1974/11/18 City Council MinutesROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
November 18, 1974
The ',Council of .the.._.City of Rohnert Park met this date in
regular,sessipn commencing at 7:00 p.m. in -the City
Offices, _6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with
Mayor.,Beary'presiding. The,regular session was preen
'ceded'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,.discuss litigation and personnel matters.
Call to Order
Mayor Beary.cialled the meeting of the regular session
to order.at approximately 7035 p.m. and led the pledge 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 Callinn, City Attorney Flitner, and
� ,i �.y .�ugin ei bruSt
Approval of Bills
Upon motion of.Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
'Eck, and,unanimously approved,,the balls presented per
the attached list in the amount of $36,628.-3 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,no-ted specifically in these
minutes.
Eaton Distributing Co.
Councilman Eck initiated a brief' discussion concerning
Aluminum Can Recycling
correspondence to Eaton Distributing Co. and its inten-
Project
tion to conduct a.recycling.project for aluminum cans.
Council indicated it would, not like the recycling project
to be held on Saturday i:n,conflict with the current re-
cycling project being conducted at the Park Plaza Shop-
ping Center..
Cultural Arts Corp.
Mrs. Alice Wells, Gultural'Arts Corporation President,
Representatives re
appeared and .introduced Dr. William Cord, board member of
Cultural Arts Center
the .corporation,.who read a letter dated November 11 from
and.Community Gym-
the corporation which expressed its concern for additional
cultural facilities.in the community and the possibility
of integrating same with the proposed gymnasium to be con -
structed at the Fchnert Park Junior High School. Said _.
letter is attached to. the. -or�ig nal of these minutes. Dis-
cussion followed concerning the type of facilities the
group had In mind,with.,Mrs.. Wells and Dr. Cord partici -
pating.: It was suggested that :a joint meeting of the
Council ,;and Board of.b� rectors of the corporation be
schelui:ed to more fully discuss the matter. It was
decided:_to hold said joint meeting during a Council work
session meeting eithex in: December or January.
Page 2e November 18, 1974
Youth Employment Mr. Fred Rusk, Work Experience Coordinator from Rancho
Service Cotate High School, appeared, thanked the Council for its
financial support.which enabled two students from the
high school to carry on the Youth Employment Service dur-
ing the past summer, and introduced Mike Moss, one of
said students.
Mr. Moss reported on the results of the 1974 Youth Employ-
ment Service, advising that both Rohnert Park and Cotati
had contributed funds for the program; that the service
office was located in the Rohnert Park City Offices; gave
some statistical information. on registriations, job open-
ings, placements, etc. a copy of which is on file; advised
that the results of the program surpassed all expectations;
that Nancy Hamann had worked with him and is now attending
Purdue University and conveyed her thanks. He commended
Lyle Amlin of the Clarion for the advertising of the pro-
gram and free printing of business cards; thanked the
Employment Development Department and Mr. Rusk, without
whose help the program could not have been so successful;
and thanked the city staff whose patience, tolerance, and
help was outstanding.
Mr. Rusk commented that Employment Development Department
staff in Santa Rosa had conveyed to him the outstanding
work done by Nancy Hamann and Mike Moss in placement,
keeping of records, and general matters.
Myschool Slide Mr. Morris Turner appeared and gave a brief history of
Presentation Myschool, commenting that it was started four years ago
by students and faculty wives of Sonoma State College;
that children two years nine months to five years of age
are accepted at the school; a pre - school program is con -
ducted which readies the children for kindergarten; that
it is a state funded school, but many fund raising events
are held for supplemental funds. Mr. Turner gave a slide
presentation showing some of the fund raising events, a
children's parade, family fun day, and various activities
at the school. In response to a question from the Council
Mr. Turner advised that his presentation was a public
relations function in an effort to become better acquaint-
ed with Rohnert Park officials and residents.
Library Facilities Mr. David Sabsay, Santa Rosa - Sonoma County Public Library,
Director, appeared and discussed pertinent portions of the
proposed agreement for a county -wide library system with
the Council, such as construction of facilities, estab-
lishment of a community advisory board in communities
where one does not exist, composition of the Library
Commission and its functions, and like matters. He advis-
ed that the commission would become active 60 days after
the last signature is affixed to the agreement, which it
is anticipated will be in mid- December, and suggested
that some thought be given to recommendations for advisory
board members during that '60 day period in order that the
commission could establish the Rohnert Park- Cotati area
Page 3, November 18, 1974
advisory board as soon.as; possible.
