1973/05/07 City Council MinutesCall to Order
Roll Call
ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1973
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this dave
in regular session commencing at 7:28 p.m. in the City
Offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with
Mayor Flores presiding. The regular session was pre -
ceded by an executive session which commenced at 7:00
p.m. and at which all Councilmen were present and which
wastheld to discuss Council personnel matters.
Mayor Flores called the meeting of the regular session
to order at approximately 7:28 p.m. and led the pledge
of allegiance.'
Present: (5) Councilmen Beary, Hopkins, Roberts,
Smith, and Flores
Absent: (0) None
Staff Present; >for all or part of the meeting:
City Manager Callinan, City Attorney Maxwell,
Engineer Hudis, and Planning Director Skanchy
Executive Session
Mayor Flores announced that an executive session had
been held prior to the regular meeting to discuss
Council personnel matters.
Approval of Minutes
Councilman Smith stated he would like the April 16th
minutes, Page 6, paragraph 4, Page 7, paragraphs 3 and 7
changed to ;reflect that the "condition regarding schools
contained in the Planning Staff report dated January 25
be deleted ".
Upon ;motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by
Councilman Beary, and unanimously approved, the minutes
of April 16 were approved as co::�rected and the minutes
of April 23 were approved as submitted.
Approval of Bills
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by
Councilman Smith, and unanimously approved, the bills
presented per the attached list in the amount of
$23,4$9.87 were approved.
Communications
Communications per the attached outline were brought to
the attention of the Council. No action was taken on
any communication except as noted specifically in
these minutes.
Police Department
At the request of Mayor Flores, City Manager Callinan
Commendation
read item 14 on the communications list which was a
letter from Young America ;domes President J. L. O'Neel
to Mayor Flores commending Chief Bob Dennett and his
fine police department.
Page 2.
May 7, 1973
Mrs. Chris Compton re
Mrs. Chris Compton, 539 Anson Avenue, was recognized.
Growth and Schools
She presented a petition to Mayor Flores which urged a
slow down in the growth of Rohnert Park bearing 521
signatures and read the text of said petition.
Mrs. Compton read a prepared statement, a copy of which
3s attached.to the original of these minutes.
City Manager.Callinan noted that a letter had been
received from Charlene Eck supporting the presentation
of Mrs. Compton.
A lengthy discussion followed with Mrs. Compton
participating.
Councilman Hopkins
Councilman Hopkins left the Council Chambers during
Leaves and Returns
the above discussion, the time being approximately
8:10 p.m. He returned at approximately 8:12 p.m.
Councilman Smith made a motion that the City Council,
effective immediately, reinstate the condition on all
tentative maps that no final map be approved or building
permit issued if the development would have a signifi-
cant adverse effect on the quality of education with a
committee to be formed of parents, teachers, and school
board members to make a specific recommendation as to
whether or not the proposed development would have an
adverse effect on the quality of education. Discussion
followed. The motion died for lack of a'second.
Resolution No. 73 --54A
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING INTENT TO ADOPT A GROWTH POLICY
` AND DIRECTING PREPARATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A
RESIDENTIAL GROWTH POLICY FOR THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
Councilman Smith read the resolution. Discussion
- followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by
Councilman Hopkins, and approved,by the following roll
call vote,. Resolution No. 73 -54A was introduced and
scheduled for further action at the next regular meeting
AYES: (3) Councilmen Hopkins, Roberts, and Smith
NOES: (2) Councilmen Beary and Flores
Resolution No. 73 -55
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE POLICY OF THE CITY OF
ROHNERT PARK ON 'GROWTH
-- - - _-- -,,ice^ ..,.. on
laity Atturney Maxwell explained the re.soluC.a.vaa.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by
Councilman Smith, and unanimously approved by the
following roll call vote, Resolution No. 73 -55 was
introduced and scheduled for further action at the
next regular meeting:
May 7, 1973
AYES: (5) Councilmen Beary, Hopkins, Roberts,
-
Smith, and Flores
NOES: (0) None
Staff was requested to make copies of Resolution Nos.
73 -54A and 73 -55 available to Mrs.- Compton and any
other person who might desire them.
