1993/08/24 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes
August 24, 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 6:41 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 Planning Director Skanchy.
Approval of Upon motion by Councilmember Spiro, seconded by Councilmember Reilly,
Minutes the minutes of August 10, 1993 were unanimously approved as
submitted.
Approval of Councilmember Spiro questioned check #56054 regarding a conference
Bills attended by Councilmember Gallagher. Councilmember Gallagher asked
for an update to her questions of 8/10/93. City Manager Netter
distributed and reviewed a supplemental report responding to her
questions. Councilmembers discussed Resolution 81 -204 which
established guidelines regarding Councilmember attendance at
conferences.
INbtion Upon a motion by Councilmember Reilly, seconded by Councilmember Eck,
the policy that members shall inform the Council of upcoming meetings
and conferences, obtain input and prior approval of attendance fees
from Councilmembers, and report to the Council on information received
was unanimously approved.
Councilmember Reilly discussed the Wine Center monthly check. The
Council vote to pass the Wine Center contract was four to one. If
three Councilmembers vote to not pay the monthly contractual payment,
would the City breach the contract?
Nbtion Upon motion by Councilmember Eck, seconded by Councilmember Gallagher,
City bills presented per the attached list in the amount of
$613,309.81 (including check #56054 conference) and CDA bills
presented per the attached list in the amount of $21,309.12 were
approved with Councilmember Spiro dissenting.
City Attorney Flitner stated that if the City did not make the monthly
payment then the Wine Center would not be obligated to pay rent to the
City.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (2) August 24, 1993
Non- agendaed Mayor Hollingsworth queried if there were any non- agendaed
matters items to add to the agenda. City Manager Netter asked the Council to
consider an emergency item, Resolution No. 93 -96, A Resolution,
Approving Agreement with the Office of i.niEtrative Hearings to
Provide Hearing Services and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute
the Agreement. This would streamline the process of administrative
hearings concerning personnel matters.
Emergency
Nbasure Upon a motion by Councilmember Reilly, seconded by Councilmember
Spiro, the Council voted unanimously to consider Resolution No. 93 -96
as an emergency measure.
Resolution
No. 93 -96 Upon a motion by Councilmember Spiro, seconded by Councilmember
Reilly, and unanimously approved, the reading of Resolution No. 93 -96
was waived and said resolution was adopted, as written.
Upon a request from Councilmember Gallagher, Mayor Hollingsworth
requested that audience members address comments concerning the Senior
Center during unscheduled public appearances.
Councilmembers Eck and Spiro had additions to Matters from Council.
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 the Brown Act, in most cases, the Council could not handle an
item without it being on the agenda. To ensure accurate recording,
"Speaker Cards" were provided at the entrance of the Chamber and
unscheduled speakers were requested to fill out the cards and present
them to the recording clerk.
1. George Horwedel, 7669 Camino Colegio, spoke regarding lighting assessment
districts and alternative plans for condominiums, mobile home parks,
and multi- family units. Such plans could consider the City of
Fairfield's new plan which spreads the cost more fairly. He would
provide a news article to the Council.
2. Hazel Brubaker, 959 Hacienda Circle, reported that the senior population in
Rohnert Park was expanding by 3,000 each year. The Senior Center was
crowded and needed more space for activities and services. She
asserted that the Senior Center would generate funds for the City.
Former City Manager Callinan promised that the entire building was to
be developed as a Senior Center.
Discussion by Councilmembers included other building space available,
the temporary housing of the Finance Department, the delay of a new
city hall building which reduced available space for services, and the
initial planning of the Codding Center. Councilmember Eck stated that
the needs of all concerned parties should be considered before
decisions were made concerning future use. Mayor Hollingsworth asked
citizens for the opportunity to review the situation and come up with
a possible solution. Councilmember Spiro, Council representative for
the Senior Advisory Committee, encouraged citizens to attend Committee
meetings in order to discuss such concerns to present to the entire
Council.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (3) August 24, 1993
3. Gerald Lemontt, 655 Enterprise Drive, Senior Center Board of
Directors President, spoke in support of expanding the Senior Center.
