1993/08/10 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes
August 10, 1993
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 Hollingsworth presiding.
CALL TO ORDER -Mayor Hollingsworth called the regular session to order at
approximately 6:25 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance.
Mayor Hollingsworth advised that a closed session commenced this
evening at 6:00 p.m. to discuss litigation matters and personnel
matters. He said no action was taken and there was nothing to report
at this time.
ROLL CALL Present: (5) Councilmembers Eck, Gallagher, Reilly, Spiro and
Mayor Hollingsworth
Absent: (0) None
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Netter,
City Attorney Flitner, Assistant to the City Manager Leivo, Director
of Public Works /City Engineer Brust and Finance Director Harrow.
Approval of Upon motion by Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilman Reilly, the
Minutes minutes of July 27, 1993 were unanimously approved as submitted.
Approval of City Manager Netter responded to numerous questions pertaining to the
Bills bills as requested by Councilwoman Gallagher prior to the meeting..
Councilwoman Gallagher signified her continued objection of payment to
the Sonoma County Wineries Association as referenced at previous
Council meetings.
Upon motion by Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilwoman Spiro, with
the exception of Councilwoman Gallagher's above- signified comment,
City bills presented per the attached list in the amount of
$1,491,689.24 were unanimously approved.
Mayor Hollingsworth said Council should review questions pertaining to
the bills with staff prior to City Council meetings, especially if
numerous. He said there is no need to go through the bills item by
item during valuable time of Council meetings.
Non - Mayor Hollingsworth queried if any Councilm ni er had any non - agendaed
agendaed items to add to the agenda. Councilmembers Eck, Reilly and Spiro
matters signified miscellaneous items to add under matters from Council, if
time allows. City Manager Netter referenced letters distributed to
Council from Geneva Trent dated August 2 & 6, 1993 regarding proposed
amendments to Rohnert Park Mobile Home Ordinance No. 494 with attached
staff outline of the proposed changes. W. Netter said there was
some question about meeting the time limit to get this on the
November ballot. Staff confirmed with the Election Department that
the deadline had already passed. City Attorney Flitner responded to
Council questions related to concerns about virtually redrafting
Ordinance No. 494 just prior to the November election which might not
be in the best interest of the City's appeal. He agreed with Council
comment that whether the old Ordinance 494 or the rewritten one gets
placed on the ballot, people would surely take it based on the
original and familiar language of the ordinance.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (2) August 10, 1993
Unscheduled Mayor Hollingsworth stated that in compliance with State Law (The
Public Brown Act), citizens wishing to make a comment may do so at this time.
Appearances Under legislation of the Brown Act, in most cases, the Council cannot
handle an item without it being on the agenda. To ensure accurate
recording, "Speaker Cards" are provided at the entrance of the Chamber
and unscheduled public appearances are requested to fill out the cards
and present to recording clerk. No one responded.
C O N S E N T C A L E N D A R
Mayor Hollingsworth queried if anyone had any questions regarding the
matters on the Consent Calendar which were explained in the City
Manager's Council Meeting Memo.
City Manager Netter responded to Councilwoman Spiro's questions
pertaining to Resolution Nos. 93 -89, 93 -90, and 93 -91. Council
agreed to remove Resolution No. 93 -90 from the Consent Calendar and
not consider adoption as the Council does not have sufficient
information for its support.
Acknowledging the City Manager /Clerk's report on the posting of the
agenda.
Resolutions:
No.93 -85 A RESOLUTION COM4MING PRESTON KELLEY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS
RETIP124 T
No. 93-86 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO JOHN W. HAMILTON II
No. 93-87 RESOLUTION OUTLINING POLICY CONCERNING USE OF FEES DEPOSITED IN
CAPITAL OUTLAY FUND
No. 93-88 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A GRANT OF EASEM U AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE GRANT OF EASEME
No. 93-89 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMM411T WITH JUDICIAL DATA SYSTEMS COMPANY
FOR PROCESSING PARKING CITATIONS ISSUED BY THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
No. 93-91 RESOLUTION APPROVING A JOB DESCRIPTION AND SETTING A PAY RATE AND
RANGE FOR WATER MONITORING TECHNICIAN
Ordinance for adoption:
No. 580 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK AMENDING THE ROHNERT PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 15, CHAPTER 15.08 BUILDING CODE REQUIRING
ENGINEERED FILL MATERIAL UNDER BUILDINGS UTILIZING SLAB ON GRADE
CONSTRUCTION
Upon motion by Councilmember Reilly, seconded by Councilmember Spiro,
with the exception of removing Resolution No. 93 -90, the Consent
Calendar as outlined on the meeting's agenda, was unanimously approved.
