1971/11/15 City Council MinutesCall to Order
Roll Call
Executive Session
ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
November,15, 1971
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in
regular session commencing at 7 :15;p.m. in the City Offices,
435 Southwest Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Hopkins
presiding. The regular session was preceded by an executive
session which commenced at 7 :00 p.m. and at which City Man -
ager Callinan, Deputy City, Attorney Mawson and all Council -
men were present and which was held to discuss appointments
to the City Planning Commission, Cultural Arts Commission,
and the position of Golf Professional
Mayor Hopkins called the meeting of the regular session to
order at approximately 7:15 p.m. and led the pledge of
allegiance.
Present: (5) Councilmen Buchanan, Roberts, Rogers, Smith...-
and Hopkins
Absent (0) None
Staff Present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager
Callinan, Deputy City,Attorney Mawson, Assistant to the
City Manager Albright, and County Planner Wes Vail.
Mayor Hopkins announced that an executive session had been
held prior to the regular meeting to discuss appointments to
commissions and other personnel.matters.
Approval of Bills Upon motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman
Buchanan and unanimously approved, the bills presented per
the attached list in'the amount of $31,375.92 were approved.
Communications Communications per the attached outline were brought to the
attention of the Council. No action was taken on any com-
munication except as noted specifically in these minutes.
Officer Shields The memo from 'Chief Dennett commending Officer Jack Shields
Commendation was read.
Project No. 1956 -1 Mayor Hopkins declared the scheduled public hearing open on
Project No. 1956 -1, Amended Assessment No. 8.2472.6.4.2
City Manager Callinan reported that notice of the public
hearing had been published in The Clarion, explained the
amendment, and advised that no written communications had
been received. There being no one wishing to be heard,
Mayor Hopkins declared the public hearing closed.
Resolution No. A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING AMENDED ASSESSMENT (Project No.
71 -147 1956 -1, Assessment No. 8.2472.6.4.2)
City Manager Callinan summarized the resolution.
Upon motion of Councilman Buchanan, seconded by Councilman
Roberts, and unanimously approved, the reading of Resolu-
tion No. 71 -147 was waived and said resolution was adopted.
Page -2- November 15, 1971
Project No. 1968 -1a,
City Manager Callinan reported that this project included
Coddingland Unit 2
installation of sewer and water improvements in the area
west of the freeway, that a good reading had been obtained
on -the pilot hole for the well, that the sewer main is all
installed, that the well would probably be in service with -
in 60-days, and' °that Progress Payment No. 2 to Argonaut
Constructors in the amount of $49,124.28 was in order.
Upon motion of Councilman Roberts, seconded by Councilman
Rogers, and unanimously approved, Progress Payment No. 2
in the amount of $49,124.28 to Argonaut Constructors was
approved.
File No. 0200
City Manager Callihan reviewed action to date on the rezon-
H. Hilliard 6 E.A.
ing application `of'H. Hilliard and E.A. ZaChappelle for zon-
ZaChappelle Zoning
ing of approximately 16 acres at the northeast corner of
Application
Commerce Boulevard and Rohnert Park Expressway intersectio n
and explained the access map for the area prepared by the
Sonoma County Public Works Department which was displayed.
He suggested that Ordinance No. 157 which was introduced on
October 18, 1971 and which only zoned a small portion of the
area not be adopted, but that rather a new ordinance be in-
troduced to place 94C -�R" District Zoning on the entire area
of the application. A brief discussion followed.
Ordinance No. 159
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 63 (Zoning Map Change -
AP 143- 050 =14)
City Manager Callinan summarized the ordinance.
Upon 'motion of Councilman Rogers,' seconded by Councilman
Buchanan, and approved by the following roll call vote,
the reading of Ordinance No. 159 was waived and said ordin-
ance was introduced:
AYES: (4) Councilmen Buchanan, Roberts, Rogers, and
Hopkins
NOES.: (1) Councilman Smith
It was noted that the foregoing ordinance had been introduced
as Ordinance No. 158 in error. Upon motion of Councilman
Roberts., seconded by Councilman Rogers, and approved with
Councilman Smith abstaining, the number was corrected to
159.
Ordinance No. 158
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE.ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
ROHNERT PARK (Minimum size, width and side yard requirements
in certain,one- family residential districts)
City. :Manager Callinan summarized the ordinance and reiter -
ated,staff °s opposition to a reduction in the minimum lot
size.