Mr. ;Sabsay..commented_ that it was estimated that construc-
tion costs were .. increasing approximately $2,000 per month
and briefly reviewed suggeste.d..guidelines for selecting
an.architect to_ design the,'library in Rohnert Nark.
In response to "a question from the Council concerning a
citizen's concern that,the_Library Board does not consider
advisory'board. recommendations,, Mr. Sabsay commented that
both he and the County Board of Supervisors had asked for
the advisory hoards because local input is necessary; that
he meets.w.ith.said,boards regularly and that decisions are
made on local matters such as library hours, level of
service within budgetary limits, and budget input.
City Manager Caliinan advised that h had a eoicliTiitment
from the gentleman who.wil:l own the library site within
a week or so to sell the site on Hunter Drive to the city
at the negotiated price of $1.00 per square foot and that
the next step would be to select an architect; he solicited
direction from the,Council in Selecting, an architect and
also what contribution, if any, should be solicited.from
the City of Cotati; he suggested that 'the latter matter`'
might be discussed at a joint meeting of the two City
Councils. Discussion-followed during whch,the•Council
indicated that Mr.'Cai.linan should paper screen three or
four architects for consideration by the Council at the
December 2nd meeting and that he should continue efforts to
arrange for a joint meeting of the Rohnert Park and Cotati
City Councils, .
Mr. Peter Ro6enwald,,4823 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa,
was recognized. He suggested that a newspaper article be
published i.n the local newspapers requesting indications
of interest from those persons willing to serve on a
library advisory board. He: commented he was pleased that
a library advisory board would be established and hoped
that the programs he had spoken of previously might be
implemented, such.as reading groups for elementary students
on the 4515 schedule, book reading programs for senior
citizens, puppet shows for children, and other appropri-
ate services.
1973 -74 External
A brief discussion was held on the 1973 -74 external audi-
Audit Reports
tor's reports prepared by:Pisenti & Brinker, C.P.A.'s.
Upon motion of Councilman Smith,, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins,'and unanimously,approved, the 1973 --74 external
.- -
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C1uU1L i"'%po.c'�.a .LVi' 4110 �4d.l.y .V.t...RVilllt;i ' t rcls'n, 1.110 dtVlldlCt't
P'arrk Civic Commission, and Revenue Sharing Funds were
accepted.
Santa Rosa Urban
City Manager Callinan advised that the law firm of Cotton,
Renewal Project
Seligman & Ray had prepared a complaint to be filed in
U.S. District Court upon Council, approval; that the city
Page 4.
November 12, 1974
was objecting to the Santa Rosa Urban .Renewal Project on
the basis that it would give tax subsidies to Hahn and
Sears and would cause irreparable harm to the City of Rohner -
Park; that a letter had been received from the Rohnert
Park Chamber of Commerce offering to assist the city in
raising funds for legal fees from local developers and
businessmen.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Flores, and approved by the following roll call vote, the
law firm of Cotton, Seligman & Ray was authorized to file
its prepared complaint in federal court against the Santa
Rosa Urban Renewal Project:
NOES: (1) Councilman Eck
Councilman Flores stated for the record that in voting for
the extension`of time he specifically noted the memo from
City Manager Callinan dated November 15 which stated in
part that the Planning Commission, in granting approval for
an 18 month extension of the Rancho Sonoma Subdivisions,
Units 2 and 3,Trade clear there was no guarantee that
sewer service would be available and also that the con-
ditions originally attached to the subdivision were still
in effect; that the Planning Commission's approval has
been stayed:"pending Council action on the matter; and he
therefore felt the Council was making no concession by
granting the 30 day extension.
AYES: (4) Councilmen Flores, Hopkins, Smith, and
Beary
NOES: (1) Councilman Eck
City Manager Callinan advised that he would have a press
release on the matter the following day after the suit
was filed.
File 0240, Rancho
City Manager Callinan briefly reviewed his memo to the
Sonoma Subdivision,
Council dated November 15 concerning Planning File 0240,
Review of Tentative
advised that Mr. Richard Konezcy of American Housing
Map Time Extension
Guild had called requesting an extension of 30 days on
Council consideration of the matter, and advised that
the firm had submitted an application to the Planning
Commission requesting reversion to acreage for Rancho
Sonoma, Unit No. 1. He pointed out the maps on display
of the subdivision and the reversion to acreage map. Dis-
cussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman Hopkinsf,seconded by Councilman
Flores, and approved by the following roll call vote, con- -
sideration of Planning File 0240 was continued for 30 days
as requested:
AYES: (4) Councilmen Flores, Hopkins, Smith, and
Beary
NOES: (1) Councilman Eck
Councilman Flores stated for the record that in voting for
the extension`of time he specifically noted the memo from
City Manager Callinan dated November 15 which stated in
part that the Planning Commission, in granting approval for
an 18 month extension of the Rancho Sonoma Subdivisions,
Units 2 and 3,Trade clear there was no guarantee that
sewer service would be available and also that the con-
ditions originally attached to the subdivision were still
in effect; that the Planning Commission's approval has
been stayed:"pending Council action on the matter; and he
therefore felt the Council was making no concession by
granting the 30 day extension.
