1972/12/04 City Council MinutesROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
December LE, 1972
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in
regular session commencing at 7:37 p.m. in the City Offices,
6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Roberts
presiding. The regular session was preceded by an execu-
tive session which commenced at 7:00 p.T�i. and at which all
Councilmen, City Manager Callinan and City Attorney Maxwell
were present and which was held to discuss personnel matters
and possible appointments to Commissions.
Call to Order Mayor Roberts called the meeting of the regular session to
order at approximately 7:37 p.m.
Roll Call Present: (5) Councilmen Beary, Flores, Hopkins, Smith
and Roberts
Absent: (0) None
Staff Present for all or part of the meeting:
City Manager Callinan, City Attorney Maxwell, and
Acting Planning Director Cordill
Executive Session Mayor Roberts announced that an executive session had been
held prior to the regular meeting to discuss personnel
matters and possible appointments to Commissions.
Approval of Minutes Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Smith, and unanimously approved, the minutes of November
20 and 27 were approved as submitted.
Approval of Bills Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman
Smith and unanimously approved, the bills presented per
the attached list in the amount of $9,182.17 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.
Newcomer's Club Mrs. JoAnn Miller, President of the Newcomer's Club was
Presentation recognized. On behalf of the Newcomer's Club, she presente(
a check to Mayor Roberts in the amount of $160.00 for pic-
nic tables and benches, one for Alicia Park and one for
Benecia Park.
Councilman Flores expressed thanks for the contribution
and commended the club for same.
File No. 0258 City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
Diversified Communi- dated December 1 concerning File No. 0258 and noted there
ties were two matters to be considered: 1) Appeal of conditions
No. 4 and 6 of the use permit issued by the Planning
Commission; and 2) rezoning. He mentioned that the condi-
tions appealed had been discussed by the Planning Commis-
sion and that the Commission had issued a letter concerning
same, a copy of which letter had been given to each Coun-
cilman.
Page -2- December 4, 1972
Acting Planning Director Cordill explained that the loca-
tion for the proposed mobile home park was designated on
the General Plan map for a mobile home park, that the park
would be developed in two phases; that one of the conditions
being appealed concerned the percentage of units with
children -to be allowed in the park; that the only other
mobile home park in the community allowing children had
been held to 306 fancily units and expressed concern that
if this park is allowed more than 306 family units -there
were two other mobile home parks in the community which
would probably seek permission to allow children. He
further explained that the applicant feels that 306 family
units should be allowed for the entire park, not just the
half being developed for familes.
Mr. Jim Croul of Diversified Communities was recognized.
lie explained that his firm's primary objection to the 300
limitation on the northerly portion of the park to be
developed for families was that the development is viewed
by his firm as an 80 acre mobile home park with half for
families and half for adults.
Market Research Analyst, Mr. Carty, was recognized. He
explained the recreation facilities plan for the park which
was on display and which provided for separate areas for
adults, teenagers and small children. He also showed photo-
graphs of some of the playground equipment planned for
installation. He noted that family parks usually average
1/3 older adults with no children, 1/4 young adults with
no children and the remainder families.
Discussion followed with Messrs. Croul, Carty and Bridges
of Diversified Communities participating. In response to
a question, Mr. Croul advised that the ball diamond to be
built in the park would be available for community use
since in all likelihood there would be a little league
team from the park which would probably be sponsored by
his firm. The 7.75 units per acre density for the park
was discussed. Mr. Croul responded that the average mobile
home buyer does not want a large plot of land, but wants
low maintenance and also recreational facilities provided.
He commented that there would be a minimum of 29 feet
between walls of adjacent homes.
Acting Planning Director Cordill commented that the school
districts had responded with general comments.
Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, the appeal of Diversi-
fied Communities was upheld and Conditions No. 4 and 6 of
the use permit issued by the Planning Commission were
deleted from same.
Ordinance No. 185 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 63, ZONING ORDINANCE
(Zoning Map Change -- Diversified Communities)
City Attorney Maxwell explained the ordinance.
Page -3-
December 4, 1972
Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
Flores, and unanimously approved by the following roll
call vote, the reading of Ordinance No. 185 was waived and
said ordinance was adopted:
AYES: (5) Councilmen Beary, Flores., Hopkins, Smith
and Roberts
NOES: (0) None
A brief discussion followed during which the Council indi-
cated the recreation facilities plan on display and the
slide presentation given at a previous meeting reflected
the type of development expected by the Council.
