1994/06/14 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes
June 14, 1994
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in regular
session commencing at 6:00 p.m. in the City Offices, 6750 Commerce
Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Reilly presiding.
Mayor Reilly advised that a closed session comrenced this evening at
6:00 p.m. to discuss litigation matters and real estate negotiations
as listed on the agenda attachment. The Mayor reported that the Court
will be changing the date of the status conference for Hillsboro
Properties v.City of Rohnert Park and there has been a verbal proposal
on the sewer plant land west of U.S.101, owned by the City regarding
an antiquated revisionary clause. He said there was no action taken
and nothing further to report at this time.
CALL TO ORDER- Nlayor Reilly called the regular session to order at approximately
6:28 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL Present: (5) Councilmembers Eck, Gallagher, Hollingsworth, Spiro
and Mayor Reilly
Absent: (0) None
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Netter,
City Attorney Flitner, Assistant City Manager Leivo, Director of
Public Safety Skanchy and Director of Public Safety Rooney.
Approval Councilwoman Gallagher referred to page 15, item 16 and said the
of statement signifying she "asked if" should be changed to "she wanted
Minutes to help by comtunicating with legislators about the need to get the
Expressway overpass fixed ".
Upon motion by Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilwoman Spiro, with
Councilman Hollingsworth abstaining due to absence from the meeting,
the minutes of May 24, 1994 were unanimously approved as amended.
Approval City Manager Netter responded to Council questions pertaining to the
of bills presented at the May 24, 1994 meeting and the current bills
Bills for approval.
Upon motion by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilwoman
Spiro, City bills presented per the attached list in the amount of
$1,222,237.55 and CDA bills presented per the attached list in the
amount of $104,465.35 were unanimously approved.
C O N S E N T C A L E N D A R
Mayor Reilly asked if any Councilmember had any questions regarding
the matters on the Consent Calendar.
Acknowledging the City Manager /Clerk's report on the posting of the
Council meeting agenda.
Resolutions:
No. 94 -98 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO SUE AVERY AS RETIRING VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
OF THE DOROTHY ROHNERT SPRECKELS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (2) June 14, 1994
No. 94 -99 A RESOLUrTION OF *—IHE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RUENMT PARK OBSERVING
NATIONAL FLAG DAY, JUNE 14, 1994 AND ACKNOWLEDGING THE 15TH ANNUAL
"PAUSE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE"
No.94 -100 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING CITY ENGINEER TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION,
ANIMAL SHELTER, PROJECT NO. 1990 -14
No.94 -101 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK APPROVING
A LICENSE AGREE1ENT FOR THE USE OF HEWLETT- PACKARD FACILITIES
No.94 -102 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK AUTHORIZ-
ING AND APPROVING AGREEMWr WITH IDEAL COMPUTER SERVICES, INC. FOR
CONP= SUPPORT SERVICES
Ratify approval of donation of Sports Center & Pool memberships for
Sonoma County Associates for Youth Development (SCAYD) recognition
prizes for 3rd Annual 24 Hour Relay Challenge
Upon motion by Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilman Hollingsworth,
the Consent Calendar as outlined on the meeting's agenda, was
unanimously approved.
Unscheduled Mayor Reilly stated that in compliance with State Law (The Brown Act),
Public citizens wishing to make a comment may do so at this time. Persons
Appearances speaking under unscheduled public appearances are requested to submit
completed cards to the recording clerk.
John Maxwell,
1912 Zaragoza St., from Rancho Feliz Mobile Home Park, inquired about
the Codding Project and shared reasons for the need to retain
low rents. Councilman Eck recommended the Codding Apartment Project
be called up for Council review. Council agreed.
Ken Wolff, 4459 Hollingsworth Circle, referred to Golf Course Committee meetings and
asked if minutes of the meetings were taken. City Manager Netter
responded that the notes he takes during the meetings are on file, but
time has not been taken to put them in formal order. City Manager
indicated he would try to outline his notes for distribution to any
interested parties.