Rohnert Park City council Minutes (3) August 10, 1993
Planning Commissioner Resignation - John W. Hamilton II submitted his notice of
resignation from the Planning Commission in his letter dated July 19,
1993 advising that he is relocating to the town of Victor in
Bitterroot Valley, Montana. The Mayor shared contents of said letter
resignation at the previous City Council meting. Mr. Hamilton has
served on the Planning Commission for eight (8) years from June of
1985 to present. Council discussion included expressions of appre-
ciation for Mr. Hamilton's contribution of dedicated service to this
com unity as Planning Commissioner.
Upon motion by Mayor Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilwoman Spiro,
and unanimously approved, John Hamilton's letter resignation from the
Planning Commission was accepted.
Mayor Hollingsworth advised that he was not yet ready to make his
nomination to the appointmnt to serve out Mr. Hamilton's term on the
Planning Commission which expires on December 31, 1993.
Acceptance of "Certificate of Achievemnt 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, 1992 - Mayor Hollingsworth presented this outstanding award
to Finance Director Harrow in appreciation of the efforts of the
entire staff of the Finance Departmnt. The Mayor also presented
directly to Finance Director Harrow an award of Financial Reporting
Achievemnt from the above - referenced Association complimnting him on
the high professional standards and achievements provided to the City
by Mr. Harrow and his staff. City Manager Netter reviewed details of
the significance of this prestigious award that the City has now
received for eleven (11) consecutive years.
Scheduled Public Appearances:
1. Kathy Place, Girl Scout Leader, Troop #149, 7286 Cairo Court, and
Members of Girl Scout Troop #149 presented a Certificate of Appre-
ciation to the Aquatic Departmnt of the City of Rohnert Park for
devoted and invaluable services rendered to the children of Rohnert
Park in providing a safe swimming environment. They shared contents
of letters provided to Council expressing reasons for this apprecia-
tion because of the safety provisions and rules established by the
City of Rohnert Park which exceed their observation and comparison to
other locations. On behalf of Girl Scout Troop #149, Scout Leader
Kathy Place also presented several boxes of Girl Scout cookies for the
life guards of the City pools to further express their appreciation of
safe swimming provisions to the residents.
2. Representative Reba Roberts introduced 1993 "California Young Woman
of the Year" Jody Thomas from Bakersfield, California, and reviewed
highlights of som of the efforts and acconplishmnts of Ms. Thomas
throughout the past year. Ms. Roberts advised that the nam of this
program, after the decision to change it a year ago, is anticipated to
be changed back to the former title of "California Junior Miss ".
Jody Thomas, 1993 California Young Woman of the Year, expressed appre-
ciation to the City Counc i 1 and the entire com mi ty of Rohnert Park
for the continued support and encouragemnt to the youth of California.
She extended an invitation to attend next week's event at the Dorothy
Rohnert Spreckels Performing Arts Center and said it will provide an
opportunity for the participants of California's Young Woman of the
Year to return some of their appreciation to the community.
Rohnert Park City council Minutes (4) August 10, 1993
3. Johnny King, representing California Bicyclist's Civil Rights Alliance,
referenced copies provided to Council of his fax transmittals dated
July 13 and August 9, 1993 and shared contents therein expressing
his concerns that signs unlawfully prohibit bicyclists on Southwest
Boulevard. He said the raised curb separating the bicycle lane from
the main flow of traffic on Southwest Boulevard is also against the
law as there should only be a painted stripe to enable bicyclists to
move in and out of the street.
Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust responded to Council
questions regarding this matter and explained reasons for the
referenced signs and burm being related to safety factors involved for
Jr. High students that do not ride bikes in a reasonably safe way.
He said physical barriers, such as the burm, are permitted for
8' wide sections that establish a 2 -way bike path along the section.
W. Brust said, however, that the intent of the referenced conditions
along the specified section of Southwest Boulevard is for the safety
of the students and does not prohibit regular bicycle cormuters from
using the street and riding with the flow of traffic.