The Senior Center had and would provide monetary support for its
activities and through the Craft Shop. It was a better use of the
space than other agencies using it for free. He intended to bring
legal action if necessary to ensure such space would be made
available.
Mayor Hollingsworth advised Councilmembers Spiro and Reilly to meet
with City Manager Netter and to contact Senior Center members to
discuss the issues involved. At that point, any possible action for
the City Council could be scheduled. Councilmember Gallagher
commented that since staff suggested that the Volunteer Center be
housed in the Codding Center, the Senior Center should be an emergency
item. Councilmember Reilly asked for citizens to communicate with the
Senior Advisory Committee or other Council Subcommittees before
threatening the Council with lawsuits.
4. Hertzal Herrison, 4413 Hamlin Court, spoke in support of the Senior Center
expansion. He received emotional support from Senior Center
activities after his wife's death.
5. Linda Branscomb, 21 Anne, asked for creative solutions from the Council in
providing space for such services as the Volunteer Center, the Senior
Center, and other services.
6. Karen Johnson, Executive Director of Volunteer Center, stated that her main goal
was to provide volunteer services for the Rohnert Park community,
which included the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program. She had no
concerns about obtaining appropriate space, was not interested in
denying the Senior Center expansion space, and supported the richness
of what seniors contribute to the community.
Councilmember Gallagher stated for the record that she received the
staff report for the Volunteer Center agenda item on 9/23/93 which
specified office space in the Youth and Family Center. She asserted
that there was an organized effort against the Volunteer Center
because it was her idea. She apologized for staff's actions and
accused staff of pitting the Volunteer Center and Senior Center
against each other. She stated that she had a lot of senior support.
She stated that she had the meeting on tape and expected to see her
statement in the minutes. She repeated that the staff report was
given to Councilmenbers on 9/23/93 and included a specific facilities
map.
7. Jean P. Fagin, 741 Holly Avenue, spoke in support of the Senior Center
expansion. Younger volunteers also participate in providing services.
Mayor Hollingsworth stated that no one on the Council or
staff had been pitting one group against another. Unfounded
accusations should not be made about staff or Councilmembers. Staff
has done an excellent job in assisting all citizens and had identified
possible space for the Volunteer Center. He asked for cooperation
from all parties in discussing future services and solving the space
problem.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (4) August 24, 1993
8. John Homrig, 5743 Dallas Street, spoke in support of the Senior Center
expansion, specifically for dances and pool tables, which could
provide revenues and activities other than card games.
9. Elena Williamson, 81 Francis Circle, spoke in support of Senior Center
activities and expansion.
RECESS Mayor Hollingsworth declared a recess at approximately 7:34 p.m. in
order to celebrate the City's 31st birthday with a cake provided by
the Rohnert Park Founders Day Association.
RECONVENE Mayor Hollingsworth reconvened the Council meeting at approximately
7:53 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
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.
Acknowledging the City Manager /Clerk's report on the posting of the
agenda.
Resolutions:
No.93 -93 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY CODICIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK REJECTING
THE CLAIM OF JAMES R. HAUPT (Re: An Alleged False Imprisonment)
No. 93-94 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA STATE AUTOMUBILE ASSOCIATION "SCHOOL'S OPEN -
DRIVE CAREFULLY" CAMPAIGN
No. 93-95 RESOLUTION CALLING FOR SEALED PROPOSALS TO RE -ROOF BURTON AVENUE
RECREATION CEN'T'ER
Upon motion by Councilmember Spiro, seconded by Councilmember Reilly,
the Consent Calendar, as outlined on the meeting's agenda, was
unanimously approved.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (5) August 24, 1993
Planning Commission appointment to fill vacancy left by resignation of John Hamilton
whose term was due to expire December 31, 1993 (Mayor Hollingsworth's
nomination) - Mayor Hollingsworth nominated Armando Flores.
Upon a motion by Mayor Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilmember Spiro,
the appointment of Armando Flores to fill vacancy left by resignation
of John Hamilton on the Planning Commission was approved with
Councilmember Gallagher dissenting.
Scheduled Public Appearances:
1. Henry Fuhs, Homeless Prevention Group, Inc.: Assistant to the
City Manager Leivo reported that Mr. Fuhs was unable to stay and had
asked to be rescheduled.
