1973/02/05 City Council MinutesROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
February 5, 1973
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in
regular session commencing at 7:15 p.m. in the City
Offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with
Mayor Roberts presiding. The regular session was pre-
ceded by an executive session which .commenced at 7:00 p.m.
and at which all Councilmen, except Councilman Smith,
and City Manager Callinan were present and which was
held to discuss personnel matters.
Call to Order Mayor Roberts called the meeting of the: regular session
to order at approximately 7:15 p.m. and.led the.pledge
of allegiance.
Roll Call Present: (4) Councilmen Beary, Flores, Hopkins, and
Roberts
Absent: (1) Councilman Smith
Staff Present for all or part of the meeting:
City Manager Cal.linan,'City Attorney Maxwell,
Engineer Hudis, Planning Director Skanchy, and Parks
and Recreation Director Pekkain.
Approval of Minutes
Approval of Bills
Communications
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved, the minutes of January
l
were.-approved as submitted.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Flores, and unanimously approved,,-the bills presented per
the attached list in the amount of $49,479.37 were
,.approved.
.,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
Resn)i_ition No, 73 -07 RESOLUTZCN OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT
PARK FINDING AND DETERMINING THE PREVAILING WAGE RATE
City Manager Callinan and City Attorney Maxwell
explained the resolution.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and,unanimously: approved, the reading of
. .Resolution No. 73-07 was. waived and said resolution was
adopted.
Hermans.Letter, City.Manager Callinan brought to the Council's attention
a;letter fram Mr. and:Mrs. Hermans supporting Councilman
Smith's proposed growth policy.
Page 2. February 5, 1973
Project No. 1973'
City Manager Callinan advised that Mr. Norman Spivock,
North Trunk Sewer Main
the property owner in the area of the proposed assessment
Survey
district project, had decided to wait and see what
happens with the Hinebaugh Creek Drainage Plan project
before proceeding with Project No. 1973 -4.
Project No. 1973 -5
City Manager Callinan advised that Mr. Norman Spivock,
Santa Rosa Avenue
the property owner in the area of the proposed assessment
district project, wanted to await the outcome of the
Hinebaugh Creek Drainage'Plan project befor..e, proceeding
Planning Director
with Project No. 19.73 -5.
Project No. 1972 -12
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
Hinebaugh Creek Bridge
dated February'2, 1973 concerning Project No. 1972 -12.
at Country Club Drive
A brief discussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, staff was authorized
to call for bids on Project No. 1972 -12, Hinebaugh Creek
Bridge at Country Club Drive.
Project No.',1973 -6 City Manager.Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
Well No. 8 Connection.. dated February 2, 1973 concerning Project No. 1973 -6.
to County Aqueduct A brief discussion followed with Engineer Hudis
participating.
Upon motion..of.Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, staff was authorized
to call for bids on Project No. 1973 -6, Well No, 8'
Connection to County'Aqueduct.
Presentation on Sonoma Mr. Rich Lehtinen of the Sonoma County Planning Department
County Planning Dept.
was recognized. He distributed copies of the Analysis
Housing Analysis and
of Housing report, prepared by the Sonoma County 'Planning
Survey
Department, to the Council. Mr. Lehtinen explained the
report and discussed housing with its many complexities.
Discussion followed after which the Council requested that
Mr. Lehtinen and Mr. Wes Vail come before the Council at
a later meeting after the Councilmen had studied the
report, Mr..Lehtinen indicated they would be happy to
comply with the:request.
Planning Director
City Manager.Callinan introduced Planning Director Paul
Paul Skanchy
Skanchy to the Council.'
File No. 0254
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
Shapell Rezoning -.
dated February,2,.1973 concerning File No. 0254.
Consideration of
Planning Director Skanchy explained the Environmental
Environmental.