Discussion concluded in the recommendation for W. King to attend
the next Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting scheduled from 4:00 to
6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 30th, 1993 for public participation and
discussion with the Committee to develop a recommendation to the City
Council regarding this matter.
4. Ruth Angelo, 5785 Dolores Drive, shared contents of her letter dated
June 8, 1993 with attached sixteen (16) petition signatures requesting
removal of stop signs on Santa Dorotea and Donna Court. She said the
stop signs seem to be causing more disturbance than help and are
giving a false sense of security to the young children. Ms. Angelo
requested Council's reconsideration of the placement of these stop
signs and not go against the previous recommendation of staff that the
stop signs are not warranted at this particular location.
RECESS CITY COUNCIL NESTING to CONVENE CDA MEETING
RECESS Mayor Hollingsworth declared a recess at approximately 7:15 p.m. in
order to convene the ComTmity Development Agency meeting scheduled at
this time on the agenda.
RECONVENE Mayor Hollingsworth reconvened the Council meeting at approximately
8:00 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Ordinance for adoption:
No. 579 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK AMENDING CHAPTER 9.44 OF THE
ROHNERT PARK M- VICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE FOR CONCERTS, MJSICAL EVENTS
AND COMJNITY ORIENTED ACTIVITIES AT ROHNERT PARK STADIUM AND ON
CERTAIN DESIGNATED PUBLIC PROPERTY
City Manager Netter explained the ordinance as reviewed in the Council
Meeting Memo which was redrafted according to information discussed at
the previous City Council meeting. He said representatives of North
Bay Breakers, at a recent meeting regarding this matter, requested
changing "the concert or event shall end by 11:00 p.m." to include an
extension of time to 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Rohnert Park City council Minutes (5) August 10, 1993
Discussion pertaining to amending the sound ordinance concluded
in Council agreement to retain the 11:00 p.m. ending time of events
because of the noise - related factor on the surrounding comtunity.
Upon motion by Councilwoman Spiro, seconded by Councilman Reilly, and
unanimously approved, reading of Ordinance No. 579 was waived and said
ordinance was adopted, as written.
Volunteer Center - City Manager Netter referenced letter from Karen Johnson,
Executive Director of the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County, outlining
two proposals for a potential volunteer center in Rohnert Park as
reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo. This item was continued from
the July 27th Council meeting. Copies of Volunteer Center of Sonoma
County 1992 Program Statistics were also provided to Council from
Karen Johnson, as previously requested, signifying an overview of the
dollar value of volunteering. City Manager Netter confirmed
distribution of staff report dated August 10, 1993 from Jim Park,
Manager of Youth and Family Services and, due to its late arrival,
recommended this item be carried over to the next regular Council
meeting to enable sufficient time for the City Manager and the Council
to review the proposals and consider the recommendations therein.
Council agreed.
Karen Johnson, Executive Director of the Volunteer Center of Sonoma
County, distributed to Council additional informational packets for
further review and said the delay was appropriate as she wanted to
develop an expanded report showing proposed incremental growth over
time in the Rohnert Park services.
Interest on Security Deposits - City Manager Netter referenced letter dated August
4, 1993 from Sonoma County Realtors Association regarding adoption of
the policy statement related to its position on the referenced topic,
as reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo. W. Netter said copies were
also provided to Council of resolution for consideration resulting
from recent Council Committee meeting with the Realtors Association
regarding this matter. Council Committee Member Eck reviewed results
of the referenced committee meeting of which Council Committee Member
Spiro confirmed she was unable to attend because of the necessity of
scheduling a surgical procedure that morning. Councilman Eck said the
idea of the security deposit interest sounds so fair but enforcement
complexities for an ordinance or resolution are unrealistic because it
would involve a mechanism for some form of rent control. Discussion
followed during which Council expressed varied concerns related
to this matter including recommendation by Councilwoman Spiro for
"more heart" in the position statement of the Sonoma County Realtors
Association, and Councilwoman Gallagher specifying the need for proper
representation for renters that outnumber landlords in this comm.inity.
Comments concluded in direction for the Council Committee to work
further with staff to prepare stronger language for a resolution
urging disclosure to renters at the initial lease time, as well as a
disclaimer for the City. Comments included recommending placing a
leaflet notice in the City water billings, preparation of a letter to
relative landlords and /or any other alternatives pertaining to this
issue that the Council Committee may have for presentation to the full
Council for further review and consideration.