Councilman Buchanan made a motion, seconded by Councilman
Rogers, to adopt Ordinance No. 158.
Page -3- November 15, 1971'
Councilman Smith stated for the record that he was opposed
to this change because (1) in this particular instance the
density is being increased 10% which creates an unwarranted
privilege to the owners of this type land and it is such a
substantial change from. -the General Plan that it should re-
quire a formal amendment to the General plan which would
involve public participation. If 6,500 square foot lots are
no longer desirable then the General Plan should be changed;
(2) There may be a need for additional open space for schoolE
and public facilities sites and this change will make it more
difficult to negotiate with developers for public facilities
which should be provided in exchange for increased density.
He questioned if an amendment to the General Plan was neces-
sary for this change.
Deputy City Attorney Mawson responded that a general plan is
a general guideline and the zoning ordinance covers specific
requirements,_such as lot size, and an amendment to the
General Plan was not required to change the minimum lot size
Councilman Smith read a portion of page 23 from the Rohnert
Park General Plan and asked what type of change in the zon-
ing ordinance would 'warrant an amendment to the general plan.
County Planner Vail responded that if the zoning ordinance
were changed which would create a situation where the streets
were not wide enough to carry the traffic, there were not
enough schools and /or open space, then the general plan shoul
be amended. Discussion followed.
Ordinance No. 158 was adopted by the following roll call
vote:
AYES: (4) Councilman Buchanan, Roberts, Rogers, and
Hopkins
NOES: (1) Council man Smith
Councilman Smith stated for the record that he voted no for
the reasons stated previously and that in his opinion the
ordinance was in conflict with the General Plan.
Ordinance No. 160 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 81, BEING THE SUBDIVI-
SION ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK SO AS TO AMEND
-TEXT CONCERNING MINIMUM WIDTH AT BUILDING SET BACK LINE.
City Manager.Callinan summarized the ordinance.
Upon motion. of Councilman Buchanan, seconded by Councilman
Rogers, and approved by the following roll call vote, the
reading of Ordinance No. 160 was waived and said ordinance
was introduced:
AYES: (4) Councilmen Buchanan, Roberts, Rogers, and
Hopkins
NOES (1) Councilman Smith
County Planner Vail verbally reported on the convenience
market advising that he could recommend approval only if it
were primarily for residents of the mobile home park and not
the general public and therefore would have to recommend
that there be no driveway on Snyder Lane and that the market
be oriented toward the mobile home park.
Discussion followed concerning the possible desirability of
having the convenience market open to the public since the
area was some distance from existing shopping facilities.
Mr. Giffin commented that he did not believe the mobile
home park.residents would be able to support the store alone.
Further discussion followed.
Councilman Smith made a motion, seconded by Councilman
Roberts, to riot permit the proposed convenience market.
Discussion followed. The Council indicated it would approve
the convenience market if access only from within the mobile
home park were allowed and directed Mr. Giffin to resubmit
plans for same
File 0209 C ounty Planner Vail displayed plans for and reported ver-
Fostmeier Construc- Bally on the application of Fostmeier Construction to build
tion Warehouse and an'office and warehouse facility on Commerce Boulevard advis-
Offices ing that he thought that the latest plan submitted was a
good plan.but;.would require a variance to allow for only a
10 foot setback from the rear lot line. He stated that he
felt that the 10 feet was needed more in front so the build-
ing would be more in line with the Young America Homes office
building located adjacent to -the proposed site. Vernon Avila,
Page -4- November 15, 1971
File No. 0204
Councilman Rogers stated for the record that he did not sell
Country Manor Sub -
the subject land to Mr. Condiotti and, as of this date, had
division Tentative
not sold Mr. Condiotti any property and had no contract with
'Map
him to do so and, therefore, with Deputy City Attorney Maw-
sonts verbal opinion that he could, would participate in dis-
cussion and voting on the Country Manor Subdivision.
City Manager Callinan displayed and explained the tentative
map for Country Manor Subdivision filed by Art Condiotti for
area south of E. Cotati.Avenue.
The Council requested the matter be deferred to later in the
meeting to allow time to read the planning staff report on
the matter.
File No. 0119- Giffin.