Pare 5. November 18, 1974
Federal Aid Urban
City Manage r'Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
Project- Commerce Blvd.
dated November 15., 1974 concerning the: Federal Aid Urban
that Engineer
Widening.
pro.Ject- Commerce Boulevard Widening;' advised
Hudis;was`preparing.the plans and specifications for the
project,`and >'Traffic,Engineer Renato Martinez would be
preparing the- plans and, .specifications for the signals
at. the Commerce Boulevard- R6hnert"Park Expressway inter-
section if `the Council had no objections.
City Engineer Brust .:adv. s,ed .that the plans an sped fi-
cations should, be completed during January, 1975 and sub-- "
miffed for the necessary county and state approvals; that
the estimated cost of the project was $167,000 with the
city's share being approxima�ely $28,300 but that he felt
the estimate was on the high side.,`
Discussion ' followed concerning the Nossibility of having
the benefiting'property owners share in the cost of the
project. City Manager Callinan. advised that it was cur -
rent.city Policy to have the property owners pay for a.
40 foot wide roadway, which has already been done on
Commerce Blvd., with the city paying for widening of such
roadways which is what is being undertaken. Further dis-
cussian followed during which the - Council indicated no
Objections to using,Mr. Martinez for preparation of the
plans and'specifcations of the signal installation as
outlined in City Manager Callinan's memo dated November 15
Recess,
Mayor. Beary declared a recess at this point in the meeting
the time being approximately 8;45 p.m.
Reconvene
Mayor Geary reconvened the. meeting at approximately 8:55
P.M. with all Councilmen present.
State Water Study
City Manager Callinan briefly reviewed his memo to the
Council dated November 15 „conoernirrg the State.Water
Study and advised that the State Department of Water”
Resources intended to begin the study right after the
first of the year.
Bike Path - Southwest
- City Manager Callinan reviewed his memo to the Council
bike an Southwest
Boulevard
dated November 15,corcerning`a path
Boulevard between Adrian Drive and Burton Avenue and fund
ing of same. Discussion followed.
Upon motion of Councilman 'Hopkins, seconded by Councilman
Flores and unanimously approved, Councilman Eck was
appointed, to work.with staff in developing priorities
for bike path construction and submit recommendations to
the Council for consider aL.La1,.
Drainage Problem at
City Manager Callinan reviewed a memo from City Engineer
his investigation
Bonnie -- Bernice and
Brust'dated November 15 concerning
at Bonnie - Bernice and Bonnie
Bonnie -Santa Barbara
of the drainage problems the
Barbara intersections and other nearby intersection
Intersections
Santa
which recommended installation of storm drains. Alterna-
Perpendicular Parking
in Certain Cul -de -sacs
Page 6.
November 18, 1974
tive methods of solving the problem were.,discussed with
Mr. Brust advising.that storm drain installation was the
preferred solution.
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, the installation of
storm drains as recommended will be considered in the
1975 -76 budget with an effort being made to try and accom-
plish the work "as soon as possible after July 1, 1975.
City Manager Callinan briefly reviewed a memo from
Director of Public Safety Dennett dated November 15 con-
cerning perpendicular parking in certain cul -de -sacs which
advised that such parking is allowable if the parking
spaces are marked with lines in the street and signs
posted advising that such parking is permitted. Discus-
sion followed during which it was suggested that such
parking be provided for as soon as possible. City Mana-
ger Callinan advised that it would probably take 4 -6 weeks
to obtain the necessary signs. A brief discussion fol-
lowed during which it was pointed out by Mayor Beary that
the play equipment should be installed in Colegio Vista
Park prior to the parking signs.
Cross walks on Arlen
City Manager Callinan briefly reviewed a memo from
Drive
Director of Public Safety Dennett dated November 15 con -
cerning possible establishment of cross walks on Arlen
Drive in the area of Santa Alicia Drive. A brief discus -
sion followed during which the Council indicated that a
crosswalk should be installed at.the intersection of
Arlen Drive and Santa Alicia Drive.