Rohnert Park City council Minutes (6) August 10, 1993
Ben Friedman, 7323 College View Drive, initiator of the ordinance proposal for
interest on security deposits, expressed continuing concerns related
to this matter. He said he was only asking Rohnert Park to do what
eight other cities are doing, which HUD specifies, and which protects
the citizens. Councilman Eck responded that the cities referred to
have rent control which requires a ballot measure. He said Rohnert
Park did have such a ballot measure several years ago and he did not
think the City wanted to proceed in that direction. Councilman. Eck
said there is nothing to stop landlords from increasing rents to
compensate for interest payments required on security deposits.
Sandra Shaw, 2519 MacMillan Street, Napa, Ca. 94558, referred to convents she made
at the previous Council meeting and said she wanted to make two
additional points regarding this matter. Specifically, that she also
would not be in favor of a rent control measure, however, she does
endorse an ordinance for interest on security deposits. Ms. Shaw said
she has been on both sides of the issue and reviewed reasons for
endorsing such an ordinance. She said it is not a burden to property
owners and there is no increase in costs. Even though convents about
landlords raising the rents are correct, the important mechanism is
not the City's enforcement but rather the establishment of an
ordinance that at least provides a piece of paper backing public
policy and is a mechanism that can be used in small claims court.
Boys & Girls Club - City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to Council of
letter dated August 4, 1993 from Jan White, President of the
Boys & Girls Club of Rohnert Park requesting finalization of lease
agreement for the portable buildings at the Southwest Boulevard site..
Mr. Netter shared comments regarding this matter as reviewed in the
Council Feting Memo recomrending a nominal charge in the amount of
one dollar ($1.00) per year due to the fact that the Boys & Girls Club
would not be requesting City funding for moving or installation
of the portables.
Upon motion by Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilwoman Gallagher,
leasing the portable buildings at the Southwest Boulevard site to the
Boys & Girls Club in the amount of one dollar ($1.00) per year, as
requested and recommended by staff, was unanimously approved.
Condiotti Enterprises letter request for sewer allotments for 62 townhouse units in
Spreckels Place #9 subdivision - City Manager Netter referenced copies
provided to Council of this letter request dated July 14, 1993 and
shared comments as reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo. He said
copies were also provided to Council of the Remaining Estimated
Theoretical Wastewater Capacity revised report dated August 5, 1993
from Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust which is based on
estimated availability. City Engineer Brust responded to Council
questions regarding same. Discussion followed during which Council
expressed differing opinions regarding the legalities of General Plan
issues compared to legalities of previous commitments to developers,
and the availability of wastewater capacity.
Nb Aimaq, 8471 Liberty Avenue, said he is the Freshman Senator from the Santa Rosa
Jr. College and shared comments opposing this project because he felt
these were luxury homes as compared to the need to build more
affordable housing in the area. He said students graduating from high
school in Rohnert Park currently have to move to Santa Rosa or other
cities to find affordable housing.
Rohnert Park City council Minutes (7) August 10, 1993
Phil Trowbridge, Vice President of Condiotti Enterprises, Inc., reviewed background
for the culmination of plans related to the above- referenced letter
request pointing out that the property has been in the General Plan
concept for a long time, meets City standards, and was a result of
City Planners' review and agreement with the program. He compared
similar projects that have worked well for the City of Santa Rosa and
Windsor. Mr. Trowbridge pointed out that the retrofit program was one
that Condiotti Enterprises instigated and represents available sewer
capacity figure. This project is for 62 units of the approximately
300 units of remaining capacity. It does not seem likely that other
projects will be built this year. These 62 units proposed to be
built this year are not considered luxury houses but are certainly
well- situated town houses of which arrangements have been made to
provide two units to the college for housing professors and
consideration can be given to two more such units, if necessary.
Condiotti Enterprises has taken into consideration the immediate needs
of the community, the college and standards of the City. Even with
the City Engineer providing reports on other projects that could come
in this year, those numbers will take another year to process. By then
there will be more retrofit capacity available from the continued
retrofitting program. Condiotti Enterprises has done its fair share
in Rohnert Park and would like to go forward with this project.
