1974/06/03 City Council MinutesROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 3, 1974
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in
regular session commencing at 7 :00 p.m. in the City
Offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with
Mayor Beary presiding. The regular session was preceded
by an executive session which commenced at 7:00 p.m. and
at which all Councilmen, City Manager Callinan, and City
Attorney Flitner were present, and which was held to dis-
cuss personnel matters, possible litigation matters, and
employee negotiation matters.
Call to:Order
Mayor Beary called the meeting of the regular session to
order at approximately 7 :32 p.m. and led the Dledge of
allegiance.
Roll Call
Present: (5) Councilmen Eck, Flores, Hopkins, Smith,
and Beary
Absent: (0) None
Staff present for all or part of the meeting:
City Manager Callinan, City Attorney Flitner, Planning
Director Skanchy, and Supt. of Public Works Wiggins.
.Approval of Minutes
Mayor Beary stated he would like the May 20 minutes
corrected on page 3 to reflect that he had stated in
part that more development is taking place east of
Rohnert Park than is occuring east of Petaluma.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Flores, and unanimously approved, the minutes of May 13
were approved as submitted and the minutes of May 20
were approved as corrected.
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 $117,902.30 were
approved. Said total includes $24,92000 for the Rohnert
Park Civic Commission.
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 minute-
AB 2040
Councilman Eck initiated a brief discussion concerning
AB 2040. Further consideration was deferred until later
in the, meeting;
Resolution No. 74 -76
RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION 74 -58 APPROVING
AGREEMENTS WITH PACIFIC TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH
COMPANY
Resolution No, 74 -77
RESOLUTIOWREQUESTING THE SONOMA COUNTY WATER AGENCY TO
ACCEPT "FOR MAINTENANCE THE DRAINAGE DITCH CREEK
WESTERLY'W LIMAN WAY (To the rear of lots on Myrtle
Avenue and.Landsdown Circle)
Page 2. dune 3, 1974
Resolution No. 74-79
'RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GRANT DEED,(Park, Landscaped, and
Drainage Ditch;Areas, Llano Subdivision Unit No. 1)
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Smith, and unanimously approved, the reading of Reso-
lutions 74 -76 through 74 -78 was.waived and said resolu -
tions,were, adopted.
Ordinance No. 227
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE,NO. 55 TO ESTABLISH
PRIMA -FACIE SPEED LIMIT ON COMMERCE BLVD. (25 MPH
northbound from Southwest Blvd. to Expressway)
City Manager Callinan reviewed. -his memo to the Council
dated May 31 concerning the proposed ordinance and
results of a Department of Public Safety survey of the
area, both of which recommended against lowering the
speed limit from 35 MPH to 25 MPH. Discussion followed.
Councilman Hopkins made a motion to refer the matter
"
Mack to staff for continued study. Further discussion
followed. The motion died for lack of a second.
Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded'by Councilman`
Smith, and approved by the following roll call vote,
Ordinance,No. 227 was introduced:
AXES: .(3) Councilmen Eck, Flores, and Smith
NOES: (2) Councilmen Hopkins and Beary
Councilman Hopkins requested.that a letter to the appropri-
ate, State agency be written regarding speed, limits not
meeting State requirements, especially for example
Southwest Blvd. not meeting the residential standards
requirement.
File 0215, Final Map
City Manager Callinan briefly reviewed his memo to the
Approval, El Colegio
'Council dated May 31 concerning File 0215 and read a..
Terrace Apartment
letter from John,Simmons, Chairman, Department of Housing,
California.State'College, Sonoma, dated dune 3, 19740
which indicated no objection to the change in the
project from apartments to condominiums.
Planning Director Skanchy explained the site plan on
display for the,38':` unit El Colegio Terrace complex which
has already been constructed, advised he had "reviewed the
Covenants, Condit!ans, and Restrictions for the project and
they met with his approval. Discussion followed.
Hilda Price, Valley of the Moon Realty, was recog4xzed.
She, explained the reasons for the requested conversion to
c6ominiums.and,.advised that sales would be aimed toward-
on
the young married market in a- -price range of $19,200.
Discussion f6howed during which Mrs. Price advised that
a professional landscape architect had been engaged and
Page 3.
I June 3, 1974
Mr.. Roy Hawthorno 4360 Montecito, Santa Rosa, was recog-
nized..'H6t commented that if the lights were installed,
consideration•should be given to efficiency of the system.