File No. 0268 Amend- City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
ing Zoning Ordinance dated December 1 concerning File No. 0268.
to Change Zoning
Districts to Combined Mayor Roberts declared the public hearing open on File
Planned Unit Develop- No. 0268.
ment Districts in
Advance of Receipt of Mr. Douglas Harding, 1420 Southwest Boulevard, was recog --
Development Plan nized. He commented that it seemed -that farmers could be
taxed into development. Staff explained that the proposed
ordinance would not rezone any property, but merely pro-
vided for a change in the rule concerning zoning and was
required to comply with a new state law that all land be
rezoned to conform to the General Plan.
There being no one else desiring to be heard, Mayor Roberts
declared the public hearing closed.
Ordinance No. 186 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TEXT OF ORDINANCE NO. 63 - ZONING
ORDINANCE.
City Attorney Maxwell explained the ordinance,
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimoa.usly;zipproved, the reading of Ordinance
No. 186 was waived and said ordinance was introduced.
Application of Garfield City Manager Callinan reviewed the application of Garfield.
Sterner for Certificate G. Sterner for a certificate of Public Necessity to oper --
of Public Necessity for ate a taxi, a memo from Director of Public Safetv Dennett
Taxi Service dated December 4, and Mr. Callinanos memo to the Council
dated December 1.
Mayor Roberts declared the public hearing open on the appli-
cation of Garfield G. Sterner for a Certificate of Public
Necessity to operate a taxi.
Mr. Bill Whitney, 1440 Southwest Boulevard, was recognized.
He asked if precautions had been taken to be sure that
exhaust from the proposed taxi was in order. Mr. Sterner
who was present, responded that all state requirements of
this type must be met before obtaining a commercial license
plate.
Page 4.
December 49 1972
Thera being no one else desiring to be heard, the public
hearing was closed.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved, Mr. Sterner's application
for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to
operate a taxi cab within the City of Rohnert Park was
granted, the necessary findings required by the ordinance
regulating vehicles for hire were made, and the Certificate
of Public Convenience and Necessity issued to Wayne
Caldwell was cancelled.
Capital Outlay City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
Recreational Fund dated December 1 concerning the Capital Outlay Recreational
Fund, noted that the Clarion had published on the .front
page, notice of the public hearing regarding increasing the
fees to provide funds to finance the proposed community
stadium and other papers had also given notice.
Councilman Smith reviewed developments to date on the
stadium project and reviewed his proposal to increase fees
in the Recreation Fee Ordinance.
Mayor Roberts Mayor Roberts left the Council Chambers during Councilman
Leaves and Returns Smith's review, the time being approximately 8:58 p.m.
He returned at approximately 9 :00 p.m.
Councilman Hopkins Councilman Hopkins left the Council Chambers during
Leaves and Returns Councilman Smith's review, the time being approximately
9 :05 p.m. He returned at approximately 9:07 p.m.
Councilman Beary reviewed activities of the Stadium Fund
Raising Committee and commented that it seemed to be a
matter of whether or not the Council wanted to accept the
voluntary efforts of developers.
City Manager Callinan noted that the Petaluma High School
District, City of Cotati, Cal State Sonoma, and the coach-
ing staff at the high school had been contacted personally
concerning the public hearing.
Mayor Roberts declared the public hearing open on increas-
ing fees for financing proposed community stadium.
City Manager Callinan read a letter from Richard R. Day
dated December 4, 1972 expressing opposition to increasing
the "Bed Tax" to finance a stadium.
Mrs. Lucille Johnstone, 7260 Adrian Drive, was recognized.
She suggested a bingo game be used to raise funds for the
stadium.
Glenn Durland, 1420 Southwest Boulevard, commented that
he is not sure the stadium is needed and if so, should it
not be in Santa Rosa or Petaluma.
Page 5. December 4, 1972
Gary Malone, 8550 Loretto, was recognized. He presented
petitions of support for a community stadium bearing 2,152
names to Mayor Roberts. A brief discussion followed
concerning whether the majority of the signatures were of
Rohnert Park residents. Mayor Roberts indicated it
appeared that 90% or more were.
Councilman Beary advised that some preliminary figures
indicated that if the existing Cal State College, Sonoma,
football facility could be used, approximately $132,000
would provide the necessary improvements.