The City Engineer could provide the numbers now that the Council
asked about earlier during tonight's discussion. The issue is
not favoritism, but projects have been approved according to City
standards. W.Trowbridge responded to Council inquiry that the initial.
proposal was for 60 units which was prior to any planning being done.
The number of units was changed to 62 following recommendations of
City Engineer Brust and Planning Director Skanchy which resulted from
conclusions related to City street /road requirements.
Patty Pawlan, 1755 Weiss Lane, Penngrove, said she lives in Cannon Manor and that
she understood concerns expressed here tonight. She said several
residents of Cannon Manor have had water and sewer related problems in
the past, and since Cannon Manor is in the City's sphere of influence,
requested that Council please consider infrastructure impacts on
neighboring communities. She said they would like to be included in
discussions regarding the affect of this project on their community.
Following discussion involving differing opinions related to this
matter, a motion was made by Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilwoman
Gallagher, directing the City Engineer to provide a report signifying
all future commitments of allotments for wastewater capacity,
including friendly amendment by Mayor Hollingsworth that the City
Engineer also prepare wastewater allocation reports separating actual
allotments given from initial allotments committed over the past five
years to clarify the issue of whether or not the City favored one
developer over another. Additional friendly amendment by Councilwoman
Spiro was included for City Attorney Flitner to report on potential
legal ramifications involving the withdrawal of previous sewer alloca-
tion commitments to developers, when such capacity becomes available.
Final friendly amendment by Councilman Reilly was included to separate
the two issues in the referenced reports. Said motion was unanimously
approved by a roll call vote.
Rohnert Park City council Minutes (8) August 10, 1993
Town_ Hall meeting - Following discussion, Council_ concL=ed that the next Town. Hall
meeting should be scheduled for Thursday, September 23rd, 1993 from
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Lady Bug Recreation Building. Further
comments concluded that this meeting should be open to the entire
community rather than focusing on L section. Discussion included
suggestions for the meeting format with recommendation for a more open
forum compared to a rigid agenda structure, but with enough structure
to save time from repetitious items. Councilwoman Spiro said one of
the agenda items should be regarding street signs going south on
Lancaster as she has had questions from residents regarding the
inability to see street names until after passing the signs. Signs in
both directions would eliminate the problem. Council agreed it would
be necessary to review this matter further and would make
recommendations for agenda items and forum for the Town Hall meeting
at the next regular Council meeting of August 24, 1993.
Sonoma County Vernal Pools Task Force - City Manager Netter referenced copies
provided to Council of draft Memorandum of Understanding (M�) as of
April 28, 1993 regarding this matter, as reviewed in the Council
Nbeting Memo, and said this item had been deferred from a previous
Council agenda. W. Netter introduced Charles Carson, Executive
Director of Building Industry Association (BIA), who responded to
Council questions relating to what has transpired with this NDU since
the Council's previous review of this matter. Mr. Carson confirmed
that none of the other cities have actually address the issue but the
Town of Windsor will be addressing it shortly. Congresswoman. Woolsey
has submitted a request for $250,000 to fund the study of which the.
House and Appropriations Committee has approved the related bill. The
Senate should start reviewing the bill in October and, if the Senate
does pass it, then there may be some funds available to start this
Vernal Pools Task Force.
Councilman
Eck leaves Councilman Eck left the Chamber at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Mr. Carson further explained the possibilities of the City of Rohnert
Park being established as the general permitting agent whereby the
efficiency of the process could be greatly increased.
Councilman
Eck returns Councilman Eck returned to the Chamber at approximately 9:33 p.m.
Sonoma County Transit - City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to Council of
letters dated July 21, 1993 and revised letter dated August 3, 1993
from Sonoma County Transit regarding proposed fall schedule changes
impacting Rohnert Park. He shared contents therein related to Routes
12 and 14 for Rohnert Park local service and proposal to delete the
last two weekday trips that depart from the Library at 6:15 p.m. to
stay within the budget and yet acconTnodate the cost of two new tripper
buses necessary for students due to the new schedule of the Junior
High School. With Council concurrence, the proposed changes will
become effective August 22, 1993. Council concurred.
Mx. Netter also indicated that the matter of changes in school
schedules should be discussed further with the School District as
the schedule change results in increased costs in the transit system.
Council concurred.