Councilman Rogers stated for the record that he owned two
Mobile Home Park -Con -
acres in the county across from the Giffin Mobile Home Park
venience Market
and requested an opinion as to whether or not he should
participate in discussion concerning the convenience market
proposed for construction in the Giffin Mobile Home Park.
Deputy City Attorney Mawson advised the determining factor
was whether or not the convenience market would affect the
use of Councilman Rogers' land. Councilman Rogers felt that
the convenience market would not affect the use of his land
and decided to participate in the discussion and voting.
County Planner Vail verbally reported on the convenience
market advising that he could recommend approval only if it
were primarily for residents of the mobile home park and not
the general public and therefore would have to recommend
that there be no driveway on Snyder Lane and that the market
be oriented toward the mobile home park.
Discussion followed concerning the possible desirability of
having the convenience market open to the public since the
area was some distance from existing shopping facilities.
Mr. Giffin commented that he did not believe the mobile
home park.residents would be able to support the store alone.
Further discussion followed.
Councilman Smith made a motion, seconded by Councilman
Roberts, to riot permit the proposed convenience market.
Discussion followed. The Council indicated it would approve
the convenience market if access only from within the mobile
home park were allowed and directed Mr. Giffin to resubmit
plans for same
File 0209 C ounty Planner Vail displayed plans for and reported ver-
Fostmeier Construc- Bally on the application of Fostmeier Construction to build
tion Warehouse and an'office and warehouse facility on Commerce Boulevard advis-
Offices ing that he thought that the latest plan submitted was a
good plan.but;.would require a variance to allow for only a
10 foot setback from the rear lot line. He stated that he
felt that the 10 feet was needed more in front so the build-
ing would be more in line with the Young America Homes office
building located adjacent to -the proposed site. Vernon Avila,
Page -5- November 15, 1971
the designer, was present and commented on the plans.
Upon motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman
Buchanan, and unanimously approved, architectural and site
plan approval for the Fostmeier Construction Company ware -
house facility on Commerce Boulevard was approved.
File No. 0210
County Planner Vail explained the displayed site plan and
Parkway Marine
elevation submitted by Parkway Marine for a marine, bicycles,
and campers sales and service facility adjacent to' the free-
way immediately south of "Hinebaugh Creek and read the pre -
pared staff report which recommended, among other things,
that the building be redesigned.
Mr. John Lewis of Todd Construction, speaking for the appli-
cant, commented that he had worked on the design for -the
building and would confer with planning staff on upgrading
the architectural design of the building. Discussion follow-
ed after which it was decided that the planning staff would
meet with the applicant and designer and work out an agree -
able exterior for the building.
File Noe 0006
County Planner Wes Vail verbally reported that plans submitted
Finisy Apt. Complex
and displayed for'the third and final phase of the Apartment
(Casa Colinas)
complex designed by Architect Finisy (Casa Colinas) on Boris
Court complied with requirements for parking space and open
space. A brief discussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman
Roberts, and unanimously approved, architectural and site
plan approval were givenflor the third and final phase (Casa
Colinas) of the " Finisy" Apartment complex on Boris Court.
City Manager Callinan brought to the attention of the Council
a letter from William Kapranos which expressed concern over
the subject apartment complex being affected by a proposed
change in multi- family density. Mr. Callinan solicited and
received Council concurrence that any change in density re-
quirements would not affect the 4°Finisy" Apartment complex
on Boris Court.
File No. 0171
City Manager Callinan advised that architectural review and
Redwood Investments
site plan approval for Redwood Investments Apartment complex
Apartment Complex
on the southwest corner of Commerce Boulevard and Avram Ave -
nue had been put on the agenda in his absence but that a use
permit application was necessary for the same since the
location was zoned P -A. He requested and received permission
to have.the use permit application on the next agenda ex-
plaining that the previous use germit had been denied and
the required one year period had not expired, but only a
period of approximately lb months. The Council indicated that
a new use permit application would be acceptable.
Recess
Mayor Hopkins declared a recess,at this point in the meeting,
the time being approximately 8:45 p.m.
a. 9: o °¢ a: a °t •': ;t a: ae a> „ d: a's a: a °e
Page -6-
November 15, 1971
Reconvene Mayor Hopkins reconvened the meeting at approximately 8:50
.P.M.
City Manager Callinan requested, on behalf of Dr. Foehr,
that the Redwood Investments use permit application be on
the November 29 adjourned meeting agenda. The Council in-
dicated no objections.