Mr. Peter Castlebaum, Rohnert Park, was recognized. He
asked Mayor Flores if his recent statements made at the
Cotati- Rohnert Park School District Board meeting had
been> his, .nwn nr if he had hp-en sneakina fnr the Cninni.I_
Mayor Flores responded that he had polled the Council
and had been speaking for the Council at said meeting.
Discussion followed with Mr. Castlebaum participating
and during which City Attorney Maxwell reminded the
Council that city funds cannot be spent for education.
Mr. Dean Brown, 8811 Poplar, Cotati, was recognized.
He asked for clarification on the possible Council
offer to purchase portables for lease to the school
district and where they might be located. City Manager
Callinan responded that the school district is purchasing
property -on Southwest Boulevard and portables could be
placed there. Discussion followed.
Mrs. Daniel Rishe re
Mrs. Daniel Rishe, 8739 Laurelwood Drive, was recognized.
Condiotti Homes
She commented on the quality of the housing in Country
Manor Subdivision and related complaints of herself and
neighbors.
City Manager Callinan reviewed his letter to Mrs. Rishe
dated May 2 concerning her complaints.
Mr..Peter Castlebaum was recognized and commented that
he had submitted a list of 42 complaints concerning
CVn%Aj.o . t1 1VllleS and pl'obleills wJ.t11 %ol2strl.eVt J.VA1 to tAi
State Contractors License Board and to.the State Real
Estate License Board:
Discussion followed during which City Attorney Maxwell
commented that the City cannot afford to put itself
between the home buyer and contractors.'
Councilman Beary
Councilman Beary left the Council. Chambers during the
Leaves and Returns
above discussion, the time being approximately 9:48 p.m.
He returned at approximately 9:52 p.m.
Staff was requested to review the activities of the
Building Inspection Department and report back to the
Councilmen same.
Mr. Schuyler. Jeffries,
Mr. Schuyler Jeffries, of the Local Agency Formation
LAFC
Commission, was recognized. He welcomed Councilman
Page 4.
May 7, 1973
Hopkins to the LAFC and presented a Certificate of
Appreciation and a plaque to Councilman Smith for his
services on LAFC during 1963 -73. Councilman Smith made
a brief acceptance speech.
American Housing Guild Mr. John Hanna, Attorney, Mr. Gene Taylor, President
Respresentati.ves re of American Housing Guild, Mr. Bill Bailey of Amei:,ican
Rancho Sonoma, :Unit - - Housing Guild, and Mr. Jon Anderson of MacKay & Somps
No. 1, Subdivision Engineers, were recognized.
Agreement
City Manager Callinan explained that the Council had
approved the final map for Rancho Sonoma, Unit No. 1
sometime ago with the stipulation that it not be
released for recording until an appropriate subdivision
agreement had been entered into; that City staff and
representatives of American Housing Guild had not been
able to come to agreement on several items and related
areas of concern. Discussion followed with Mr. Hanna
and Mr. Anderson participating.
Recess
Reconvene
Glenn Durden re Crime
Rate in Rohnert Park
Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved by the following roll
call vote, staff recommendations will be adhered to
with the exception that rather than giving credit, the
City will pay cash for park property exceeding five (5)
acres at a price of $5,830 per acre:
AYES: (5) Councilmen Beary, Hopkins, Roberts,
Smith, and Flores
NOES: (0) None
Mayor Flores declared a recess at this point in the
meeting, the time being approximately 10:33 p.m.
Mayor Flores reconvened the meeting with all Councilmen
present at approximately 10:48 p.m.
Mayor Flores advised that Mr. Durden had requested that
his discussion concerning the crime rate in Rohnert
Park be deferred to the next regular meeting.
Mr. Dick Brown, District Mr. Dick Brown was recognized. He commented he was
Manager, Pacific Tele- present at the invitation of the Council to answer
phone Co. questions concerning a possible change in telephone
district boundaries for Rohnert Park.
Councilman Roberts asked why Rohnert Park is not all in
the same telephone exchange.
Mr -. Brown responded that the situation is not unique to
Rohnert Park; that the telephone company had set bound-
aries many years ago in order to plan for the future
and that if boundaries were changed each time it was
requested, it would be impossible for the phone company
Page 5. May 7, 1973
to plan ahead. Discussion followed during which the
Council indicated that more petitions would be circulated
regarding a boundary change for presentation to the City
Council for forwarding to the telephone company with
copies to the Public Utilities Commission. Mr. Brown
indicated this was the proper procedure.