Ladybug Park, Tennis
City Manager Callinan reminded of the dedication scheduled
Courts, f Recreation
for 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 24, for the Ladybug Park,
Building Dedication
.tennis courts, and recreation building.
County General Plan
City Manager Callinan advised that "Mr. Leslie Symonds and
Committee Reports
Mr. Peter McCormick, County General Plan Committee mem-
bers, had 'indicated they would like to meet with the
Council for approximately 15 minutes at the scheduled
November 25th work session and solicited Council approval
of same. A brief discussion followed during which the
Council indicated approval of the requested appearances
at the November 25th work session.
Wastewater Treatment
City Manager Callinan noted that City Engineer Brust had
and Disposal
prepared a "Survey of Residential Units" report as
and reminded
requested.by the Councilmat the last meeting
the Council of the Regional Water Quality Control Board
hearing scheduled for l:30 p.m., December 4 and the
Council work session on wastewater treatment scheduled
for November 25th. Discussion followed during which
Councilman Eck requested that the Water,.Quality Control
Board report concerning the city's wastewater treatment
plant violations be available at the work session.
Santa Rosa.lawsuit re
'Coddi-ng�,Cofego EIR
Prohibiting Motor Bikes
in Bike Paths
M.-T.F. - Fresno City Attorney Flitner advised the lawsuit between M.I.F.
Lawsuit and the City of Fresno concerned test results both by the
City or Fresno and an independent testing service in which
it could not be determined that M.I.F.'s product known
as C1jROD was making-an'y difference in the sewage treatment
process; the City ofTrqsno cancelled its contract with
M.I.F. . and M.I.F. filed 'suit against the city. Discussion
followed.
Mr. Peter Rosenwaldl4as recognized. He inquired what
M.I.F..was and how it related to Rohnert Park. City
Manager Callinan responded that M.I.F. Chemical Company
supplies CUROD which is a bacteria that is used to reduce
sewer plant odors and is supplying same to the Rohnert
Park plant.
Page 7. November 18, 1974
City.Engineer Brust commented that the "Survey of Resi-
dential.Uhits" report distributed had just been completed
this evening and there.might be some minor corrections in
....the numbers and it -therefore should be considered a draft
report
-City Attorney Flitn'er advised, in response to a question
raised at the last Council meeting, that the best way to
call.,up a'revised final.map for Council review was during
the 10 day appeal period following Planning Commission
action..
City Attorney Flitner, advised that briefs had been sub-
mitted on the Santa Rosa Lawsuit concerning the Codding-
Cofego EIR and the matter had been set for argument on
Friday, November 22; that the question to be resolved was
the adequacy of the EIR and that it was hoped a decision
would be rendered early in December on the matter.
City Attorney Flitner advised he had not had an opportun-
ity to prepare an ordinance prohibiting motor bikes in
bike paths but would have same ready for the December 2
meeting*,
Mr. Richard Blair, 420 Arlen Drive, Was recognized. He
commented he had missed City Attorney Flitner's report
on the M.I.F.-Fresno'lawsuit. City Attorney Flitner'
briefly reviewed the'miatter..again commenting that the
main thrust of the 'stiii' w4s. that required tests were
not conducted fairly or properly by the City of Fresno
and/or independent testing labs engaged by the city.
Discussion followed concerning an article in the local
newspaper which was felt by some of the Council to be mis-
leadiag-in referrdn-g- to dollcu- savings on ch-Lovine at ti-le
plant while using CORODa Discussion was also held on the
recurring plant odors and the possibility that CUROD did
not work as'well on cloudy days.
1. Page 8
November 18, 1974
Park Improvements at City Attorney Flitner briefly commented on his memo to
Final Map Stage
the Council concerning park improvements at the final
map stage dated November 18 and summarized by stating
that the city could require park fees at the time the
final map is filed but must be sure that the proper pro-
cedures are followed; that park improvements were not
included in such requirements. Discussion followed dur-
ing which City Manager Callinan suggested that a small
area might be turfed and play equipment installed in the
northern area park site. Discussion followed concerning
the development of Colegio Vista Park during which
Mr. Callinan advised that said park had received quite a
bit of attention with a considerable amount of landscap-
ing installed and, if the weather holds, the play equip-
ment should be installed within a,week or so.
Abandonment of Bike
Mayor Beary initiated a brief discussion concerning aban-
Paths in Area South
donment of certain bike paths in the area south of East
of East Cotati Avenue
Cotati Avenue and requested that the matter be scheduled
for consideration at the next regular meeting.
