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1973/10/01 City Council MinutesROJHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 1, 1973 The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in regular session commencing at 7:05 p.m. in the City Offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Flores presiding. Call ,to Order Mayor Flores called the meeting of the regular ' session to order at approximately 7:05 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance. Present: (4) Councilmen Hopkins, Roberts, Smith, and Flores Late: (1) Councilman Beary; his time of arrival is specifically noted in these minutes. Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Pr'O-Tempore Albright, City Attorney Maxwell, and Planning Director Skanchy 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 *335,492.35 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. Resignation of Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Parks and Recrea- Councilman Hopkins, and unanimously approved, tion Commissioner the resignation of Mrs. Nancy Mettert was Mettert accepted with regret and the Mayor directed to send a letter to Mrs. Mettert thanking her for her years of service. Sonoma Grove Mayor Flores advised he and Councilman Roberts had attended the recent open house at Sonoma Grove and had been presented with a certificate stating that a tree had been planted and dedi- cated to the City Council. lie relayed the thanks of the students to the Council for the foresight in approving a new concept in student housing. Page 2. October 1, 1973 Ordinance No. 210 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 201 (Amends License Fee for Mobile Home Parks and Apartment Buildings,, etc. ) City Manager Pro-Tempore Albright explained the ordinance. Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman Smith, and approved by the fol- lowing roll call vote, the reading of Ordinance No. 210 was waived and said ordinance was adopted: AYES: (4) Councilmen Hopkins, Roberts, Smith, and Flores NOES: (0) None ABSENT: (1) Councilman Beary Ordinance No. 211 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TEXT OF ORDINANCE NO. 63 ZONING ORDINANCE (Permitting Certain General Commercial Uses in the "M-L11 Limited Industrial District Subject to Conditional Use Permit) •City Manager Pro-Tempore Albright explained the ordinance. Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman Hopkins, and , ,approved by the fol- lowing roll call vote, the reading of Ordinance No. 211 was waived and said ordinance was adopted:, AYES- (4). Councilmen Hopkins, Roberts, Smith, and Flores Mr. Lee Brians Sonoma County Farm Bureau NOES: 'None ABSENT: W. Councilman Beary Mr. Lee Brians, President, Sonoma County Farm Bureau, was recognized. He read a letter addressed to the City Council which requested that the week of September 30 through October 6 be proclaimed Farm Bureau Week. Councilman Beary Arrives Ordinance No. 21-2 Page 3. October 1., 1.973 Upon motion of Councilman Roberts, seconded by Councilman Smith, and unanimously approved, the week of September 310 through October 6 was proclaimed Farm Bureau Week. Mr. Brians thanked the Council for its action and also expressed thanks for the Council authorizing the joining with other agencies in the wastewater agricultural experiment and for its open space efforts. Councilman Beary arrived at this point in the meeting, the time being approximately 7:15 p.m. Mayor Flores present how by motion of AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED THE ORDINANCE explained for those students proclamations are processed; either the City Council or by the Mayor. TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 100 UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX City Attorney Maxwell explained the ordinance. Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Council-man Roberts, and unanimously approved by the following roll call vote, the reading of Ordinance No. 212 was waived and said ordinance was introduced: AYES- (5) Councilmen Beary, Hopkins, Roberts, Smith, and Flores NOES- (0) None A brief discussion followed concerning the recent increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax. Resolution No. 73-134 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING AGREEMENT FOR STATE ADMINISTRATION OF LOCAL SALES AND USE TAXES City Attorney Maxwellexplained the resolution. Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman Beary, and unanimously approved, the reading of Resolution No. 73-134 was waived and said resolution was adopted. Page 4. October 1, 1973 Project No. 1973-7 City Manager Pro-Tempore Albright explained Wastewater Treatment that J. R. Peters, Inc. contractor for the Plant Interim interim improvements to the wastewater treat- Improvements ment plant, had requested a two week extension on his contract due to delays in shipment of materials. Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman Beary, and unanimously approved, a two week extension for J. R. Peters, Inc. on Project No. 1973-7 was approved. Mrs. Judy DeWitt Mrs. Judy DeWitt appeared before the Council re UNICEF to explain a fund raising program undertaken by Waldo Rohnert PTA whereby certain labels and packages are saved and transmitted to UNICEF for reimbursement by participating companies to aid UNICEF projects. A brief discussion followed. Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Hopkins, and unanimously approved, the Council endorsed the efforts of the program to aid UNICEF., Resolution No. 73-135 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY 'COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 11, 1973 "UNITED WAY WEEK" IN ROHNERT PARK City Manager Pro-Tempore Albright read the resolution. Upon moti I on'bf Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman Smith, and unanimously approved, Resolution No. 73-135 was adopted. Resolution No. 73-136 RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE Or CALIFORNIA, STATE PERSONNEL BOARD, COOPERA- TIVE PERSONNEL SERVICES DIVISION City Manager Pro-Tempore Albright read the resolution. Councilman Beary Councilman Beary left the Council Chambers at Leaves this point in the meeting, the time being approximately 7:35 p.m. Councilman Beary Returns Resolution No. 73-137 . 1 : Page 5. October 1, -1973 Upon motion of Councilman Smith, secon6ed by Councilman Hopkins, and approved with Council- man Beary absent, Resolution No. was adopted. Councilman Beary returned try -the Council Chambers at this point in the meeting, the time being approximately 7:37 p.m. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SALE OF REAL PROPERTY TO COTATI--ROHNERT PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT City Attorney Maxwell explained the resolution. Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman Beary, and unanimously approved, the reading of Resolution No. 71`11-137 was 4D waived and said resolution was adopted. A brief discussion followed upon a question from a student in the audience as to where and when secondary schools would be located. Planning Director Skanchy pointed out the proposed locations on the General Plan map for secondary schools, but noted that the Petaluma High School District had not yet acquired same. Report-Pf-Ad Hoc Council-man Beary briefly reported on the Committee on Open press conference held the previous Saturday Space when the "'Report on Open Space Preservation" had been delivered to the press. He also noted that each Councilman had received a copy of said report. Mayor Flores explained the,meaning and function of an Ad Hoc committee for the benefit of the students in the audience., i.e. a committee formed to consider one specific purpose; in this case, the.preservation of open space. Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman Smith, and unanimously approved, the "Report on Open Space Preservation" was adopted as submitted by the Ad Hoc Comm-ittee, Page 6. October 1, 1973 Upon motion of Mayor Flores, seconded by Councilman Smith, and unanimously approved, certificates of appreciation will be sent to Planning Commissioners Goff and Hollingsworth and Mr. Rolf Orser for their many hours of time spent on the Ad Hoc Committee. Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman Hopkins,, and unanimously approved, the Ad Hoc Committee for the Preservation of Open Space was authorized to continue in existence until after the November 6th elec- tion in order to publicize.said election. Library Councilman Hopkins initiated a discussion concerning the "Report on Alternative Methods of Organizing a County-wide Library System" prepared by the Office'of the County Admini- strator. The Council indicated it would like Super- visors I-Tinkle, Joerger, and Theiller to be invited to the next regular meeting to dis- cuss the library report, particularly the disparity in allocations for cities in the county. Coin Changers Councilman Beary initiated a brief discussion concerning coin changers located in Laundro- mats throughout the community and complaints he had received that when the machines run out of change and money is deposited, it is not returned. Stadium Project Councilman Beary reported that in spite of the best efforts of those involved, the press box at the Rancho Cotate football field had to be taken down prior to playing the school's first game of the season on the field. He publicly apologized to all those involved, particularly the students, that there was nothing he could do to prevent the press box having to be taken down. A brief discussion followed. Page 7. October 1, 1973 Statewide Concrete Councilman Beary advised lie had received a complaint from Cotati Redi-Mix concerning the temporary use permit issued