Impact Questionnaire, Statement, and Report procedure and
Impact Approval
reviewed his staff report dated January 19, 1973 prepared
for the Planning Commission and the Commission's recom-
mendation of ,environmental approval. Discussion
followed with, tir. •David Eck, 7075 Adele Avenue, who was
recognized'participating< Discussion concerned sewer
plant capacity and the city's waste water treatment
efforts, i.e. efforts being made to qualify for a grant
Page 3. February 5, 1973
to construct a line to the Santa Rosa Laguna plant, work -
ing with the Water Quality Control Board to meet state
requirements for the sewer plant, and working with the
Federal Environmental Protection Agency on the demonstra-
tion project at the sewer plant which is nearly completed.
-Engineer'Hu.dis was also recognized and commented that if
municipalities draw boundaries around the city and do
not let other people in, it simply creates an environ-
mental problem elsewhere, either in cities or in unincorp-
orated areas.
Upon motion of-Councilman Flores, seconded Dy Councilman
Beary, and approved by the following roll call vote,
environmental approval was given for the Shapell Rezoning:
AYES: (4) Councilmen Beary, Flores, Hopkins, and
Roberts
NOES: (0) None
ABSENT: (1) Councilman Smith
File No. 0235
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
Holiday Park Sub.
dated February, 2, 1973 concerning File No. 0235, Holiday
Bike Path Credit
Park.'
Director of Parks and Recreation Pekkain reviewed the
landscaping plan for Holiday Park Subdivision Nos. 3, 4,
and 5.'refcerring to the tentative map and suggested
bikeway treatment plan, both on display.
Mr. Harold Heers of Forhim Corporation further explained
and discussed the plans on display. Discussion followed
with Mr. Heers participating.
Council recommended that there be prepared a list of
priorities for recreation facilities development in the
area south of East Cotati Avenue and that staff check on
the bicycle path cost figures submittedty Forhim Corpo-
ration and report back with a suggested program.
File No. 0244
Planning Director Skanchy reported that the final map
Country Club Garden.
for Country Club Garden Estates met all the requirements
Estates, Final Map
of the Subdivision Ordinance, conformed to the tentative
Approval
map, and therefore recommended approval. A brief dis-
cussion `followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and'unanimously approved, the final map for
Country Club Garden Estates was approved and the Mayor
authorized to enter into an appropriate subdivision
agreement prior to releasing the map for recording.
Ray Goff -
Planning Commission Chairman-Goff was recognized. He
,Shapely::
advised that at-Council request he had abstained from
voting and discussion on the Shapell rezoning application
Page 4. February 5, 1973
—1.11
and matters related thereto, but since the rezoning had
been approved by the .Council, he would like to resume
participation in the general planning for that area.
Discussion followed during which it was noted that City
Attorney Maxwell had opihioned that there was no conflict
of interest on.the part of Mr. Goff. Council agreed
that Mr. Goff should now be able to fully participate in
planning matters in the area of the Shapell rezoning.
Open Space - Report
City Attorney Maxwell reported that Deputy City Attorney
on Acquisition of
Cooper had just completed preparation of a report on
Scenic Easements or
acquisition of-scenic easements and /or development rights
Development Rights,,
and would like more time to review same before discussing
it with the Council. He advised he would mail copies of
said report to the Council within a week or so.
Recess
Mayor Roberts declared a recess at this point in the
meeting, the time being approximately 9:05 p.m.
Reconvene
Mayor Roberts reconvened the meeting at approximately
9:20 p.m.
Growth Policy
Mayor Roberts explained that Councilman Smith was ill
with the flu and had requested that no discussion be held
on his "Proposal for Growth Policy" until he could be
present,
Councilman Flores read a "Statement on GrowthP1 prepared
by him, dated February 1, 1973, a copy of which is
attached to the original of these minutes.
Councilman Flores made a motion, seconded by Councilman
Beary, that the Council establish a residential growth
committee, that applications for said committee be
solicited from citizens of Rohnert Park, and that no
less than 25 applicants be selected from the applications
...:received:
City Manager Callinan advised that neither he or City
Attorney Maxwell had seen the report prior to the
meeting.and.suggested that town meetings, questionnaires,
,'and similar methods be used to obtain opinions from.the
community.