Non- agendaed
Mayor Reilly asked if any Councilmember had any items to add to the
matters
agenda. Councilwoman Spiro signified several items.
Presentations of Appreciation:
1. Resolution No. 94 -89 to Old Adobe Developmental Services (OADS)
and Certificates of Appreciation to OARS workers
Mayor Reilly shared contents of the resolution of appreciation and
presented it to Art Kerbel, Executive Director, Petaluma and Patricia
Vreeland, Program Director of Rohnert Park Services. The Mayor
also presented Certificates of Appreciation to OADS representatives
Adelaide Haberman, David Rampton, Teresa Kessel, Rick Tureman, James
Rodriguez, Linda Warren, Mary Payne, Daria Tice and Eva Gordon.
2. Resolution No. 94 -90 to Rainbow Hills 4 -H Club - Mayor Reilly shared
contents of the resolution of appreciation and presented it to Susie
Jaeger, Club Leader, and numerous Rainbow Hills 4 -H Club members.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (3) June 14, 1994
Presentations of Appreciation (cont'd):
3. Herb Cody, Director of Com unity Boxing Center (CBC) reviewed success
of recent boxing match tournament at the Sports Center and expressed
appreciation for City Manager Netter's participation. Mr. Cody
presented a check in the amount of $450.00 to the Mayor for donation
to Free Friday Night Program representing 10% of the proceeds from the
boxing match tournament and to express appreciation for the Council's
support of the Com amity Boxing Center.
Action Minutes - City Manager Netter reviewed information provided to Council
pertaining to staff time required to transcribe content minutes for
City Council meetings, as requested by the Mayor. League of
California Cities /City Clerks Handbook section regarding requirements
for meeting minutes, previously distributed to Council, and a recent
sample of action minutes by the City of Cotati, were also provided for
Council's review. Discussion followed.
Upon motion by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilwoman
Spiro, to proceed with action only minutes for recording City Council
meetings, was unanimously approved.
Further discussion concluded for Councilman Eck to provide SSU
student names to the City Manager for consideration of handling the
procedure required to copy Council meeting video tapes to be filed in
the Rohnert Park Library.
Scheduled Public Appearances:
Nanci Spangler, 7292 Calcutta Court., re. Public Safety matter -
Ms. Spangler read contents of statement pertaining to disapproval of
the City's administrative decision for implementation of the new DARE
program and submitted petition signatures in support of retaining
Officer Larry Jones as "Officer Friendly ". She requested her state-
ment be placed in the Council meeting record (copy attached to
original set of these minutes).
City Manager Netter reported that the decision to rotate Larry Jones
from the School Resource Officer position was an administrative
action. This action meets with the terms set forth in the Department
of Public Safety's administrative policies. The rotation is to
provide a more officer - friendly approach by the entire Department by
allowing other officers to rotate into the schools via the newly
created DARE program. Mayor Reilly reported that transferring to the
DARE program was not linked to Officer Friendly but was approved
publicly by previous Council action and was one of the factors related
to hiring the new Director of Public Safety Rooney.
Discussion concluded in Council concurrence that this issue relates to
an administrative and management action, that a petition does not
require action but is a way of getting Council's attention for
consideration of a matter, that feedback should be obtained related to
contract with police officers and middle ground inclusionary
possibilities, and that the matter should be taken into further
consideration during the upcoming 1994 -95 budget reviews.
RECESS Mayor Reilly declared a recess at approximately 7:23 p.m.
RECONVENE Mayor Reilly reconvened the Council meeting at approximately
7:28 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (4) June 14, 1994
Scheduled Public Appearances (cont'd):
Nblinda Murray, 4455 Hollingsworth Cr., re. golf course architect report
Nis. Murray shared reasons for disapproving recent golf course
architect recommendations which she thought were not acceptable as
solutions to prevent the excessive number of golf balls in her yard.
Instead of the fencing recommended for her property, she recommended a
screen be erected at the tee as a more probable safety factor solution.
