed with the Economic Development Board as far as
their proposal for a united tourism effort in Sonoma
County. She pointed out that Rohnert Park pays the
second highest amount of money into this effort, right
after Santa Rosa, but, for example, on a yearly, two -page
ad put out by the County, Rohnert Park, as well as Cotati
and Windsor, are not even on the map.. She also noted
that Rohnert Park has the University, concert hall,
wineries and the Welcome Center, and she questioned
whether the City should go off on its own in this effort.
Councilmember Reilly raised the issue of the budget and
making cuts since his feeling was that this kind of
tourism effort makes sense for the County. He expressed
his feeling that Rohnert Park's benefit would be the same
since the amount of hotel space would not be increased by
this program. City Manager.Netter pointed out that a
formula is getting worked out based on return on
investment, which factors in, among other things, the
number of hotel rooms. Councilmember Reilly stated his
opposition to paying $200,000 to be on a map.
Councilmember Flores indicated that the Doubletree Hotel
is operating at below 70% occupancy and that Rohnert Park
needs to be on the map. He also said that there would be
new competition with a hotel going up in Petaluma and
that the 70 occupancy rate needs to be achieved.
Vice Mayor Mackenzie pointed out that some of the
subcontracts are going to the City of Santa Rosa
Visitor's Bureau, with zero referrals going to the
Doubletree Hotel. Mayor Vidak- Martinez questioned why
the Tourism Investors Committee never did an evaluation
when the Economic Development Board gave the contract
back to the same hotel in Santa Rosa this.year.
Councilmember Spiro indicated that she could not agree
with any formula that quantified*a (fwism monies based on
hotel rooms and patronage, since =mom communities in
Sonoma County don't even have hotels. City Manager
Netter informed her that in a complicated process they
would look at each individual community and extract those
amenities each community has related to tourism.
*CORRECTION ABOVE from 4/11/00 City Council meeting:
Per Councilmember Linda Spiro (deletion lined out /addition inserted)
Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2000 Page (10)
2.Canon Manor meeting (VVM)
Mayor Vidak - Martinez reported that she met with City
staff and Canon Manor residents in a short meeting at
which City Engineer Gaffney was able to give the Canon
Manor group a fee schedule that would make the
improvements possible. Councilmember Flores inquired about
harmony in carrying out what needs to be done between the
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group that said they'did not agree with the first group.
Mayor Vidak- Martinez said she has continued to work with
the first group's goals, and matters are moving forward as
they look at annexation fees. Vice Mayor Mackenzie said
that the final count will be the vote on the assessment
district.
15. TRANSPORTATION MATTERS:
1.Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA), 3%2/00
mtg. (JM)
Vice. Mayor Mackenzie reported that his proposal for the
formation of a transportation summit lost by a 5 -4 vote.
He said that he was appointed to a subcommittee which
will come back to the SCTA on April 10, 2000, with .
proposals for action later on this year to try to resolve
some of the transportation impasses facing Sonoma County.
Further, he signified that SCTA is moving forward with the
first widening.of the segment of 101 between Wilfred
Avenue and Highway 12 by voting to allocate $3.8 million
so that Caltrans can take this forward to the regional
and state transportation commissions. After the
environmental review, he noted that work is anticipated
to start in.2001. Lastly, he added that the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission (regional) will have a special
meeting tomorrow to consider the Transportation Blueprint
for the 21st Century and to consider the Sonoma -Marin Area
Railroad Transit Commission's (SMART) work on developing
a proposal for rail service between the two counties.
Councilmember Flores requested that a brief report be
put in the water bills to respond to citizen inquiries
about the phases of the work being done on the
Expressway, and Council concurred. City Manager Netter
informed Council that the City is trying to get the permit
finalized so that they can have construction this summer.
16. 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.
Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Minutes
March 28,2000 Page (11)
OTHER UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
Mayor Vidak- Martinez requested permission from City
Attorney Strauss to take the following unscheduled public
order.
appearance out of
1.Paula Young, 6.086 Diane Court, President of the Friends
of the Library, announced the Spring Book Sale. The
schedule is as follows: Tuesday, 4/11, 5 -8 p.m. for
members only; Wednesday, 4/12, 12:30 -8 p.m.; Thursday,
4/13, 10 -5:30 p.m.; Friday, 4/14, 10 -5:30 p.m.; and
Saturday, 4/15, 10 -5 p.m. with a half -price sale from 1 -5
p.m. She said that the Library accepts book donations
anytime, simply bring them to the circulation desk.
17. MATTERS FROM /FOR COUNCIL:
1.Council Web Site policy: Mayor Vidak- Martinez requested
for purposes of accuracy that the dates of service be
indicated if anyone has prior positions listed on their
individual web sites. City Manager Netter indicated that,
for now, they simply categorized dates of service as
"current ".and "former," but that the dates will be noted.
