1996/05/14 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes
May 14, 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 6:35 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 Netter, City Attorney Flitner,
Assistant City Manager Leivo, Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust and
Planning Director Skanchy.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT. • Mayor Flores reported on the closed session which commenced this
evening at 6:00 to discuss matters listed on the agenda attachment which represented
an update with no additional action taken.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Manager Netter advised the April 9, 1996 minutes, inadvertently
listed on tonight's agenda, were approved at the previous Council meeting.
Corrections to the minutes of April 23 were signified as follows:
Councilman Reilly referenced page 4, that his motion also included "signifying the
appropriate amount of time will still be allowed for people to speak on scheduled agenda
items "; top of page 8, to insert "the City is" in his comment; and item #3 at the top of page
11, to add to the last sentence, "with the majority (of Council) expressing it would be better
on the east side than on the west side ".
Corrections to the minutes of April 15 were signified as follows:
Mayor Flores referenced his closing comments on page 13, to correct the word "dispersion"
to "aspersions ", and expressing his support of Option #3, to correct the amount to $200,000
and include his comment "which is the amount Council had projected for the General Plan ".
Councilwoman Spiro referenced top of page 11, regarding the Canon Manor item, that she
also said, "Council should set up a Committee ".
Upon motion by Councilwoman Spiro, seconded by Vice Mayor Eck, with Councilman
Reilly abstaining from the minutes of April 15 due to absence from the meeting, minutes of
April 15 and 23, 1996 were unanimously approved as amended.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: City Manager Netter responded to Council questions related to the bills
presented for approval. -- Upon motion by Vice Mayor Eck, seconded by
Councilwoman Gallagher, City bills presented per the attached list in the amount of
$1,124,153.44 were unanimously approved.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 2 ) May 14,1996
NO1V AGENDAED MATTERS: Mayor Flores asked if Councilmembers or staff had any non -
agendaed items to add to the agenda. Councilman Reilly and Councilwoman Spiro
signified a miscellaneous item regarding the fencing at Mountain Shadows Middle
School. Councilwoman Spiro also signified other items regarding budget privatization,
a General Plan item, and one regarding signs on Fairway Drive. Vice Mayor Eck
advised he would provide a brief update under Council Committee reports on the
activities of the Sonoma County Transportation Authority.
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.
Under legislation of the Brown Act, in most cases, the Council cannot handle an item
without agendizing. To ensure accurate recording, "Speaker Cards" are provided at
the entrance of the Chamber and persons speaking under unscheduled public
appearances are requested to submit completed cards to the recording clerk.
Hazel Brubaker, 959 Hacienda Circle, expressed appreciation to Public Safety Officers for helpful
communications to seniors while delivering meals.
Norm Howard, 7394 Boris Court #2, reviewed concerns related to fencing at the Middle School in the
vicinity of "B" Park. He did not think the School District has recognized the extent of
community use of the park or the need of access and combined open space areas. Mr.
Howard urged communications between the City and the School District toward
resolving these concerns. -- Discussion included comments by Mayor Flores that he
thought Mr. Howard provided a realistic assessment of these concerns. City Manager
Netter advised staff had met with representatives of the School District and had
previously encouraged retaining openness for access needs of the community.
Discussion concluded upon Council agreement for the Council Committee
(Gallagher /Spiro) to schedule a committee meeting with representatives of the
Coordinating Committee for the School District to review the extent of joint use
agreements between the City and the School District.
Dean Houghnton, 545 Alta Avenue, referenced living in Rohnert Park all his life and made comparisons
with current day problems like having drug dealers. He reviewed concerns related to a
designated location he has observed and understands the Public Safety Department has
done all it can within its limitations, as well as restrictions on the property owner to
proceed any further with the renter of the property. Mr. Houghnton shared his review
of the Safety and Health Act with several laws to abate drug dealers and referenced
letters from Oakland as examples of effective procedures for Oakland. -- Discussion
concluded upon Council concurrence for staff to direct the Public Safety Department to
follow -up including calling the District Attorney for related legalities, and in the
meantime call Child Protective Services and Health Department.
Marie Vinsick, 38 Estrella Drive, complimented the City's new Animal Shelter. She recommended
more adequate signage in order for the facility to be more easily located by residents.