City Manager Netter acknowledged the presence of Nark Flowers, General
Manager of Mountain Shadows Golf Resort. Mr. Netter referred to
letter dated June 14, 1994 from American Golf Corporation regarding
background and efforts toward solutions related to this matter.
City Attorney Flitner confirmed to Council inquiry that the City has a
contract with American Golf to hold the City harmless. He advised
looking into this before proceeding further because stepping in and
getting too involved could assume some of the responsibility. Council
agreed, along with the acknowledgment that planting appropriate mature
trees was considered a good suggestion and could be done in an
expeditious fashion.
Charles Kitchen, 4945 Fern Place, referred to his 12 to 14 year background related
to golf course concerns and felt he had researched the issues
extensively. He recommended that planting cypress trees around the tee
would be more effective than taller type trees that would be pruned up
from the ground. He thought an in -depth study should be done to be
presented to American Golf and then proceed from there.
Mark Flowers, General Manager, Mountain Shadows Golf Resort, said the golf course
concerns involve two separate issues. He referred to the letter from
American Golf for details pertaining to the issue with the M=ays and
the 5th hole at the North Course. For the second issue, Mr. Flowers
reviewed the background efforts of American Golf over the years to
resolve various golf ball problems including extensive fence building.
Mr. Flowers also reviewed the recommendations outlined in the recent
golf course architect's report which are in process. Letting the
rough grow high as a deterrent could also be a consideration. He
further agreed with the idea of additional tree planting and confirmed
to Council inquiry that proposed plans for tree locations and types
could be prepared for review by Thursday afternoon of this week.
Efforts are in process now toward obtaining approval from surrounding
residents related to visual inpacts and safety factors.
Mayor Reilly invited above- concerned residents to meet with him early
tomorrow morning and to leave their telephone numbers to advise time.
Santa Rosa Sub - regional Sewerage System:
Rohnert Park Pipeline Wastewater Re -use - Presentation
Dan Carlson of Santa Rosa Wastewater System and Gary Nuss of CH2M Hill
gave slide presentations pertaining to the referenced project proposal
and responded to Council questions. Copies of the written report and
project proposal were distributed to Council.
Upon motion by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilwoman
Gallagher, to take the aggressive approach for the Rohnert Park
Pipeline Wastewater Re-Use as recommended in the above Santa Rosa
Wastewater System project proposal, was unanimously approved.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (5) June 14, 1994
Resolution RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK DESIGNATING
No. 94 -103 THE ROAD AROU4D THE COM -LUITY CENTER AS "AVENUE OF THE FLAGS"
City Manager Netter explained the resolution which was previously
recommended by Councilman Eck.
Upon motion by Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilman Hollingsworth,
and unanimously approved, reading of Resolution No. 94 -103 was waived
and said resolution was adopted.
Council agreed an official ribbon cutting ceremony should be planned
for 4th of July or Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, 1994 depending
on the timing of the completion of the new signs.
Letter from "5 -Park Committee" ( Rohnert Park mobile home parks) requesting Council's
opposition to the "Rental Assistance" Initiative - City Manager Netter
explained this letter request dated May 23rd, 1994.
Upon motion by Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilman Hollingsworth,
to prepare the above- requested resolution opposing the "Rental Assis-
tance" Initiative for the next Council meeting Consent Calendar, was
unanimously approve.
Unscheduled Public Appearance - Due to a late arrival of a resident coming from the
City, Mayor Reilly consented to request for unscheduled appearances.
Garth Harris, 1327 Milton Place; Chuck Goldsberry, 761 Holly Drive; and Dan Kingman
of Rohnert Park, representing Joe Dimaggio Baseball reviewed concerns
related to eligibility of youth baseball players and field use
permits involving conflicts with the Recreation Director and Babe Ruth
Baseball representatives.
Discussion concluded in Council concurrence to refer this matter to
the City Manager for handling.