Rohnert Park City council Minutes (9) August 10, 1993
Council Committee reports:
1. Garbage Committee (Reilly & Spiro) - Council Committee Member Spiro
reported on the Garbage Committee meeting held recently on August 5th,
1993. She said Larry Davis, representing Irate Ratepayers of Sonoma
County, gave a very interesting and informational presentation and
Empire Waste Management is preparing options for consideration
regarding various requirements. Ms. Spiro said until this is
available, it is very difficult to review this matter further as it is
a complex situation and very involved with the existing contract.
Therefore, a more complete report will be possible after the
comparisons are received. She said another Garbage Committee meeting
is scheduled next Thursday, August 12, 1993 at 5:30 p.m.
Councilwoman Gallagher referenced the Mayor's response letter to Paul
Stutrud's letter of inquiry regarding a Composting Committee and asked
why Mr. Stutrud's request was turned down. Mayor Hollingsworth
responded that the City is not forming such a citizen's advisory
committee at this time and, therefore, could not comply with
Mr. Stutrud's request to be on such a committee. City NLanager Netter
further explained that the referenced response letter simply advised
that the Council took no action on the suggestions at the Council
meeting but W. Stutrud's ideas would be kept under advisement.
2. Mobile Home Parks Purchase Program (Eck & Reilly) - Setting date and
time for meeting with residents of Rancho Feliz - Council agreed with
the Mayor's suggestion that this meeting could be scheduled by staff
and Council Committee Members involved and did not need full Council
participation in the matter.
Cable TV matters - Assistant to the City Manager Leivo referenced staff reports
provided to Council explaining the two (2) resolutions for consider-
ation regarding Cable 'IV matters. He shared contents therein and
responded to various Council questions regarding same.
Council agreed with City Manager's recommendation to use Resolution
No. 93 -90 for adoption of the next Council resolution which was the
number previously assigned to the Operation VA resolution for
consideration which Council removed from tonight's Consent Calendar.
Resolution A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE
No. 93-90 CITY NP"ER TO EXECUTE THE AGREE E TT
Resolution A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A LOCAL FRANCHISING AUTHORITY
No.93 -92 CERTIFICATION TO THE FEDERAL CO"4- VICATIONS COMMISSION
Upon motion by Councilman Reilly, seconded by Councilwoman Spiro, and
unanimously approved, reading of Resolution Nos. 93 -90 and 92 -92 were
waived and said resolutions were adopted.
Rohnert Park City council Minutes (10) August 10, 1993
Communications- Comnunications per the attached outline were brought to the
attention of the City Council. No action was taken unless
specifically noted in these minutes.
City Manager Netter referenced item No. 9 on the ComTunications list
pertaining to SB509 intent to ensure adequate public safety services
and which is also related to Proposition 172. He said this was
discusses at the recent City Managers' meeting and may also be
reviewed at the Mayors' and Councilmembers' Association meeting to be
held this week on Thursday, August 12, 1993, regarding a strategy for
the support of Sonoma County's Local Measure A and the Statewide
Proposition 172.
Councilman Eck referenced a letter received from Petaluma with invita-
tion to review a wastewater irrigation system for trees. He and
Councilwoman Spiro both signified interest in the system and said they
planned to respond to the invitation. City Engineer Brust said the
referenced system is a drip watering process.
In response to Councilwoman. Gallagher's question pertaining to her
previous inquiry about the appearance of trees dieing at the west
end of the Rohnert Park Expressway, City Engineer Brust said he
thought the problem was related to restricted watering, but he
would make a point of inspecting the trees this week to see
if it might be disease related.
City Manager's report:
1. Nadel ordinance relating to areas for collecting and loading recyclable
materials - City Manager Netter referenced staff report dated July 28,
1993 regarding this matter and said the deadline for local agencies to
adopt an ordinance has been extended for one year, from September 1,
1993 to September 1, 1994 (via Senate Bill 452 amendment to Public
Resources Code Section 42911) and indicated the ordinance will be
processed through the Planning Commission.
2. As signified on the agenda, the City Manager will be on vacation from
August 30th to September 6th, 1993
3. Also, as signified on the agenda, the City Manager will be attending
the ICMA Conference from September 19th to September 23rd, 1993 to be
held in Nashville.