Mr. Ron Fiori, 165 Allan Avenue, was recognized. He com-
mented that he felt the matter should have come before
-the' Parks 'and Recreation Commission before any Council
action is taken; that the Commission was not aware there
were any funds available for tennis court lights.
Mt. Bryce Suderow, 373 Bonnie Avenue, was recognized. He
inquired- why it was felt that lights were desirable on the
staff advised that the final map would not be released
for recording until the landscaping for the complex had
been completed.
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Flores., and approved by the following voice vote, the
final map for El'Colegio Terrace was, approved with the
understanding that staff will not release it for record-
ing until the landscaping is completed to the satisfaction
•"of
the Planning Director:
AYES: (4) Councilmen Flores, Hopkins, Smith, and
Beaty
NOES: (1) Councilman Eck
Temporary Use Permit
City Manager Callinan brought to the attention of the
for Fireworks-The Church
Council a recommendation from the Planning Commission
of Jesus-ChVist of
that the $15.00 temporary use permit filing fee for
Latter-Ddy -Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints be
File 0239'".'i,
waived. Discussion followed,
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Eck and approved by the following roll call vote, the
Council adopted a policy that waiving of these t3q)es
of fees would not be considered whether for profit or
non-profit organizations:
AYES: (3) Councilmen Eck, Smith, and Beaty
NOES: (2)• Councilmen Flores and Hopkins
Tennis Court Lights at
City Manager Callinan explained the agenda item, advising
Rohnert Park Jr. High
that a letter requesting comments had been sent to
Burton Avenue residents opposite the junior high. He read
a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Beggio, Burton Avenue residents,
which expressed opposition to the installation of lights
on the tennis courts at Rohnert Park Junior High School
and advised that a telephone call had been received from
Mr. Art Roberts in which he expressed no objection to the
lights if they were.turned off at a reasonable hour.
Mayor I Beary'invited comments from the audience.
Mr.. Roy Hawthorno 4360 Montecito, Santa Rosa, was recog-
nized..'H6t commented that if the lights were installed,
consideration•should be given to efficiency of the system.
Mr. Ron Fiori, 165 Allan Avenue, was recognized. He com-
mented that he felt the matter should have come before
-the' Parks 'and Recreation Commission before any Council
action is taken; that the Commission was not aware there
were any funds available for tennis court lights.
Mt. Bryce Suderow, 373 Bonnie Avenue, was recognized. He
inquired- why it was felt that lights were desirable on the
Page 4. June 3, 1974
teriDis..00urts Councilman Smith responded that there
were many residents desiring to play tennis who could
only play in the.evening hours after work.
Councilman Smith made a motion to provide for lights on
the Rohnert Park Junior High School tennis courts in the
next- fiscal year budget.
..Mr. Ron Bowen, 573 Lamont Ct.,, was recognized, and made
general comments,
Miss Janine Uren, 183 Alison Avenue, was recognized. She
commented that the tennis courts at the Junior High were
in terrible shape and did not feel that installation of
lights was justified. City Manager Callinan responded
that the school district could be ^requetted.to uPArade'
the condition of the courts as part of the agreement con-
cerning the.installation of lights.
Mr. Ron -Fiori was aga n.recognized. He asked -about the
status of the four.new tennis courts for Alicia and
Ladybug Parks. City Manager Callinan and Mayor Beary
responded that 'a construction contract had been awarded.
Mr. Piori suggested -that first consideration for lights
be given to the courts in'Alicia Park.
Mr. Glenn Durden, 872 Santa Alicia, was recognized and
made general comments.
Mr. Ed Ratliff, 577 Lamont Ct., was recognized and made
general comments.
Mrs. Laikie Sani, 7683 Adrian'Drve; was recognized. She
asked if the lights were coin operated what would prevent
them from being used all night. City Manager Callinan
responded that the electrical.system could be designed
to cut off power at a certain time.
Councilman Smith withdrew his previous motion and made a
motion, seconded by Councilman Eck, to refer the matter
to the Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration
and recommendation. Said motion was passed unanimously
on a voice vote.
Youth Panel Report on Jeff Roberts appeared and reported on the Youth Panel
Trip to California trip to the California Youth Coalition, and presented
a compilation of reports, brochures, and various materi-
als from the conference to Mayor Beary. He commented
that unlike',in Rohnert Park youth commission members from
other cities complained:about° not being able to talk to
city staff.and elected officials, He expressed thanks to
the City Council and staff for,the help given in establish
.ling the Rohnert Park.Youth Panel, and suggested that
members of the Youth Panel go to other cities in Sonoma
County to aid in.establishirig youth panels.
Page 5.