Mr. David Eck re Use Mr. David Eck was recognized and made a presentation
of Waste Water for regarding the possible use of waste water for agricultu-
Agricultural Irrigation ral irrigation and requested the use of eight (8) acres
adjacent to the treatment plant belonging to the city
for a testing program to show there is a possibility of
getting a second crop by using waste water for irri-
gation. Discussion followed with Mr. Eck and Mr. Don
Jones participating.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved, staff was authorized to
work out the necessary details for the use of city
land to raise crops that will be irrigated by sewer
effluent with expenditures not to exceed $2,000. and
provide a report on the experiment to the Council.
Mayor Flores commended Mr. Eck and Dr. Kortum for
their constructive suggestion and test program.
Weed Abatement City Manager Callinan advised that notices to destroy
weeds had been.sent to property owners and also pub -
lished in the Clarion.
Mayor Flores declared the public hearing open on the
Notice to Destroy Weeds.
City Manager Callinan advised that several communications
had been received requesting the city to take care of
the weeds and bill the property owners.
Mrs. Lillian Vaughn, 369 Bonnie Court, was recognized.
She commented generally regarding city policy on sending
out notices to destroy weeds, stating she did not like
to receive such notice.
Resolution No. 73.56
There being no one else desiring to be,heard,,Mayor
Flores closed the public hearing.
RESOLUTION ORDERING CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT
PARK TO ABATE NUISANCES EXISTING WITHIN THE CITY OF
ROHNERT PARK
City Manager Callinan explained the resolution.
Upon motion of 'Councilman Roberts, seconded by Councilman
Smith, and unanimously approved, the reading of
Resolution No. 73-56 was waived and said resolution
was adopted.
Page 6.; May 7, 1973
Proposed Ordinance 194 City Manager.Callinan advised that notice of the public
re Council Participation hearing on Proposed Ordinance 194 had been published
in Retirement System in the Clarion.
Mayor Flores declared the public hearing open on
Proposed Ordinance No. 194 which provides for an
amendment to contract with Public Employees Retirement
System to permit the participation of the City Council
members in the employees retirement system.
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
dated May 4 concerning Council participation in the
retirement
Mr. Maurice Fredericks, 242 Alden Avenue, was recognized
He commented that he generally felt that the City
Council is sufficiently compensated and that the
bookkeeping involved would be more than the benefits
were worth.
Mrs. Lillian Vaughn, 369 Bonnie Court, was recognized.
She commented that she felt the City Council was paid
enough and that there were many places where the City
Council is not paid at all.
Mr. Rolf Orser, 7631 Bonita, was recognized. He
commented that the present compensation for the City
Council was enough and that it would be ridiculous to
adopt the ordinance.
There being no one else desiring to be heard, Mayor
Flores declared the public hearing closed.
Upon motion of Councilman Roberts, seconded by Councilmai
Beary, and unanimously approved by the following roll
call vote, the Council will not participate in the
retirement system:
AXES: (5) Councilmen Beary, Hopkins, Roberts,
Smith, and Flores
NOES: (0) None
Proposed Amendments Mayor Flores noted that a request had been received from
to General Plan the Citizens Advisory Committee to Update the General
Plan to postpone action on the proposed amendments
for 30 days.
Mayor Flores declared the public hearing open on the
proposed amendments to the General Plan.
City Manager Callinan noted communications that had been
received as follows:
1. Recommendations of the Citizens Advisory Committee
for Updating the General Plan dated-May 7, 1973
Page 7. May 7, 1973
2. Letter from Planning Director Skanchy transmitting
Planning Commission resolution and minutes re
General Plan
3. Letter from Rancho Cotate Government Classes
urging adoption of proposed Bike Trails Plan
4. Letter from Sonoma State College Building and
Planning Coordinator Nore F. Thiesfeld re General
_
Plan public hearing dated May 7, 1973
Planning Director Skanchy noted that when the Planning
Commission had considered the General Plan it had indi-
cated any growth `policy should be incorporated in the
General Plan. A`brief discussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, the public hearing on
Proposed Amendments to the General Plan was continued
to the next regular meeting.