Mr. Jimmie Rogers, Bart Mitchell Realty, was recognized.
He commented that some of the developers had offered to
contribute $25.00 per single family dwelling for the stad-
ium fund and now the attitude of some of -the Councilmen
seemed to be that more should be paid.
Jan Kravitz,, 1420 Southwest Boulevard, was recognized. He
observed the idea of a stadium was fine, but that there
were more important things that should take precedence, such
as open space. He stated he was opposed to the stadium
fund.
Landa Lessio, a college student, was recognized. She
commented that people from other areas would use a commun-
ity stadium and the cost of same should not be borne
entirely by Rohnert Park citizens.
David Eck, 7075 Adele, was recognized. He expressed
support for the stadium fund but felt it should be voted
on by the community for a bond issue to finance same.
Mr. Rolf Orser, 7631 Bonita Avenue, was recognized. He
commented he felt that the proposed method of financing
was wrong and that a bond issue should be voted upon to
finance the stadium.
Mr. Roy Hawthorne, 1420 Southwest Blvd, was recognized.
He expressed opposition to the stadium and any further
development of open space in the area.
There being no one else desiring to be heard, Mayor
Roberts declared the public hearing closed.
City Manager Callinan reported that Mr. Harmon of the
State Chancellor's Office had advised that a letter should
be writ-ten within a week or so regarding the possible use
of the college stadium facility. Mr. Callinan also noted
that the Planning Commission and staff had expressed
concerns regarding financing of future fire stations,
library, and like facilities and will be discussing the
matter further. A lengthy discussion followed.
Councilman Smith made a motion to increase the Recreation
Facilities Fee $50 for each classification discussed, ie.
Page 6. December 4, 1972
fire stations, library and stadium. The motion died for
lack of a second.
Ordinance No. 187 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 47 AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NOS. 122 AND 174
(Recreational fund; changes fees)
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved„ the reading of Ordinance
No. 187 was waived and said ordinance was introduced.
Staff indicated it would have the ordinance in final form
at the next regular meeting reflecting a $25 increase in
each category of the Recreation Facilities Fee and also ra
policy statement concerning stadium funds.
Recess Mayor Roberts declared a recess at this point in the
meeting, the time being approximately 10.05 p.m.
Reconvene Mayor Roberts reconvened the meeting with all Councilmen
present at approximately 10.15 p.m.
Resolution No. 72 -153 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH
CITY OF COTATI CONCERNING POLICE DISPATCHING SERVICE
City Manager Callinan explained the resolution. Upon
motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman Beary,
and unanimously approved, the reading of Resolution No.
72 -153 was waived and said resolution was adopted.
Resolution No. 72 -154 RESOLUTION SETTING RATES FOR ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL GOLF
COURSE
City Manager Callinan explained Resolution No. 72 -154.
Discussion followed during which Councilman Flores proposed
a Senior Citizen's rate be included in the resolution.
Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
Smith, and unanimously approved., the reading of Resolution
No. 72- 154 was waived and said resolution was adopted with
the stipulation that staff will have a recommendation for
a Senior Citizen's rate at the next regular Council meet-
ing.
Open Space Councilman Beary read a draft of a resolution concerning
open space. Discussion followed.
City Manager Callinan pointed out that the Council policy
not to extend utility service outside the city and not to
extend the present city limits was adopted by a simple
Council vote and could be changed in the same manner, thus
the outright acquisition of open space or development
rights of same was desirable to assure that the open
space couldn't eventually be developed. Further discussion
followed. City Attorney Maxwell indicated he would review
and submit to the Council the legalities involved in
acquiring open space, development rights, and /or scenic
easements.
Page 7. December 4, 1972
Business License Tax Councilman Beary initiated a discussion concerning the
business license tax advising he felt the rates should be
reviewed and increased with the idea of giving more support
to the Chamber of Commerce. He proposed a 100% increase
across the board for business license fees. Further
discussion followed. City Manager Callinan requested a
committee from the Council to assist him in working on a
revision of the business license fees. Councilmen Beary and
Hopkins volunteered to serve on said committee and were so
designated.
City Beautification Councilman Flores presented a proposal for a tree and shrub
and Tree Planting planting city beautification project, a copy of which is
attached to the original of these minutes. Discussion
followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, $3,000 in the City's
tree planting fund, Street Trees & Parkways Maintenance
budget,was approved for the proposed project and $400 will
be requested from the Cultural Arts Corporation for use
toward the project.