Rohnert Park Cite Council Minutes ( 3 ) May 14,1996
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CONS .NT C.A . .NEAR
Mayor Flores asked if Councilmembers had any questions regarding the matters on the
Consent Calendar which were explained in the City Manager's Council Meeting Memo.
City Manager Netter advised the need to remove and defer Resolution No. 96 -87 from
the Consent Calendar as the City Attorney was not able to finalize the settlement
agreement. Councilwoman Spiro requested removal of Resolution No. 96 -88 from the
Consent Calendar for further discussion.
*Acknowledging the City Manager /Clerk's report on the posting of the agenda.
Resolution Nos:
96 -85 PROCLAIMING "STAND FOR CHILDREN'S DAY" JUNE 1, 1996
96 -86 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
WITH ESKY BENAVIDEZ CORPORATION
96 -89 DESIGNATING, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING INSTALLATION OF STOP
SIGN (on Mitchell Drive at Mattice Lane)
96 -90 DESIGNATING, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING INSTALLATION OF STOP
SIGN (on Rosana Way at Roman Drive)
96 -91 AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION WITH THE
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR ALLOCATION OF
TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE
TRANSIT ASSISTANCE FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996 -97
96 -92 APPROVING APPLICATION FOR THE COMMERCE BOULEVARD BICYCLE
PATH AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
CONTRACTS WITH THE BAY AREA AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
DISTRICT FOR FUNDING UNDER ASSEMBLY BILL 434 TRANSPORTATION
FUND FOR CLEAN AIR IN THE BAY AREA
96 -93 REJECTING CLAIM OF SALLY YATES, ANDREA YATES, R. RANDOLPH
SMITH C/O LAW OFFICES OF JOHN G. WARNER (re.alleged emotional stress
damages)
96 -94 REJECTING CLAIM OF BRIAN MASON ( re.alleged injuries at Santa Dorotea Park)
Upon motion by Councilman Reilly, seconded by Councilwoman Spiro, with the
exception of Resolution Nos. 96 -87 and 96 -88, the Consent Calendar as outlined on
the meeting's agenda, was unanimously approved.
Resolution No.
96 -88 APPROVING A LEASE EXTENSION AND AN AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE
AGREEMENT WITH SONOMA COUNTY PEOPLE FOR ECONOMIC
OPPORTUNITY ( SCPEO) INCREASING THE RENT FOR USE OF BURTON
AVE. RECREATION CENTER
City Manager Netter responded to Councilwoman Spiro's concerns about increasing
rents for beneficial programs like Head Start. SCPEO has been in the building for 5
years without any increases and has agreed to the $100 per month increase from $560
to $660 per month. This item was discussed during the last budget work sessions.
Discussion concluded upon motion by Vice Mayor Eck, seconded by Councilman
Reilly, and unanimously approved, Resolution No. 96 -88 was adopted.
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Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 4 ) May 1441996
OTHER RESOLUTION FOR CONSIDERA TION.-
Resolution No.
96 -95 APPROVING AMENDED RANCHO ADOBE AUTOMATIC AID AGREEMENT
City Manager Netter explained the resolution for consideration as reviewed in the
Council Meeting Memo. He responded to Council inquiry about tracking comparatives
of responding to fires, that a formal log would be kept with the approval of this
agreement. Staff might be able to provide prior tracking information, if available and
easily obtainable.
Upon motion by Councilman Reilly, seconded by Councilwoman Spiro, and
unanimously approved, reading of Resolution No. 96 -95 was waived and said resolution
was adopted.
MORATORIUM ON ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION DEVICES - F.rtension of Ordinance 613
City Manager Netter explained the ordinance for introduction prepared for this item, as
reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo, and responded to Council questions. A public
hearing has been duly noticed and scheduled during the next City Council meeting of
May 28, 1996, prior to Council consideration of ordinance adoption. -- Discussion
included Councilwoman Spiro signifying interest in moving ahead with innovative ideas
and not waiting for the County. Vice Mayor Eck referred to discussions at Mayors' and
Councilmember's Association meetings, as well as the Working Group meetings, not to
be restrictive, but signified being mutually agreeable to work with the County on this
item in order to have some kind of common guidelines.
