1975/08/25 City Council MinutesROHNERT PARK.CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
August 25, 1975
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 Hopkins
presiding.
Call to Order Mayor Hopkins called the meeting of the regular session to
order at approximately 7:05 p.m. and led the pledge of
,allegiance. .
Roll Call Present: (5) Councilmen Beary, Eck, Flores Smith and
Hopkins
Absent: (0) None
Staff present for all or part of the meeting:
City Manager Callinan, City Attorney Flitner and City
Engineer Brust.
Approval of Minutes Upon motion of Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilman Beary,
and approved by a voice vote with Councilman Smith abstaining,
the minutes of August 11, 1975 were approved as submitted.
Approval of Bills
Communications
Rancho Feliz
Mobile Home Park
Spivock Land
as Open Space
M.I.F. Chemical
Company,Letter
Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved, the bills presented per
the attached list in the amount of $279,690.62 were approved.
This amount includes $13,911.25 for the Civic Commission.
Communications per the attached outline were brought to the
attention of the Council. No action was taken on any
communication except as noted specifically-.in these minutes.
City Manager Callinan directed the Council's attention to
a letter from Mr. Tom Reynolds, Manager of Rancho Feliz
Mobile Home Park, in which he requests the services of a
police reserve officer with use of City facilities for
patrolling the park. Mr. Reynolds indicated in his letter
the intent to pay`the City for these requested services.
Mr. Callinan stated that the City was complying with Mr.
Reynolds request and it appeared to be working satisfactorily.
City Manager Callinan referred the Council to the County
Administrator's report concerning the Spivock property and
advised that the Santa Rosa City Council would be discussing
the matter this week.
Councilman Eck initiated a brief discussion concerning the
letter from M.I.F. Chemical Company wherein they "tongue
in cheek" infer that if the City was still using their
product "CUFOD" there `would be no need for boats aerating
the wastewater treatment ponds.
Mr. Eck suggested the City respond with a "tongue in cheek"
reply asking M.I.F. Chemical Company to substantiate their
claims for 1$CUROD91, as set forth in their letter. The
Council took no action on the suggestion.
Cultural Arts
Corporation
Appointment to
Sonoma County
Arts Council
Parking of
Commercial Vehicles
in Residential
Areas
Unscheduled
Public
Appearances
Project 1974-13
Project No. 1975-9
Library Site
Addition
Resolution 75-201
Page, 2
August 25, 1975
Councilman Eck queried City Manager Callinan as to when
Council was scheduled to take action on the appointment to
the Sonoma County Arts Council. Mr. Callinan advised that
this matter was set for. the next meeting, and that the
Cultural Arts Qorporat.lon had recommended that the incumbent
be reappointed to this''.'Council.
Councilman Flores initiated a discussion regarding the
questionnaire sent out,in the recent newsletter requesting
citizens of Rohnert'Park to indicate their wishes as to the
parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas. City
Manager Callinan advised that the returns were running 5 to
l,to retain,,the present ordinance and restrict commercial
vehicles from parking in residential areas.
Mr. Ian Allen of 7466 Bridgit Ave. was recognized and
requested to appear at the end of the meeting as an
unscheduled public appearance. The Council concurred.
7.
City Manager Callinan advised d vised that action should be deferred
on the resolution listed on the meeting agenda regarding
the Camino Colegio Improvement Project.
ALbULUTIUB AUUhtTJ_NU W ANT DELD.khunter Drive and Enterprise
Boulevard, Project No. 1975-4)
City Manager Calli,na-n.explained the resolution.
Upon motion of Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilman Beary,
and unanimously approved, the reading of Resolution
75-200 was waived and said resolution was adopted�
City Manager Callinan directed Council's attention to his
memo of August 21st, in which he, Councilman Eck and
Councilman Flores met with Mr. Codding of Cofego Enterprises
concerning the acquisition of-additional land adjacent to
the proposed library site for parking area. Mr. Callinan
reviewed the financial aspects of the acquisition with the
Council. Mr. Callinan provided council members with a sketch
of the property, and indicated the acquisition of said
property would provide.additional open space and parking area
for�the proposed library.
Upon motion of.Co.uncilman Eck, seconded by Councilman Flores,
and unanimously approved, Council approved the financial
terms of purchase of Cofego property adjacent to the
proposed library site, as outlined by the committee of
City Manager Callinan, Councilman Eck and Councilman Flores
and contained.in.Mr..Callinan's August 21st memo.
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING.GRANT DEED (.Library Site-Addition)
City Manager. Callinan explained the resolution.
.,Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
'Smith, and:unanimously approved, the reading of Resolution
7.5-201 was�waived and'said resolution was adopted.