Sewer Flows Councilman Beary initiated a discussion concerning sewer
flows and sufficient capacity for new developments. City
Manager Callinan gave a verbal report of existing plant
capacity and also advised that the Planning Commission had
to get an engineer to certify on tentative maps that there
is sufficient sewer capacity to satisfy the Regional Water
Qualith ControlBoard. Discussion followed regarding the
college contract and the contract with the City of Cotati
for sewer treatment.
Building Activity Councilman Smith requested that the Council be apprised
of the number of buildings completed since January 1, 1972.
Councilman Smith noted that he had read an article in a
recent publication that the City of San Jose had enacted
a fee for new subdivisions and would like staff to check
into the matter.
Golf Course Snack Councilman Flores initiated a brief discussion concerning
Bar i.iic gull i:4 w:'."'7e 71tal:ri. J,1 c11's 1.14y A "lUL1Clg Ci' k_CL 1..L lllalE d.UV ia`SCU
that the golf professional had been advised that the snack
bar operator must be replaced by January 1, 1973. He
requested a brief executive session to continue discussion
of the matter.
1971 -72 Audit Discussion was held concerning the external 1971 -72 Audit
and some of the recommendations contained therein.
Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved, the 1971 -72 External Audit
prepared by Touche, Ross & Co. was accepted and staff re-
quested to prepare an estimate of cost to install a more
sophisticated accounting system, i.e. data processing.
Page 8. December 4, 1972
Additional Building City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
Inspector dated December 1 concerning an additional building inspect-
or. Discussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved, authorization to hire
an additional building inspector as requested was granted.
A brief discussion followed regarding builders possibly
cutting corners because the city does not currently have a
full -time building inspector.
Community Center
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
Additional Sidewalk
dated December 1 concerning additional sidewalks at the
Community Center and pointed out the locations proposed for
same on the landscape plan of the Community Center which
was on display. Discussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Smith, and unanimously approved, the additional sidewalks
requested for the Community Center were approved with
exposed aggregate finish to be used.
Picture Plaques for
City Manager Callinan brought to the attention of the
Football Team
Council the picture plaques informally approved for the
Rancho Cotate High School Championship Football Team.
Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, purchase of the football
team picture plaques was approved.
Home Appliance Co.
City Manager Callinan reported to the Council, in response
File No. 0124
to an earlier meeting request, that the mobile home being
used for living quarters behind Home Appliance Co. was
approved for a period of two years expiring August 2, 1973.
Expressway West to
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
Stony Point Road
dated December 1 concerning extension of the Expressway
west to Stony Point Road. A brief discussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Flores, and unanimously approved, the Mayor was requested
to write a letter to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
requesting that extension of the Expressway west to Stony
Point Road be provided for in the County's 1973-74 budget.
Overpass Appraisal
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
Costs
dated December 1 concerning the costs involved for the
appraisals required for the EDA grant for the overpass
project. A brief discussion followed during which the
Council indicated the cooperating property owners should
be requested to make up the unpaid shares of Cofego Enter-
prises and Auto Center Enterprises for the appraisals.
Page -9- December 4, 1972
City Manager's City Manager Callinan discussed his request to take some
Vacation accrued vacation time from December 19 through the end of
the year.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved, the Council authorized the
vacation and approved the appointment of Bob Albright as
City Manager Pro-Tem during the period mentioned above.
Retirement System City Attorney Maxwell discussed with the Council his
willingness to pay the required city contribution for his
back participation in the Public Employees' Retirement
System and as consideration for so doing requested authori-
zation to participate in the city's medical and dental
insurance plans on the same basis as regular employees.
Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, City Attorney Maxwell's
requests were approved and the Council expressed apprecia-
tion to Mr. Maxwell for paying the approximately $2,500
back contribution into the retirement system.
Tree Planting Charles Cochran, 7864 Adrian Drive, was recognized. He
Project spoke briefly concerning the tree planting project approved
earlier in the meeting and suggested that youth clubs
such as Key Club, DeMolay and Explorer Troops he included
in those service organizations that will he asked to parti-
cipate in helping to plant the trees. The Council indicated
it was a very good suggestion and would be implemented.
Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Roberts adjourned
the meeting at approximately 11:40 p.m.
D 4eu t �y C i t -C 1 e ro
APPROVED:
-------- - -
Mayor