2. Lewis Kuehm, President of Rohnert Park Founders Day Association,
5430 Commerce Blvd., Suite H, wished the City a happy 31st birthday
and said the cake had been provided by Rafael DeTrinidad, Manager of
Safeway Stores and read Mr. DeTrinidad's greetings which are attached
and made part of this record.
Mr. Kuehm introduced Gary Skyrme and Joshua Mellars as two of the five
"1993 Youths of the Year" and explained the program. Unable to attend
because of other conmitments were Carrie Caudle, Justine Dyer, and
Danielle Loughran. Mayor Hollingsworth congratulated the Youths of
the Year and presented their name badge awards for the coming year.
Resolution A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
No. 93-97 AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A CONTRACT AGREEMENT FOR SYMPHONY
CONDUCTOR/MUSIC DIRECTOR.
City Manager Netter explained the resolution as reviewed in the
Council Meeting Memo. He requested an amendment to the resolution to
add "...with the Rohnert Park Symphony Association..." to signify that
it was a non - profit group with which the City was contracting, not the
conductor.
Upon motion by Councilmember Reilly, seconded by Councilmember Spiro,
and unanimously approved, reading of Resolution No. 93 -97 was waived
and said resolution was adopted as amended.
Resolution A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
No. 93- THE CITIES OF SONOMA COUV'I'Y AND SONOMA COLNTY FOR A JOINT POWERS
AGENCY TO DEAL WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT ISSUES
Assistant to the City Manager Leivo explained the resolution as
reviewed in staff report including comments as outlined in the
Council Meeting Memo and responded to various Council questions
regarding same.
Councilmember Gallagher recommended that elected officials be
appointed as members of the Waste Management Agency. Councilmember
Spiro stated that the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) already called for
an elected council menber or appointee from each city. Councilmember
Gallagher went on the record as opposing the amendment in that it was
not appropriate at this time to make it easier to vote to spend
taxpayer dollars when the JPA was currently under a grand jury
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (6) August 24, 1993
investigation. Councilmember Spiro asked Assistant to the City
Manager Leivo to clarify if Councilmember Gallagher's statement was
accurate, what agency was investigating the JPA and why. Assistant to
the City Manager Leivo stated that he responded to questions from
grand jury members regarding JPA. He also responded to questions from
grand jury members concerning Councilmember Gallagher's activities.
The grand jury makes recommendations for improvements in local
government.
Councilmember Gallagher, seconded by Councilmenber Eck for discussion
purposes, moved that the Council table approving Resolution No. 93 -_
until receiving the grand jury report. Discussion followed concerning
other jurisdictions' positions, if the change protected small cities,
the "workability" of the current JPA 100 percent voting practice, and
the blocking of important programs by one city which could veto an
entire project.
Upon withdrawal of the second to the motion by Councilmember Eck,
Mayor Hollingsworth tabled the resolution until other jurisdictions'
positions could be determined.
Cancellation of Town Hall meetings - Vice Mayor Reilly shared his concerns related
to this matter and explained reasons for recommending cancellation of
Town Hall meetings. He did not want a divided Council attacking each
other in such meetings rather than listening to citizens who wished to
speak about their community concerns. He requested that the Council
debate issues, decide, vote, and then move on to the next agenda item,
rather than personally attacking other Councilmembers because of their
position. After discussion, upon a motion by Councilmember Eck,
seconded by Councilmember Gallagher, it was unanimously approved to
move on to the next agenda item. Mayor Hollingsworth would work with
staff to set an agenda, to eliminate rhetoric, to encourage
Councilmembers to listen to citizen concerns, and to encourage
Councilmembers to leave their personal feelings at home.
Garbage Committee update (Reilly & Spiro)
Vice Mayor Reilly reported that the subcommittee met for fact - finding
purposes. Councilmember Spiro, referring to a request from a citizen
to be on the committee, clarified that elected officials made up the
committee but all parties could attend the subcommittee meetings.
Councilmember Eck stated the issue of subcommittee membership had
become blown out of proportion with lies, innuendo, and name calling.