Ordinance for introduction:
No.618 EXTENDING A MORATORIUM IMPOSED BY ORDINANCE 613 ON THE
ISSUANCE OF ZONING OR USE PERMITS AND /OR THE USE OR INSTAL-
LATION OF TOWERS TO SUPPORT CELLULAR, RADIO, TELEVISION, OR
OTHER ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION OR TRANSMISSION DEVICES FOR
A PERIOD OF 10 MONTHS AND 15 DAYS FROM FEBRUARY 29, 1996
Upon motion by Councilman Reilly, seconded by Vice Mayor Eck, and approved with
Councilwoman Spiro dissenting, reading of Ordinance No. 618 was waived and said
ordinance was introduced.
GENERAL PLAN MATTERS:
Council Committee report -- Vice Mayor Eck and Mayor Flores reported on meeting
with Planning Consultant Donna Oldford and staff regarding the General Plan process
for the purpose of considering a recommendation on how to proceed. They referenced
reports from Ms. Oldford on (1) Definitions for General Plan Efforts outlining
Technical Update procedures, Specific Plan principles, etc., and (2) a summary with
proposed options including a recommendation for an Economic Element to be
completed for the existing City and designated areas that may be included in a revised
sphere of influence.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 5 ) May 14,1996
Council discussion included the following:
*add element to General Plan that deals with youth and families in Rohnert Park and that
the mission statement at the beginning include concerns of the older and younger citizens;
•Planning Consultant Oldford to provide estimated costs for RFP's and targeted goals, as
well as include clarification of UGB's;
•consultant to incorporate ABAG fair share, no more - no less, with reasoning pertaining
to not wanting Rohnert Park to become a bedroom city for Marin County;
•staff to obtain a copy of Santa Rosa's Urban Growth Boundary document; and
•Planning Director Skanchy to provide a map of the General Plan area for Council to
consider signifying border lines during the work session.
Discussion concluded upon Council concurrence to schedule a work session on this
item from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. prior to the next Council meeting on May 28, 1996 to see
if Council might be able to agree on planning area borders, which is relevant to the
effectiveness of a November ballot measure on Urban Growth Boundaries (UGB's).
RECESS Mayor Flores declared a recess at approximately 7:40 p.m. to proceed with the Mock
Council meeting of the Scouts, advising the item was moved forward on the agenda
and handled at this time as a courtesy to Scouts and families present at the meeting.
Mayor Flores advised the Scouts spent the day with City staff for "Scouts in
Government Day ". He welcomed the Boy and Girl Scouts and turned the gavel over to
Scout Mayor Becky Schultz to proceed with the Mock City Council Meeting.
Scout Mayor Becky Schultz called the Mock City Council Meeting to order at
approximately 7:40 p.m. Scouts present were Scout Vice Mayor Tina Anderson,
Scout Councilmember Katie Place, Scout Councilmember Stephen Douglass, Scout
Councilmember Jesse Burr, Scout City Manager Jeff Bulleri, Scout Finance Director
Cameron Weissenburger, and Scout Public Safety Director James Maltin.
Scout Mayor Becky Schultz initiated discussion regarding the following items listed on
the Scout agenda: 1) Indoor public pool; 2) Annexation of Creekside Middle School;
3) Increased Penalties for Truancy; and 4) Cement Soccer/Hockey Court. Scout Council
signified concurrence to proceed with each item reviewed.
There being no further items, Scout Mayor Becky Schultz expressed appreciation to the
City Council for providing this opportunity of experience for Scouts, and adjourned the
Boy & Girl Scout Mock City Council meeting at approximately 7:50 p.m.
Mayor Flores complimented the efforts of the Scouts and posed with the Scout Council
for photographs by Scout Leaders and family members.
RECONVENE -Mayor Flores reconvened the City Council meeting at approximately 8:00 p.m. with
all Councilmembers present.
Rohnert Park Citv Council Minutes (6) May 14,1996
MOBILE HOME PARK MA TTERS:
1. Rent Appeals Board proposed Ordinance 494 amendment re. Mobile Home Park Rent Appeals
Board changing to monthly meetings -- City Manager Netter explained this item as
reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo and responded to Council questions. --
Discussion concluded upon motion by Vice Mayor Eck, seconded by Councilman
Reilly, to refer this item to the Mobile Home Parks Rent Appeals Board for a public
hearing toward proceeding with formal action, was unanimously approved
2. Jonnie Perrot proposed Ordinance 494 amendment re, Emergency Measure in Event of Natural
Disaster -- City Manager Netter explained this item as reviewed in the Council Meeting
Memo. City Manager Netter and City Attorney Flitner responded to related Council
questions. -- Discussion concluded upon motion by Vice Mayor Eck, seconded by
Councilman Reilly, and unanimously approved, to refer this item to the City Attorney
and the Mobile Home Parks Rent Appeals Board for review and recommendation
including, if pursued, consideration of developing an exception for mobile home park
owners responding in an appropriate and reasonable fashion. The City Council voiced
reservations on the proposed request as written.