File No. 0204 City Manager Callinan reviewed the conditions for Country
Country Manor Manor Subdivision prepared by staff dated November 15, 1971
Subdivision and recommended approval of the tentative map subject to
said conditions.
Mr. Condiotti was present and indicated that all the condi-
tions were agreeable except No. 12 concerning multi - family
units being limited to single story construction. Discus -
sion followed.
Councilman Smith read.a statement concerning schools and the
possibility of requiring developers to provide school space
when needed. He also read a proposed policy resolution con-
cerning same and made a motion to adopt said policy resolu-
tion which died for lack of a second. (A copy of Councilman
Smith's statement and proposed resolution are attached to
the original copy of the minutes). Discussion followed.
Mr. Maurice Fredericks, Cotati School Board Trustee, was
present and commented that he believed Councilman Smith's
remarks were in order and merited consideration. He further
commented that attendance is a little higher this year and
classroom space is becoming a concern for future needs.
Discussion followed.
Deputy City Attorney Mawsan reminded the Council that Ordin-
ance.No. 158 would not become effective for 30 days, there -
fore the tentative map did not comply with existing ordin-
ances. A brief discussion followed.
Condition No. 13 was added to the prepared list of conditions
for the Country Manor Subdivision tentative map which provid-
ed for approval of the tentative map subject to effective -
ness of Ordinance Nos. 158 and 160.
Upon motion of Councilman Buchanan, seconded by Councilman
Rogers, and approved by the following roll call vote, the
tentative map for Country Manor Subdivision was approved
subject to the conditions recommended by staff dated Novem-
ber 15, 1971 with No. 12 revised to permit two story multi-
family units if they are at least 25 feet from single family
lots, and.No. 13 mentioned above.
AYES: (4) Coun&man Buchanan, Roberts, Rogers, and
Hopkins
NOES: (1) Councilman Smith
Mr.. Dick Day commented that approximately 500 -600 children
Page -7-
November 15, 1971
would probably be in the new subdivision and he felt the
proposed idea that developers pay,for public facilities
rather than the existing taxpayers was a good one. Discus-
sion followed.
Holiday Park County Planner Vail advised the Council that he had reviewed
Multi- Family `Plans the plans for the multi- family units in Holiday Park and that
they were in conformity with all requirements. The Council
indicated it felt no need for architectural review.
Councilman Smith asked Harold Heers of Forhim Corporation
why some of his firm's model homes had shake roofs and the
production models did not. Mr. Heers explained that some
models were shown with all the extras which could be pur-
chased.
Annexation No. 7 City Manager Callinan read letters.from various organizations•.
concerning Annexation No. 7 as follows:
1. Rohnert Park Cultural Arts Commission dated Novem-
ber 8, 1971,
2. Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce dated November 8,
1971
3. Rohnert.Park Garden Club dated November 12, 1971:
4. Rohnert Park Homeowners Association dated November
15, 1971.
He reviewed previous discussions with representatives of Land
Investors Research and the Council decision to require land
for a park as part of the.annexation' agreement.
County Planner Vail' read the planning staff report prepared
by Mel 'Pedersen dated November 15, 1971.
Mr. William White of Land Investors Research appeared and
reviewed negotiations with the city for annexation, read
portions of correspondence between the city and Land Inves-
tors Research and referred to the plan displayed entitled
49Sonoma State College and.College Annexation". Discussion
followed.
Executive Dean Wes Burford of Sonoma State College was
recognized and commented he felt it was time to begin develop:
ment on the north side of the college campus since it was
estimated there would be an increase of 750 students per
year if the legislature provides funds. He indicated he
supported the presentation of Land Investors Reaearch as
did President'Thomas McGrath as expressed in his letter of
October 26, 1971.
Mr. Cordon Pusser.President of Land Investors Research was
recognized. He pointed out his firm is only asking for
annexation at this time, not subdivision approval. He also
Page -8-
November 15, 1971
commented that his firm represented the Anderson family who
had been in the area for over IQ years, as well as other
property owners and the .college. Discussion followed con -
cerning the request for a park as a prerequisite to annex-
ation.
Mr. Mary Dillon, employee at Sonoma State College and Rohnert
Park resident, commented that he hoped the Council would con -
sider the annexation positively. Discussion followed con -
cerning proposed density and open space.
