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1996/07/09 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes July 9, 1996 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 Flores presiding. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flores called the regular session to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: (5) Councilmembers Eck, Gallagher, Reilly, Spiro and Mayor Flores Absent: (0) None Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo, City Attorney Flitner, Finance Director Harrow, Director of Public Safety Rooney and Planning Director Skanchy. APPROVAL OFMINUTES: Councilwoman Spiro referred to the third paragraph, page 2, and suggested that the words "Council Liaison Spiro" be changed to "Council Member Spiro" because a Council liaison has not been assigned to the Boys & Girls Club. -- Upon motion by Vice Mayor Eck, seconded by Councilman Reilly, the minutes of June 25, 1996 with the amendment were unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF BILLS: City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo and Finance Director Harrow responded to Council questions regarding the bills presented for approval. -- Upon motion by Vice Mayor Eck, seconded by Councilwoman Spiro, the City bills on the attached list totaling $1,024,300.18 were unanimously approved. NON - AGENDAED MATTERS: Mayor Flores asked if Councilmembers or staff had any non- agendaed items to add to the agenda. Vice Mayor Eck stated that he had one miscellaneous item, if time permitted. Councilwoman Spiro stated that she had one miscellaneous item. SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES: 1. Vicki Vidak - Martinez, 556 Lydia Court, addressed the Council as a private citizen and not as a member of the Board of Education. She read from a written statement (copy attached to original set of these minutes). She stated the City's sphere of influence should be extended out to Stony Point and Petaluma Hill Road. She supported annexation of land adjacent to the SSU campus. She also supported the Fire Services Benefit Assessment. She urged the Council to decide the UGB and Fire Services Benefit Assessment issues rather than authorizing ballot measures. 2. Lew Kuehm, Youths of the Year Program, reviewed this program. He proposed that Youth Representatives attend City Council meetings on a rotational basis. -- Mayor Flores confirmed that Council members supported the concept. Staff was asked to work out a program accordingly. -- Mayor Flores congratulated and introduced the 1996 -97 Youths of the Year for Rohnert Park as follows: David Arneson, Sarah Campbell, Veronica Ham, Jessica Klonsky, Kathleen Maddan and Celina Yong. Rohnert mark City Council Minutes ( 2 ) July 9, 1996 3. Lew Kuehm, Founders' Day Committee, introduced Donna Collodi, the artist who submitted the selected City flag design. Mr. Kuehm presented a commercial artist's rendition of the City flag design. He discussed changes in the basic design. He noted that the final design does not include lettering because it would appear backwards on the reverse of the flag. He reviewed his report dated July 3, 1996 (copy attached to original set of these minutes). Mayor Flores congratulated Donna Collodi and presented her with a $100 savings bond, provided by the Founders' Day Association. Mr. Kuehm reviewed costs association with production of a flag. He estimated that it would take about six to eight weeks to produce a flag. He wanted to have a flag for the City's 34th birthday and the next Founders' Day event. Mayor Flores advised that the 1996 -97 budget is scheduled for consideration later on the agenda. After discussion, Vice Mayor Eck made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Gallagher, directing staff to work with the Founders' Day Committee to determine the amount necessary to cover expenditures for development of the flag. Councilman Reilly proposed an amendment, and the maker of the motion and the second accepted the amendment, to check on the positioning of the hands in the flag design to be sure no one will be offended. The amended motion was unanimously approved. Councilman Reilly left the Chamber at approximately 6:26 p.m. The Council discussed the flag further. Vice Mayor Eck recommended that the number of colors should be reduced so the cost of manufacturing the flag would be less. Councilmembers discussed using an adult and a child hand rather than the four hands in the example. Mayor Flores recommended posting of the flag rendition in the City Hall lobby so the public could view the proposal. Council agreed. 4. Paul Stutrud letter of June 28, 1996 on the Rohnert Park Water & Sewer System -- Mayor Flores invited Mr. Stutrud to review this item. Mr. Stutrud was not present to respond to the Mayor's invitation. Councilman Reilly returned to the Chamber at approximately 6:28 p.m. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES: Mayor Flores 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 & a 30 minute total time limit, or allocation of time based on number of speaker cards submitted). Cindy Walsh, 4409 Glacier Court, expressed concerns about the construction of her home.. She provided a copy of a July 8, 1996 letter from Attorney Martin G. McOmber to City Engineer Brust regarding these concerns for Council's review and information. -- Mayor Flores responded that staff would make copies of the letter for distribution to each Councilmember. Rohnert Park Cite Council Minutes ( 3 ) July 9 1996 CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Flores asked if Councilmembers or staff had any questions or comments regarding the matters on the Consent Calendar. City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo advised that Resolution No. 96 -128 needed to be removed from this Consent Calendar because the agreement with Sonoma County Crushers for installation of bleachers at the stadium was not finished. Council concurred. Acknowledging the City Manager /Clerk's report on the posting of the agenda. Resolution Nos: 96 -126 ACCEPTING NOTICE OF COMPLETION, SNYDER LANE BIKE PATH, PROJECT NO. 1994 -7 96 -127 AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 95 -127 DECLARING CITY PARKS, BICYCLE PATHS AND WALKWAYS "DRUG FREE ZONES" (TO INCLUDE NEWLY DEVELOPED COMMERCE BOULEVARD AND SNYDER LANE BICYCLE PATHS) 96 -129 EXTENDING THE BID AWARD FOR STREET LIGHT AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE 96 -130 EXTENDING THE BID OPENINGS FOR RESURFACING OF TENNIS COURTS AT DOROTEA PARK AND THE BASKETBALL COURTS AND TENNIS COURTS AT RAINBOW PARK 96 -131 CALLING FOR SEALED PROPOSALS FOR JANITORIAL MAINTENANCE FOR CITY BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES 96 -132 ACCEPTANCE OF SONOMA COUNTY LOCAL TASK FORCE ON INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT BY -LAWS 96 -133 AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING EMPLOYER PICKUP RESOLUTION PRE -TAX PAYROLL DEDUCTION PLAN FOR SERVICE CREDIT PURCHASES (CONTRIBUTION CODE 14) 96 -134 APPROVING A SONOMA COUNTY WATER AGENCY REVOCABLE LICENSE AGREEMENT (ROHNERT PARK WEST SUBDIVISION/PETALUMA AQUEDUCT) 96 -135 REJECTING CLAIM OF MR. AND MRS. ROBERT SISSA (RE. ALLEGED FLOOD DAMAGE) Upon motion by Vice Mayor Eck, seconded by Councilwoman Spiro, with the exception of Resolution No. 96 -128, the Consent Calendar as outlined on the meeting's agenda, was unanimously approved. Rohnert Park Citv Council Minutes ( 4) JuIv 9, 1996 DA Y TIME CURFEW- Ordinance for adoption: No. 620 AMENDING CHAPTER 9.76 OF TITLE 9 OF THE ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL CODE (CURFEW) City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo and City Attorney Flitner explained the ordinance and responded to Council questions. The City Attorney prepared alternative language for the ordinance concerning parent responsibility, as directed by Council during its meeting of June 11, 1996. Also, as previously directed by Council, the ordinance was submitted to the Cotati - Rohnert Park School Board for review and, to date, the City has received no response. Noted for the record, as listed on tonight's Council Communications, one resident submitted two letters expressing opposition to this ordinance. During discussion of the Ordinance, Vice Mayor Eck acknowledged that the Option 2 language revisions, provided by the City Attorney regarding parental responsibility, satisfied his previous concerns. Upon motion by Councilwoman Spiro, seconded by Vice Mayor Eck, and unanimously approved, reading of Ordinance No. 620 was waived and Option 2 of said ordinance was adopted. With the adoption of Ordinance No. 620, City Manager Pro Tempore Leivo stated that the Ordinance will go into effect thirty days after its publication in a local newspaper. 