Even though other cities held subcommittee meetings in an orderly
manner, he suggested the Council meet as a committee -of- the -whole to
address the issues.
Nbtion Councilmember Eck moved, seconded by Councilmember Reilly, that the
Council meet as a committee -of- the -whole to address the issues of the
Garbage Subcommittee. Discussion by the Council followed.
Councilmember Eck stated that delay of yard composting was wasting
landfill space. Councilmember Spiro stated that the purpose of
subcommittees was to handle complex issues and report to the Council.
She resented name calling, being manipulated in meetings, and being
prevented from doing the work of the subcommittee.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (7) August 24, 1993
Responding to Mayor Hollingsworth request, Councilmember Eck stated it
was the City's responsibility to implement yard composting. The two -
year franchise agreement had to be considered in any decision. If
three Councilmembers showed up for a subcommittee meeting, then he
also wanted to be present to make sure accurate information was
presented to the public. Mayor Hollingsworth asked for a target date
for implementation of a yard composting program. The Council could
then pursue the issue as a committee-of- the - whole.
Councilmember Gallagher stated for the record that the subcommittee
meeting was a publicly noticed meeting. As a citizen of the U.S., she
exercised her constitutional right to attend the public meeting. She
attended as a concerned citizen. She would continue to attend such
public subcommittee meetings. She asserted that the Brown Act was
written to refer to private meetings by councilmembers.
Councilmember Spiro disagreed with Councilmember Gallagher's
interpretation of the Brown Act. When an individual became a public
official, that person gave up certain rights, such as refraining from
suing individuals for libelous comments. When a quorum of the City
Council was present, the rest of the City Council should receive
notice of the meeting. She asked for City Attorney Flitner's opinion.
Councilmember Gallagher stated that three or more Councilmembers were
frequently present at public meetings like the League of California
Cities. Councilmember Spiro responded that Councilm n bers were not
doing the business of the City at such meetings. Councilmember
Gallagher stated that the Garbage subcommittee was gathering
information, not making decisions.
City Attorney Flitner stated that the better practice for meetings was
to refrain from creating a quorum at subcommittee noticed meetings.
The League of California Cities no longer allowed quorum attendance of
City Councils at meetings. Serial meetings where a Councilmember
consulted in turn with other members concerning their position was not
allowed. When a Councilmember appeared at a public meeting, the
public perceived them as representing the Council. The better
practice endorsed by the League and other city attorneys was to comply
with the Brown Act.
Vote The motion to meet as a committee -of- the -whole to address the Garbage
subcommittee issues passed unanimously. Staff would prepare a
preliminary report for yard waste implementation for the Council at
its meeting in September.
Volunteer Center - Karen Johnson, Executive Director, 17A 4th Street, Petaluma,
reviewed an amended three -tier proposal which would involve a three -
month set up phase, establishing a volunteer staff base, and
determining paid staff needed to support a Rohnert Park -based service.
Volunteers take pride in their community and make an investment in
such volunteer centers. The initial cost of $6,000 was more
appropriate than the first proposal of $4,000. Ms. Johnson clearly
stated that the report was late only because of her negligence, not
that of City Manager Netter. She responded to questions from
Councilmembers. Councilmember Spiro asked Ms. Johnson to attend a
meeting of local service agencies, held by Community Resource
Specialist Kathy Vander Vennett, and the Senior Citizens Advisory
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (8) August 24, 1993
Committee meetings. City Manager Netter stated that COYF was
discussing space needs of various services and agencies. Jim Parks
recommended the Volunteer Center be considered for space as a service
agency. A site search would be required to meet a variety of needs.
Motion Upon a motion by Councilmember Gallagher, seconded by Councilmember
Eck, the $6,000 proposal for a Volunteer Center in Rohnert Park as
presented by Karen Johnson was unanimously approved in concept. Ms.
Johnson was to meet with appropriate groups and report back to the
City Council. Councilmember Eck complimented Ms. Johnson on the
details of her proposal.
Child Identification Program implemented by City of Campbell - Mayor Hollingsworth
stated that a program to photograph and fingerprint school children
would help protect children and assist law enforcement efforts. It
would be without cost to the City.
