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1973/03/05 City Council MinutesCall to Order Roll Call Executive Session Approval of Minutes Approval of Bills Communications Mrs. Lillian Vaughn re Sonoma County Child Care Association ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL MINUTES March 5, 1973 The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in regular session commencing at 7:50 p.m. in the City Offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Roberts presiding. The regular session was preceded by an executive session which commenced at 7:00 p.m. and at which all Councilmen were present and which was held to discuss Council personnel matters. Mayor Roberts called the meeting of the regular session to order at apprnmimAtpiu 7*9n n4m- mnA inA i-hp nigmAmp of allegiance. 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, Deputy City Attorney Cooper, Engineer Hudis, Supt. of Public Works Wiggins, Planning Director Skanchy, Director of Parks and Recreation Pekkain, and Administrative Intern .Kris Kristensen. Mayor Roberts announced that an executive session had been held prior to the regular meeting to discuss personnel matters. Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman Beary, and unanimously approved, the minutes-of February 21 were pproved as submitted. Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman Beary, and unanimously approved, the bills presented per the attached list in the amount of $25,829.43 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. At the request of the Council, City Manager Callinan read the Sonoma County Planning Commission resolution approving Rohnert Park revised Sonoma State College Environs Plan with certain changes. Discussion followed. Mrs. Lillian Vaughn, 369 Bonnie Court, was recognized. She advised she was appearing on behalf of the Sonoma County Child Care Association which was comprised of licensed day care homes in the area; noted that the Page 2. March 5, 1973 group will be more active in the area of day care both in Rohnert Park and Sonoma County, and brought to the attention of the Council that the group had donated trees for the city parks, but that another child care group had been given credit for same in the City's Quarterly Newsletter published in February. Mayor Roberts apologized for the error in identification of the group in the newsletter and thanked Mrs. Vaughn for her presentation. Supt. J. Davidson Cotati- Rohnert Park School Superintendent Davidson Cotati- Rohnert Park appeared before the Council to report on the current School District status of school planning. He advised that the demo - gnphic survey being taken was approximately 90% complete; that preliminary drawings are expected very soon for the new school being planned for Holiday Park and if the April 17 bond issue is approved, the school could be ready by September, 1974; that there are no empty classrooms at the present time and if the bond issue fails the district will be faced with more portables, double sessions, or a year -round school program. He reported that a door -to -door campaign is planned to remind residents to register to vote, particularly in the Holiday Park area. He stated that if the bond issue passes it would mean approximately .$17.50 increased property taxes annually on a $30,000 home. Discussion followed. American Housing Guild City Manager Callinan advised that the resolution File No. 0254A for adoption listed on the agenda should be deferred to the next regular meeting. Ordinance No. 192 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 63 (Zoning Map Change -- Gentry Development Co., File 0275) City Manager Callinan explained the ordinance and noted that it had inadvertently been omitted from the agenda. Planning Director Skanchy reviewed Planning Commission action on the subject rezoning, referring to the tent - ative map for Country Club Estates, Subdivision No. 1, on display. A brief discussion followed. Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Hopkins, and unanimously approved by the following roll call vote, the reading of Ordinance No. 192 was waived and said ordinance was adopted: AYES: (5) Councilmen Beary, Flores, Hopkins, Smith, and Roberts NOES: (0) None File No. 01024 Sonoma County Institute of Human Abilities,,Appeal of Planning Commission De ' nial of Use Permit to Convert Buildings at 265 College View Dr. to Multiple Family Units and Classrooms Page 3. March 5, 1973 Planning Director Skanchy reviewed his staff report dated February 2, 1973, Planning Commission considera® Lion and action on File No. 0102, and referred to the porposed site development plan for the buildings at 265 College View Drive. He advised that the Planning Commission had recommended denial of the use permit by a vote of 4-1 and read the findings of the Planning Commission and recapped City Manager Callinan's memo recommending conditions in addition to those prsented to the Planning Commission. Mr. Nick Zy,dycrn and Mr. Blackie Burrak, attorney, both n T1,.. * - - - -- : - - .3 TA- 7- - -3 - - --- f, 265 '1Y1^M9 Vlve Were rlL'. ZjY"YUL'11 explained the architectural rendering displayed to the Council; advised the group considered itself a coopera-- Live living situation not a commune; that courses are taught