Nbbile Home Rent Control matters: 1. Emergency Ordinance on Rent Control
2. Park Space Rent Stabilization Program
City Attorney referred to the Mayor's earlier announcement of the
Court changing the date of the status conference for Hillsboro
Properties v. the City. He recommended deferment of these items
until that status conference occurs.
Upon motion by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilwoman
Spiro, to defer the Mobile Home Rent Control matters until the
referenced status conference occurs, was unanimously approved.
There was discussion about possibly holding a special meeting on
July 5, 1994, if necessary.
Cultural Arts Commission appointment:
Councilman Hollingsworth introduced Mark Luca as his nomination.
Upon motion by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilman Eck,
and unanimously approved, Mark Luca was appointed to the Cultural
Arts Commission to serve out Betty Ferra's term which expires on
December 31, 1994.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (6) June 14, 1994
Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation - Appointment to Coordinated Resource Management &
Planning (CRMP) Task Force - Mayor Reilly acknowledged interest
indicated by Councilwoman. Spiro and appointed her to this task force.
RECESS Mayor Reilly declared a recess at approximately 8:34 p.m.
RECONVENE Mayor Reilly reconvened the Council meeting at approximately 8:38 p.m.
with all Councilmembers present with the exception of Councilman
Hollingsworth returning later at approximately 8:40 p.m. during the
staff report of the next agenda item.
Crane School Ball Field Use /Petition - City Manager Netter gave the staff report
explaining related problems on re- orienting the field and reviewed the
list of various implementations recommended for keeping the field at
the current location. Discussion followed.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Spiro, seconded by Councilman Eck,
and unanimously approved, to keep the Crane School Ball Field at the
current location with various implementations, as recommended by
staff, but with the inclusion to allow use to the younger grade school
age children and with consideration for other adults that like to play
but lack strength for hitting balls over the fence.
Ordinance AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF
No. 587 INTEREST ON SECURITY DEPOSITS
City Attorney Flitner reported on his communications with banking
institutions and the State Department of Realtors. To date, there has
been no response from the Real Estate Commissioner. Mr. Flitner
explained the ordinance and responded to Council questions.
A motion was made by Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilman Hollings-
worth, not to consider adoption of the ordinance, failed by the
following roll call vote:
AYES: (2) Councilmen Eck and Hollingsworth, due to enforcement
complications and superseding State law
NOES: (3) Councilwomen Gallagher, Spiro and Mayor Reilly
ABSENT: (0) None
For the record, Councilwoman Gallagher referred to the enforcement of
this ordinance and said the Council would never have to enforce it and
that issue was previously eliminated.
Upon motion by Councilwoman Spiro, seconded by Councilwoman. Gallagher,
reading of Ordinance No. 587 was waived and said ordinance was
introduced by the following vote:
AYES: (3) Councilwomen Gallagher, Spiro and Mayor Reilly
NOES: (2) Councilmen Eck and Hollingsworth
ABSENT: (0) None
Mr. & Mrs. Ben Friedman., 655 Enterprise Drive, expressed support of the ordinance.
On behalf of Mr. Friedman's inability to attend the next Council
meeting, Council agreed to wait until its meeting of July 12, 1994 to
schedule the ordinance for consideration of adoption.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (7) June 14, 1994
Prohibiting smoking at bingo games - Councilwoman Spiro confirmed her request for
this item to be considered for the City to be in conformance with the
County's recently adopted ordinance. City Manager Netter acknowledged
staff report with informational attachments provided to Council.
Public Comments - Mayor Reilly consented to public comments. Citizens expressed
reasons for and against prohibiting smoking at bingo games by public
comments submitted on speaker cards or other written and /or verbal
comrunications as follows:
Richard Goldberg, 3313 Chanate Road, Santa Rosa, representing the Sonoma County
Department of Health Services and for the Board of Supervisors
Ann McCoy, 526 Hahman Drive, Santa Rosa, Ca. She also requested noting for the
record that a petition circulated at a recent bingo game was destroyed
by PAL representatives but had 45 signature.