He also said that any corrections and additions be
referred to Troy Dettling, his administrative assistant.
2.Creek Restoration and Community Involvement: Vice Mayor
Mackenzie commented on the emerging interest in creek
restoration as a community involvement activity. He
would like to see a plan for restoration of vegetation in
addition to the City's yearly clean -up /trash removal of
the creeks in June. He requested that Public Works
Manager Stephens plan these activities and coordinate
partnerships with youth groups, the school district, SSU,
the City of Cotati and county -wide organizations. Council
concurred.
3.0 .S. Conference of Mayors -.68th Annual Conference, June
9 -13, 2000, Seattle, Washington: INFORMATIONAL
4.Item for School District /Cities meeting on 3/30/00: City
Manager Netter reported the six areas that were placed on
the agenda: (1)recreation; (2)update on traffic studies;
(3)Rohnert Park / Cotati Library; (4)school /city budget
impacts; (5)partnerships; and (6)joint dispatch.
Councilmember Spiro requested to have some input as to
what goes on that agenda, and to have some-follow-up on
an item from last year's meeting, the use of school
playgrounds during off times, like weekends and the
summer. Vice.Mayor Mackenzie agreed on the use of
playgrounds during off hours, and the Council concurred
Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2000 Page(12)
to place that topic under "recreation." Councilmember
Reilly raised the issue of whether a schedule was ever
going to be set up to meet as full bodies to discuss
issues, as opposed to committee meetings. He expressed
his belief that the subcommittee does not act as the
governing body.
5.Joint Meetings Calendar
*School District [Formerly 2x2x2] (Handled by subcommittee)
*Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce -April (Full Council).
*SSU President's Cabinet - Summer (Full Council)
*Parks &Recreation Commission -Set dates (Full Council)
*Planning Commission (General Plan Joint meetings)
City Manager Netter identified three important joint
meetings the Council will participate in: Rohnert Park
Chamber of Commerce, SSU President's Cabinet, and the
Parks & Recreation Commission. Vice Mayor Mackenzie
confirmed with the Mayor that in light of the discussions
the Council just had, he felt it would be important to .
bring up the possibility of the City Council meeting with
the School District. Councilmember Reilly indicated that
the 2x2x2 does not replace the'idea of both elected
bodies, the City Council and the School District, sitting
down to discuss issues. He added that the issues should
come from each body, and before meeting, the Council
should come up with.issues and consensus as to what the
subcommittee should be discussing. City Manager Netter
signified that he would try to get some acceptable dates.
6.Miscellaneous..
1.Travel Policy on Hotels: (JR) Councilmember Reilly asked
that Council look into the policy of hotel patronage
when councilmembers /commissioners go to conferences.
He expressed an interest in establishing a policy
addressing how far a person should travel for a
conference before a hotel stay is deemed necessary.
2.Decorum -Code of Ethics /Standard of Conduct: (JR)
Councilmember Reilly suggested that in light of a recent
commission meeting, the Council should relook at their
Code of Ethics /Standard of Conduct, examine how it
applies to commissions, and make.commissions aware of
it. He said that treating each other and the audience
with disrespect is not appropriate at any meeting, no
matter how heated the discussions become. Mayor Vidak
Martinez signified she would add it to the review of
the various committees and commissions. Vice Mayor
Mackenzie requested that language about taking into
account all different points of view be incorporated
Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2000 Page(13)
into the proposed code of ethics, and Councilmember
Reilly suggested putting a 2000 spin on it.
Vice Mayor Mackenzie expressed concern over how staff
should deal with serious charges being leveled against
individual commissioners in light of the topic of one
unscheduled public appearance tonight. City Attorney
Strauss clarified that the Council has wide latitude
to remove a commissioner who does not uphold the
standards of Rohnert Park. Councilmember Flores agreed
with Vice Mayor Mackenzie, and said that it was serious
to imply that three councilmembers were alleged to be
aware of alleged improprieties and condoned them. He
requested a staff report indicating the parameters of
this particular situation with this commissioner. City
Manager Netter confirmed that it was a Rental Board
meeting specifically that the Councilmembers were
referring to, in addition to the evening's unscheduled
public appearance, and indicated staff would comeback
with a report outlining how to respond to that situation
and any applicable code of ethics /standard of conduct.
Councilmember Spiro noted that the minutes of a meeting
would not be the best way to assess the conduct and
decorum of a meeting because the minutes do not reflect
the tone and nature of the meeting.
3.Attendance at commission /committee meetings: (JR)
Councilmember Reilly asked that the issue of lack of.
attendance or borderline attendance at meetings be
followed up a little sooner. Mayor Vidak- Martinez
stated that as they back away from the General Plan,
the serious issue of attendance will be addressed.