3. Mayor's letter to Mobile Home Park residents re. Hillsboro Properties litigation/greenbook rents- -
Mayor Flores advised this letter would be sent as explained during his closed session report.
Councilman Reilly
leaves/returns -- Councilman Reilly left the Chamber during explanation of the previous agenda item
at approximately 8:10 p.m. and returned at approximately 8:14 p.m.
Acceptance of "CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING"
from the Government Finance Officers Association for the City's Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1995
& Presentation of the "Award of Financial Reporting Achievement"
to Finance Director Michael L. Harrow
Mayor Flores made these presentations to Finance Director Harrow in appreciation of
the efforts of the entire staff of the Finance Department. City Manager Netter
explained the significance of these prestigious awards, as reviewed in the Council
Meeting Memo, which the City has received for fourteen (14) consecutive years.
NINE MONTH CITY FINANCIAL REVIEW & 1996 -97 PRELIMINARY BUDGET ESTIMATES
Finance Director Harrow shared highlights of these reports provided to Council
confirming concluding results outlined in the Council Meeting Memo. The General
Fund Reserve balance is estimated to be $1,277,986, or 7.8% of General Fund
expenditures, at fiscal year end June 30, 1996. Staff has met with all Department Heads
resulting in combined efforts to include:
1) no new hires;
2) expenditures decreased by $252,185;
3) revenues decreased by $428,700;
4) recommended reserve transfers of $980,000;
5) the General Fund Reserve estimated 6/30/97 balance would be $677,986, or 4.3 %,
which includes a transfer, or use of $600,000 to help balance the General Fund; and
6) a remaining deficit would still be in the General Fund of approximately <$445,000 >.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 7 ) May 14,1996
City Manager Netter and Finance Director Harrow responded to Council questions related
to the current budget and future projections. -- Council comments acknowledged the
challenges to be faced during the next budget year with the need to consider alternatives to
enable retention of reserves. Discussion included confirming the continued need to focus
on Councilman Reilly's previous recommendation regarding efforts to decrease all
departments 10 %, as well as give consideration to Councilwoman Spiro asking if Council
would be open to privatization possibilities. Mayor Flores planned to share his
perspectives on the budget under Matters from Council signified later on the agenda. Vice
Mayor Eck referenced efforts toward budget cuts last year and commented that cutting
some of the designated community services was unacceptable. Percentage cuts by each
department seemed more viable. -- City Manager Netter responded to Council inquiry that
staff is currently going through each department to review percentage cuts for programs
but not cutting staff. The Finance Director is in the process of compiling details and it
might be possible to start budget reviews for 1996 -97 the first part of June. Mayor Flores
requested staff to provide a tentative time table for 1996 -97 budget reviews at the next
Council meeting.
FIRE SUPPRESSION BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT
1. Presentation of Engineer's Report by Berryman & Henigar -- City Manager Netter referenced staff
report provided to Council on this item and introduced Joe Francisco of Berryman &
Henigar. Referencing the Preliminary Engineer's Report for the City of Rohnert Park
Fire Suppression District dated May 14, 1996, Mr. Francisco reviewed contents therein
via slide presentation and responded to Council questions. -- Discussion included
further explanation of the formal protest procedures by City Manager Netter
confirming notices would be sent to property owners with detailed explanation of the
process and listing their exact benefit assessment, along with duly noticed schedules for
Channel 8 live cablecast on Monday, June 10, 1996 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
for public information/phone participation and
two (2) public hearings, Tuesdays, June 25 and July 9, 1996
at approximately 7:00 p.m. during the regular City Council meetings.
Vice Mayor Eck responded to concerns expressed about mobile home owners versus
the mobile home park owners and residents who are renters versus owners, that the
fairness to all residents is through the election process which provides the opportunity
for everyone to vote on the issue. Mayor Flores further commented on the importance
of staff being available to residents for providing information, as well as being available
to make presentations to resident associations.