Nbtion Upon a motion by Mayor Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilmember
Reilly, the implementation of a Child Identification Program was
authorized. Staff will work closely with the School District.
Emergency Preparedness Update - Public Safety Officer John Ellis, Emergency Services
Coordinator, presented a report on the program. The Emergency
Services Unit was responsible for hazardous materials mitigation and
all disaster preparedness and planning for the City. The Emergency
Operations Center, now located at new Public Safety Building, served
as operations center during a disaster and was equipped with radios,
emergency networks, ham radios, and interstate radio networks. RACES
Program is a ham radio operators network located at public facilities
throughout the City and in a mobile command post. The Department
writes the City's emergency plans which are reviewed and coordinated
by Sonoma County Office of Emergency Services. The Department
participates in the South County Disaster Task Force monthly planning
meetings with City of Cotati, RP- Cotati School District, Penngrove
Fire District, Cotati Fire District, and some private sites. One
upcoming project is an 8 -hour program of emergency prepardedness for
private businesses and a list of available resources.
Designated care and shelter facilities include the Community Center,
Sports Center, Burton Avenue Rec Centers, Performing Arts Center, Lady
Bug Rec Center, Benecia Rec Building, the Scout Hut, and the Codding
Center. City Hall did not qualify due to lack of facilities.
Earthquake preparedness pamphlets had been sent with water bills and
would be available at the Senior Center. There should be an annual
test of the Emergency Prepardedness cablecast system with each new
mayor. The plan worked well during the recent tanker fire on Highway
101. An appropriate video could be aired on the public access
channel.
Bicycle Advisory Committee - City Manager Netter stated that Jake Mackenzie,
Chairperson of the Bicycle Advisory Committee was present regarding
the recommendation that the Bicycle Plan be a separate plan referenced
in the General Plan. Staff recommended support. Director of Public
Works /City Engineer Brust confirmed that the MPC required a separate
element of the General Plan or a separate document in order to approve
funding.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (9) August 24, 1993
Motion Upon a motion by Councilmember Reilly, seconded by Councilmember
Gallagher, a separate Bicycle Plan document would be prepared apart
from the General Plan in order to facilitate timely modification, was
unanimously adopted.
RECESS Mayor Hollingsworth declared a recess at approximately 9:05 p.m.
RECONVENE Mayor Hollingsworth reconvened the Council meeting at approximately
9:15 p.m.
Growth Management /Sewer Allocations - Director of Public Works /City Engineer Ron
Brust reviewed the staff report and corrected the Resident
Construction 1988 through 1993 schedule reporting on projects (number
of units, summary total, allocated units, and built units).
Responding to Mayor Hollingsworth, Mr. Brust stated that the
allocation process for previous years involved taking the City
Council's yearly goals, meeting with all builders, discussing how many
units were available, and discussing who wanted to build. City staff
then left the room and the builders determined how to split up the
allocation. Mr. Brust referred to a wall map indicating the remaining
building areas. Using projected sewer usage figures for those areas,
the City would need an additional 0.268 million gallons per day based
upon current zoning. The 8/92 dry weather flow was 2.77 mgd. Of the
3.84 mgd allocated to the Rohnert Park /Cotati /SSU /Hewlett - Packard
area, Rohnert Park has 2.9 mgd available. Subtracting 2.77 from 2.9
resulted in 0.13 mgd which equaled approximately 436 single family or
610 multi - family units. This was a conservative estimate since dry
flows were already less than 8/92. Windsong would reduce that by 136
units, and Hewlett - Packard indicated it might trade some of its sewer
capacity for residential building.
Mayor Hollingsworth confirmed with Mr. Brust that the City would not
be able to expand its sewer allocation until 1999. The City had the
ability to borrow sewer capacity from other comrunities for the short
term. Cotati was approaching sewer capacity. Responding to
Councilmember Gallagher's concern about how well the retrofit program
will work in practice, Mr. Brust stated that flows were already lower
than in 8/92. Mayor Hollingsworth cautioned that commercial projects
which brought in crucial sales tax revenue should not be shortchanged
in sewer allocations. Councilmember Eck confirmed with Mr. Brust that
the Windsong project would reduce the available sewer capacity to 0.10
Md. Councilmember Eck suggested the Council could either commit to
those projects which already had zoning or to put on hold any building
until sewer capacity was determined and the General Plan review was
completed. Councilmember Gallagher stated that Petaluma decided to
withhold sewer allocations in the 1980s until their general plan
process first decided the best use. ,gyp
Condiotti 62 Unit Condos, Spreckels Unit No. 9 - Mayor Hollingsworth ask for City
Attorney Flitner's opinion. The contractor had already g ne through
the procedure and the City had the capacity; no one else - asked for
the sewer allocation at this time. Councilmember Eck confirmed that
the sewer allocation report fulfilled his request for information.