Marin County Mosquito
City Manager Callinan discussed a communication received
Abatement District
from the Marin County Mosquito Abatement District which .
advised that the "Central Sonoma Annexation" had been
completed and that an elector of the city should be
appointed to the board with said appointment to become
effective July 1, 1975, A brief discussion followed..
Upon.motion of Councilman :.Flores, seconded by Councilman
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, Councilman Smith was
,appointed to serve as a trustee on the Marin County
Mosquito Abatement District Board.
Heating Fuel Articles
Councilman Eck brought to the attention of the Council an
article entitled "The Fuel- Adjustment Caper" from the
November issue of Consumer Reports and a Jack Anderson
column entitled "Hot Air as,a,Weapon" from the November 18
edition of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, supplied copies
of the articles to the Council,.and urged that they be
read.
Expressway - Country Club
Councilman Flores initiated a discussion concerning the
Drive Intersection
Expressway- Country Club Drive intersection commenting that
the traffic flows at speeds of 30 -55 MPH particularly
during peak college use of the Expressway; pointed out
that a motorist traveling east sees the intersection
island as an extension of the sidewalk and asked if some-
thing could be done to improve the situation.
City Engineer Brust responded that the island curb could
possibly be painted white and reflectors installed but
that he would like to look at the intersection again
before making a firm recommendation. A brief discussion
followed with Mr. Peter Rosenwald participating.
Council Chambers
Public Address System
Reception for Newly
Elected Officials
College Professor of
Public Administration,
Ken Marcus
Page D.
November 13, 1974
Councilman Smith initiated a discussion concerning the
public address system in the Council Chambers.
Upon motion of Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman
Flores, and unanimously approved, staff was directed to
have a qualified audio engineer evaluate the public
address system in the Council Chambers and submit recom
niendations for improvement of same.
City Manager Callinan reminded the Council that such an
evaluation had been performed some months ago and the
Cotati-Rohnert Park School District was contacted at the
Council's request concerning cost participation in the
recommended improvements with the board declining to par-
ticipate in the cost and the matter was dropped by the
Council. Further discussion followed with the request
that something be done to improve the system.
Mayor Beary initiated a discussion concerning a reception
for newly elected officials that would be representing
Rohnert Park with the public to be invited so they might
become acquainted with the new officials.
Upon motion of Mayor' Beary, seconu'ed by Couinc-il man
Hopkins, and unanimously approved, Mayor Beary was autho-
rized to pursue the matter of a reception for newly
elected officials as requested.
Mayor Beary initiated A-brief discussion concerning the
feasibility of placing an open space measure on the
ballot with the school board election to be held in the
spring. The Council indicated no objections to the
matter being pursued.
City Manager Callinan advised that Ken Marcus, Professor
of Public Administration at Cal State Sonoma was in the
audience. Mayor Beary recognized Professor Marcus who
introduced the students accompanying him.
MbtorBikes in Bike Mr. Richard Blair, 420 Arlen Drive, was recognized. He
Paths inquired about the ordinance to be prepared which would
prohibit -motorbikes in bike paths and asked if mini-
bikes would be included. City Attorney Flitner responded
that he would.define a motorbike as any motorized bike.
Discussion followed concerning the possible establishment
of an area for motorized bikes to be accommodated with
Mr. Blair participating. Mayor Beary informed that some
efforts had been made for such an area but it had not
been practical to provide such an area at this point in
time. Further discussion followed during which it was
suggested that it might be more feasible as a county
project.
Spring Election Mr. Peter Rosenwald was recognized. He inquired about
the scheduled spring school board election -and if his
Page loo November 18, 1974
information was correct that'if there was no opposition
that the incumbents would be declared elected without an
election.being,held. City Attorney Flitner responded
that his information was correct. A brief discussion
followed with Mr. Rosenwald participating concerning
making an effort to alert citizens of all elective
,position openings.
Bike Paths in 'ILI' Mr. Harry Sullivan of La Crosse Ct. was recognized. He
Section inquired if anything had been started on a student sur-
vey of..!'L" section regarding abandonment of bike paths
in that area as discussed at the town meeting for "L"
section residents., Mayor Beary responded that it had
not been started yet since it was felt the legal opinion
regarding the bike path abandonment should be first
heard and considered by the Council before proceeding
with the survey arrangements. A brief discussion fol-
lowed with Mr. Sullivan participating.
Adjournment There being.no further business, Mayor. Beary`:adjourned
the meeting at approximately 9:38 p.m. to November 25th
at 7:00 p.m.
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beput City rk