City Attorney Maxwell advised that for such a large
committee to make an intelligent recommendation would
require a tremendous amount of education and staff time
to educate. He recommended that the City Council,
Planning Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission
get pbblic input through forums, questionnaires, etc.
A lengthy discussion followed.
Councilmen Flores and Beary amended their motion and
second,respectively to approve the recommendations con -
tained in .:the.' °Statement on Growth" in concept and give
Drainage During:
Recent: Storms.
Page 5.
1. February 5, 1973
the matter further study. Councilman Flores' amended
motion was unanimously approved.
Councilman Beary noted that he thought it advisable to
have a report on drainage during recent rain storms and
requested City: Manager Callinan to give said report.
Mr. Callinan reported that the residential.areas had no
significant problems with_drainage9 that Commerce Blvd.
in certain spots did have some problems, but as develop -
ment takes place the,water will be diverted into Hinebaugh
Creek and Copeland Creek. He reported no drainage prob-
lems, M-
lems on the westerly frontage road, but the northern
area of the city and Golf Course Drive had quite a bit of
flooding. He explained that when the Hinebaugh Creek
Drainage Plan is implemented this water will be diverted
into channels. He further advised that there had been
some flooding problems in Companeros Mobile Home Park
due to Five Creek,jumping its channel, but that this
would also be corrected when the Hinebaugh Creek Drainage
Plan is implemented.
Councilman Flores.noted that the Council had established
a speakers bureau but it had not been as successful as
it could be so a town meeting was being arranged for
February 12 :.to hear from a wide sector of citizens. He
reported that Mayor Roberts had been designated as mod-
erator for the meeting, that Councilman Beary would
review the stadium project, and a slide presentation
would be given of the Rapozo property in the foothills
which had been selected for..a regional park, to get
discussion started. City Manager Callinan advised he had
alerted all department heads to have a brief presentation
ready on their department if the meeting should begin to
lag. It was suggested that the chairman or a representa-
tive from each commission also be present as well as all
staff. Discussion followed with Jimmie Rogers partici-
pating..
Charter Law vs.
Councilman.Beary advised he would like more time to
General Law City
study the report received from the League of California
Cities concerning charter law and general law cities.
Consideration of the matter was deferred to the next
regular meeting.
Outside Lights for
Mayor Roberts noted that some more outside Lights would
City Office Building
be desirable at the City offices. City Manager Callinan
advised that proposals for said lights had been solicited
from the contractor for.the building and he would be
reporting bac }c to the Council when the information is
received,
~Bike Paths
City Manager Callinan reviewed his report dated
February 5 entitled 91Estimated Cost for Additional Bike
Lane- Berms, "..... Discussion followed with Mr. Maurice
Fredericks participating.
Page 6.
February 5, 1973
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved, staff was authorized to
solicit proposals and award a contract for the installa-
tion of bicycle lane berms on Southwest. Boulevard and
Commerce Boulevard in accordance with the February 5, 1973
staff report presented-and at a cost not to exceed $3,700.
Las Casitas Rent Councilman Beary initiated a discussion concerning the
Increase recent increase in rent at the Las Casitas Mobile Home
Park, some as high as 23 %, and the hardship this pre-
sented to the residents on fixed incomes.
Mr. Maurice Fredericks was recognized and suggested that
the owners of the mobile home park be contacted, if they
had not been, to ascertain information concerning the
increase. Discussion followed. Staff was directed to
contact the owners of Las Casitas Mobile Home Park and
request that they, or a representative, be present at
the next regular Council meeting to discuss the rental
increase at the mobile home park.
Councilman Beary initiated a discussion concerning .
P.G. & E. service to the Las Casitas Mobile Home Park.