4.Traffic on Lancaster /Letter to transit: (JR)
Councilmember Reilly requested an update on the traffic
situation on Lancaster Street, as well as a letter to
the proper bussing authorities that use Lancaster
Street, reminding them of the reported speeds and the
speed limit on that street.
5.Parking permit at Emeralde Point: (LS) Councilmember
Spiro asked that staff get a report back on the status
of permit parking at Emeralde Point.
6.Council policy on Agendas and Scheduled Public
Appearances: (LS) Councilmember Spiro had some
inquiries into the Council's policy on agendas and
scheduled public appearances. Mayor Vidak- Martinez
responded that in the interest of streamlining the
Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Minutes
March 2$, 2000 Page(14)
agenda, she consulted with the City Attorney and
decided to handle things differently, specifically
asking that "unusual public appearances come in
under unscheduled public appearances. Councilmember
Spiro asked that the Council come up with.a written
procedure since she had received two phone calls on
the topic of cancelled scheduled public appearances.
She reiterated the need for the Ctninc; l t-n _hP
consistent with their residents regarding the policy
of scheduled public appearances, pointing out that if
people follow the procedure to get scheduled for a
public appearance, no one should be denied. Council..
agreed that this topic needs to be discussed at a
future time.
7.Review of the nonprofit funding - COYF: (LS)
Councilmember Spiro said that there is sufficient
time this year for the Council to move forward on the
process of setting up COYF as a review body for
nonprofit funding. As liaison last year, Councilmember
Reilly pointed out that the Council by consensus said
that COYF would become a review body, and he agreed that
this year it is time to establish procedures for that
to happen..
8.Videotaping of commissions: (LS) Councilmember Spiro
suggested that Council look into having the commission
meetings videotaped.
9.Design and Construction of City Hall: (JM) Vice Mayor
Mackenzie made a point to thank staff for .putting
together an elegant evening last Saturday for the
first unveiling of the Wall of Honor, Patrons and
Friends. He said it was a fitting recognition for the
friends and patrons who have supported the Spreckels
Performing. Arts Center. He then asked since there was
no action at the last meeting that the Council authorize
expenditure to design and construct a city hall.
10.Briefing on City Hall status: (JM) Vice Mayor Mackenzie
asked through the Mayor that the City Attorney arrange a
briefing on the next steps needed to move forward on the
City Hall project.
11.Back rent liability update: (AF).Councilmember Flores
requested that City Attorney Strauss update the Council
at to the legal process that would remove the liability
for the residents. He asked that the inquiry determine
if the residents, legal staff or legal representation
Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2000 Page(15)
are moving forward in that direction. City Attorney
Strauss stated that she would pursue the issue with the
attorney for the residents, and she noted that the
Rancho Grande Mobilehome Park owner had submitted a
petition for a capital improvement pass through.
12.SCAYD Meeting - Monitor sale of alcohol to youth: (VVM)
Mayor Vidak- Martinez commended SCAYD on the recent
meeting they had, and indicated an interest in discussing
ways to monitor more closely the sale of alcohol to
youth.
13.Road improvements: (VVM) Mayor Vidak- Martinez expressed
an.interest in finding out the status of improved
railroad crossings in Rohnert Park. City Manager Netter
said that construction crews are now moving south, and he
would get a written report on the matter.
Council concurred to agendize the Items 1 through 13 under
".Miscellaneous" as requested on the next agenda.
18.CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
1.Fiscal Year 2000 -2001 City Budget:.City Manager Netter
indicated that the Presentation of the Proposed Budget is
scheduled for May 23rd and the Approval of Budget is
scheduled for no later than June 27th. He asked
councilmembers to identify three dates between 5/23 and
6/27 that would be agreeable for them to set up workshops
to determine when the budget will be adopted.
2.Update on Grant Writer - Library & other: City Manager
Netter provided Council with a more recent update from
Ginny Doyle Helm on the status of grant funds for the
Library. He stated that the library bonds approved in
the last election will not be accessible for 18 months to
two years so committees can be set up to set up
regulations. He noted that it would be difficult to get
ahold of $3 million left over from the 1988 bond issue.
He said that the focus now would be to get library funding
from private foundations, and that he would call the
legislators to try to get additional funds from carryover
money. Councilmember Flores signified that there were
three members from the Library ad hoc committee in the
audience. He stated that due to the minimal success in
searching for grants, Rohnert Park would probably have to
use its own resources along with an effort with other
municipalities to come up with the additional $100,000, and
ultimately $1 million.
Rohnert Park City Council Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2000 Page (,16)
19.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.
There being no further business, Mayor Vidak- Martinez
adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:56 p.m.
Katy Leonard,
Certified Shorthand Reporter
CSR No. 11599
Vicki Vidak- Martinez,
Mayor