Councilmember Gallagher asked that the promised sewer capacity for the
Presbyterian Church project and the draft EIR for units on the
west side be considered in City Attorney's opinion. i7
*CORRECTIONS from 9/14/93 Council meeting: change "was" to "has" in third line of
above paragraph and change "126 units" to "170 units" referenced in the
last sentence of same paragraph.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (10) August 24, 1993
City Attorney Flitner stated that the Council should give serious
consideration to projects which had already completed the planning
process. There were provisions in the law allowing a city to suspend
development for a maximum of two years in order to make such
decisions. He stated that W. Leivo had asked Margaret Sohagi, legal
counsel, as to how the limited capacity should be allocated among
interested developers. She responded that capacity could be allocated
on first -come, first -served basis or according to established planning
conditions. There was some risk if the City denied access to
available sewer capacity. Based on case precedence, the current City
practice was reasonable. The City could not expect a developer to be
on hold indefinitely while getting its practices together.
Councilmember Eck stated that the Council had the right to accept,
amend, or reject any General Plan, EIR, or Planning Commission
proposal. Due process did not guarantee automatic acceptance by the
Council. After final decisions were reached, state law further
protected the rights of citizens to petition and by initiative turn
over such decisions.
Councilmember Gallagher confirmed with City Attorney Flitner about
Mrs. Sohagi's recomrendation to use established planning conditions to
further General Plan goals and policies. She asked how that affected
the current General Plan review.
City Attorney Flitner stated that the City did not have to suspend
development because the General Plan was being amended. The City was
entitled to approve projects if there was sewer capacity. The current
proposal did not require a General Plan amendment and was properly
zoned and scheduled for development. The Council could determine if
the project was entitled to sewer capacity.
Planning Director Skanchy confirmed that the Windsong 136 -unit
addition had sewer capacity previously allocated by Council. The
Condiotti 62 -unit project tentative map had been approved subject to
conditions. One condition stipulated that no building permits would
be issued until the Council determined there was sewer capacity and
issued allocations. Mayor Hollingsworth stated support for approving
the 62 -unit project and entertained comments from the audience.
David Codding, Codding Enterprises, spoke of their pending project for
affordable housing units which supported local workers. The $20,000
EIR focused on community impact for family support, transportation
issues, etc. If the Council was reluctant to approve projects because
of the lack of sewer capacity, why were developers required to pursue
expensive planning processes. Codding had nothing against the
Condiotti project, and would like to know if the Council was
suspending building projects until the 1999 sewer allocation.
Pam Marks, Canon Manor, asked when the Council would consider sewer allocation needs
for Canon Manor which was within the City's sphere of influence.
Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust responded that
if an assessment district was formed, the County would provide sewage
treatment capacity for Canon Manor.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (11) August 24, 1993
Ken McCoy, 7342 Rasmussen Way, asked the Council to wait for actual sewer usage
figures before making allocations.
Mr. Brust responded that the July figures reported a gain of 0.07 mgd
which would result in approximately 350 units. Mayor Hollingsworth
confirmed that the trend was toward gaining capacity.
Jake Mackenzie, 1536 Gladstone Way, stated that the Planning Commission shortly
would review the first draft of the General Plan update. That update
included under General Actions that on a yearly basis beginning in
1993 the City would implement a system for prioritizing building
permits. The Council could review the General Plan update in the
fall. Discussion on sewer allocation and various building projects
could be part of that review process, based on actual figures for dry
weather flow. The process would allow citizens to express their
concerns.
