1995/03/30 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes
for TO WN HALL MEETING of
"A" SECTION NEIGHBORHOOD
March 30, 1995
- Adj. Meeting -
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in adjourned session for a
neighborhood "A" Section Town Hall Meeting commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the
John Reed Elementary School Multi - Purpose Building, 390 Arlen Drive, Rohnert
Park, with Mayor Eck presiding.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Eck called the regular session to order at approximately 7:00 p.m..
ROLL CALL Present: (5) Councilmembers Flores, Gallagher, Reilly, Spiro and Mayor Eck
Absent: (0) None
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Netter, Assistant City
Manager Leivo, Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust and Public Safety
Director Rooney.
Mayor Eck commenced the meeting with brief introductions and opening
comments from each City Councilmember and staff. The Mayor then discussed
meeting procedures and indicated that tonight's agenda did not include specific
matters to be discussed, but the Town Hall Meeting was an open forum to hear
citizen concerns, comments, interests, etc.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Eck opened the Town Hall Meeting to public comments.
1. Anna Stephenson - "A" Section needs revitalization; requested information on any formal plans for
upgrading "A" Section, especially the stores on Southwest Blvd.
2. A resident agreed with speaker #1 and asked about the City's rehabilitation program for "A"
Section. City Manager Netter indicated that previously there was a rehabilitation program in the
older sections of the town including the "A" Section. Assistant City Manager Leivo provided a
brief summary of the City's rehabilitation program and explained the City's new First Time Home
Buyer Program with First Security.
3. Another "A" Section citizen (name not heard) commented on code enforcement and requested
information whether the Council could limit the number of rentals in a certain area. Mayor Eck
responded.
There was a brief discussion by Councilmember Flores and other Councilmembers regarding the
Southwest Blvd. Shopping Center and the number of stores that are vacant and the overall
unsightly nature of this shopping center.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 2) March 30, 1995
-Adj. Meeting-
Councilwoman Gallagher stated she would like see in the upcoming 20 year Master Plan, to fix up
areas such as this before the City considers new annexation.
Vice Mayor Spiro communicated she would like to see the A, B. C and L Section rehabilitation
reinstituted. She indicated that, due to the age of these homes, many of the homes have furnaces
that do not meet code. When these homes are re -sold, they are unable to get insurance without
upgrading the new heating systems.
Mayor Eck discussed the zoning abate process of residential homes and aiso discussed the
difficulty of working with the multitude of property owners at the Southwest Blvd. Shopping
Center.
4. A citizen (no name given) inquired about what the City is doing about the local economy in the
small businesses. Councilmember Flores responded that the City is working with the Chamber of
Commerce and a new Economic Development Committee is being formed which will, hopefully,
assist in this area.
5. Anna Stephenson inquired about safety inspections. City Manager Netter indicated that upon
request the Department of Public Safety Fire Division would inspect the homes for fire violations
or other code violations.
6. There was a general discussion amoung several of the citizens in the audience about certain
sections of town where tires have been slashed and property has been stolen out of vehicles. They
requested additional police patrolling in the evening hours around Adrian Drive and Anson
Avenue.
7. The discussion continued with a variety of comments from Councilmembers and other citizens in
the audience regarding complaints of cars speeding through neighborhoods, especially in areas
where small children are playing. City Manager Netter and Director of Public Safety Rooney
indicated the Patrol Personnel would be notified to watch these areas more closely.
8. A citizen commented on the 500 block of Alta and the possible drug dealings from houses in this
area. Director of Public Safety Pat Rooney indicated he would be following up on a surveillance
of this neighborhood.
9. Several youths discussed the DARE Program and informed the Council how excited they were
since the program was instituted. They acknowledged a successful first graduation of the DARE
Program.
10. There was general discussion about local drug problems and a possibility of designating certain
drug free zones. Councilman Flores indicated drug free zones includes the area 1,000 yards from a
school district boundary, and would double the penalty for violators. There was discussion with
various citizens.
Rohnert Park Citv Council Minutes ( 3) March 30, 1995
-Adj. Meeting-
Nanci Spangler commented that letters should be written to property owners of rental properties
that are being used to sell drugs.
Anna Stephenson announced that April 13th, 1995 at 7:00 p.m. at 549 Alta, a Neighborhood
Watch Meeting would be formed.
Linda Branscomb asked for information about the Police Officers' Recruitment and grant funding
and an update on the hiring.
Charles Kitchens commented on the possibility of PO cameras as a deterrent to drug dealers.
There were other discussions regarding spitting in neighborhoods, speed bumps and citizens
running stop signs. Councilman Flores informed the citizens about the two traffic
control trailers that are being located throughout areas of the City.
City Manager Netter provided an update on the hiring of staff" and the grant funding applications.
Director of Public Safety Rooney discussed vandalism, the community policing concept and the
assigning of officers to specific areas. He also outlined the new bicycle officer patrol
program and the use of speed trailers. He indicated he would prefer a zero tolerance
regarding the drug violations. He also commented on certain areas identified at
tonight's meeting that he would attempt to add additional patrol to observe these
areas.
Director Rooney also briefly outlined the new structured Neighborhood Watch Program.
Mayor Eck then asked if there were any other citizens desiring to discuss any matters that do not
involve construction or building problems of their homes. There being none, Mayor Eck then address
several cards submitted regarding construction defects and building problems.
1. Michael Keefe commented that he bought a house 15 years ago and he has continuously had leaks
on the south side. The builder was very responsive but the problems have not been corrected.
Mayor Eck indicated that the City is considering a fact finding committee which was being
recommended by Councilman James Reilly. Councilman Reilly explained what his thoughts were
and indicated that a sub - committee of himself and Councilwoman Gallagher as this sub - committee.
He indicated that the Committee would be meeting with staff and reviewing the complaints
submitted to date.
There were several students in the audience inquiring about aesthetics of the neighborhoods and
indicated they would like to see more variety of housing.
2. Ray Pelanashi indicated he came to the meeting because he saw an article in the paper; indicated he
lives in "S" Section; and inquired about inspection process of homes.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes ( 4) March 30, 1995
-Adj. Meeting-
3. A citizen (no name given) commented on their "L" Section home about improper venting of the
dryer.
4. Peggy Cook indicated she had dry rot problems and had a 3 ft. hole in her laundry room and also
indicated the siding had covered her dryer vent.
5. There were several other residents that spoke about dry rot problems, leaking roofs and other
problems encountered with their homes.
6. Several of the residents indicated their dealings with certain builders and their follow -up
maintenance programs. This included Cindy Walsh, who has had extensive problems with her
foundation and indicated Mr. Ron Brust has inspected her home.
7. Sandy Pardene indicated she had plumbing problems with her dishwasher and bathroom. Other
residents commented on roof leaks that they have been dealing with for a number of years.
Mayor Eck concluded the meeting and commented that the fact finding committee would be
researching these matters further.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Eck adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:50 p.m.
City Manager /City Clerk
JDN /jh
Mayor