Mike Stoeppelw\erth, 5515 Eunice Street, as a smoker, agreed with reasons signified.
Bobbie Brown, representing PAL administration - She responded to the above comment
for the record that only 22 signatures were on the petition which was
not circulated by PAL and was not destroyed. If PAL circulated a
petition, 75% would show the desire to retain smoking at bingo games.
Discussion concluded upon motion by Councilwoman Gallagher, seconded
by Councilwoman Spiro, and unanimously approved, to agendize
introduction of the ordinance for non - smoking at bingo games at the
next Council meeting of June 28, 1994 and with appropriate notice of
public hearing to bingo operators.
Sister Cities 10th Anniversary with City of Hashimoto
1. Request for Rohnert Park to invite City of Hashimoto Mayor to
Rohnert Park & to host Anniversary dinner on Fri., July 29th, 1994
City Manager Netter reviewed the letter of request dated May 18, 1994.
Upon motion by Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilwoman
Gallagher, to invite the City of Hashimoto Mayor to visit Rohnert Park
for the Sister Cities 10th Anniversary celebration, as requested, was
unanimously approved.
Upon motion by Councilwoman Spiro, seconded by Councilman
Hollingsworth, for the City to host and fund a dinner for the Sister
Cities 10th Anniversary celebration, as requested, for approximately
50 people with attempt to have the occasion at the Wine Center with
Culinary Institute cooking the meal, was unanimously approved.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (8) June 14, 1994
2. Letter of invitation from City of Hashimoto Mayor to the City of
Rohnert Park Mayor to attend the "1994 Resort Expo" on Monday,
September 19, 1994 on mamrade island off the coast of Wakayama City
Mayor Reilly confirmed that he and his wife have accepted this
invitation and would be covering their own travel expenses.
Upon motion by Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilman Hollingsworth,
for the City to cover expenses such as lodging, meals, etc. for the
Mayor and his wife while attending Hashimoto City's 1994 Resort Expo
and for appropriate gift(s) for Hashimoto City or representatives, was
unanimously approved.
Gordon Adam, Vice Chair of Sister Cities Relations Committee, further
reviewed above events and responded to Council questions.
Sonoma County Women Against Rape /Purple Berets Proposal:
Director of Public Safety Rooney referred to letter dated May 24, 1994
from Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs Association and reviewed the
resolution prepared for consideration which resulted from his meeting
with all law enforcement officials from the cities and the county that
have been dealing with this issue. Chief Rooney and City Manager
Netter responded to Council questions.
Public Comments - Mayor Reilly consented to public comments. Citizens expressed
concerns that the City's recommended resolution did not adequately
relate to the issues and agreed with the Purple Berets' representative
that the Healdsburg resolution should be used as a guide with the
exception that it fails to call for monitoring. Public comments
supporting this were submitted on speaker cards or other written
and/or verbal communications by citizens as follows:
Harold McNaulty, 4514 Heath Circle
Tanya Brannan of the Purple Berets
Grace Eva Howard, 1941 Siesta Lane, Santa Rosa, Ca.
Linda Branscomb, 21 Anne
Discussion concluded upon appointment by Mayor Reilly of an Ad Hoc
Committee comprised of Councilwoman Gallagher and Councilwoman Spiro
to work with the City Manager to draft a resolution using City of
Healdsburg's resolution and Rohnert Park's first draft as a beginning,
and present it at the City Council meeting of June 28, 1994.
Planning and Zoning matter:
File Ug, lag - Abandonment of public right-of-way of a portion of Bodway
Parkway 26 ft. wide by 596 ft, in length located on the west side of
Bodway Parkway between Magnolia Avenue on the north and Camino Colegio
on the south being a 26 ft. wide section of the existing 116 ft. wide
portion of Bodway Parkway - Planning Director Skanchy reviewed the
staff report, responded to Council questions, and advised a public
hearing had been duly noticed and scheduled at this time.
Public Mayor Reilly opened the public hearing at approximately 9:56 p.m.