Spheres of Influence
City Manager'Callinaxi` pointed out the map on display
reflecting recommendations for spheres of influence
for `Rohnert'Park and advised it would remain in the
Council Chambers along with the LAFC documents on
spheres of influence for perusal by interested parties,
Discussion followed.
Councilman Beary Leaves
Councilman Beary left the Council Chambers during the
and Returns
above discussion, the time being approximately 11°30 p.m.
He returned I at approximately 11;34 p.m.
File No. 0283, Qantas
Planning' Director Skanchy pointed out the location of
Development Corp.,
the proposed subdivision on the General Plan map,.
Tentative Map for Llano
advised there were approximately 290 lots in the :,o-
Subdivision
posed subdivision, the current zoning was R1- 6500 -PD,
and explained the revised tentative map on display
which had been recommended for approval by the Planning
Commission.` He read his planning staff report dated
April 26, 1973 and explained the quadroplot concept
design plan for Llano Subdivision which was also on
display., He also read the addendum to his planning
staff report dated April 26, letter to Qantas Development
Corp. dated April 30 containing three i3; additional
conditions being recommended, letter from Cotati-Rohnert
Park'School District dated April 26, 1973 and Petaluma
School District dated April 11, 1973. Discussion
followed with Jon Joslyn of Qantas Development Corp.
participating.
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Beary, ,and approved_by the following voice vote, the
revised tentative map for Llano Subdivision was approved
subject to conditions recommended by staff.
Page 8. May 7, 1973
AYES: (4) Councilmen Beary, Hopkins, Smith, and
Flores
NOES: (1) Councilman Roberts
Mr. John Joslyn of Qantas Development Corp. was present
and thanked the Council and planning staff for being so
cooperative and helpful.
File No. 0223, Sonoma
Councilman Beary reported that he and City Manager
State College Environs
Callinan had presented the city's position at the Sonoma
Plan
County Board of Supervisors public hearing held earlier
in the day on the Sonoma State College Environs Plan,
that said public hearing had been continued to May 15,
and it appeared that Supervisors Vella and Hinkle
supported Rohnert Park's position, Supervisors Joerger
and Spomer opposed it, and Supervisor Theiller would
have to abstain since he owned property in the area.
City Manager Callinan reviewed a letter received from
Group 5 Realty re purchase by the city of 10 acres on
Snyder Lane for open space and the `drafted response
thereto. Discussion followed. The Council indicated
agreement with the drafted response and directed that
it be sent over the Mayor's signature.
Planning Commission
Planning Director Skanchy reviewed the recommendation of
Recommendation to Revise
the Planning Commission to revise street, standards to
Street Standards to
provide for planting strips. A brief discussion followe�
Provide for Planting
with Anderson of MacKay & Somps participating.
Strips
_
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, the recommendation
of the Planning Commission to revise street standards
to provide for planting strips was adopted.
Ordinance No. 197
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 63
(Zoning Map--- Rodavco,,Inc. File 0254E)
Planning Director Skanchy explained the ordinance.
Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved by the following roll
call vote,,the reading of Ordinance No. 197 was waived
and said ordinance was adopted:
AYES: (5) Councilmen Beary, Hopkins, Roberts,
Smith, and Flores
NOES: ( 0 ) None
Ordinance No. 198
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 63
(Zoning Map -- Forhim Corporation, File 0254F)
Planning Director Skanchy explained the ordinance.
Page 9. May 7, 1973
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Roberts, and unanimously approved by the following roll
call vote, the 'reading of Ordinance No. 198 was waived
and said ordinance was adopted:
AYES (5) 'Councilmen Beary, Hopkins, Roberts,
'Smith; and Flores
NOES: (0) None
Ordinance for Introduc-
tion re Operation.of
Motorcycles and 'Motor
Drive Cycles
Resolution No. 73 -57
Consideration of the ordinance re operation of motor -
cycles and motor driven cycles was deferred to the next
regular meeting due to the lateness of the hour.
A RESOLUTION MODIFYING ASSESSMENTS
(Hinebaugh Creek; et al Improvement Project IT
City Manager'Callinan explained the resolution.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
'Beary, and unanimously approved, the reading of Resolutio,.
No. '73` -57 was waived and said resolution was adopted.