Page 3 August 25, 1975
City Manager - Callinan advised the Council that he had
appeared before the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors at
which meeting the Supervisors had approved the recommendation
of the Sonoma County Library Commission for the partial
funding of libraries in several.cities in Sonoma County.
Mr. Callinan indicated that the City of Rohnert Park's
share would be some.$200,000.00.
City-Liability and „ City Manager Callinan introduced Mr. Tom Feeney, insurance
Property Insurance agent for the City, who made a presentation regarding the
Coverage placing of the City's coverage with various insurance
companies.to obtain the best premium.rate. Mr. Feeney
reviewed with the Council the cancelling of the City's existinL-
coverage by Imperial. Insurance Company before the anniversary
date, which prompted the need to seek placement of coverage
at this time. Mr. Feeney answered questions from the council
members.
Resolution 75 -202 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK RATIFYING AND
ACCEPTING PLACEMENT OF INSURANCE RECOMMENDED BY BROKER OF
RECORD FEENEY INSURANCE AGENCY
City Manager Callinan explained the resolution.
Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman
Smith, and unanimously approved, the reading.of.
Resolution 75 -202 was waived and said resolution was adopted.
Mayor Hopkins stated for the record that he voted under
..,duress, as he feels the action of Imperial Insurance Company
was unacceptable.
Councilman Flores thanked Mr. Feeney on behalf of the City
for the time and hard work expended in placing this
insurance coverage.
Upon motion of Councilman Eck, seconded by Councilman Flores,
and unanimously approved, Council directed staff to
forward Jett "ers to all legislative representatives requesting
that they pursue legislation requiring insurance.:companies-
desiring to do business in this State to be required to
take their fair'sh6re of liability coverage for municipalities,
with copies of the letters to be directed to the League of
California Cities.
CYO Basketball City Manager Callinan advised the Council that the Parks and
Recreation Commission had recommended that Council approve
the amount of $500.00 for the.CYO Basketball League to
assist:.them in purchasing uniforms.
Councilman Beary made a motion, seconded, by Councilman Flores,
to approve the allocation,of $500.00 to`the CYO Basketball
:.League for purchase of uniforms°.
Page 4 August 25, 1975
Councilman Eck'-expressed concern at the outlay of funds such
as this, and was interested in knowing what efforts had
been made by the CYO Basketball League to raise their
needed funds. It was Mr. Eck's feeling that organizations
should set some goals to secure their own funding and then
approach the Council to allocate the balance.
Councilman Eck made a motion to amend Councilman Beary's
motion to state that the Commission would commit,up to
$500.00 if needed, after efforts had been made by the
CYO Basketball League to raise funds on their own. Councilman
Smith seconded Councilman:Eck's motion, acid said motion was
approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: (3) Councilmen Eck, Smith and Hopkins
NOES: (2) Councilman Beary and Flores
Councilman Beary's motion, as amended, was approved by
the following roll call vote:
AYES: (5) Councilman Beary, Eck, Flores, Smith and
Hopkins
NOES': (0) None
Babe Ruth City Manager Callinan informed the Council that the Parks
Baseball Program and Recreation Commission had approved and recommended the
amount of $500.00 for allocation to the Rohnert Park Babe
Ruth League to assist in offsetting some of their
financial costs.
Mrs. Anita Sammis was present and gave abrief report on
Babe Ruth League finances. She indicated several methods
of fund raising that had been employed by the League.
Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and unanimously approved, the amount of $500.00 was
allocated to the Rohnert Park Babe Ruth League to offset
financial deficits.
Caterpillar Park City Manager Callinan advised the Council that letters
had been sent to residents in the Llano Subdivision Park
area requesting their input for naming the park in that
vicinity. Several names were considered by the Parks and
Recreation Commission and "Caterpillar Park" had been
selected Mrs. W. Fahl, 7296 Calcutta Ct., was present
and presented to the Council a petition signed by residents
in the Llano Subdivision Park area in support of the name
of Caterpillar Park. (Petition.is attached to original
copy of these minutes)
Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman
Smith, and unanimously approved, Caterpillar Park was
designated as name of the park in the Llano Subdivision area.
Page 5 August 25, 1975
Youth Advisory Panel City Manager Callinan informed the Council that the Youth
re "Safety Town" Advisory Panel had made their recommendation, as requested
by the.Council, regarding the contribution of $100.00 from
Mr. James Grossi. The Youth Panel proposesto use the
money for a "Safety Town" project; for instructing small
children in the various aspects of safety with regard to
bicycles, autos, pedestrians, school bus, etc.
Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
Smith, and unanimously approved, the Council accepted
the recommendation of the Youth Panel for using the $100.00
contribution of Mr. Grossi for a Safety Town project.
Golf Course City Manager Callinan introduced Golf Pro William Ross
Report to the Council. Mr. Ross gave an up -to -date report on the
progress of the golf course citing the increase in revenue and
membership, the installation of the sprinkler system, the
increase in women participants, good driving range,
putting green and increased inventory.in the pro shop as
examples of this progress.
Mr. Ross offered several recommendations for further improve -
ments to the course. He specified several safety features
that he would like to-see installed, namely some installation
of screens on several of the tees, the addition of two
chipping greens and a sand trap where the old first tee
used to be, for practice area. He also recommended
landscaping around the rest rooms, and some cart paths,
changing tournaments.starting times, and discussed the
parking situation, proposed bowling alley and lighting
around the pro shop
Mr. Ross indicated that there should be an increase in the
fee structure and Councilman Flores stated that this
would be considered by the Council within the next month
or so. The Council thanked Mr. Ross for his presentation.
Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman
Smith, and unanimously approved, Council approved the
pro- rating of the annual -green fees for the golf course
for the balance of the year.
Brazil Lawsuit City Manager Callinan advised the Council of an amendment
Amendment to his lawsuit filed by Mr. Brazil. Copies of the amendment
were presented to the council members. Mr. Callinan
stated the matter has been referred to the City's insurance,
agent, insurance carrier-and the law firm engaged by,the
City's insurance carrier for handling.
Jim Eagan's Boat City Manager Callinan referred the Council to their copy
of City Engineer Brust's memo concerning the purchase of
Jim Eagan's boat by the City for the amount of $200.00.
The boat will be used in the wastewater treatment pond.
..Mr. Callinan informed the Council that the recent
readings from the wastewater treatment facility have been
very good.
Water Storage
Tank No. 3
Alicia Pool Heater
My School Fire
Page 6
August 25, 1975
City Manager Callinan, referring to his memo of August 21st
to the Council, indicated that the Planning Commission had
held a hearing on the placing of water storage tank No. 3
at the site of Well No. 8 in the area south of East
Cotati Ave., adjacent to the railroad tracks. Because of
many citizen complaints regarding the choice of site, the
Planning Commission had decided to require an environmental
impact report on this proposed project.
Mr. Callinan thought that perhaps the Council might wish to
reconsider the location of the tank placement before
expending the considerable amount of money required for
an EIR. Discussion followed with all councilmen and Mr.
Callinan participating.
Upon motion of Councilman Flores, seconded by Councilman
Smith and unanimously approved, Council directed staff to
consider alternate methods of relocating the water storage
tank in "L" section.
Councilman Eck indicated that he felt that other areas should
be investigated for construction of this water storage tank.
Mayor Hopkins rr'ro e.t era thal mitto be appoint -e to
.auy v.. ..vrri�.a.aao ."�u�jgco�.cu �. aaa �,. a coliuu.�. �, �,ve ice: uNrvs.a. �. �... a.v
be comprised of Councilman Beary, Mayor Hopkins with
possibly one member of the Planning Commission to study
alternate locations and methods of locating water storage
tank No. 3. The Council concurred.
City Manager Callinan informed the Council of recent problems
with the Alicia Pool heater and certain repairs needed to
keep the heater in operation, specifically new heat
exchangers costing approximately $1,000 - $1,200. Mr.
Callinan wanted Council to be aware of this unforeseen
expenditure.
City Manager Callinan directed the Council's attention to
the recent fire at My School which had closed that facility
temporarily.- .Mr. Callinan stated that Mr. Williams of My
School had talked with him indicating that the school
should be back in operation within 60 days, but in the
meantime requested the loan from the City of some chairs and
other equipment for use until their new facility is completed.
The Council indicated willingness to assist in complying
with Mr. Williams' request.
Recreational Cultural City Manager Callinan informed the Council of recent
Complex developments in the City possibly acquiring a section of
property north of Copeland Creek on Snyder Lane, adjacent
to the proposed site of the Recreational Cultural Complex.
Mr. Callinan indicated this was a. small section of land
surrounded by City owned property. The owners had been
approached with a view of buying the property but had
requested some $60,000 which Mr. Callinan considered to be
an exorbitant amount of money for this property. Mr.
Callinan suggested that the City expend approximately $800.00
to get an appraisal on the land and then decide whether or
not to move ahead with the condemnation proceedings.
Discussion followed.
Page 7
August 25, 1975
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Beary, and approved by the following roll call vote,
Council approved the expenditure of'$800.00 for an appraisal'`
of that parcel of land immediately north of Copeland Creek
on the west side of Snyder Lane.