1996 -97 BUDGET Report on status following Budget Work Sessions -- City Manager Pro Tempore Leivo reviewed the staff report of July 9, 1996. The report listed changes in the proposed 1996 -97 budget which was reviewed by the Council during budget work sessions. He noted that County Assessor Jim Gallagher notified the City on July 5 that property tax revenues would be approximately $75,000 less than anticipated. This decrease is associated with the purchase of Rancho Feliz Mobile Home Park as well as the reassessment of other properties. Finance Director Harrow was available to respond to Council questions. A public hearing notice was published and a hearing was scheduled to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the City's proposed 1996 -97 budget. PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Flores opened the public hearing at approximately 6:40 p.m. The Mayor recognized citizens who also attended budget work sessions and expressed appreciation for their participation. There being no one desiring to speak, the Mayor closed the public hearing. Resolution No: 96 -136 APPROVING AND ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996 -97 City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo and Finance Director Harrow responded to Council questions regarding the proposed budget. Upon motion by Vice Mayor Eck, seconded by Mayor Flores, and unanimously approved, additional funds were added to the community promotion budget to cover the cost for development of the proposed City flag, reading of Resolution No. 96 -136 was waived, and the resolution was adopted. Rohnert Park Citv Council Minutes ( 5 ) July 9, 1996 AGENDA ITEMS moved forward: Items were moved forward on the Council agenda and handled as signified herein at approximately 6:45 p.m. The Council needed to wait until 7:00 p.m. to proceed with the public hearing for the proposed Fire Services Benefit Assessment District, as duly noticed and scheduled. NOVEMBER 1996 ELECTION MATTERS: City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo presented two resolutions for Council consideration. He responded to Council questions. Resolution No: 96 -137 CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1996 FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS Upon motion by Councilwoman Spiro, seconded by Councilman Reilly, and unanimously approved, reading of Resolution No. 96 -137 was waived and said resolution was adopted. Resolution No: 96 -138 ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATES' STATEMENTS Councilwoman Spiro's noted that three Councilmembers could be candidates and asked if they had a conflict. City Attorney Flitner stated that, as a matter of necessity, all Councilmembers could vote on the issue. Vice Mayor Eck commented that paying for the candidates' statements would be more helpful to new candidates than incumbents. Upon motion by Vice Mayor Eck, seconded by Councilman Reilly, and unanimously approved, payment for the candidate statements with no more than 200 words in English by the City was authorized, reading of Resolution No. 96 -138 was waived and the resolution was adopted. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. Santa Rosa/Rohnert Park Community Separator -- Vice Mayor Eck reported that he met with Santa Rosa representatives, Mayor Pedgri$ and City Manager Blackman. The Santa Rosa Planning Commission has prepared a recommendation and the Santa Rosa City Council will review that recommendation in the near future. The discussion included designating a community separator that both cities would honor. 2. Economic Development meeting with Chamber of Commerce & Bob Linscheid Consultant Councilwoman Spiro noted that Vice Mayor Eck and City staff attended the meeting. She reviewed what occurred at the meeting and read "Developing a Vision Statement." She stated that another meeting will be scheduled in a relatively short time to keep up the momentum. -- Vice Mayor Eck stated that various viewpoints were represented. The community should focus on common goals on which all sides can agree. 3. Mayors' & Councilmembers' Association Executive Meeting re. Teen access to alcohol Mayor Flores reported that the representatives discussed formulating a policy regarding youth access to alcohol. Communities must make a commitment to this effort, which will require continued vigilance on the part of parents and communities to be successful. -- Vice Mayor Eck reported that cities should have a unified front. He noted that Director of Public Safety Rooney is working with other Sonoma County Law Enforcement officials to develop a common policy. Discussion followed. Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 6 ) July 9, 1996 Councilwoman Spiro left the Chamber at approximately 7:00 p.m. and returned at approximately 7:03 p.m. PROPOSED FIRE SERVICES BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT.• City Manager Pro- Tempore Leivo noted that the Council received a final Engineers' Report from Consultants Berryman & Henigar. Director of Public Safety Rooney reported on fire suppression training provided to Public Safety employees. He responded to Council questions. City Manager Pro Tempore Leivo reviewed the costs of fire suppression level -of- service options. He stated that staff had insufficient time to prepare an estimate of expenditure reductions in the Public Safety Department if the City established a separate fire department as the Council requested. Councilwoman Gallagher left the Chamber during discussion at approximately 7:20 p.m. Councilman Reilly left the Chamber during discussion at approximately 7:22 p.m. Councilwoman Gallagher and Councilman Reilly returned to the Chamber during discussion at approximately 7:24 p.m. After general remarks, City Manager Pro Tempore Leivo reported that as of July 8, 1996, the City had received protests from property owners with assessments that exceed ten percent of the total benefit assessment. The City also received a fax from Codding Enterprises this afternoon withdrawing their protest. The withdrawal was subject to the condition that the Council substantially scale back the assessment to an amount that would pay for current staffing levels. If the Codding Enterprises protest is withdrawn, the protest would be less than ten percent of the total benefit assessment. The Council may place the proposed benefit assessment on the November ballot, abandon the benefit assessment, or, in recognition of the "conditioned" withdrawal of the Codding Enterprises protest, approve a greatly reduced benefit assessment. Council members expressed different opinions regarding the proposed benefit assessment. City Manager Pro Tempore Leivo, City Attorney Flitner and Dennis Klingelhofer of Berryman & Henigar responded to Council questions. PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Flores opened the public hearing at approximately 7:45 p.m. Public comments were as follows: 1. Art Sweeney, 5450 Country Club Drive, past president of Rohnert Park Peace Officers Association (RPPOA), read from a written statement which supported the efforts of the Department of Public Safety; reviewed immediate staffing and funding needs and counteracted allegations made during previous Council meetings (copy attached to original set of these minutes). 2. Baray Comerford, 7526 Monet Place, employed by the San Francisco Fire Department for 22 years, reviewed training, staffing and funding levels needed to provide sufficient levels of service. Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 7 ) July 9, 1996 3. James Baker, 8908 Lancaster Drive, the senior ranking fire officer in the Department of Public Safety, reviewed reasons why there should be additional Public Safety employees and encouraged the Council to approve additional funding. 4. Dan Wilhelm, 4304 Grandview Way, complimented the efforts of the City's Department of Public Safety. Though additional funding may be needed for fire services, he stated that the matter should be placed on the ballot. 5. Ken Emad, 6650 Commerce Blvd., #13, stated that there seems to be a greater concern for insurance companies than property owners. He questioned the constitutionality of the proposed benefit assessment. 6. Jim Groom, 103 -J Codding Enterprise Bldg., supported the City's Department of Public Safety and noted that fire insurance rates in Rohnert Park compare with those in neighboring communities. He is opposing the proposed fire assessment district because it would increase the economical hardships of area businesses. The voters should have an opportunity to decide this issue. 7.Theresa C. Christ, 8641 Lords Manor Way, discussed the fire that occurred at her home. She expressed concerns that Public Safety Officers do not receive the necessary fire services training. She urged establishing a separate fire department. 8. Joy Wheeler, 8647 Lords Manor Way, expressed concerns regarding the fire service training procedures. She urged stopping the employee rotation system. 9. David Welch, 7448 Adrian Drive, past president of the RPPOA, told the Council about his car fire and the response time. He reviewed how combined police and fire services benefit the community. 10. Cynthia Guy, 1205 Hemp Court, stated that she attended the Citizen's Academy. She complimented the City's procedures and training for the Department of Public Safety personnel. She supported the proposed fire assessment. 11. Tom Daly, 1467 Georgia Court, a professional fire fighter; supported the efforts of the City's Department of Public Safety and pointed out the need for more funding to provide sufficient fire services in the community. There being no one further desiring to speak, Mayor Flores closed the public hearing at approximately 8:50 p.m. Council discussion ensued and City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo, City Attorney Flitner and Dennis Klingelhofer of Berryman & Henigar responded to additional Council questions. Councilwoman Gallagher made a motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Eck, to approve a fire suppression benefit assessment of $361,000. After discussion of the motion, Councilwoman Gallagher withdrew her motion. Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 8 ) July 9, 1996 Upon motion by Councilwoman Spiro, seconded by Mayor Flores, staff was directed to prepare a resolution approving a fire suppression benefit assessment of $361,000 for consideration at the next Council meeting. During discussion of the motion, Councilwoman Gallagher stated that Public Safety Officers are not capable of being both police and fire fighters. The voters will not support the benefit assessment unless a separate fire department is created. Councilmember Reilly stated that he supported placing the $1,012,000 benefit assessment on the ballot. He asked for an estimate from staff of expenditure reductions in the Public Safety Department if the City established a separate fire department. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: (3) Councilmembers Eck, Spiro and Mayor Flores NOES: (2) Councilmember Gallagher, and Councilmember Reilly ABSENT: (0) None Upon motion by Vice Mayor Eck, seconded by Councilman Reilly, staff was directed to prepare appropriate ballot measure documents for a proposed fire suppression benefit assessment of $1,012,000. During discussion of the motion, Councilwoman Spiro stated, for the record, that Public Safety Officers were highly qualified to fight fires and the Public Safety concept should be retained. She was disappointed by the 11% protest from land owners and stated that the benefit assessment may not pass. Mayor Flores stated his preference that the proposed fire assessment provide for staffing a third station. All fires are traumatic and cause tremendous emotional turmoil. However, responses from the public signify that the Public Safety Department is doing a fine job now, though funds are not sufficient. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: (5) Councilmembers Eck, Gallagher, Reilly, and Spiro and Mayor Flores NOES: (0) ABSENT: (0) None RECESS Mayor Flores declared a recess at approximately 9:29 p.m. RECONVENE Mayor Flores reconvened the Council meeting at approximately 9:42 p.m. with all Councilmembers present. GENERAL PLAN MATTERS: Draft Urban Boundary Policy/Working Document -- City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo reviewed the contents of a draft General Plan amendment which would establish an Urban Boundary Policy. He recommended that the matter be referred to the Planning Commission rather than proceeding with a ballot measure. Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 9 ) July 9, 1996 Discussion followed. Vice Mayor Eck argued that an Urban Boundary Measure should be placed on the ballot. He discussed details of the working draft. Councilwoman Gallagher left the Chamber at approximately 9:48 p.m. Vice Mayor Eck recommended that specific plans should not be approved prior to the year 2000. The policy should allow specific plans to be considered at different times. Councilwoman Gallagher returned to the Chamber at approximately 9:52 p.m. Councilwoman Spiro said that, having provided little opportunity for public input, this policy should not be put on the ballot. Vice Mayor Eck recommended scheduling a public hearing for this item during the next Council meeting of July 23, 1996. Council agreed. Mayor Flores supported the three specific plan areas, encouraged allowing for appropriate economic development, wanted to provide some financial security for the City, noted the need for development of affordable housing, and wanted to create open space. City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo responded to questions from Councilmembers regarding the ballot measure process. He requested specific direction from the Council so staff could prepare the appropriate documents for the next Council meeting. Councilman Reilly stated that he wanted to establish the City's UGB at the current City sphere of influence with the addition of the portion of Creekside Middle School site occupied by the school. He stated that future changes in the UBG should be subject to approval by the voters. Mayor Flores noted that a number of individuals had submitted speaker cards regarding this item. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Flores opened the meeting to public comments at approximately 10:00 P.M. Jake Mackenzie, 1536 Gladstone Way, stated that, as an active member of the Greenbelt Alliance, he has worked to establish a UGB for Rohnert Park. He urged the Council to place a UGB proposition on the ballot. He recommended that the Council establish a four year time frame for approving specific plans. The Council should establish parameters for the specific plans such as percentage of open space, etc. 2. Barbara Stagg, 8910 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati, signified she was representing Ann Anthony Haas who owns a parcel outside the City of Rohnert Park to the northeast. She asked Council to consider placing this parcel within the UGB. Without the opportunity of further discussion, she urged the Council to adopt the draft document. Referencing the draft working document, third paragraph under Specific Plan Sites, she suggested leaving options open for choosing northern boundaries so that the community could respond to actions Santa Rosa might take. Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 10 ) ,1uly 9.1996 3. Van Logan, 2560 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, general partner in a partnership owning land in the northeast area outside Rohnert Park city limits, stated that a UGB is not needed. The community has a sphere of influence. He opposed the four or five year time frame for approval of a specific plan. Members of the Council and Mr. Logan discussed wastewater treatment capacity. 4. Linda Branscomb, 6585 Commerce Blvd., #188, urged Council to put the Urban Boundary Policy on the ballot. The Planning Commission has discussed UGB's in the past. She was not particularly happy with the language, but felt the document was a useful planning tool. There being no one further desiring to speak, Mayor Flores closed public comments at approximately 10:19 p.m. Council members discussed: Expanding the specific plan areas; Specific plans would include an evaluation of the economic benefit to citizens; The built -in checks and balances; Efficient growth patterns; Economic development; Affordable housing needs; Linking the UGB time frame to the availability of wastewater treatment capacity; Letting the voters make the decision on the UGB versus the Council; Whether projects will solve community problems and meet the needs of the community, Comparing Rohnert Park to other cities; Whether growth paid for itself, Whether there should be added public input before a measure is placed on the ballot; Public support for various UGB alternatives; Linking preservation of open space with Open Space District programs; and Meeting housing needs. A motion was made by Councilman Reilly that the Vice Mayor work with staff and prepare the necessary ballot measure documents for consideration at the next Council meeting. -- Vice Mayor Eck signified he was not interested in repeating the effort of the last two weeks. -- City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo suggested that the full Council should discuss this matter. -- Councilman Reilly withdrew his motion. A MOTION was made by Councilman Reilly, seconded by Councilwoman Gallagher, directing staff and the City Attorney to prepare documents necessary to place a Urban Boundary measure on the November ballot by the next Council meeting. Vice Mayor Eck proposed that the motion be amended to schedule a public hearing regarding the Urban Boundary proposal during the next Council meeting of July 23, 1996. The maker of the motion and the second accepted the amendment. City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo asked if the measure would be an ordinance or General Plan amendment. Councilmembers indicated that it should be a General Plan amendment. Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 11 ) July 9, 1996 City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo inquired if staff should base its preparations on the working draft discussed at this meeting. Councilmembers discussed whether the specific plans would establish urban boundaries that may be amended a second time after 2016 after approval by the voters or never amended a second time. Councilmembers noted that the specific plans should be allowed to proceed at different times. A discussion of an exception and appeal process followed. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: (3) Councilmembers Eck, Gallagher and Reilly NOES: (2) Councilmember Spiro and Mayor Flores ABSENT: (0) None Councilmembers discussed how the City's Urban Boundary policy would coordinate with County policy. 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. MATTERS FROM/FOR COUNCIL: Signs on Fairway Drive -- Councilwoman Spiro noted that a non - resident frequently parked on Fairway Drive by the signs the City installed. The City has not adopted an ordinance to enforce the signs. City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo stated that the Council would need to consider amending the ordinance. -- It was a consensus of the Council to direct staff to prepare an ordinance for Council's consideration. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT.• L Platform for Train Stop -- City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo reported the City's Director of Public Works is working with the Northwest Pacific Railroad (NWPRR) regarding installation of a platform near the Roberts Lake Dr. Park and Ride Lot. -- Vice Mayor Eck suggested that another appropriate location might be on the movie theater property. 2. Telecommunication Towers /City of Petaluma model -- City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo noted that the Council was provided a copy of the Petaluma ordinance. 3. Sonoma County Waste Management 1996 -97 Budget /denial of $0.25 increase -- City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo stated that representatives from Rohnert Park and Sonoma spoke in favor of increasing the Agency tipping fee by $0.25 and maintaining the household hazardous waste program. Representatives from Santa Rosa and Petaluma spoke against raising the tipping fee. Petaluma agreed to hold one instead of two household hazardous waste collection events. The Agency budget must by approved by unanimous vote. Consequently, a reduced budget was approved and the tipping fee was not increased. Councilwoman Gallagher left the Chamber at approximately 10:50 p.m. 4. Proposed Ban on Fireworks -- City Manager Pro - Tempore Leivo reported that a home in Petaluma may have caught fire as a result of fireworks. Sonoma County city managers or fire chiefs may propose a fireworks ban in all Sonoma County jurisdictions. -- Vice Mayor Eck recommended that this item be considered during the first Council meeting in January. -- Councilwoman Spiro suggested that letters be sent to organizations involved with fireworks stands. Some of these organizations sign contracts a year in advance. RohnPrt Park City Council Minutes 12) .July 9. 1996 CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. • City Attorney Flitner acknowledged he had nothing further to report. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES. Mayor Flores asked if there were any additional unscheduled public appearances at this time. No one responded. ADJOURNMENT.- Mayor Flores adjourned the meeting at approximately 10:55 p.m. De Ci Clerk jh A, Mayor STATEMENT TO ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL 7/9/96 AS YOU KNOW, I AM A CANDIDATE FOR CITY COUNCIL IN THE NOV.ELECTION. WHILE SERVING ON THE SCHOOL BOARD, I LEARNED THAT RESPONSIBLE ELECTED OFFICIALS MUST ENSURE THE WIDEST ARRAY OF OPTIONS AND FLEXIBILITY FOR THEIR JURISDICTION, SO THAT ANTICIPATED AND UNANTICIPATED FUTURE NEEDS CAN BE MET. IT'S A MATTER OF COMMON SENSE AND GOOD GOVERNMENT. I BELIEVE IT IS CRITICAL THAT THE CITY'S SPHERE OF INFLUENCE BE EXTENDED FROM STONY POINT TO PETALUMA HILL ROAD. THIS DOESN'T MEAN WE MUST USE ALL THE LAND, BUT WE DO HAVE TO LAY CLAIM TO IT. WE MUST ALSO LAY CLAIM TO SEWER CAPACITY, RECOGNIZING THAT SANTA ROSA IS PREPARING FOR HUGE EXPANSION JUST TO THE NORTH OF US. I STRONGLY SUPPORT SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY'S REQUEST TO ANNEX LAND ADJACENT TO THE CAMPUS FOR MUCH NEEDED FACULTY AND STUDENT HOUSING. THE UNIVERSITY IS A COMMUNITY ASSET THAT WE SIMPLY MUST SUPPORT. LIKEWISE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, WHICH IS THE SECOND LARGEST IN THE COUNTY PAS ONE OF THE LOWEST LEVELS OF STATE FUNDING, WILL BEGIN PAYING THE STATE ABOUT $30 - 40,000 ANNUALLY FOR THE UNUSED PARCEL BEHIND CREEKSIDE SCHOOL, RESULTING IN FURTHER DECRESEES IN FUNDING AVAILABLE TO SPEND ON LOCAL STUDENTS. ANNEXATION, WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE LAND TO BE USED AND WHICH THE SCHOOL BOARD HAS REQUESTED, COULD MITIGATE THIS DRAIN ON LOCAL SCHOOL FUNDS. I WANT TO REMIND YOU THAT EDUCATION IN ROHNERT PARK IS BIG BUSINESS, BEING MAJOR SOURCES OF LOCAL EMPLOYMENT AND BRINGING MILLIONS OF PUBLIC DOLLARS TO INVEST IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY. BOTH SSU AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL LOSE IF ANNEXATIONS ARE PROHIBITED ANDC64IONS ARE CURTAILED. I RECENTLY HEARD GENERAL NORMAN SCHWARZKOFF SPEAK TO A GATHERING OF SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS. HE SAID, "WHEN IN COMMAND,TAKE CHARGE ". CURRENT DISCUSSION OF BALLOT MEASURES WHICH WOULD REQUIRE A PUBLIC VOTE TO DECIDE ANNEXATIONS AND WHICH COULD COST UP TO $50,000 FOR SPECIAL ELECTIONS ARE AN EXAMPLE OF PASSING THE BUCK TO THE BALLOT. WE ELECTED YOU TO MAKE HARD DECISIONS AND TO SHOW EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP. THIS IS TRUE FOR BOTH URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARIES AND FOR ANOTHER TOPIC ON TONIGHT'S AGENDA, THE FIRE SERVICES ASSESSMENT, WHICH I ALSO SUPPORT, ALONG WITH MOST OF THE REST OF THE TOWN. IT IS CRITICAL THAT A SAFETY NET BE IN PLACE FOR ROHNERT PARK, BOTH IN OUR URBAN BOUNDARIES AND IN OUR FIRE PROTECTION. ALL OPTIONS SHOULD BE ENSURED FOR THE PROTECTION AND FUTURE BENEFIT OF THIS COMMUNITY. VICKI VIDAK- MARTINEZ ROHNERT PARK FOUNDERS' DAY ASSOC. 