Mr. Ralph Fitch of P.G. & E., who was present, advised
that Las Casitas has a master meter, as do all mobile
home parks in Rohnert Park, and that "screwdriver" service
is not given by P.G. & E: in a master metering situation.
Staff was requested to send letters to all developers of
approved mobile home parks .requesting that individual
meters be installed when the parks are constructed as a
courtesy to future residents.
CATV Councilman Beary initiated a brief discussion concerning
Storer Cable TV service in the community and reported
that he had received several complaints about the service.
Staff was requested to obtain names of firms which could
check on the CATV system.
Sonoma County Planning Councilman Beary requested that the Housing Analysis and
Dept., Housing Analysis Survey prepared by the Sonoma County Planning Department
be scheduled for discussion at the next regular meeting.
Regional Water Quality Councilman Beary suggested that a member of the Regional
Control Board Water Quality Control board be invited to the next.
regular meeting to discuss sewer plant capacity; meeting
state requirements for effluent and similar matter
Staff indicated -that representatives of the board ould
probably prefer not to become involved in local politics.
Building Permits Councilman Beary inquired if all building permits being
issued were on the new development tax rate schedule.
Staff reponded that all permits issued after the effect-
ive date of the new ordinance would be at the new rates.
Discussion was held concerning the possible application
Page 7. February 5, 1973
Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, the reading of
Resolution No. 73-08 was waived and said resolution
.was adopted.
Sonoma State College Councilman Beary initiated a brief discussion regarding
Environs Plan thd County Planning Commission's scheduled continued
Public hearing.on the Sonoma State College Environs
Plan. Several of the Councilmen indicated they planned
to attend said hearing.
1915 Act Delinquency City Manager Callinan,reported that all monies advanced
Repayments,- 'to the county for delinquent 1915 Act assessments had been
returned to thecity and.reviewed his memo to the Council
dated February 2 concerning same.
Disability Wage Plan City Manager'Callinan noted that a copy of the Disability
Booklet Wage Plan booklet outlining the City's policy effective
.August 1, 1972, had been furnished to each Councilman.
.Mini-bus Service-�� Due;to�,the lateness of the hour, discussion on the mini-
,bus service,information ' received by student intern Kris
V-1
, ist-'ensen was dP_.4E=erjre-%AA to the next regular meeting.
of the recent development tax ordinance on the !Deer
Meadow Village development.
Rancho Cotate
Councilman Flores inquired of Mr. Malcolm Hubley if he was
Wrestling Team
present to request plaques for the Rancho Cotate Wrestling
Team. Mr. Hubley responded that he would prefer to wait
until the wrestling schedule is completed and the team
undisputed champions before making such a request.
Sonoma State College
~Mr. David Eck was recognized andexpressed concern that
Environs Plan
.no city.official-had spoken at the recent Sonoma State
College Environs -Plan public hearing held by the Sonoma
County Planning Commission. Councilman Hopkins and City
Manager Callinan indicated they had attended the public
hearing and were prepared to speak and that a city rep-
resentative will speak at the continued public hearing.
.Sales Tax Litigation-
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
City of-Baldwin Park
',dated February 2, 1973 concerning Sales Tax litigation
proposed by the City of Baldwin Park. A brief discussion
followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
Floies, and unanimously approved, the Council declared
its intention to support the City of Baldwin Park in its
proposed litigation to test the validity of the method
of apportionment of sales tax.
Resolution No. 73-08
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
CONCERNING PRESERVATION OF OPEN SPACE VISTAS
City Manager Callinan explained the resolution.
Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, the reading of
Resolution No. 73-08 was waived and said resolution
.was adopted.
Sonoma State College Councilman Beary initiated a brief discussion regarding
Environs Plan thd County Planning Commission's scheduled continued
Public hearing.on the Sonoma State College Environs
Plan. Several of the Councilmen indicated they planned
to attend said hearing.