Mayor Flores noted the opportunity for public comments scheduled on the agenda for
this item at this time. No one responded.
Resolution No.
96 -96 ACCEPTING ENGINEER'S REPORT AND SETTING THE TIME AND PLACE
OF PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A FIRE
SUPPRESSION ASSESSMENT
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Eck, seconded by Councilwoman Spiro, and unanimously
approved, reading of Resolution No. 96 -96 was waived and said resolution was adopted.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 8 ) May 14,1996
City Manager Netter confirmed above - reviewed schedules for the live cablecast and the
public hearings. He explained the options for integrated telephone access with the live
cablecast being $3,300 for the direct tie -in for phone calls to be heard over the air, or the
economical approach of using a regular telephone and having someone repeat the question
of the callers. With anticipation that most protests would probably be received in written
form at the public hearings on speaker cards or letters, Council agreed to using the regular
phone with relay system for the live cablecast. -- Differing opinions were also shared
related to Councilmembers attending the live cablecast on June 10th for the purpose of
providing public information, concluding in Council concurrence for this item to be properly
noticed in the event three or more Councilmembers might attend.
FOUNDERS DAYASSOCIATION Proposal to use Community Center Complex for 1996 Event
City Manager Netter referenced the staff report provided to Council for this item, as
reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo, explaining the main difference in this event from
years past is that it would be a 1 -day event on Saturday, September 21st, using the entire
site. A different route is also recommended for the parade per the parade route map
attached to the staff report. Assistant City Manager Leivo reviewed the proposed schedule
and Founders Day Association request for $5,000 seed money which is less than the City
provided last year. City Manager Netter and Assistant City Manager Leivo responded to
Council questions. -- Discussion concluded upon motion by Vice Mayor Eck, seconded by
Councilwoman Gallagher, to proceed with the above - reviewed proposal as reviewed
including the $5,000 seed money as requested, was unanimously approved. -- City Manager
responded to Council inquiry that the City would provide in -kind services, as listed on the
proposed budget.
DOROTHY ROHNERT SPRECKELS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER `BIG NAME' EVENT
Vice Mayor Eck commented that an item that goes with the above - reviewed event is
previous discussions about having a big name community event at the Performing Arts
Center. He recommended having some kind of community event scheduled this year.
Discussion included Council agreement that any music set up should be on the east half of
the site as opposed to the west half and/or to the north of the Sports Center as a courtesy to
closer neighbors. Council concurred to have City Manager request Performing Arts Director
Michael Grice check into possibilities of coordinating an event at the Performing Arts
Center during Founders Day, such as Willie Nelson, E. Humperdink, etc., and agreed with
City Manager's suggestion to consider having two performances to keep ticket prices down.
HOLIDAY INN PROJECT (Homeless Service Center and Single Room Occupancy Units) of
Burbank Housing Development Corporation - Report on Board of Supervisors' Action
City Manager Netter explained the informational staff report provided to Council for this
item, as reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo, advising the Holiday Inn Project was not
approved by the County Board of Supervisors last month. Therefore, the City of Rohnert
Park's pledge for $138,600 is now null and void. Staff recommends waiting to see if a joint
program develops for other cities in the county to provide fair shares in a similar proposal.
Council concurred.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 9 ) May 13,1996
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS.
1. Land adjacent to Stadium -- Mayor Flores and Councilwoman Spiro reported on various proposals
that have been presented for this location and recommended Council consideration.
Discussion included varied Council opinions pertaining to the best use of the land adjacent
to the Stadium and concluded upon motion by Councilwoman Spiro, seconded by Mayor
Flores, and unanimously approved, to schedule 10 minutes each for presentations on the
next Council agenda for proposals from Eagle Golf, Sporthaus, Sports City, and Ray
Pollard's Golf Driving Range.
2. Northwest Pacific Rail Road ( NWPRR) -- Vice Mayor Eck reported on the recent historical event of
the NWPRR now being owned by the Joint Powers Authority and publicity would be
forthcoming.
3. Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) -- Vice Mayor Eck referenced the SCTA meeting
agenda of May 13, 1996 provided to Council with notations of meeting results by
Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust. Vice Mayor Eck pointed out the approval of
re- prioritized STP Projects signified on the SCTA agenda attachment representing a small
increase for the City's budget resulting from rearranging the transportation projects.
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.
Councilwoman Spiro referenced item #6 on Communications from the Department of Housing and
Community Development regarding review of Rohnert Park's adopted Housing Element.
She expressed concern about the possible direction of requiring voter approval which would
make it difficult for future infrastructures, increase the cost of housing and make it more
difficult to meet Rohnert Park's fair share of housing and have its housing element certified,
as stated in HCD letter. Discussion included Council consideration regarding self -
certification of the City's Housing Element concluding in request for star to prepare a
resolution accordingly for further Council consideration.
MATTERS FROM/FOR COUNCIL:
1. Annual Income & Expenditure Analysis (5 year p Ian -- Mayor Flores reviewed his perspectives for
the upcoming budget with four recommendations outlined in his memo dated May 14, 1996,
which he distributed to Council (copy attached to original set of these minutes). Council
signified consensus and was also supportive of adding to the recommendations, efforts
toward previous idea from Councilman Reilly for an Economic Development Committee.
2. Rohnert Park Arts Commission wall mural projects- -Mayor Flores reviewed his letter of May 1, 1996
to the Chamber of Commerce regarding the Mayor's recent meeting with the Rohnert Park
Arts Commission and their interest in developing a youth mural project.
3. Cindy Walsh/cost of copies -- Mayor Flores advised he and the City Manager met with Mrs. Walsh to
review her building construction/inspection file. Mrs. Walsh indicated at the meeting that
she would like to have copies of her file information but thought the copy cost totaling $188
at 250 was too high. The Mayor said he would bring the matter to Council's attention and
asked what is Council's direction. -- Mrs. Walsh commented further on the copy costs
being too high and expressed additional concerns about availability of her file information to
others. -- Discussion included various comments on copy cost comparatives and normal
access rights to public files. A motion was made by Councilwoman Gallagher to charge
hard cost to everyone requesting copies from the City, suggesting 100 per copy. Said
motion died for lack of a second.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 10 ) May 14,1996
4. Para Transit Coordinating Committee appointment -- Mayor Flores referenced the Fact Sheet
application from Linda Branscomb for this appointment. -- A motion was made by Vice
Mayor Eck, seconded by Councilwoman Gallagher, and unanimously approved, for
preparation of a letter expressing Council's support of this application.
5. Utility Billing late charges -- Councilwoman Spiro shared concern expressed to her from a citizen
regarding this item. City Manager Netter reviewed procedures for the City's two month
billing process based on policy established by Council many years ago with consideration
given to billings based on a flat rate. -- Discussion included varied Council comments on the
matter. A motion was made by Councilwoman Spiro to wait until the third month to
develop the late charges. Said motion died for lack of a second.
6. Signs on Fairway Drive for Residential Parking Only -- Councilwoman Spiro explained her review
of this item with the City Manager and he has advised efforts are in progress for
placing the signs.
7. Voice Mail system at City Hall -- Councilwoman Spiro reviewed concerns regarding this item and
recommended at least not having recorded voice mail message at the receptionist area.
City Manager Netter explained down- sizing efforts eliminating half of a position at City
Hall and thought the problem could be solved by having a second phone back -up.
8. Health Care alternatives -- Councilwoman Spiro referenced a recent article she read regarding
insurance requirements and that there should be options besides HMO's. She expressed
concerns about the City only having two plans available and thought there might be more
economical options available for employees to consider. -- City Manager Netter reviewed
his research and background of concerns from the 80's including certain allowances for
other providers to make presentations.
9. Cost of copies -- Councilman Reilly recommended obtaining comparatives from surrounding cities
regarding what other cities charge for making copies.
10. Canon Manor concerns -- Vice Mayor Eck referenced communications received on this item and
recommended clarification of east/west sections prior to the Council Committee proceeding
with meetings.
11. Golf Course Committee meeting -- Councilwoman Gallagher and Councilwoman Spiro signified
interest to schedule the next Golf Course Committee meeting and that they would advise the
City Manager of a time and date that would be convenient.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT.•
1. Jan. 1, 1996 Population Estimates - State Dept of Finance -- City Manager Netter reviewed this
report provided to Council signifying a small decrease in the City's annual population
estimates to 38,372.