Hearing There being no one desiring to speak, the Mayor closed the
public hearing.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (9) June 14, 1994
Resolution A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
No. 94 -104 ABANDONING AND VACATING A 26 FOOT WIDE SECTION OF A PUBLIC ROAD RIGHT -
OF -WAY REFERRED TO AS BODWAY PARKWAY (PC FILE NO. 1640
Upon motion by Councilwoman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman
Hollingsworth, and unanimously approved, reading of Resolution No.
94 -104 was waived and said resolution was adopted.
MzltiVision Cable TV issues:
1. Staff report re. Franchise Agreement /comTdtments and Governmental Access /live
telecasting - Assistant City Manager Leivo shared contents of staff
report with referenced attachments and responded to Council questions.
2. City Attorney report on MultiVision entitlement to pass through costs -City
Attorney Flitner gave this report per contents of his memorandum dated
June 8, 1994. He recommended contacting the FCC to ascertain
interpretation before the City considers further involvement in
interpreting the cable TV franchise.
3. Presentation by Fran Parkey, General Manager, MaltiVision Cable TV -
Ms. Parkey reviewed factors of the 1992 Cable Act related to pass
through entitlements and responded to Council questions.
Discussion concluded upon motion by Councilman. Hollingsworth, seconded
by Councilwoman Gallagher, and unanimously approved, directing the
City Attorney to write a letter to the FCC for interpretation of the
cable TV pass through cost entitlements.
EXTEND MEETING TIME - A motion was made by Councilwoman Gallagher, seconded by
Councilman Eck, to extend the Council meeting 15 minutes to handle
only necessary items and, for lack of required 4 /5th vote, failed by
the following vote:
AYES: (2) Councilmembers Gallagher and Eck
NOES: (3) Councilmembers Hollingsworth, Spiro and Mayor Reilly
ABSENT: (0) None
Except for items listed on the agenda for informational purposes only,
the remaining agenda items were deferred to the next regular Council
meeting of June 28th, 1994.
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.
Adjournment Mayor Reilly adjourned the meeting at approximately 10:15 p.m. to
6:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 21st, 1994 for 1994 -95 Budget Work Session.
Q"
De Ci Clerk yor
jh
Nanci Spangler
7292 Calcutta C.t.
Rohnert Park
Mayor Reilly, Ladies and Gentlemen of the City Council, June 14, 1994:
Before I begin, I request that every word of my statement be recorded in the
minutes of this meeting.
We have approximately 8,000 children in Rohnert Park out of a population
of 39,000. This does not include Cotati, Penngrove or other rural areas from
which students are bussed in! After all, this is the Cotati- Rohnert Park
Unified School District is it not? -.fir Rohnert Park and Cotati, *kM consists
of 14 schools in all:
Elementary
Middle School
Junior High
High School
At this most crucial time in their lives we must not, and can not, in good
conscience remove the trusted, loved, necessary and visible rote -model of our
children i.e., Officer Larry Jones (Officer Friendly)!
The students at Rancho Cotate High School have asked me to present to this
Council petitions they themselves created, signed and delivered to me which
state, quote, "We the undersigned students at Rancho Cotate High School
hereby submit our support for Officer Lawrence Jones to remain as "Officer
Friendly" in the city of Rohnert Park, California ", unquote!
These High School students worked very hard and have gathered 526
signatures on their own! I am both humbled and extremely proud to present
this to the June 14, 1994 meeting of our Council on behalf of the students
of Rancho Cotate High School, Rohnert Park, California. These added to
the registered voters' signatures, make a total of signatures
gathered on behalf of the citizens -- young and old, to keep Officer Larry
Jones in his present position as School Resource Officerf; t
Now, as for the petitions I have had ig t ed,� pies of which have been given
to this City Council and Mayor RedlIKe to me a sacred trust, these people
by signing said petitions have entrusted me to speak on their behalf. And I
do not take this obligation lightly.
I personally feel that this issue has been deliberately clouded by Chief
Rooney and the P.O.A.