1915 Act Delinquency City Manager Callinan,reported that all monies advanced
Repayments,- 'to the county for delinquent 1915 Act assessments had been
returned to thecity and.reviewed his memo to the Council
dated February 2 concerning same.
Disability Wage Plan City Manager'Callinan noted that a copy of the Disability
Booklet Wage Plan booklet outlining the City's policy effective
.August 1, 1972, had been furnished to each Councilman.
.Mini-bus Service-�� Due;to�,the lateness of the hour, discussion on the mini-
,bus service,information ' received by student intern Kris
V-1
, ist-'ensen was dP_.4E=erjre-%AA to the next regular meeting.
Golf Course Domestic
Water
Copper Pipe Corrosion
Data Processing
Cotati Sewer Flow
Stadium Project
Page 8. February 5, 1973
City Manager.Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
dated February.2:concerning domestic water for the golf
course. A brief discussion followed.
Upon motion of'Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved, a connection to the
Scnoma.County Water.'Agency aqueduct was authorized•to
provide domestic water to the golf course.
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
dated February 2 concerning a proposal from.Corrosion
Engineering and Research Company to investigate the cause,
of copper pipe corrosion in Subdivision 17B. A brief
discussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved., the proposal of Corrosion
Engineering and Research Company, dated January 16, 1973,
to investigate the cause of copper pipe corrosion in
Subdivision 17B was accepted:,
City Manager Callinan reviewed his staff report dated
February 5 concerning estimate of costs to use the
Automatic Data Processing firm for accounts payable and
general ledger systems. A brief discussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman_Flores, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, staff was authorized
to use Automatic Data Processing Co. to handle accounts
payable and the general ledger:systems.
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
dated February 2, 1973 concerning Cotati sewer flow and
Cotati City.Manager Salfen's memo to the Cotati City
Council concerning the matter. Discussion followed.
City Manager Callinan advised that copy of a letter to
College President McGrath from the State Chancellor's
Office had been received and copies provided to the
Council as well as copies of Mr. Callinan's memo covering
a meeting held January 26, 1973 with high school and
college personnel to discuss how to proceed in usage of
the college stadium. Discussion followed.
Councilman Beary advised that there would still be a
continuing fund raising effort on the part of the
Stadium Committee, that there was a Stadium Committee
meeting scheduled for February 6 and he would discuss.the
staff recommendations contained in the memo covering the
January 26 meeting and bring back a recommendation from
the- Stadium Committee to the Council before it takes
action, The Council agreed.
Portable Bui_ld.i.ngs City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
dated ,,February 2 concerning portable buildings and
Page 9. February 5, 1973
advised that subsequent to writing the memo he had
received a call from Technical Enterprises, a Richmond
firm, advising that then had some portable buildings
available at $8.00 per square foot at the firm's plant.
Council requested that staff go look at the portable
buildings and report back to the Council.
Bike Path to College City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
dated February 2, 1973 concerning the bike path to the
college. Discussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved, payment of the bills
for the bike path from Snyder Lane to the college was
approved and staff directed to approach the college for
further contributions toward the cost of the bike path
and /or college maintenance of same.
Light Poles at City Manager Callinan reported that removal of the tall,
Comstock Chevron Station unused light poles at the Comstock Chevron Station had
been accomplished by Standard Oil Co. as a community
improvement project.
Government Classes at City Manager Callinan advised that government classes
High School are being conducted at Rancho Cotate High School this
semester and both City Attorney Maxwell and he were
speaking to the classes this week. He requested that
some of the Councilmen also speak if possible. Mayor
Roberts and Councilman Beary indicated they would.
No All Night Parking The Council was advised that the "No All Night Parking"
effort was successful in those areas posted to date and
that additional areas would be posted in the near future.
Golf Course Snack Bar City Manager Callinan advised that a possible operator
for the golf course snack bar was coming in the next
day to discuss the operation and he thought there would
be a change soon.
Solicitors in City* City Attorney Maxwell reported that the existing ordi_..
nance did apply to all solicitors and that non- profit
groups conducting door to door fund raising campaigns
should obtain solicitor's permits.
Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Roberts
adjourned the meeting at approximately 11:15 p.m. to
Wednesday, February 21 at 4:00 p.m.
De uty City C k
APPROVED:
Armando F. Flores, Councilman
February 1, 1973
STATEWENT ON GROWTH
I strongly believe that if meaningful steps
are to be 4-Owar,
&I Ul Y z;nu premises
below must be taken into consideration.
Baste Premises
1. The City Council has advocated controlled,
growth.
2. The City y Gouncil has taken the position
that growth will not take place if city
services are significantly diminished.
3. The City Council believes that our exist-
ing recreational and cultural programs
should, not be adversely affected by growth.
4. The City Council made a policy statement
that they would give substantial weight
to the recommendations of the Rohnert Part-
Cotati School Board and to. the recommendations
of the Petaluma High School Board regarding
development and its effect on our schools.
5. The City Council has taken steps to ensure
that our ability to provide sufficient
water and satisfactory sewage treatment •
processing will not be overtaxed,,
-2—
6. The City Council is aware of the negative
aspects of no growth, the substantial
benefits of controlled growth, and the
undesirable effects of unlimited growth.
. The pity Council has the ul timatp rp� r�nn-
sibi.lity for the growth that occurs in
the city.
8. The City Council has consistently advocated
that the ultimate population of the city
should not exceed 45,000 people.
9. The City Council believes that controlled
growth should be achieved by the City Council
with the advise and counsel of the residents.
Assuming that we have a population of 9,000 people,
we are 36, 000 people away from the anticipated ma)�imum
population of Rohnert Park.
Given that we will someday have 36,000 more residents,
if the Laguna Plant is expanded and the Sonoma State
College IfJnviorns Plan is approved by the Board of Supervisors,
a reasonable time table should be projected to accomodate
the anticipated growth.
If we assume that there will be 4 persons per
residential housing unit constructed, then to house the
36,000 new residents, 9,000 units must be constructed.
This number of units should be reduced by the projects
already approved by the City Council and those approved
by the Planning Commission and pending before the City
Council.
We are rapidly approaching the point where our
Itmargin of safety" in respect to our Sewage Treatment
Plant should be carefully considered and the ability
of our school districts to accomodate. new students
ip m i i. P i n n rt. h 7 T 11 - 12 4� -- - -
V I" L (I LIU r&
,c),007 0 elec
and, the Laguna Plant expansion program will hopefully
give us time to properly plan for our ultimate population.
The important factor to determine is the number
of units that we should allow per year to achieve our
projected population. This question is a vital question
and should be carefully considered. That means that
every citizen - resident should be given an opportunity
to hear many proposals questioned, and debated. It
means that "town meetings" should be held, d000r-to-door
surveys should be taken, and public hearings should
be scheduled.-
Further, it means that'this should be a project
promulgated by the cttizen-residents. Yes., there
must be a committee of citizens who should be designated
to make recommendations to the Planning Commission and
to the City Council. The recommendations should be
directed toward the number of developments that take
place in Rohnert Park each year.
It is imperative that this committee be substantial
and representative. It should include homemakers,
blue collar workers, businessmen and women,-and
professional men and women. The committee should
be representative of the citizens who make up Rohnert Park.
As a group, they can give recommendations that reflect
the prevalent attitudes in our community and, that is
what we should desire.
The committee should be composed of no less than
25 members. it is my belief that there must be a
substantial number of members to do the extensive
amount of research that will be required. f suggest
that the City Council appoint persor,-,.to phis committee
from solicited applications. X am certain that many
residents will seek the opportunity to serve.
Once the recommendations of the committee are
presented and approved, the Planning Commission should
continue to review and approve projects. They have
done an outstanding job in seeking and obtaining
quality developments and they should be allowed to
continue their work with the full support of the
CItU Council.