2. Channel 22 tower, Lease renewal and other sub -lease interest -- City Manager Netter referenced
working with interested parties for a sub -lease of additional equipment on the tower at
Channel 22, or designating a portion of area that the City may want to keep for the
equipment. A sub -lease would generate additional rental revenues that the Council
may want to obtain or revenue share with Channel 22. A meeting has been scheduled
next week on the existing tower agreement.
3. A.M.Rohnert Park meeting -- City Manager Netter commented that it was indicated at the last
A.M. Rohnert Park meeting that Library Director Roger Pearson would be attending
the next meeting on June 5, 1996.
Rohnert Park Cite Council Minutes ( 11 ) May 14,1996
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT.•
1. Any items from closed session -- City Attorney Flitner signified one item to add to the Mayor's
closed session report provided earlier. The Golis lawsuit is now served and additional
information will follow.
2. George Petker road easement - update -- City Attorney Flitner advised he met with Mr. Petker on
the concerns he expressed at the previous Council meeting. Mr. Flitner signified it was
his understanding that Mr. Petker is addressing the vehicle issue and is not asking the
City Attorney to do anymore with that. The road easement matter is being addressed
by the City. Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust advised Mr. Flitner that
weather conditions had prevented moving forward on this item but anticipated being
able to address it soon.
3. Initiative Petition regarding sewer capacity limitations -- City Attorney Flitner reported on this item
that courts have extended the rights of the public to circulate material that he did not think
were covered several years ago. He reviewed traditional points of view with tax measure
comparisons and results of Proposition 13 causing efforts to go by the wayside. Mr. Flitner
reviewed concerns related to the initiative measure and Council's review in that the City's
General Plan has certain concepts about land use on housing. City Attorney reviewed his
contact with Mr. Dan Curtin on the matter concluding that it seems there should be
standards that the law would allow to be by- passed like low cost housing, etc. City
Attorney Flitner responded to related Council questions and that Council would be able to
review this more completely in his final memo.
UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES: Mayor Flores asked if there were any additional
unscheduled public appearances at this time.
Helen Marie Vinsick, 38 Estrella Drive, addressed greenbook rents regarding park owners placing back
rents on bills which she thought should be removed. Mayor Flores responded Council is
looking into it to see if it can be done. Secondly, Ms. Vinsick reviewed concerns related to
the proposed fire assessment district regarding one park owner speaking for numerous
mobile home owners. She also commented on mobile home owners under HUD programs
which would not be on the tax assessments. She said these things would have to be
considered and thought it was a good idea to explain them to residents. Ms. Vinsick
expressed appreciation for Council signifying efforts to do that.
Michael Huff, 4970 Filament Street, commented on the Fire Suppression Benefit Assessment District
and reviewed concerns regarding two member fire crews; why the report did not include
more information on separate police and fire departments; and that money allocated for the
current fire division should be credited to a separate fire department. -- Council discussion
included review of reasons for choosing Option 3 of the proposals presented.
ADJOURNMENT. • There being no further business, Mayor Flores adjourned the meeting at
approximately 10:10 p.m.
DepioaCi lerk Mayor
jh
dam-
City Of Rohnert Park
From The Office Of
Armando F. Flores, Mayor
May 14, 1996
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The '1996 -97 preliminary budget projects a need of $600,000 from the General
Fund Reserve to support a balanced General Fund. On this basis, assuming comparable
conditions in the 1997 -98 fiscal year, the General Fund Reserve will be virtually depleted.
am requesting that our Financial Director, Michael Harrow, prepare a five year
annual fiscal analysis. The focus will be income and expenditure projections. Generally,'
it is my belief that, at best, revenue will remain static and that personnel and other costs
will increase.
With this in mind, I recommend to the City Council the noted steps.
1. With the exception of public safety' personnel, establish a personnel
freeze and reduce staff through normal attrition and retirement.'
2. Request that City Manager Joe Netter and Assistant City Manager
Carl Leivo meet with Chamber Of Commerce Executive Director
Robin Bleckwehl to make recommendations that would make our
city more attractive to businesses.
3. Request that City Manager Joe Netter and the department heads
develop program reductions, in priority order, that would present a
balanced budget without the use of General Fund Reserves.
4. Ask staff to develop a program that increases all non- resident fees.