only on weekends; that there are presently 10 children in residence with a maximum of 20 being planned; there are six counselors, all married, for the children; most of the children will be placed from county agencies; the children would attend public schools; and that the group had expanded from one house in Oakland to 38 across the country. City Manager Callinan noted that a letter had been received from Attorney Maurice Fredericks requesting continuance of the matter and one from Mrs. Iona Sime, owner of Las Casitas Mobile Home Park, expressing opposition to the use permit. Mrs. Gloria Garrett, 351 Bruce, was recognized. She commented that she had visited the complex and had met some very nice people who seemed to have in common a zest for life and a love for children; the buildings were clean, and she believed the group would be an asset to the community. Mrs. Lillian Vaughn, 369 Bonnie Court, was recognized. She commented that creative, original, foster homes were needed, that the State Foster Parents Association had expressed a need to teach foster children about parventing, and urged approval of the requested use permit. Mrs. Shirley Russell, 7898 Santa Barbara Drive, was recognized. She commented that she also had visited the complex and saw a nice clean place, met some very nice people, and urged approval of the requested use permit. Mrs. Bonnie Luttrell, 779 Bernice Avenue, was recognized She commented that she also had visited Morehouse, had found a very positive group of people and felt they would be a benefit to the community. Page 4. March 5, 1973 Mr. Bill Ayers, 7124 Brenda Way, was recognized. He commented that if the group was going -to join the community, fine; but if they planned to build a wall around themselves and not pay their fair share for services then he did not want them. Mr. Blackie Burak was recognized. He stated that no resident of the complex could be on welfare or unemployment compensation and the group had consistently refused federal grants. Mr. Larry Swenson, Attorney, was recognized. He stated he was standing in for Maurice Fredericks who repre- sents Mrs. Iona Sime, owner of Las Casitas. He commented that if the Council approved the use permit the necessary findings contained in the Zoning Ordinance would have to be made. He reviewed said findings in Section 18 -700 of the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. John Sime, representing his mother who owns Las Casitas Mobile Home Park, was recognized. He questioned the possible use of drugs at the complex. Mr. Burak responded that the group was against illegal drugs and if any resident was found using drugs he /she was asked to leave. Mrs. Zydycrn was recognized. In response to Mr. Ayers comments about "building a wall" around the complex, Mrs. Zydycrn related an incident of strangers coming into the buildings looking for restrooms and advised she wanted a fence around the property for protection but that the group intended to become a part of the community. Mayor Roberts advised that Mrs. Sammis had expressed opposition to him concerning the requested use of the buildings. Discussion followed with Mr. Burak and Zydycrn con- cerning the conditions for the use permit listed in the Planning Staff Report dated February 2, 1973, and the additional four conditions listed in City Manager Callinan's memo to the Council dated March 2, 1973. The Council agreed that City Manager Callinan's recommended condition relative to the library be changed from a two year time period to one year. City Attorney Maxwell read the findings necessary to be made from Section 18 -700 of the Zoning Ordinance. Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman Beary, and unanimously approved by the following roll call vote, the Council made the necessary findings and approved the use permit to Recess Reconvene Laws Concerning Acquisition of Scenic Easements and /or Development Rights File No. 0235 Holiday Park Sub. re Bike Path Development'andi Page 5, March 5, 1973 convert the complex at 265 College View Drive into multiple family units and classrooms for teaching courses by,, the ,Sonoma County institute of Human Abilities, subject to conditions contained in the staff report dated February 2 and the City Manager's memo dated March 2 as amended and on file: AYES: (5) Councilmen Beery, Flores, Hopkins, Smith, and Roberts NOES: (0) None Mnirn" Rnl-)avmtc a anl= -oa a n Y+FanACC At thiA point in the meeting, the time being approximately 9:45 p.m. Mayor Roberts'ipeconvened the meeting, with all Council- men present, at approximately 9:58 p.m. Deputy City Attorney cooper gave a report on Preser- vation of Open Space, a copy of which is on file, which outlined the various methods of acquiring open space and the advantages and disadvantages of each. He noted there was a bill to be introduced shortly by Assemblyman Dunlop which would provide for a property transfer tax with funds derived from same to be used for acquisition of open space, and also a powers bill which, would give cities power to condemn property for open space. Discussion followed.. Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman Beery, and unanimously approved, staff was directed to investigate the feasibility of placing on the ballot a proposal for bond issue to acquire open space, to offer possible areas that should be considered for acqusition, and suggested prices for same. City Manager Callinan.read his memo to the Council dated March 2, 1973 concerning Holiday Park Bike Paths. Parks and Recreation Director Pekkain commented that y priori t, I W d c Y e z Lop m ent is with the neighborhood park not the bike paths, but it is up to the Council to decide. how much credit to give for development of the bike paths. City Manager.Callinan explained the proposed bike path locations by referring to the tentative map for Holiday Park Subdivision, Units 3, 4, and 5, which was on display._ Mr. Harold Heers of Forhim Corporation was recognized. He stated he was agreeable to having the money spent on the neighborhood park rather than the bike paths; that his firm could just pay the money to the city and Project No. 1973 --6 Well No. 8 Connection to County Aqueduct . Project NO. 1971 -3 Hinebaugh Creek, et al Assessment District Waste Water Treatment and.Disposal Page 6• March 5, 1973 let the city develop same. He commented that his firm would do the rough grading for the park areas. Dis- cussion followed. -Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Hopkins, and approved by the following roll call vote, the capital improvement funds for Holiday Park Subdivision, Units 3, 4, and 5 are to be expended first for the'neighborhood park improvements and the two tot lots shown on the tentative map, and then for the linear parks as funds are available: AYES: (3) Councilmen Beary, Flores, and Hopkins NOES: (2) Councilmen Smith and Roberts Councilman Smith stated for the record he voted no because he believed the developer had an obligation to develop the bike paths; there is a legal question now as to who must develop them; they could.be very expensive; the city is opening itself to liability which is unknown at this time; and he could see no reason to let the developer "off the hook ". City Manager Callinan explained that Project No. 1973 -6 provided for the extension of the water main south of East Cotati Avenue under the railroad and for a connection to the County Aqueduct. The two bids received for the project were reviewed. Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Hopkins, and unanimously approved, a contract was awarded to Argonaut Constructors, the low bidder, at a bid price of $5,840 for Project No. 1973 -6. City Manager Callinan advised that consideration of Project No. 1971 -3 should be deferred since some details were still being worked out. Mr. Bob Tancreto, North Coast Region Water.Quality Control Board, and Mr. Harold Welborn and Mr. Dick Soennichsen of Yoder- Trotter -Orlob and Associates were introduced. Mr. Harold Welborn explained there is a threat of a nuisance problem this summer as a result of effluent backing up under the freeway, and the proposal for interim improvements prepared by his firm is to move the outfall and make other improvements in processing the effluent in order to maintain quality of effluent with a plant capacity of 1.5 mgd. Superintendent of Public Works Wiggins and City Manager Callinan reviewed the plan for interim improvements prepared by YTO. Resolvt3 -on No. 73 -15 Page 7. 1 March 5, 1973 City Manager Callinan reported that the engineers for the city have stated Rohnert, Park is doing as much or more as any city in the area; plant improvements were made during 1971 under a federal grant; during February 1972 the discharge standards were increased and again in October; the Council had given authorization for preparation of a project report for the proposed pipeline to the Laguna plant and said report is nearing completion; got the.Cities of Sebastopol and Santa Rosa to participate in the preparation of the subregional Plan; and'the interim improvements will be another step. He advised he had prepared a proposed resolution which i. -4- 4-- wV uil u J_L1tpGJSC CL14 dClu lt.1V11C1.L Lt::", VL1 uG V G 1 VpTicaa dv p'u`y for the interim improvements and that the City of Cotati would be asked to pay its fair share (16.7%) of the cost for said improvements. Mr. Callinan noted that relocation of the outfall would require extension of a ditch through property not owned by the city, but that he had contacted the proper® ty owner, Mr. Howard Siskel, who had .indicated .he,.;' would cooperate,with.the city. Mr. Dick Soennichsen further explained the proposed improvements shown on the plan displayed. Superintendent of Public Works Wiggins advised he had reviewed the proposed improvements and believed they should solve problems for the present. Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Hopkins, and approved by the following roll call vote,-'. the ..Council endorsed the interim improvements for the waste water treatment plant, authorized staff to pro - ceed with Stage I of the improvements with the under- standing that the outfall relocation will be done as rapidly as possible and design for the pond additions and digester modifications started to meet the time table attached to the proposal. AYES: (5) Councilmen Beary, Flores, Hopkins, Smith, and Roberts NOES. (0) None RESOLUTION IMPOSING :ADDITIONAL SEWER SERVICE CONNECTION FEE City Manager Cailinan explained the resolution® Upon,motion of ,Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Hopkins, and unanimously approved, the reading of Resolution No.. 73 -15 was waived and said resolution was adopted. Page 8.. March 5, 1973 Sonoma County Water Engineer Hudis reported that the Sonoma County Water Agency System Augmen- Agency feels there may well be a water shortage soon tation Proposal and had proposed that an aqueduct be constructed from the Russian River to Cotati. He explained that if the cities pay for the aqueduct then any one who wants water would have to be a prime user and each city would have to commit itself to a certain amount of water in order to insure sufficient revenues to pay for the aqueduct. He reported that one million gallons per day (1 mgd) was the amount estimated for Rohnert Park by staff in order to assure an emergency supply of water for the city should something happen to the city wells. Discussion followed with Engineer Hudis participating. Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman Smith, and unanimously approved, the Council ..endorsed the draft of the Sonoma County Agency Water System Augmentation Proposal. Funding of Open Space Councilman Smith advised that the subject of funding of open space had been adequately covered in Deputy City Attorney Cooper's report given earlier in the meeting. Deer Meadow Village Councilman Smith asked for a status report on Deer File No. 0143 Meadow Village. Mr. John Gilligan of Murray & McCormick was present and advised that his firm has been contacted to have some work done on the portion of the development approved and understood that Commonwealth, Inc. plans to do something this year on the remainder. Policy on Mobile Councilman Smith advised that he would skip over the Home Parks matter of a policy on mobile home parks for the present. Bike Paths in New Councilman Smith suggested that developers be required Subdivisions to submit bike path improvement plans with a cost estimate for same at the time of tentative map sub - mission. A brief discussion followed. Tectonic .Land Councilman Smith expressed some concern over the Movement possibility of tectonic land movement or shifting of the land due to the city's well pumping system. He noted that some cities have sunk several feet in the last few years and suggested that the National .Oceanic Society of Rockville, Maryland be contacted for a survey of same. Mr. Norman Spivock was present and stated he had such a survey prepared on his property north of the golf course approximately 12 years ago and again last year and it had.been found his property was 2 to 10 inches higher now. REsidential Growth 'Policy Charter Law vs. General Law City Page 9. March 5, 1973 .Councilman.Smith reviewed his proposal for a resi- dential growth policy dated March 5, 1973, a-copy of which is on file. Councilman Smith commented that developers and realtors have tried to categorize him as one who opposed growth rather than one who is for controlled growth. He stated he does not diametrically oppose growth, bit that growth is not good when schools have to go on double session and sewer plant capacity is threatened by too rapid growth; that there is an obligation to protect the environment for those who are already here. Councilman Smith summarized a resolution he had pre- pared entitled "Resolution Establishing Intent to Adopt a Growth Policy and Directing Preparation and Implementation of a Residential Growth Policy for the .City of Rohnert Park" a copy of which is on file. Councilman Flores summarized a resolution he had pre- pared. entitled " resolution Establishing a Growth Policy Committee and Directing the Preparation of a Growth Policy for the City of Rohnert Park" a copy of which is on file. Discussion followed during which the Council scheduled a work session for Monday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. to consider a growth policy. City Attorney.Maxwell, responding to a question from the Council, advised there was no clear cut decision in California on growth limitation proposals. Councilman Beary noted that everyone seems to be worried about sewer`, water,`and schools, but no one seemed to be worried about the head of household being out of work; that he could not see solving a problem by creating a greater one,,and that economic problems should be given consideration. Councilman Flores initiated a brief discussion con- cerning.the slides of the proposed regional park ..,being made available to groups and city staff or Councilmen showing them and also suggested that peril .mission to use the proposed park site on Easter Sunday for community activities be sought from the property owner. Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Council - ,man Smith, and approved with Mayor Roberts abstaining, staff was directed to solicit permission from the property owner to use theproposed park site for com- munity activities on Easter Sunday. Councilman Beary deferred discussion on Charter Law vs. General Law cities due to the lateness of the hour. Page 10. March 5, 1973 County Housing Councilman Beary requested that consideration of the Analysis County Housing Analysis be continued to the next regu- lar meeting with county planning staff present to answer questions re same. Stadium Project Councilman Beary reported that the Stadium Committee had formally endorsed city staff recommendations set forth in 'a memo dated February 2, 1973. A brief dis- cussion followed. Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Hopkins, and unanimously approved, the Council endorsed said recommendations and authorized staff to proceed as outlined in the February 2, 1973 memo prepared by City Manager Callinan. ABAG Councilman Hopkins reported he had attended a recent ABAG meeting and a growth policy had been discussed. He also noted that it might be desirable for the Council to reaffirm its position in urging the County to get us out of ABAG and into another regional agency. Morrison Homes Councilman Beary initiated a discussion regarding the File No. 0255 Morrison Homes proposed development south of East Cotati Avenue and asked if it would be possible to grant the rezoning, requested but not accept any more tentative maps for that area since there are approxi- mately 2000 units involved. City Attorney Maxwell responded that he would have to research the matter. City Manager Callinan advised that in talking to rep - resentatives for the developer he had taken the position that there was not enough sewer and water capacity just now to accommodate the development. Further discussion followed. Mr. Jimmie Rogers, 704 Brett, was recognized. He advised that developers in the "Morrison" rezoning area were proceeding with plans and would be submitting tentative maps for Planning Commission consideration soon and solicited Council reaction to same. Two of the Councilmen indicated they would prefer the tenta- tive maps be submitted at a later time and this could ,be conveyed to developers involved. Updating of General Mayor Roberts inquired about the status of the General Plan Plan updating. City Manager Callinan responded that Planning Consultant F. G. Lehmann was nearly finished and the Planning Commission should be holding public hearings on the matter soon. Mini -bus Service Administrative Intern Kris Kristensen made a presen- tation to the Council regarding mini -bus service in .several nearby cities; advised that California State,.. College, Sonoma, is conducting a survey regarding a Page 11. March 5, 1973 mini-bus service for this area; and recommended that the Golden Gate Transit System be requested to conduct afeasibility study into the transit needs of Rohnert Park. Discussion followed. Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman Flores, and unanimously approved, staff was directed to request Golden Gate Transit System to conduct a feasibility study into the transit needs of Rohnert Park. Councilman Flores suggested that staff obtain infor- Tiln finnm tlia 04t-r ^-F rlpii,7 ^ n ;-I-c Cx uz oits operation since it is a similar situation and there is no charge made for students and senior citizens. Additional Police City Manager Callinan brought to the attention of the Vehicle Council memos dated February 6 and 21 from Director of Public Safety Dennett requesting an additional police vehicle. A brief discussion followed. Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Hopkins, and unanimously approved, acquisition of an additional police vehicle was authorized after calling for bids. Swimming Pool Rates City Manager Callinan brought to the attention of the Council the recommended swimming pool rates for 1973 submitted by Parks and Recreation Director Pekkain. (Copy attached to original of these minutes) Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Hopkins, and unanimously approved, the recommended swimming pool rates for 1973 were approved. 1972-73 Audit City Manager Callinan brought to the attention of the Council the proposal from Pisenti & Brinker for con- ducting the 1972-73 audit and reviewed his memo to the Council dated February 20 concerning same. A brief discussion followed. "p "-pon motion of Councilman Beary, s-econded by Co" n CIL.11-111can on and unanimously approved, the Pisenti & Brinker proposal for conducting the 1972-73 audit was approved. Environs Plan City Manager Callinan reported on the Sonoma County Local Agency Formation Commission's action on the Sonoma State College Environs Plan. Petaluma High School City Manager Callinan brought to the attention of the District-Counoil. Meeting Council the annual City Council-Petaluma High School District Board of Education meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 15. Page 12. March 5, 1973 Commerce Blvd. Mr. Malcolm Hubley, 135 Alma Avenue, was recognized. Traffic Problems He expressed concern over children walking and riding bicycles along Commerce Blvd. to the Park Plaza 'Shopping Center. Mayor Roberts responded that a bike path and walkway along Commerce Blvd. had been autho- rized by the Council.. Herbert Bradford Mr. Herbert Bradford, 8501 Liman Way, was recognized. Park He commented he had recently moved into Rohnert and was in favor of some program concerning a growth policy since the schools are not adequate for the influx of children. He mentioned he had been a school board member at his previous place of residence, was a contractor, and generally discussed growth and schools with the Council. Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Roberts adjourned the meeting at 1:00 a.m., March 6, to March 12 at 7:00 p.m. Deputy ity . rk APPROVED: Mayor