City Attorney's report: None
Natters from/for Council:
Mayor Hollingsworth said the items listed on the agenda were self -
explanatory as follows: 1) "California Young Woman of the Year"
activities, August 17 -21, 1993; 2) League of California Cities North
Bay Division Quarterly Meeting on Thursday, September 2, 1993 in Napa;
and 3) League of California Cities Annual Conference in San Francisco,
from October 17 -19, 1993.
Rohnert Park City council Minutes (11) August 10, 1993
Councilwoman. Spiro referenced the May /June 1993 FPPC Bulletin (Fair
Political Practices Commission) under the section entitled Conflict of
Interest /Advice Letter Summaries on page 20, 4th item, regarding "a
councilmember may not participate in specific plan decisions if the
plan will have a material financial effect on their real property
within the plan area ". She asked the City Attorney to look into this
item and let Council know how, if at all, does it affect anyone on
this Council. Councilwoman Gallagher commented that she thought
the government code further states "if a councilm..mber is going
to get something above and beyond" which is not strictly related to
financial gain. City Attorney Flitner confirmed he would report on
this matter at the next Council meeting.
Councilman Reilly said he wanted to remind Council of the need to keep
track of the proposal related to the possible formation of the town of
Bennett Valley, especially in relationship to Petaluma Hill Road where
its commercial establishment would be located. There have been favor-
able reviews of the proposal and Rohnert Park might want to provide
input toward community separator protection.
Councilman Reilly said the Rohnert Park Swim Club is going to the
Redwood Empire Swim Championship this week in Napa and thought a
letter from the Mayor wishing them well would be appropriate.
Councilwoman Gallagher said she would like a report from the Public
Safety Department regarding disaster preparedness of the Council
Chamber. City Manager Netter pointed out that flashlights have been
placed at each end of the Chamber counter which was prompted by the
power failure during a previous Council meeting. City Engineer Brust
said the safety lights in the rear of the Chamber did come on from the
backup power source at the time of the referenced power failure.
EXTEND COUNCIL MEETING - Council agreed to extend the Council meeting a few minutes
in order to complete the remaining agenda items.
Rohnert Park District matters:
Resolution A RESOLUTION APPROVING A GRANT OF EASEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
No.93 -01 MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE GRANT OF EASEMENT
City Manager Netter explained the resolution.
Upon motion by Councilman Reilly, seconded by Councilwoman Spiro, and
unanimously approved, reading of Rohnert Park District Resolution
No. 93 -01 was waived and said resolution was adopted.
Unscheduled
Public Mayor Hollingsworth asked if anyone in the audience wished to make an
Appearance appearance at this time.
Albert G. Long, 5705 Dexter Circle,
said he has observed more
frequent clearance of
sewer lines over the past
18 months. He inquired about the cost of to
the City for clearing
the
lines and whether the
frequency was related
to the recent efforts
of
the retrofit program.
City Engineer Brust
responded that this
was
not related to the
retrofit program but
Rohnert Park City council Minutes (12) August 10, 1993
said there are certain areas in total that require more attention.
Mr. Brust responded to further Council questions related to this issue
confirming that a more extensive maintenance program has been in
effect since January of 1992.
Katherine Collins, 828 Lilac Way, said she may be putting her political career on
the line, but needed to express concerns related to her observations
of Council meetings over the past eight months. Even though she
agrees with Councilwoman Gallagher on many issues, Ms. Collins said
she does not agree with her tactics which are counterproductive. She
recommended that Councilwoman Gallagher learn how to cooperate and
pointed out that bringing up past accusations has no bearing on today.
Nis. Collins said she could not speak for others, but for herself,
whenever this approach is taken, she imrediately tunes her out no
matter what the issue happens to be. She said the result has
been that she thinks this Council has suffered tremendously over
the past few months. Ms. Gallagher was elected by the people because
they wanted change, but we do not want this battle ground going on.
Nis. Collins said she is personally getting very tired of it and feels
the silent majority is getting tired of it. She requested that the
back stabbing and negative publicity stop and allow the Council to get
back to the business at hand.
George Horwedel, 7669 Camino Colegio, said he basically agreed with the previous
speaker regarding the need for more tactful methods but on a more
positive note recommended that the City send a thank you letter to the:
Guanella Brothers thanking them for their time in Rohnert Park and
success in the recent tournament.
Adjournment Mayor Hollingsworth adjourned the meeting at approximately 10:10 p.m.
Dept Cit ler
jh
Mayor