5430 Commerce Blvd. Suite H Rohnert Park, CA 94928 (707) 522 -9800 July 3, 1996 TO: RP City Council FROM: Lew Kuehm RE: Flag Design Update Winning design by: Donna Collodi 795 -0256 742 Brett Ave Rohnert Park She & husband, Pete, moved to RP in 1974, Has raised two sons, Pete Jr. & David, likes to stay at home, has hobby of playing pool (with many trophies). Commercial artist: Manufacturer: Design specs: Robert Herzog Work: Type Express 5850 Commerce Blvd Rohnert Park The Flag Store 520 Broadway Sonoma, CA 95476 Jim Ferrigan, Owner 586 -3557 Ste F S•. : � 4 x 6 proportions Four hands holding bunch of sweatpeas representing four cultural groups: Native American /Hispanic Caucasian Afro - American Oriental Hands are joined together showing HARMONY in "The Friendly City" A good flag should have no words on it so it can be seen from both sides: REVERSIBLE thus, all words are omitted. To minimize costs, effort is being made to limit colors: IDEAL IS ONLY 3 COLORS, we have at least 6 Production costs relate to SIZE, NUMBER OF COLORS, CHOICE of media: SCREEN PRINT, DYED FABRIC, SEWN FABRIC. Art Sweeney 5450 Country Club Drive, Rohnert Park. Good evening. I am a 17 year resident of Rohnert Park and a 15 year member and past president of the Rohnert Park Peace Officers Association. As a member of the RPPOA, I have some insight into the operation of the Department of Public Safety. I will be discussing two topics. Now that a small and ill informed group has again managed to derail progress in our city, I need to make you, my elected representatives, aware of a serious problem within the Department of Public Safety. The community has demand an expanded fire service using our existing department employees. Important positions on the police side of the Public Safety equation are vacant due to the transfer of officers to the fire service. Our members have made personal sacrifices to provide the present level of staffing now enjoyed. It was the RPPOA that implored the city to implement 24 hour staffing. It took over one year to accomplish this feat. We volunteered and are now working outside of our contract to accomplish two station staffing. The- Department of Public Safety is entering a very critical time. I have experience with a law enforcement agency where the demands made of the employees have resulted in employee burnout and very high turnover. Department employees have all been pulling an extra load in anticipation of the fire service assessment. For all intent the assessment is a dead cause as of this meeting. There is no longer light at the end of this tunnel. I think that you have two options that still allow some level of fire staffing. The first is to reduce the level of service to one station 24 hours. As a resident of this city I will fight any such attempt. The second option is to hire additional officers. The Department of Public Safety immediately needs 10 additional Public Safety Officers to continue to provide the current level of fire protection. I want my city council to evaluate the budget and priorities of this city. It is time for you to take appropriate steps to insure the continued safety of our homes and families. I request that you examine the city budget and get priorities in order to allow the addition of 10 Public Safety Officers. This is not a matter for committee or long discussion. This is a crisis demanding prompt and forceful action. My second topic is this city councils response to groundless and sometimes intentionally false statements concerning the Department of Public Safety and other Rohnert Park city departments. You continually allow people standing at this podium to state as fact whatever damning fantasy or personal opinion they may have. Just throw it at the city and see what sticks. Your failure to appropriately address this problem has contributed to a climate in which any progress is doubtful. As my elected representatives I want you to no longer simply accept attacks upon our city as a matter of free speech. Allegations of inappropriate conduct and inferior service must be thoroughly investigated. Council must in the future direct staff to prepare a written response to these allegations. Any person who makes such a claim should be expected to return to the podium two weeks later and hear the result of the council commanded investigation. For a change, you will be hearing from the people involved in the situations. People will stop bringing malicious statements to this podium when they realize that this council will fully investigate and respond to any such statement and the response will become a matter of public record.