Chief Rooney's pet project "D.A.R.E." is the real problem here, and yet I
respectfully submit that Officer Jones seems to be the obstacle standing in
Chief Rooney's way, and Why? - Because Officer Jones has for the past 14
years been working with the children of our community most effectively.
Officer Larry Jones performed his job so well and according to Chief
Dennett at the Arbitration hearing was "peculiarly suited" to the position of
School Resource Officer. It was decided upon in Arbitration in December
of 1992, that his position was exemptkrom this so- called "rotation" program.
Apparently Officer Ernie Mull is unaware of this decision, because on
Friday, June 3, 1994, at approximately noon, Officer Mull, on behalf of the
P.O.A., came to see me unannounced at my home, to discuss the contents
of a letter I had written to the P.O.A. regarding this same issue.
Officer Mull made it quite clear to me that bringing these petitions to this
Council would do me no good, because the Council "dares" (no pun
intended) not side with the people in this matter. They, the P.O.A. have
made it quite clear to this Council if you side with the citizens in this, they
will SUE the City of Rohnert Park... They have a lawyer standing by to do
just that!
Officer Mull also said in the presence of a witness (Mrs. Juli Wood), that if
I kept on with this cause I would be making serious trouble for Officer Jones
in the field (it seems according to Officer Mull, Larry may not have the
Back -up he needs from his fellow officers while working; And that would be
MY fault)!
I say loudly and clearly and in the presence of all of you here tonight,
Officer Mull: If so much as one hair on Officer Jones' head is harmed due
to the negligence of his fellow officers, I will see personally to bringing the
whole dept. to account. Do I make myself clear on this? The people will
not be intimidated by subtle threats and lawsuits or any other nonsense! The
message this would give to our children is (Bullies can win so don't even
try...WRONG!!!)
These are the most critical years our children have had to face; What with
drugs, gangs, guns, suicide and all kinds of violence, an everyday occurrence
From what I and others have been able to put together ... I must question just
Whom or What has something to gain from all this? Certainly not our
children. We already have a viable working program in place that could be
incorporated with "D.A.R.E. ", that is if WE THE PEOPLE deem it necessary
to spend tax - payers' money to do this, and yet still have our school teachers
and students using their own funds just to get basic supplies; pencils, paper
etc. each year.
Due to funding, this proposed "D.A.R.E." program will only cover our 5th
and 6th graders for the 94 -95 School year.
People let's get real...out of 14 schools we are to waste monies that are
desperately needed by all 14 schools; for a program for 5th and 6th graders
only? I don't know about you, but I smell something very, very bad!!
On Tuesday, April 7, 1994 when I met with Chief Rooney about this
situation, he said, and I quote, "I have a number of WHINY officers that
want a chance at this position" unquote! My reply was as SIMPLE and
BASIC as it is now, of course other officers should be given a chance at this
position; However, Officer Jones must be the one to train them. It takes
years to build the trust of children and parents, and Officer Jones has spent
14 years, to be exact, doing just that.
me
Officer Jones will probably be retiring within the next 10 years. Let Wo and
our police force make these the most productive years possible, by slowly and
carefully teaching the new "Officer Friendlys" of tomorrow.
Are we all very certain that we want our children to see that even though
one works very hard, does one's level best for years and years, one is
considered as disposable as a used lighter? Be very careful people, our
children are already confused about so many isssues...the message we must
send is that we appreciate, promote and reward hard work and effort.
These children are our future, they have the right to the very best role
models we can provide.
Mayor Reilly, Ladies and Gentlemen of this City Council, I, and all the other
people that have entrusted me to speak on their behalf, INSIST that you act
on this matter immediately!!!
Chief Rooney must return Officer Larry Jones back to his position as School
Resource Officer at once! Any other officers who want to come in under
Officer Jones will be trained by him and they will work together as a team.
As the people who pay your salaries as well as the P.O.A�s and Chief
Rooney's ® WE have the final say. We demand a just and immediate
response to this issue.
,w, .-