June 3., 1974
Presentation re Energy Douglas Harding and Roy Hawthorne made a slide presentation
Saving and Efficiency concerning various buildings in Rohnert Park and the ways
Structures and energy were used in same; commented that the project had
Copeland Creek — been decided upon to perhaps help in the future planning
of Rohnert Park ;. stated that gas rather than electrical
appliances should be used since they are more efficient;
and that solar orientation of buildings should be con -
sidered.
At the request of Mayor Beary, City Manager Callinan
explained the establishment of the Uniform Building
Codes and advised that under existing State law the codes
could only be amended to meet unique local conditions.
Discussion e1V1l VWeU
.
City Manager Callinan explained that in approving develop -
ments for the Copeland Creek area east of Snyder Lane that
it was with the understanding that an effort would be made
to try and keep the creek in as natural a state as
possible', if feasible. He also pointed out that the city
could require creek development less than that required
by the Sonoma County Water Agency standards but had not
done-'so since when development is complete the drainage
ways are given to the Water'Agency for maintenance. A
brief general discussion followed during which Mr. Harding
and Mr. Hawthorne were asked if they would consent to
showing their slides of Copeland.Creek later in the
meeting since others were waiting. They agreed to do so.
Upon motion of Councilman Eck', seconded by Councilman
Flores, and approved'by the following roll call vote,
staff was directed to come back with recommendations for
stiffening the uniform Building Code insofar as 3 /8iP
siding is concerned.'
AYES: (4) Councilmen Eck, Flores, Hopkins, and Smith
NOES: (0) None
ABSTAIN; (1) Mayor Beary
Mayor Beary stated for the record he abstained due to a
possible conflict of interest.
Mrs. Susan Litley re. Mrs. Susan Litley, 563 LaCrosse Ct. North, appeared. She
Fencing Along Railroad read'a petition signed by over 100 residents of the area
south of East Cotati Avenue which demanded immediate con
struction of a fence to protect children from wandering
onto the railroad tracks.
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
dated May 31 concerning the intallation of a fence in
the subject area. Discussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Flores, and unanimously approved, the city will install a
Page 6. June 3, 1974
fence in the area of the playlot to be developed at the
end of LaCrosse Ct. to connect to the fence to be installed
by Forhim Corporation from one end of the playlot to the
other adjacent to the railroad, and also along the railroad
from the bike path that extends from Lancaster Drive
to the railroad.
Mr. Ed Ratliff, 577 Lamont Ct., was recognized. He
commented that the parks, bike paths, etc. that had been
promised by Forhim Corporation had not yet been received
by the residents of the area.
,
Carol Baucom, 528 LaCrosse Ct., was recognized. She com-
mented that home buyers were given the impression that
green belts would be installed right away and a swimming
pool and recreation building would come later.
Harry Sullivan, 529 LaCrosse Ct., was recognized. He
ivequested•that' the committee ' give -some priority to the
,bike paths so they would not be a quagmire this winter.
Discussion followed with Ron Bowen, Carol Baucom, Ed
Ratliff, and Susan Litley participating. Carol Baucom
requested that the walkways be installed from the cul -de-
sac to the bike path. City Manager Callinan responded
that the developer is responsible for the walkways and
is being pressured to get them in.
Further general discussion followed regarding concerns of
residents in "L" section.
Harry Sullivan was again recognized. He thanked the
Council for its time and apologized to those on the agenda
who followed.
Recess
Mayor Beary declared a recess at this point in the meet -
ing, the time being approximately 10:05 p.m.
Reconvene
Mayor Beary reconvened the meeting at approximately
10:20 p.m. with all Councilmen present.
Copeland Creek
Doug Harding, 1420 Southwest Blvd., appeared and advised
Slide Presentation
he was a student and present to give a presentation on
Copeland Creek and show slides of the creek covering a
period from 1969 to the present. Following the slide
presentation there was a brief discussion.
Federal Revenue Sharing
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
dated May 31 concerning Federal Revenue Sharing funds.
Discussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, the Federal Revenue
Sharing funds to be received for the'July 1, 1974 thru
June 30, 1975 entitlement period were designated for
recreation capital improvements.
Page 7. July 3, 1974
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Eck, and unanimously approved., the Parks and Recreation
Commission is to be advised of these funds with the
request that `red nmendationsbe submitted for possible
uses._
Proposed Ordinance
City Attorney Flitner provided copies of a draft of an
Requiring Dedication of-
ordinance,.which would require :dedication of park land
)Park Land
in commercial and industrial subdivisions. He advised
he had reviewed the State Code provisions relating to
dedications of land and as he understood the state law
it only applies to.commercial and residential subdivisions.