AYES: (3) Councilmen Beary, Flores and Smith
NOES: (2) Councilman Eck and Hopkins
Santa Dorotea
City Manager Callinan discussed briefly with the Council
Circle Lot
the lot on Santa Dorotea Circle which had been acquired
by the City for open space. Mr. Callinan asked for the
Council's thoughts on possibly selling the lot at this
time, because it is not too useful for open space because
of the raised green adjacent to it, but it is well 'situated
-
for residential use with a view of the golf course. Council
-
requested Mr. Callinan to place the matter on the agenda for
the next meeting.
Well Problems
City Manager Callinan informed the Council that staff was
experiencing some problems with wells No. 1 and 2, in that
there had been a considerable drop in water production.
An inspection had been made by well drillers and a
representative from the State who is currently conducting
-
the water ground study. At this time well No. 11 has been
shut down in order to see if the other two wells will
normalize. Mr. Callinan will keep the Council informed as to
results of this study. He advised that Well No. 1 pump
would be lowered approximately' ,40 feet.
City Manager
City Manager Callinan stated that he would like to take some
Pro -Tem
vacation time and requested that the Council approve his
appointment of Mr. Bob Albright as City Manager Pro -Tem
during his absence.
Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Smith,
and unanimously approved, Asst. to City Manager Bob Albright 's
appointment as City Manager Pro -Tem during the absence of
Mr. Callinan was " - approved.
Roberts Aguirre
City Attorney Flitner advised the Council that the pending
Lawsuit
lawsuit against Roberts & Aguirre concerning handling of
sewer service should be settled in approximately 60 days.
Community Clean 1.
Councilman Flores gave a'report'on Community Clean -Up Day
Up Day
on August 30th. Mr. Flores stated a notice had been placed
in the local newspaper for residents wishing to have large
items hauled away, i. e. , heaters, washers, autos, etc;
a clip -out section had been provided in the ad for residents
to fill in their name and address and mail in, should they
desire this service provided by 'city crews. Mr. Flores was
hopeful that.all residents would take this opportunity to
clean out their garages, yards and homes, and that large
bins will be located in shopping centers for dumping
purposes.
Southwest Blvd.
Widening
Project 1975 -12
Complementary
Passes for
Commission
Members
Page 8
August 25, 1975
Councilman Eck queried City Engineer Brust as to the
completion date of the Southwest Blvd. Widening project. Mr.
Brust stated this project should be completed within 30
days.
Counci'lman:Beary initiated a discussion asking if in some
manner commission members, who serve the community without
compensation; could be issued free passes to the swimming
pools and golf course.
Discussion followed with the general feeling of the council
being that many residents serve the community and to
initiate a precedence of issuing free passes to commission
members could have far reaching consequences.
Traffic bight
Councilman Flores initiated a discussion quering City Engineer
on Expressway
Brust as to the estimated completion date of the installation
of the traffic light on Expressway and Country Club Drive.
Mr. Brust apprised Mr. Flores that construction was under
way at this time.
Don Sullivan re
Mr. Don Sullivan, 343 Adele Ave., was present and recognized
Letter from
by the Council. Mr. Sullivan asked that a letter written
llnn Yit`a
},y Mn, llnn Kite he r+carl at thig point in tha maet'ingvy
d -� .
City Manager Callinan stated that as of this date no letter
had been received by the City from Mr. Kite.
Zoning Ordinance
Mr. .Ian Allen of 7466 Bridgit Ave. was recognized as an
re Vehicle
unscheduled public appearance to relate an incident whereby
Parking
he had been issued a citation for parking his in excess of
two ton vehicle on his residential property. Mr. Allen
stated he had been given a courtesy notice with a 10 day
grace period and then some five days later had been issued
a citation. Mr. Allen felt he was being harassed,by the
police department because of his opposition to the current:
zoning ordinance. Mr. Allen requested that the council
rescind the citation and also reconsider his request for
granting him a variance to the zoning ordinance.
City Attorney Flitner restated his legal opinion that a
variance could not be granted in this instance of vehicle
restriction. He reiterated that:the ordinance would have
to be amended, with any exceptions stated therein.
Councilman Eck queried Mr. Flitner as to whether a clause
could be added to the ordinance granting a use permit to
permit exceptions to the ordinance for certain instances.
Mr. Flitner replied that a use permit could be written into
the ordinance, but it would be a very subjective thing,
i.e., a law for some people but not for others.
Mr. Don Sullivan, 343 Adele Ave ;: was recognized and
referred to the existing law prohibiting on- street parking
at' certain °hours. - He indicated he owns four vehicles and
feels this law is a hardship.