for Statewide Concrete in the northern Area of the city. Planning Director Skanchy explained that the firm was a sub-contractor, which is providing concrete for the Hinebaugh Creek Bridge a t Country Club Drive and Country Club Estates subdivisions, had bid on these projects, and requested a temporary use permit for the batch plant after having been awarded the contract for said projects to eliminate the need for trucks going back and forth. Councilman Beary requested that the matter be scheduled on the next regular meeting agenda and that Mr. Wilson of Cotati Redi-Mix be invited to attend. Curfew Ordinance Councilman Smith initiated a brief discussion concerning the curfew ordinance, advising he had received several complaints from parents recently regarding curfews apparently not being enforced. It was requested that Director of Public Safety Dennett be at the next regular meeting to discuss the matter. Rancho Cotate High Councilman Smith initiated a discussion con- School Band Uniforms cerning the need for additional band, uniforms at Rancho Cotate High'School this year, the lack of funds from the school district for same, and the possibility of the City con- tributing money for approximately 30 addition- al uniforms at approximately *150 each. Dis- cussion followed. City Attorney Maxwell responded he would like to look into the legalities involved and report on the matter at the next meeting. Kenneth Hahn was recognized and advised that approximately $4,600 was needed to purchase the additional band uniforms. Page 8. October 1, 1973 Cities-Schools Councilman Roberts initiated a discussion Coordinating concerning the last meeting of the Cities- Committee Meeting Schools Coordinating Committee meeting at which an attempt was made to discuss the matter of a library for the Rohnert Park- Cotati area, that he had advised the chairman prior to the meeting he would not be able to attend, no other Councilman would be able to attend, although Planning Commissioner Mullins had planned to attend, and the,inap- propriateness of the subject without repre- sentation from the City of Rohnert Park. Discussion followed. Jeff Roberts Councilman Roberts advised that his son, Jeff, had.entered the Boy Scouts-Readers Digest speaking contest, had won the regional compe- tition against representatives from seven western states, as well as Japan, Fiji, and Samoa, and would be competing as a semi- finalist in Seattle against six representatives with the winner going on to Washington, D. C. to compete as a finalist. Electricity for Mayor Flores initiated a discussion concerning Cabana at Alicia Park the lack of electricity in the cabana at Alicia Park and requests from citizens for same. Upon motion of Mayor Flores, seconded by Councilman Hopkins, and unanimously approved, the proposal for providing electricity in the cabana at Alicia Park was endorsed. A brief discussion followed rega,,rding how to prevent vandalism to lights and outlets when installed. Mrs. Shirley 'Russell Mayor Flores advised that Mrs. Shirley Russell had been named KSRO Citizen of the Week recently. A brief discussion followed. Upon motion of Mayor Flores, seconded by Councilman Beary, and unanimously approved, a Certificate of Appreciation for Mrs. Shirley Russell was approved. Senior Students in Mayor Flores initiated a discussion concerning Government Day the possible establishment of a Senior Students in Government.Day with details to be worked out with Mr. Don Kite, Rancho Cotate government class instructor. Page 9. October 1, 1973 Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman Beary, and unanimously approved, Mayor Flores was authorized to pursue the matter of establishing a Senior Students in Government Day and to work 'out the details with Mr. Don Kite of Rancho Cotate High School. White Cane Days Mayor Flores advised he had been requested to proclaim October 12 and 13 White Cane Days in Rohnert Park for the Rohnert Park Lions Club. Upon motion of Mayor Flores, seconded by Councilman Beary, and unanimously approved, October 12 and 13 were proclaimed White Cane Days for the Rohnert Park Lions Club. File 0314 Planning Director Skanchy reviewed Planning Garner Realty Appl. Commission action and his staff report on For Sign Variance File No. 0314, Garner Realty's application for a sign variance at 6950 Commerce Boule- var'd. A sketch of the proposed sign was passed to the Councilmen for viewing. Mayor Flores declared the scheduled public hearing open on the appeal of Planning Com- mission approval of the sign variance for Garner Realty. Mr. Maurice Fredericks, 242 Alden Avenue, was recognized. lie advised he was the owner of the building at 6950 Commerce Boulevard, had entered into a lease with Mr. Garner, and a sign was essential for the planned real estate office. He pointed out that the sign would not be visible to any residence, read the necessary findings to be-made from the Zoning Ordinance in order to grant the variance and pointed out reasons why the application was consistent with those findings. He advised he had other points to make but requested and received permission to make same after the vote of the Council. There being no one further desiring to be heard, Mayor Flores declared the public hearing closed. Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Roberts, and unanimously approved, Page 10. October 1, 1973 the Planning Commission approval of sign variance for Garner Realty at 6950 Commerce Boulevard was upheld. Mr. Maurice Fredericks was recognized. Ile asked if notice of the public hearing had been published and, if so, the cost for same. Planning Director Skanchy responded the notice had been published in the Clarion September 20; the cost was estimated at *9.00 - *10.00. File 0081 Planning Director Skanchy read his staff report Application to Permit and reviewed Planning Commission action on the U-Haul Rentals at application of Messrs. Moore and Coussens to Texaco Station on permit U-Haul truck and trailer rentals at'the- Commerce Blvd. Texaco Station on Commerce Boulevard. Mayor Flores declared the scheduled public hearing open on the application of Messrs. Moore and Coussens to permit U-Haul truck and trailer rentals at the Texaco Station on Commerce Boulevard. Mr. Paul Coussens, one of the owners of Rohnert. Park Texaco and a resident of Rohnert Park, was recognized.. Ile commented that the other sta- tions in Rohnert Park permit parking of school buses, cars for sale, truck parking, etc. which he did not; that by installing shrubs around the perimeter of the property, the U-Haul rentals would be screened from view except for Commerce Boulevard exposure; that they have another lot in Santa Rosa where extra units could be stored. Mr. John Stout, U-Haul representative and resident of Rohnert Park, was recognized. He commented that his firm finds that many Rohnert Park residents use the U-Haul rental service and at present must go to Petaluma or Santa Rosa for same; that with the Chamber of Commerce seeking new businesses for the com- munity, it seemed they should have a chance. There being no one further desiring to be heard, Mayor Flores declared th public hearing closed. Discussion followed. Page 11 October 1, 1973 Upon motion of Councilman Roberts, seconded by Councilman Smith, and unanimously approved, the Planning Commission approval for a use 9 permit to allow U-Haul rentals at the Texaco Station on Commerce Boulevard was upheld. Councilman Smith advised he had called the matter up for appeal, apologized for any incon- I venience to the applicants, noted past concerns of the Council for the subject area, and wanted to be satisfied that those concerns were taken care of. A brief discussion followed. City,Attorney Maxwell advised that the Zoning Ordinance should be clarified to reflect that only interested parties could appeal matters to the Council and that he would follow up on the ' matter . Fencing at Community City Manager Pro-Tempore Albright explained Center that $1,200 had been approved at the last regular meeting for fencing at the Community Center, that after receipt of bids it was apparent that an additional $300 was needed. A brief discussion followed. Councilman Smith Councilman Smith left the Council Chambers Leaves during the above discussion, the time being- approximately 9:08 p.m. Upon motion of Councilman Roberts, seconded by Councilman Beary, and unanimously approved with Councilman Smith absent, an additional *300 for fencing at the Community Center was approved. City Attorney's City Attorney Maxwell read a letter submitting Resignation his resignation as City Attorney and expressed appreciation to the Council and City Manager for the excellent working relationship over the years. Discussion followed. Upon motion of Mayor Flores, seconded by Councilman Roberts, and approved by the fol- lowing voice vote, City Attorney Maxwell's resignation was accepted with deep regret and an appropriate token of appreciation for his services was authorized: AYES: (4) Councilmen Hopkins, Roberts, Smith, and Flores NOES: (1) Councilman Beary Page 12. October 1, 1973 Stop 'Signs on :East Kenneth Kahn was recognized. Ile inquired what Cotati Avenue was being done about._stop signs for East Cotati Avenue, particularly at Lancaster Drive. Staff responded that several firms had been contacted to survey the area, as well as others in the city, and hopefully signals would be installed in the near future. ..It was suggested that the :intersection of Southwest Boulevard and Snyder Lane also be included in the survey for traffic lights. Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Flores adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:15 p.m. eputy C4ty CIAPk APPROVED: Mayor