Mra Jim Redding, 7311 arbi Lane, was 'aecvg"aii d.' He._
commented he believed the Council should move carefully
in the area of commercial development; that the city
.,.t
should encourage quality industrial development and not
put them in a position that is-not competitive; that he
thinks the city has already somewhat discouraged indus-
trial development by imposition of the 10� per square
{
foot capital: improvement fee which is not a large .amount
but if it is mot imposed in neighboring cities,`-this
puts Rohnert ,Park at a disadvantage; that the Planning
Commission should have architectural controls for indus-
trial development - that there is very little landscaping
being required in the industrial area.
Mr. Redding advised he was also a developer of an indus-
trial park ih- Mario County and reviewed the standards for
landscaping in that area and advised his firm had been
working on a similar project for Rohnert Park.
Planning Director Skanchy. reviewed and explained the
tools available for use by the Planning Commission. Dis-
cussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Flores, and unanimously approved, planning staff was
directed to prepare guidelines for industrial and -com« -
mercial development for public hearing before the Plan -
ning Commission and submission of recommendations to the
Council for amendment to the Zoning Ordinance.
Further discussion followed concerning the proposed
ordinance and by consensus of Council City Attorney
Flitner was requested to redraft the ordinance to apply
to commercial and residential development. Mayor Beary
and Councilman Eck were designated to work with City
Attorney Flitner in redrafting the ordinance.
Funds for Rancho Cotate:,
Councilman Hopkins advised there was a deficit in the
High School:Athletic.:.•:
high school athletic fund due to playing afternoon foot -
Programs:
ball games and the resulting decrease.in gate receipts;
that $3,000 was being requested to make up the deficit
and pointed out this would only balance the budget. Dis-4
.,cussion
followed. Mr. Robert Daggett and,Hal danney,of
Refund to County re
Overpass Project
Page 8. June 3, 1974
Rancho :Cotate.High School were recognized in the audience
by Mayor Beary.
Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, $3,000 was approved
for disbursement to the Rancho Cotate High School Athletic
Fund with the understanding that it would'be a one time
occurrence.
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
concerning a refund to the County of Sonoma in connection
with the overpass project. Mayor Beary indicated he
would be available to present the check to the Board of
Supervisors and express the thanks of the city to the
board and county officials for their cooperation on the
overpass project.
Estimate for Tennis
City,Manager Callinan advised that pursuant to Council
Court Lights
request it was estimated that tennis court lights for the
Alicia Park and Ladybug Park facilities would cost
between $7,000 and $10,000 per facility.
Vandalism to City
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
Property
regarding awards for information leading to the arrest
or conviction.of individuals doing damage to city prop-
erty. Discussion followed during which it was suggested
that video cameras might be installed in he parks for sur-
veillance.
City Attorney Flitner advised that he believed rewards
might be illegal but would check on the matter.
Staff was requested to investigate costs, feasibility, etc.
of installing cameras and report back to the Council.
Community Gymnasium
City Manager Callinan advised that George Castleberry of
the Petaluma High School District had provided him with
an estimate of $155,000 for a Butler type building
approximately 70 x.110 with a cement floor; and $275,000
for a conventional .gym with both estimates based on the
assumption that the gym would be added on to the existing
junior high. Mr. Callinan advised he believed a gym was
within the city's reach by using Revenue Sharing funds and
would report further at the next meeting with a revenue
program for a gymnasium.
County .'Water Agreement
City. Manager Callinan noted that a revised draft of the
County Water Agreement..received from the Sonoma County
Water._ Agency had been provided to each Councilman and
comments or suggestions should be made as soon as possible
before the final draft is- :prepared.
POST Crime Prevention
City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
Advisory Committee
dated May 31 concerning.his serving on the POST Crime Pre -
vention Advisory Committee.
Page 9. June 3, 1974
Development of John City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
Reed School Site`' dated May 31 regarding development of the John Reed
School site. No action was taken pending school board
action on the matter,
Supreme Court Decision City Attorney Flitner advised that the Supreme Court had
re Variances held that if a'variance,is granted, findings must be made
by the body granting the variance. A brief discussion
followed.
Resolution No. 74 -79 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK INDICATING THE
INTENTION TO- CREATE A NEW DEPARTMENT KNOWN AS THE REC-
REATION AND PARK DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
City Manager Callinan reviewed and explained the resolute`.
tion.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by.Councilman
Smith, and unanimously approved, the reading of Resolution
No. 74 -79 was waived and said resolution was aiiopted.