Page 9 August 25, 1975
Mr. Bob Lloyd questioned the weight limitation contained in
the ordinance. He stated he had a 3/4 ton pickup. City
Manager Callinan advised Mr. Lloyd that under the provisions
of the zoning ordinance that pick -ups were exempt.
Mr. Ed Lancaster, 407 Alta Ave., stated that he had a
3/4 ton truck and had received so many courtesy notices
that he had sold the truck.
Mr. James Blankenship stated that he owns a 1 1/2 ton truck
and that he had been cited on 2 or 3 occasions. Mr.
Blankenship queried the Council as to how the tonnage and
weight rate was determined in issuing courtesy notices and
citations. City Manager Callinan responded that it must be
left to the judgment of the police officer, and since the
ordinance is not entirely clear as to weight and tonnage
evaluation, the City relies on the judgment of the police
officer on duty.
Mr. Art Hollingsworth, 735 Bonnie Ave., spoke on behalf of
Mr. Allen concerning his citation and asked if the Council
could in some,manner rescind Mr. Allen's citation in
order that he would not have to go to court. City Manager
Callinan stated that in no instance would City staff kill
an issued citation, or "fix " a ticket.
Discussion continued with all councilmen, City Manager
Callinan, City Attorney Flitner and several persons in the
audience participating
Councilman Flores made a motion to direct staff, in the
interest of justice, to terminate the citation which had
been issued to Mr. Allen, because he was told he had 10
days to respond to the courtesy notice, and was then
cited at the end of five days. Councilman Flores' motion
died for lack of a second..
Mayor Hopkins then polled the Council as to each councilman's
feelings regarding the existing zoning ordinance concerning
the parking of over 2 ton vehicles in residential areas.
`It was the consensus of the Council that the ordinance was
not clear as written, and it was felt that the Planning
Commission should again consider the ordinance and return
to the Council with some alternatives.
Mr. Jim hall was recognized and stated that he had attended
the Council meeting at which the Council had disapproved
the Planning Commission's recommendation to amend the
ordinance to increase the tonnage limitation of restricted
vehicles to 4 ton unladen weight. Mr. Hall asked the
Council to explain why they had voted down the increased
tonnage limitation. Mr. Hall was apprised that the public
hearing had brought out many people who were very much
opposed:;' to changing the existing ordinance.
Page 10 August 25, 1975
Councilman Beary initiated a brief discussion stating that
he felt there was a great deal of inequity in the existing
zoning ordinance insofar as discriminating against people
who own and drive large trucks. Mr. Beary indicated that
he felt the ordinance should be amended. There was some
discussion as to whether the ordinance could be amended by
the Council. City Attorney Flitner stated that it was a
State law that in order.to amend an ordinance it must be
returned to the Planning Commission.
Mr. Art Hollingsworth suggested.that a 60 day moratorium on
the zoning ordinance be declared in order to take a practical
approach evaluation of the proposed 4 tonnage limitation.
Councilman Beary made a motion to introduce an ordinance that
would suspend the existing zoning ordinance as it applies
to the parking of trucks in residential areas for a period
of 60 days. Councilman Beary's motion died for a lack of
second.
Councilman Smith made a motion, seconded by Councilman Eck,
and approved by the following roll call vote, to review the
zoning ordinance and arrive at some decision within 60 days
to either let the ordinance stand or modify it. In the
meantime the City Attorney would be directed to take note
of this ordinance study and to take into account said study
in reviewing all citations requesting court appearances
for.zoning ordinance violations.
AYES: (5) Councilmen Beary, Eck, Flores, Smith and
Hopkins
NOES: (0) None
Mr. Malcolm.Hudley of 135 Alma Ave., asked about the
ordinance for campers and trailers, and how it was being en--
forced. The Council responded that while there was an
ordinance for compers and trailers, they had never received
a complaint from a resident concerning the parking of these
vehicles, on the other hand, they had received numerous
complaints concerning the parking of large trucks in
residential. areas. The Council further explained that
the issue at hand was the zoning ordinance as it applies to
over 2 tonnage limitation commercial vehicles, not
recreational vehicles.'
Mayor Hopkins concluded the discussion by stating that
the 60 day grace period would :give everybody an opportunity
to appear and make their wishes known concerning this
controversial zoning ordinance of the parking of in excess
of 2 tvn nom '�� n re—dent-1 - 3 areas.
Page 11
August 25, 1975
Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Hopkins adjourned
the meeting at approximately 10°10 p.m.
APPROVED:
7 ep
Mayor
Deputy City Clerk
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