Resolution No. 73 -58 'A RESOLUTION DECLARING SURPLUS AND AUTHORIZING
APPLICATION' THEREOF`
(Rohnert Park Expressway West, Project No. 1972 -7)
City Manager "Callinan explained the resolution."
Upon 'motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Roberts, and 'unanimously ' approved, the reading of
Resolution No. 73 -58 was waived and said resolution
was adopted.
Resolution No. 73 -59 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING
INSTALLATION OF STOP SIGNS
City'Manager Callinan explained the resolution.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved, the reading of
Resolution No. 73 -59 was waived and said resolution
was adopted.
Resolution No. 73 -60 RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 72 -150 ESTABLISHING
PLANNING$ ZONING, SUBDIVISION AND RELATED MATTERS FEES
AS RELATED TO ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVAL MATTERS
City Manager "Callinan' explained the resolution.
Upon motion of Councilman Roberts, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, the reading of
Resolution No. 73 -60 was waived and said resolution
was Adopted.
Page 10.
May 7, 1973
Councilman Smith Leaves Councilman Smith left the Council Chambers at this
point in the meeting due to the lateness of the hour,
the time being approximately 12:25 a.m.
Proposed Revision of
Business License
Ordinance
City Manager Callinan advised that he had met with
Chamber of Commerce President Jack Eddinger and Director
Don Jones concerning the proposed revision of Business
License Ordinance and had reached agreement on a 60-40
division of the business license revenues rather than
the 90-10 division requested by the Chamber of Commerce.
City Attorney Maxwell reviewed some changes that would
have to be made in the proposed ordinance submitted by
the Chamber of Commerce in order to meet legal require-
ments. Discussion followed.
Mr. Jack Eddinger was recognized. He stated that the
60-40 division of revenues was acceptable but requested
that the city guarantee the annual sum of $12,000 to the
Chamber of Commerce. Discussion followed during which
it was pointed out that revenues to the Chamber should
reach or exceed the $12,000 figure, but the city was not
in a position to guarantee said sum. Further discussion
followed during which it was agreed that the proposed
ordinance would be revised by City Attorney Maxwell and
presented for introduction at the next regular Council
meeting.
Reply from National
Discussion on the reply from the National oceanic and
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Atmospheric Administration re vertical land movement
Administration re
was deferred to the next regular meeting due to the
Vertical Land Movement
lateness of the hour.
Councilman Smith
Councilman Smith's discussion re U. S. Senate Bill 502
U, S. Senate Bill 502
was deferred to the next regular meeting due to the
�(Qollier)
absence of Councilman Smith.
Council Agenda
Councilman Hopkin's initiated a brief discussion con-
cerning scheduling of controversial issues toward the
end of the agenda rather than at the beginning. Council
indicated agreement unless there were extenuating
circumstances.
45-15 School. Year
Councilman Hopkins advised that he would like to hear
from residents opposed to the 45-15 school year to
ascertain if the concern was with convenience or
educational quality.
Public Safety Dept.
Mayor Flores reported that the Public Safety Department
had responded very quickly to a fire on Blair Avenue
near his home the day before and commended them for the
fine efforts.
Stadium
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
dated May 7 concerning the stadium. Discussion followed
Page 11. May 7, 1973
Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, those funds on hand
for stadium facility purposes will be used and sufficient
funds advanced, up to a combined maximum of $30,000,
for seating and other improvements to develop the foot-
ball field at Rancho Cotate High School and request the
Petaluma-High School District to install fencing for
crowd control in order to have the field ready for the
1973 football season.
Emergency Employment City Manager Callinan advised that $31,000 of phase out
Act (P.E.P.) money would be available for the E.E.A. employees which
had not been anticipated.
Revenue Sharing City Manager Callinan advised that lie would be finalizing
a memo to the Council concerning Federal Revenue Sharing
prior to the next regular meeting and suggested that
a work session be held to discuss priorities for the
funds.
Golf Course Score Cards City Manager Callinan displayed an enlarged sample of
a golf course score card for possible use at the golf
course. A brief discussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Roberts, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved, the expenditure of up
to $3,000 for golf course score cards was authorized.
Laguna Plant City Manager Callinan advised that he had been informed
Interceptor Status that the 1973-74 guidelines from the Federal Government
for waste water treatment would probably be slightly
changed and that it would be advisable to delay the
necessary public hearings on the Laguna Plant inter-
ceptor until after the revised guidelines were received.
Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Flores adjourned
the meeting at 1:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 8.
A
V,
DepAy CO Clerk
F4192TV419"I
Mayor
Presentation to the R. P. City Council Mayi,7, 1973 �10 t.vw't'
Gentlemen,
I have before me to present to you this evening a petition signed
by many of the citizens of Cotati and Rohnert Park asking you for
a resolution to slow down the development of new homes within the
City of Rohnert Park to the extent that in order to house the
children generated from this development the school districts will
not be forced to take any action detrimental to the education of the
children in these communities.
However, before I formally present you with the petition and ask for
your resolution I would like to answer some of the questions that you
gentlemen have raised during our conversations of the past.few weeks.
Necessarily, these are my opinions and I want to make it very clear
that other than the statement on the petition which is signed by many
other neople, my statemantg are my nwn,
First, I have been told that I am trying to stop development and
progress in Rohnert Park. This most certainly is not true. My
feeling is that a city can take one of 3 approaches to growth.
1. Stop growth completely - which hurts both the developers and the
city.
2. Have uncontrolled, or what I can "open -end" growth such as we
are currently experiencing. This allows the developers to build
as rapidly as the houses can be sold and can have a devastating
effect on both the schools and the community.
or 3. and this is what I am hoping to accomplish - have a controlled
growth situation somewhere between the two extremes whereby the com-
munity as a whole works together - -the ideal here as I see it is
growth that will allow the developers to build, but at a pace
whereby the school districts can accommodate the children generated
from this development without having to be on double session or
take any other action detrimental to the education of the
children in this community.
As to the question of wanting to stop progress, progress is defined'
as.foreward movement. It is my contention that when we start hurting
the education of the children in this community that we are no longer
progressing, but are retrogressing.
Second, I would like to discuss the question of responsibility. In
kaki talking with people who hold responsible positions in this
community, I have encountered an almost overwhelming amount of "buck -
passing". Admittedly, it is much easier to blame the city officials,
school officials, developers, or the State of California, to makm
name call and to say " it's their problem. ", but in all honesty, I
fail to see how this kind of approach will do anything constructive to
solve the problem at hand. instead, I ask you gentlemen to be farsighted
enough to recognize your responsibility to this community and be willing
totake the first step tonight that will help to insure that the growth
we are experiencing will truly be progress and not retrograde.
The local elementary school district last week adopted the 45 -15 plan
with portable classrooms as a back -up in an effort to house the
maximum number of students possible without having to go to double
session. This unpopular but necessary action on the part of the school
board will still only provide 22 - 24 classrooms and will house
approximately 650 students, a few more if they happen to fall in the
right area and age group. After the maximum is reached the 2 remaining.
schools in the district will be forced on A /S, a step that will
eliminate staggered reading and thereby be detrimental to the
education of the children in this community.
In order to qualify for another full elementary school, we need
roughly 2600 students _ approximately 600 more than we have now,
If we can hold the number of new students, by coordinating efforts
to 650 or 700 students by March 1974; we can avoid d/s and still
qualify for another elementary school to be completed in the fallr�^�'
of 1975. �SD-?oo
This is only one of the possible solutions. I am sure there are
many other gays of achieving community coordinated growth. However,
it cannot be done unless someone is willing to take the first step.
The school district has the responsibility to provide the best
education possible fop the number of students in the area. They
have no control over how many students will be here. From all
indications that I have received, the developerf have no intention
of "voluntarily coordinating their building plans, therefore, it is
up to you gentlemen in the city council to insure, that in the
interim period between now and whatBver time, if any, we succeed
in gettingthe State to change its policy on ;school building, that
the children of this community are not made to suffer, perhaps for
the rest of their lives, because this community was too eager to
reach its ultimate potential.
Therefore, I " present you gentlemen with the following petition:
This petition is signed by number of citizens. These
signatures were obtained b peop e going to meetings and door-to door
in several small areas of Rohnert Park and Cotati. It was not
possible for us to cover all areas of this community, however, from
all indications, this sampling represents the feelings of the
majority of the citizens in this area. Those of us who did circulate'
these petitions encountered very minimal opposition if any... -74m