Raceway Mayor Beary advised it had been suggested to him that a
need existed for a raceway in the community. A brief
discussion followed during which it was requested that
the Parks and Recreation Commission investigate the prac-
ticality of a raceway.
Country Club Drive Councilman Eck initiated a brief discussion concerning
the intersection of Camino Coronado and County Club Drive
and the possible need for a stop sign since it is not
clear who has the right of way. City Manager Callinan
advised he would check into the matter.
Committee Meeting re Councilman Flores advised that a meeting will be held
Bike Paths and Mini- in early July for the committee to consider priorities
Parks in "L" Section for development of the bike paths and mini -parks in "L"
section and notice of said meeting will be given on the
city utility billing.
SB 2177 Councilman Smith initiated a discussion concerning SB2177
which would amend the Brown Act to prohibit executive
sessions for employment matters.
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, the Council went on
record as opposing SB 2177.
Drainage Channel Councilman Hopkins initiated a brief discussion concern -
behind Myrtle Avenue ing the high weeds in the drainage channel behind Myrtle
Avenue. City Manager Callinan advised that this is the
same channel discussed earlier and the developer will
be cleaning it up prior to Water Agency acceptance.
Mosquito Abatement Mayor Beary inquired if the city was in the Marin County
Mosquito Abatement District yet. City Manager Callinan
advised that insofar as he knew the matter was stalemated
Page 10. June 3, 1974
due to Santa Rosa`s reluctance to join and it was not'
financially feasible without Santa Rosa; that the County
Board of Supervisors was,trying to persuade Santa Rosa
to join but so far that city had not agreed.
Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Beary� adjourned .
the meeting at approximately 11:45 p.m.
f6pulty Ci Clerk
APPROVED:
Mayor
4 PET I T I O-N
We undersigned arn coAcerned citizens for the construcLio-,(.-i
of a fence along the railroad tracks. Blocking off all pothways anc
fields Here our children have access to these tracks. We Har for
�f�heir sz t,,ty and h2ve been promisO by Forhim Corp. for almost a year
and lot the problen Q still not teken care of, For the selfare oU
our children anK the cities children their safety comes first! We
demand immediate construction of the f ence.
We also underotand that along with construction of the MY,
the 2 acre park off LaCroaoe A has to be tilled go that the fence
does not interfere with heavy equinment that vill be unming in to do
the Yo,'1 k. if so, then we the neanle nek th-t whrtever s to be cone
to th',e badahe so thet may hove thu urotection of our children,
from the railroal LrackB.
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j�'XX61
PET I T I ON
We undersigned are concerned citizens for -the construction
of a fence the railroad tracks. Blocking of all - mit* w ,.y, and.
fields vrhere our chit d.ren have access -to -these trucks® vie fear for
I I i � 0 U U C, Y
their safety an.dl .'I-i,,,Ve been -Prol-PliseC by ForliT,) ® for nIS st
and. vet t-lle -oroble-J.'., is still not t< `.,k.en coxe of. !'or' the of
our and the cities childr(..:rl. -their sa'i"ety coi.,cies f irst. We
cle-r-Rc-,nd, imifledi ate of the f(---5:n..ce.
We so undex,st�-Imd. tllo,t a.lo:ng; with construction of -the fence,
the 2 acre parlkl- off 1,-,Crosse Al. hL�,,,s -to be il-led. so that the -fence
does not interfere liiith he,,),v-N7. equip-nn.ent lbe comin��, .'Lzi. Lo C o
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r r, -n
to -L)he be d.on.0 So tlmi:�,.'U. We r-!I""I,v ll�,�,ve t 11 e 10 1, o t c t i on or 0
.From. the rc�,Alroad. Lr,)_cks.
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-11"Ic, .,(.ed axe-, o-r citizens for the construction
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and
of a fence a-- n6"the rai,-,,rVk- -r,."icks. Blockin,,,, off
fields where our' children have access G"these tracks. We fear for
their safety and have been promised-by Porhim Corp. for almost a year
and yet the problem is still not Men care of. For the welfare of
our children and the cities children their safety comes first. We
6emand immediate construction of the fence.
We also undeiptand that along SEA, c_oy1+--A+q__ P
tL
e fence,
the 2 acre Park off LaCrosse N. has to the fence
does not into with heavy equipment that will be coming in to do
the work. If so, then we the people ask that whatever has to be done
to the park, be done so that we may have the protection of our children')
from the railroad tracks.
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