1991/02/19 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council /Planning Commission Joint Session
February 19, 1991
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in a joint session with
members of the City's Planning Commission at the Mountain Shadows Resort
Restaurant located at 100 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park, CA, with Mayor Eck
presiding.
Call to Order: Mayor Eck called the joint session to order at approximately
6:50 p.m.
Present: Councilmembers Holingsworth, Hopkins, Reilly, Spiro and Eck
Planning Commission Members Jones, Mullins, O'Connell, Young
Absent: Commissioner Hamilton
Staff present: City Manager Netter, Director of Public Works Brust, Assistant
to City Manager Leivo, and Planning Director Skanchy
There was a brief welcome from Mayor Eck and Planning Commission
Vice Chairman Jones.
Mayor Eck indicated that the purpose of the meeting was to
discuss matters of mutual interest and concern and to facilitate
the best possible communication between the Planning Commission
and members of the City Council.
A wide ranging discussion was held on a variety of topics,
including the recent EIR's and the time necessary to review said
EIR's. During the discussion it was specifically pointed out
that the process of the Commission and the City Council of
approving EIR's is merely a certification of the EIR's and does
not necessarily indicate support or disapproval of projects that
may be covered by said EIR's.
There was a general discussion on the status of upcoming
developments which included Wal Mart, Price Club, and other
commercial projects- on the west side of US 101.
Discussion was held concerning the number of meetings held in
1990 of which Commissioner Mullins indicated that in a normal
year they would have 24 meetings, while in 1990 36 meetings were
held. He indicated his continued support for the Planning
Commission being compensated for their services as they spend a
considerable amount of time attending meetings and researching
and reviewing information.
Other matters discussed by the Councilmembers included
Council /Commissioner /Staff relations, whereby Mayor Eck
indicated that due to the transition period of the new City
Manager, he, as Mayor, is making an extra effort to follow
proper protocol with all items being funneled through the City
Manager. He indicated that in the Planning Commission's
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Rohnert Park City Council /Planning Commission Joint Session
February 19, 1991
dealings with staff, direction from the Planning Director may
not necessarily be just from the Planning Director and may come
from the management, i.e. City Manager and other department
staff. He indicated that Commissioners should be sensitive to
this and if they do have a problem, they should not address
their concerns publicly but should address them with the
Council's Planning Commission liaison Art Hollingsworth.
City Manager Netter gave a brief report on the status of the
sphere of influence as approved by LAFCO.
Director of Public Works Brust gave an update on water
conservation throughout the city and what the Council and
Commission should be looking forward to due to the recent
drought with regards to landscaping requirements and other
methods of water conservation. In addition, Mr. Brust
summarized to date the wastewater system and disposal program
that the Santa Rosa Subregional System is continuing with, which
includes providing reclaimed water to the golf course and
extending the wastewater lines to the freeway interchange area
and to parks and other areas of the city.
Another item for discussion was brought up by Mayor Eck
regarding an in -house economic report of developments on the
west side of US 101. He informed that he had this in mind at
the last City Council meeting, but inadvertently forgot to bring
it up. He indicated that he would like to see a study completed
that would show revenues generated by new developments in
comparison to the expenses of infrastructure necessary to
accommodate those developments. He indicated he would discuss
this in more detail at the next City Council meeting.
Councilmember Spiro expressed her concerns regarding the recent
letter from Cal Trans 'giving their response on one of the most
recent EIR's. She indicated she was concerned about some of
their comments relative to the cumulative impacts and whether
the City would be subject to litigation if those impacts were
not mitigated. There was general discussion during which
Councilmember Spiro indicated she would like legal advice in
regards to this matter. City Manager Netter indicated that City
Attorney Flitner could answer her questions in more depth at the
next City Council meeting.
City Manager Netter informed the Council that he has a
resolution that should be considered at tonight's meeting due to
a deadline date for reimbursement of the City's hazardous
materials clean -up day held in 1990. City Manager Netter
indicated this item would have to be considered an emergency
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Rohnert Park City Council /Planning Commission Joint Session
February 19, 1991
item, requiring a 4 /5ths vote of the Council. Councilman
Hollingsworth made a motion to accept the resolution as an
emergency item, with said motion seconded by Councilman Hopkins,
Resolution and unanimously approved.
No. 91 -33 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
AUTHORIZING A HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE GRANT APPLICATION
Upon motion of Councilman Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, with reading of Resolution No. 91 -33 waived, said
resolution was unanimously approved.
Adjournment: The joint session was adjourned by Mayor Eck at approximately
8:25 p.m.
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Mayor