Councilmember Spiro stated that the General Plan update will be
reviewed properly. She stated that making a "fair allocation" also
included considering projects which had completed the planning
process. If there was sewer capacity, those projects should be
approved in a timely manner. The worst case would be that there would
be no more capacity at this time.
Linda Branscomb, 21 Anne, confirmed with Mr. Brust that the City had spent
approximately $250,000 on the toilet retrofit program. The City of
Sebastopol instituted a free program with businesses donating
equipment and individuals installed their own. Also, the Housing Task
Force recommended two years ago that 25 percent of permits be banked
for lower income. She asked the Council to start negotiations with
developers to meet low income housing needs.
Motion Councilmember Spiro moved, seconded by Mayor Hollingsworth for
discussion purposes, to grant sewer allocations for the 62 -unit
townhouse project in Spreckels Place No. 9 by Condiotti Enterprises.
Councilmember Gallagher cited an 8/2/93 letter from Assistant to the
City Manager Leivo to the Deputy Director of California Housing. The
Housing Task Force had diligently formulated comprehensive affordable
housing strategies. One primary purpose of updating the General Plan
was to incorporate the recommendations of the Task Force into the
Housing Element. She asked that Council refrain from issuing permits
and to establish a priority listing for projects. The 62 -unit project
was not an affordable housing project.
Councilmember Eck recalled that Councilmembers had committed funds for
the 25 -unit Burbank Housing low income housing project. If the
Council was going to honor the sewer capacity figures in the current
report, then it was unfair to withhold approval from those projects
which had completed the current General Plan process. He asked if
Councilmember Gallagher was still committed to the promised low income
projects.
Councilmember Gallagher stated she was willing to back off from all
pending projects so that due process could be accomplished.
Allocating sewer capacity at this time without considering all needs
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (12) August 24, 1993
was not appropriate. She asked for a point system to make fair
allocation as proposed in the General Plan update and to honor the
commitment to low income housing. She asserted that Councilmember
Eck's motion at the last Council meeting was to put off sewer
allocation for two weeks and bring all the projects up.
Councilmember Eck responded that the report and subsequent discussion
had fulfilled his request.
Councilmember Reilly stated that he had voted against some projects
which he felt were against the General Plan. The General Plan was the
constitution for the City. If a developer had gone through the
General Plan process, unless it was against the General Plan or the
zoning had changed in the new General Plan, which it had not, then
such projects should be approved. If the argument was that this was
in direct violation of the General Plan, then he would listen.
Councilmember Eck stated that Kaufman. and Broad had a 300 -unit project
which was consistent with the current General Plan. In the absence of
specific language in the adopted General Plan, fair allocation of
sewer capacity to proposed projects was difficult.
Councilmember Gallagher asked for more time to consider the motion.
Vote The motion to grant sewer allocations for the 62 -unit townhouse
project in Spreckels Place No. 9 by Condiotti Enterprises was passed
by the following roll call vote:
AYES: (4) Councilmembers Eck, Reilly, Spiro and
Mayor Hollingsworth
NOES: (1) Councilmember Gallagher
ABSENT: (0) None
Communications - Communications per the attached outline were brought to the
attention of City Council. No action was taken unless specifically
noted in these minutes.
Adjournment Mayor Hollingsworth adjourned the meeting at approximately 10:17 p.m.
and then extended it for two announcements.
An undisclosed citizen reported that Councilmember Gallagher had
received an award from the local Democratic party.
City of Cotati proposed factory outlet mall at Gravenstein Highway and Redwood Drive
- City Manager Netter confirmed that staff would respond to Cotati's
request for comments by 9/6/93 in accordance with the staff memo.
Mayor Hollingsworth instructed Councilmeniers to contact staff with
any additional suggestions.
Adjournment Mayor Hollingsworth adjourned the meeting at approximately 10:19 p.m.
AL
Deputy City Clerk Mayor
�3
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
ROHNERT PARK !
IN THE SPIRIT OF
COOPERATION, LET'S CONTINUE
TO GROW AND PROSPER !
RafAEL DeTrinidad, a Manager
Safeway Stores
(Donor of the birthday cake)
REC�Y�TED
AUG 2 3 1993
CITY OF
ROHNERT PARK