Councilman Smith made a motion to favorably consider this
annexation proposal which died for lack of a second. A
brief discussion followed.
Planning Commission
City Manager Callinan reported that an executive session
would be held at 6 :30 .p.m., November 29, prior to the sche-
duled continued public hearing on that date for the purpose
of interviewing those who have expressed an interest in serv-
ing on the Planning Commission. He noted that the public
would not be allowed to question the candidates but will be
allowed to submit written questions for candidates to answer.
Additional persons interested in serving were requested to
make their intentions known.
Recycling Center
Councilman Robertsreported that Ken Bell of the Rohnert Park
Post Office had complained to him of several flat tires on
post Office vehicles being caused by broken glass at the re-
cycling center on Collegeview Drive. Mr. Dick Day was recog-
nized and advised that the recycling center was largely a
volunteer project and efforts were being made to correct the
situation.
ABAG - Airport
Mayor Hopkins brought to the attention of the Council recent
Planning
meetings concerning regional airport planning and invited
those wishing to do so to convey their opinions on the matter
to Mayor Putnam of Petaluma who is our representative to
ABAG.
Annexation No. 7
Dr. William Cord asked if Annexation #7 discussion could be
continued to another time so he could speak and possibly
others who might like to be heard since he had been overlook -
ed in the discussion of the mater. Mayor Hopkins apologized
for the oversight.
The Council did not reschedule the matter since Land Ines-
tors Research representatives indicated they would be re-
questing agenda time in the near future.
Golf Pro's Resigna -
City Manager Callinan reported that Golf Professional Bob
tion
Porter had submitted his resignation to be effective Janu-
ary 31, 1972 and solicited guidance in the procedure desired
to replace him. Councilmen Roberts and Buchanan were appoint
ed to serve on a committee.with City Manager Callinan to
interview candidates..for the position of Golf Pro.
Page -9-
November 15, 1971
Resolution No. 71 -148 A RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 1971 RANCHO
COTATE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM
City Manager Callinan summarized the resolution.
Upon motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman
Roberts, and unanimously approved, Resolution No. 71 -148
was adopted.
Rancho Cotate Foot- Councilman Rogers made a motion for the city to purchase
ball Team Awards small gold footballs at a cost of $5 each for the champion-
ship football teams composed of approximately 80 boys which
was seconded by Councilman Roberts. A brief discussion
followed concerning whether or not it was proper for the city
to purchase the footballs. Counckman Roberts withdrew his
second. It was pointed out that this was similar to buy-
ing trophies for CYO Basketball, Babe Ruth baseball, etc.
whereupon Deputy City Attorney Mawson.,opinioned that it
should pose no problem. Mayor Hopkins .then ,seconded ,Council-
man Roger's motion which was approved by the following roll
call vote:
AYES: (5) Councilmen Buchanan, Roberts, Rogers, Smith
and Hopkins
NOES: (0) None
Councilman Smith stated his vote was subject to concurrence
by the Recreation Commission.
City Manager Callinan requested and received Council per-
mission to informally poll the Recreation Commission members
the next day.
Water Bills Councilman Smith initiated a discussion concerning the water
billing and the wisdom of reminder notices. City Manager
Callinan advised he would check on the percentage of those
who pay on the first billing.
Planning Commission Deputy City Attorney Mawson advised the Council he was com-
piling information on various planning commission regula-
tions and procedures, appointments to commissions and the
commissioners duties and would have it available to the
Council in the near future.
Variance procedure Deputy City Attorney Mawson advised that his office had re-
ceived a request from Councilman Smith to clarify variance
procedures and a request to correlate those procedures with
opinions given by his office on after the fact matters and
that he had answered in the form of a letter with copies
furnished to each Councilman.
New Legislation Deputy City Attorney Mawson advised that recent legislation
had been enacted which would prohibit employment of public
employees in certain positions as well as elected officials
and commissioners and would make that information available
when it is received.
Page -10- November 15, 1971
Public 'Appearance Mr. Karl Clark, candidate for Cotati School Board, announced
Candidate's Night would be held Tuesday, November 16,at the
Cotati School.
Mr. Clark also commented that he was upset at the reaction
of the Council on the Annexation No. 7 proposal.
Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned
at 10°45 p.m. to Monday, November 29, 1971 at 0:30 p.m.
Doty City
APPROVED: