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1979/02/13 City Council MinutesROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Resolution No. 79 -22 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Resolution No. 79 -23 RESOLUTION CALLING FOR SEALED PROPOSALS AND FIXING LIQUIDATED DAMAGES FOR FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE WORK WITHIN TIME SPECIFIED (Transport Avenue Extension Rohnert Park Project No. 1977 -4) Resolution No. 79 -24 RESOLUTION CALLING FOR SEALED PROPOSALS ( Rohnert Park Express- - way Widening Project No. 1978 -19) Resolution No. 79 -25 RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH UNITED CALIFORNIA BANK (Hudis Street School) Resolution No. 79 -26 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF BONDS FOR COLEGIO VISTA SUBDIVISION NO. 4 February 13, 1979 The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in regular session commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the City Offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Hopkins presiding. The regular session was preceded by an executive session which commenced at 7:00 p.m. and at which all Council- men and City Manager Callinan were present and which was held to discuss personnel and litigation matters. Call to Order Mayor Hopkins called the meeting of the regular session to order at approximately 7:19 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance. Roll Call_ Present: (5) Councilmen Beary, Carbone, Roberts, Stewart and Hopkins Absent: (0) None Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Callinan, City Attorney Flitner (whose time of arrival is specifically noted in these minutes), Planning Director Skanchy, Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust and Project Engineer Hudis Approval of Minutes Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Roberts, and unanimously approved, the minutes of January - 22, 1979 were approved as submitted. Approval of Bills Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Roberts, and unanimously approved, the bills presented per the attached list in the amount of $274,691.88.were approved. D� °e °e' °sS a ° °e' an e� i' `e �e se ire n6 •. ii .t °ai °ai is 4: "e °.' i' eC +e �£ +a °o aC n eC ae C0N.SE NT CALENDAR City Manager Callinan referred the Council to his memo dated February 6, 1979 to the City Council for explanation of all the matters on the Consent Calendar. Resolution No. 79 -21 RESOLUTION OF THE ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL REJECTING STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY CLAIM NO. 05 4527 780 (Phyllis Jenkins) Resolution No. 79 -22 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Resolution No. 79 -23 RESOLUTION CALLING FOR SEALED PROPOSALS AND FIXING LIQUIDATED DAMAGES FOR FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE WORK WITHIN TIME SPECIFIED (Transport Avenue Extension Rohnert Park Project No. 1977 -4) Resolution No. 79 -24 RESOLUTION CALLING FOR SEALED PROPOSALS ( Rohnert Park Express- - way Widening Project No. 1978 -19) Resolution No. 79 -25 RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH UNITED CALIFORNIA BANK (Hudis Street School) Resolution No. 79 -26 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF BONDS FOR COLEGIO VISTA SUBDIVISION NO. 4 Page 2 February 13, 1979 Resolution No. 79 -27 AUTHORIZING APPLICATION OR GRANT AND LOAN UNDER SAFE DRINKING WATER BOND LAW Upon motion of Councilman Carbone, seconded by Councilman Beary, and unanimously approved, reading of Resolution Nos. 7921 through 79 -27 was waived and said resolutions were adopted. ,re as ai 9 °e °e °ee °ai n r °9r" °ai °a °e rs ei an 9n ee 99.° °as en `a °Q a °n ei an ii en° > e °i Se °i ae City Attorney Flitner City Attorney Flitner arrived at this point in the meeting, Arrives the time being approximately 7:24 p.m. Rohnert Park Women's Mrs. Reba Roberts, Rohnert Park Women's Association President, Association re. was recognized and requested that the Council authorize the Dedication of New Women's Association to handle arrangements for the grand Community Center opening ceremonies of the new community and recreation center on Snyder Lane. Mrs. Roberts explained that the Association was also looking to the City for a $400 contribution in order to help purchase supplies, arrange for catering, and other related expenses associated with the ribbon cutting and dinner dance functions. Upon motion of Councilman Carbone., seconded by Councilman Stewart, and unanimously approved with Councilman Roberts abstaining, the City Council designated the Rohnert Park Women Association to handle the opening ceremonies of the community and recreation center on Snyder Lane and agreed to provide $400 for said purpose. Youth Advisory Mike Crothers, Youth Advisory Commission Chairman, was Commission recognized and offered to answer any questions concerning the commission's recommended amendment to its by -laws redress temporary chairman and /or the proposed ordinance re. selection of membership, meetings time and advisor. Discussio followed. Upon motion of Councilman Carbone, seconded by Councilman Roberts, and unanimously approved, the City Council approved the amendment to the Youth Advisory Commission by -laws concern ing tempoary chairman and dress code. Ordinance No. 360 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK AMENDING ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 2, SECTIONS 2.36.020, 2.36.040, AND 2.36.050 (Youth Advisory Commission) Upon motion of Councilman Roberts, seconded by Councilman Carbone, and unanimously approved by a roll call vote, reading of Ordinance No. 360 was waived and said ordinance was introduc American Legion Ed Novak, American Legion Commander Post 338, was recognized Post 338 and requested permission to construct a veteran's memorial in the turfed area in front of the Burton Avenue Recreation Center. Discussion followed. Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Robert and unanimously approved, the City Council endorsed the concep of constructing a veteran's memorial, consisting of a flagpole with a monument at its base, subject to more explicit details being submitted to the Council for its review. Amphitheatre in Benecia Park Project No.'1978 -1, Snyder Lane and Hinebaugh Creek Page 3 February 13, 1979 Mr. Jack Behl, 56 Allan Avenue, member of the Rohnert Park Cultural Arts Corporation Board of Directors, was recognized and solicited a "yes" or "no" response from the Council concern- ing the development of an amphitheatre to the rear of the Burton Avenue Community Center and suggested that the cultural Arts group could try and raise the funds to develop the structure. 'Discussion followed between Council members, staff and Mr. Behl. Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Roberts, an approved by the following roll call vote, the concept of developing an amphitheatre to the rear of the Burton Avenue Community Center was approved with the understand- ing that the facility would use a portable stage and the Council endorsed the Rohnert Park Cultural Arts Corp. trying to raise funds for the project AYES: (4) Councilmen Beary, , Stewart and Hopkins NOES: (1) Councilman??= '_r�?,:�,� City Manager Callinan reviewed his February 6, 1979 memo to the City Council concerning the construction bids for Project No. 1978 -1, Snyder Lane and Hinebaugh Creek Assess- ment District. Staff recommended that the matter be deferred two weeks in order to make sure there would be ample funds in the district to cover the costs for the completed improve- ments. Mr. Callinan explained that the project included installation of a box culvert on Snyder Lane which had not been included in the call for bids because it had been anticipated the culvert would have been constructed with the development of Rancho Grande Mobile Home Park and reimburse- ment made from the assessment district. Project Engineer Hudis was recognized and briefly commented on the subject assessment district. Resolution No. 79 -28 RESOLUTION CALLING FOR SEALED PROPOSALS AND FIXING LIQUIDATED DAMAGES FOR FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE WORK WITHIN TIME SPECIFIED (Snyder Lane and Hinebaugh Creek Project No. 1978 -1, Box culvert) Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Carbone, and unanimously approved, reading of Resolution No. 79 -28 was waived and said resolution was adopted by title. Project No. 1978-14, City Manager Callinan requested that this matter be continued. Executive Avenue The Council so consented. File No. 0643 - City Manager Callinan informed that Councilman Roberts had Renaming South'Santa suggested that South Santa Rosa Avenue be named Sonoma Rosa Avenue Avenue. Mrs. Reba Roberts was recognized and suggested that the street be renamed to Redwood Avenue or Park Drive. Mayor Hopkins informed that the names would be taken under advisement and the matter continued to the next regular city Council meeting. Councilman Beary Leaves File No. 0653 - Debra Homes, Inc. Negative Declaration and Rezoning City Manager Callinan Leaves and Returns Page 4 February 113, 19?9 Councilman Beary left the Council chambers at this point in the meeting, the time being approximately 8;03 p.m. City Manager Callinan informed that copies of the planning staff report, Planning Commission minutes, and other informa- tion pertaining to Debra Homes' application to consider a negative declaration and rezoning with respect to a parcel located east of Snyder Lane, adjacent to the unincorporated area of the county, had been disseminated to Council members. He informed that the matter had been duly noticed for public hearing. Planning Director Skanchv explained the proposed development, City Manager Callinan left the Council Chambers at approximate 8:04 p.m. and returned at approximately 8.06 p.m. -Mayor Hopkins opened the public hearing to consider a) the negative declaration for 604 single family residential lots, one medium density residential lot, and 20.54 acres designated for park and future school site and b) the rezoning of a 24+ acre portion of a a 162 acre parcel from P9R1 -6500- PD" to P'RM- 2000 -PD11 . There being no one desiring to be heard and no written communi cations received, Mayor Hopkins closed the public hearing. Councilman Carbone made a motion, which was seconded by Mayor Hopkins, to adopt a resolution approving the negative declaration for Debra Homes, Inc, in the form of an addendum to the Shappel environmental impact report. Councilman Carbone and Mayor Hopkins withdrew the motion after a discussion between Council members and staff relative to traffic circulation in the area of the proposed development and eventual improvement of Snyder Lane. Upon motion of Councilman Roberts, seconded by Councilman Stewart, and unanimously approved, the Council requested additional supplemental environmental information concerning the project's 1) effect on the unimproved stretch of Snyder Lane,;especially that portion south of the proposed developmen and 2) impact on planned residential streets to the east of Country Club Drive and other major collectors. File No, 0418 - City Manager Callinan informed that the Planning Commission Qantas Development had conducted a public hearing concerning the environmental EIR Area So. of impact report for approximately 288 acres south of East East Cotati Avenue Cotati Avenue and that Del Davis Associates had responded to the issues raised at the Planning Commission level, therefo the matter could be scheduled for a public hearing before the City Council. Upon motion of Councilman Carbone, seconded by Councilman Stewart and unanimously approved, the City Council directed staff to set the revised environmental impact report for Qantas Development Corporation (File No. 0418) for public hearing. Page 5 February 13, 1979 File No. 0659 - City Manager Callinan informed that copies of the planning Avila Enterprises staff report, Planning.Commission minutes, and other information Precise Development pertaining to precise development plan review and architectural Plan & Architectural review for the Firestone Service Center located west of Review (Firestone Commerce Boulevard, adjacent to M & M Tire Center, had been Structure) disseminated to each Council member. Planning Director Skanchy reviewed his planning staff report. Discussion followed between the Council and staff and Mr. Vern Avila, project designer. Councilman Beary Councilman Beary returned at this point in the meeting, Returns the time being approximately 8:34 p.m. Upon motion of Councilman Roberts, seconded by Councilman Stewart, and unanimously approved, the City Council approved the concept for the site plan for the Firestone Service Center (File No. 0659) and indicated that it would consider a variance of the city's parking requirements if the applicant would provide a 40' foot setback from Commerce Boulevard, possibly by relocating the McCulloh structure, and make arrangements to utilize the M and M Tire Center's driveway entrance to the northern parking lot...and that staff was authorized to work out the details and finalize the plan with the applicant. Dorotea Park City Manager callinan informed that the site plan for extension of Dorotea Park was on display and requested that the City Council approve the plan. Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Carbone, and unanimously approved, the City Council approved the site:plan'for the extension of Dorotea Park. Mock Boy Scouts of City Manager Callinan informed that members of Boy Scout America City Council Troops 352 and 23 had been assigned to various departments Meeting to observe their operations as part of Scouts in Government Day. Vandalism Mayor Kahuila solicited comments concerning the high rate of vandalism in various neighborhoods of the community. Discussion followed with Mr. Peter Moras, 18 Anne Street, participating. Litter Mayor Kahuila initiated a discussion about problems associated with litter. Discussion followed with Mr. Peter Moras, 18 Anne Street, participating. Smoking at Jr. High City Manager Cites informed that he had observed juveniles smoking, including marijuana, in the baseball diamond area near the junior high school. Mr. Clites noted that the area was unsupervised by school officials. Discussion followed. Page 6 February 139 1979 Upon motion of Councilman Mitchell, seconded by Councilman Tebo, and unanimously approved, the Boy Scouts City Council directed that a letter be sent, over the Mayor's signature, to the School District Board of Education to bring the smoking matter to their attention and to encourage the board to take steps to control the smoking of marijuana on school and public grounds. Low Income Housing Councilman Mitchell suggested that the City Council should give some thought as to where low income housing should be developed in the city. Discussion followed. Upon motion of Councilman Tebo; seconded by Mayor Kahuila, and unanimously approved, the Boy Scouts City Council directed that a letter be sent, over the Mayor's signature, to the city-Planning Commission suggesting that all or part of "H" Neighborhood be designated for low income housing, preferably having a mixture of low and high income housing to avoid a slum type condition. Pedestrian /Vehicular Councilman Tebo noted that there was a definite traffic/ Traffic Hazard pedestrian hazard in the area of Southwest Boulevard where it intersects with Burton Avenue. Discussion followed. Upon motion of Councilman Tebo, seconded by Councilman Olsen, and unanimously approved, the Boy Scouts City Council directed that a letter be sent, over the Mayor's signature, to the Department of Public Safety requesting that an officer patrol the intersection of Burton Avenue and Southwest Boule- vard from approximately 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 each school day. Rapozo Ranch Park Councilman Olsen initiated a discussion concerning development of Rapozo Ranch Park site on Pressley Road. Discussion followed between Council members and Jerry Mitchell, Boy Scout Troop 23. Thanks Expressed Mayor Kahuila expressed thanks to City Manager Callinan and the city staff for allowing Boy Scout'Troops 352 and 23 to participate in Scouts in Government Day activities. There being no further business, Mayor Kahuila adjourned the Boy Scouts City Council meeting at approximately 9:45 P ®m• Recess Mayor Hopkins declared a recess at this point in the meeting, the time being approximately 9:45..p.m. Reconvene Mayor Hopkins reconvened the meeting, with all Councilmen present, at approximately 9:50 p.m. Limiting Rentals City Manager.Callinan reviewed his February 6th memo to in Residential the City Council concerning the proposed ordinance limiting Districts rentals in residential districts and informed that the matter was scheduled for a duly noticed public hearing. Mayor Hopkins opened the public hearing concerning a proposed ordinance limiting rentals in residential districts. Page 7 February 13, 1979 Mrs. Susan Lowrie, was recognized and expressed her concern at the number of renters in the community. She pointed out that some of the absentee owners hadn't landscaped the homes and that the appearance of the neighborhoods were deteriorating because of this situation. She felt that it wasn't fair to the homeowners to have to put up with the renters that were constantly moving in and out of the area. Some renters were only given 15 days notice to move because the property owner was selling the home when it had reached its premium value. Mr. Jeff Summers, 6050 Commerce Boulevard, member of the Cotati- Rohnert Park Realtors Association, was recognized and indicated that he opposed the proposed ordinance because it would be harmful to the community. He felt that it was unfair to suggest that investors were responsible for the high cost and shortage of housing and, in addition, that individuals investing in single family residences were primarily small type investors. Large investors in Davis ignore the ordinance restricting rental units in residential districts. He expressed his opinion that it was the moral character of the individual that reflected in the appearance of a neighborhood. He concluded that the proposed ordinance would be costly to implement and hard to monitor and urged the Council to give the matter careful scrutiny and determine what its eventual effect would be on Rohnert Park. iC�i,a1 Mrs. Barbara Van wak * recognized and indicated that she agreed with the comments made by Mrs. Lowrie. Niki Arana, 6081 Davis Court, was recognized and asked how the city intended to monitor and enforce the proposed ordinance, if approved. City Attorney Flitner commented on implementing and enforcing the proposed ordinance. Mrs. Arana commented that perhaps the proposed ordinance wasn't very practical and inquired if anyone knew the amount .of time that would be required to. administer it. Councilman Stewart felt that one person could follow -up to investigate the validity of the sworn statements Mrs. Aran inquired if Councilman Stewart felt that it was prevalent that individuals purchased homes under the pretense of living in them and instead turned the dwelling into a rental. Pars. Stewa t responded in the affirmative. Mrs. Van inquired if the seller was the party required to sign the sworn statement. City Manager Callinan read an excerpt from the proposed ordinance, wherein the seller is required to secure a sworn declaration from,the purchaser that the purchaser intends to reside in the residential unit. Sandy Geary, previously a resident of Rohnert Park for five years and now a resident of Cotati, was recognized and read a letter from Michael Odom, tenant at 1145 Copeland Creek Page 8 February 139 1979 Drive, a copy of which is attached to the original set of UleSe iiiinLI�eS. Mls. Geaiy expressed her opinion that. LIA proposed ordinance would cause greater problems than what there already is at present by causing the rental rates for a single family home to increase. She suggested the Council address the problem of accumulation of debris, garbage, and uncut grass, but that the proposed ordinance, was wrong because it would be taking one of her freeaoms away. Mr. Fred Strong, 1150 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa, was recognized and highlighted an article entitled "A Strong .Point of View ", a copy of which is attached to the original set of these minutes. Mr. Strong felt that if more multiple family rental structures were designed rather than restricting single family rental units, the high ratio of tenant occupied vs. owner occupied single family structures would take care of itself. Mr. Strong felt that the ratio of tenant /owner occupied residences in Rohnert Park was normal and recommended that the proposed ordinance be denied. Mr. Joe Keafer, Sonoma County Reliance President, was recgoniz( and read 'a statement urging the City Council to defeat the proposed ordinance because it would constrain a healthy market. Mr. Keafer felt that other more traditional approaches should be sought and that more thought and study should go into this matter before implementing such an ordinance. Mr. Larry Smith, Construction industry Association of Sonoma County, was recognized and expressed that many of the fore goinj statements had covered the association's feelings on the proposed ordinance. Mr. Smith expressed his opinion that Rohnert Park had always sought innovative techniques to solvinj problems, but that the proposed ordinance could be counter productive. Mrs. Bonnie Picnard, 746 Bonnie Avenue, was recognized and informed she was a member of the Cotati - Rohnert Park Realtors Association. Mrs. Picnard read a letter from Gregory and Cyrilla Villegas, 581 Lamont Court, a copy of which is attache to the original set of these minutes, and recommended that the proposed ordinance be denied. Mrs. Susan Lowrie was recognized and expressed her opinion that there were many instances where realtors bought property before other individuals had a chance to buy and then used the residence for a rental. City Manager Callinan informed that copies of all communicatio received on the matter had been distributed to each Council member and would be made part of the public hearing record. There being no one further desiring to be heard, and no other written communications received, Mayor Hopkins closed the public hearing. Page 9 February 13, 1979 Mr. John Burkhart was recognized during the discussion that followed and commented on the going rates for a rental in Rohnert Park. Councilman Carbone Councilman Carbone left the Council Chambers at approximately Leaves and Returns 10:35 p.m. and returned at approximately 10:40 p.m. Discussion continued. Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Carbone, and unanimously approved by a roll call vote, the proposed ordinance limiting rental units in single family residential districts was tabled. Time Extension for Upon motion of Councilman Roberts, seconded by Councilman Meeting Carbone, and unanimously approved, the City Council extended its mandatory adjournment time (11:00 p.m.) 10 minutes. Acquisition of City Manager Callinan requested Council approval to call Furniture and Fixtures for bids for the furniture and fixtures at the new community for Community Center and recreation center. Upon motion of Councilman Beary, seconded by Councilman Roberts, and unanimously approved, the City Council authorized calling for bids or quotes for the furniture and fixtures for the new community and recreation center on Snyder Lane. Jdnt Meeting with City Manager Callinan informed that a joint meeting between Cotati City Council the Cotati and Rohnert Park City Councils had been set for February 20th. Mayor Hopkins said he would handle the details. Traffic Island- City Manager Callinan reviewed his February 6th memo to Commerce Boulevard the City Council concerning the installation of a island on Commerce Boulevard at its intersection with Rohnert Park Expressway. He informed that copies of all communications received concerning this matter had been provided to each Council member. Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust gave a staff report regarding the temporary sandbag island, its design, and effect on traffic circulation. Mr. Carl Moore, Park Plaza Texaco Owner - Operator, was recognized and requested that installation of a permanent island be postponed because there were other alternatives to the design of the present island that should be researched. Discussion followed. Upon motion of Councilman Roberts, seconded by Councilman Stewart, and unanimously approved, staff was directed to work cooperatively with Mr. Moore in experimenting with various designs for the traffic island on Commerce Boulevard for the next two months. Adjournment Mayor Hopkins, noting that the Council had run out of time, informed that other matters or reports would be continued to the next regular Council meeting. The meet °ng was adjourned at approximately 11:20 p.m. APPROVED ° Mayor Hopkins eputy City Clerk Faus ti tf s a 7 JA z a "Tr tvm� t CITY OF ROHNERT PARK 6750 COMMERCE BOULEVARD ROHNERT PARK, SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA 94928 TELEPHONE 795 -5416 SCOUTS IN GOVERNMENT February 13, 1979 Mock Council I. Mayor Vice Mayor Councilman Councilman Councilman City Manager Sean Kahuila Mark Oleson Mike Oleson Chris Tebo Jerry Mitchell Eddie Clites City Attorney Darrin Furtado -- f `f N F t -• S r -- x< - n ____ -_ _ Y.. ... ...... . i- i3 ' // 11 -90 I . ,i AW&Wn A Strong Point of View TOR by FRED STRONG Consultant To The Sonoma County Board Of ]Realtors I hope many of you have noticed ind read "House Calls" the new ques- ;ion and answer column in the Sunday Press Democrat. This column is there ,hrough the efforts of your Board =imittees. Urge your friends or pub- ic callers who have questions to write he Real Estate Editor their questions io that we can demonstrate a good eader participation. Many other things have happened n the last month but the most im- >ortant was the consideration of a `Davis" type ,ordinance in Rohnert "ark and Cotati. This column will leal with that issue in depth. Both Ordinances would prohibit the ale of single family residences to non- ccupant owners. The Cotati ordi- ance would allow an appeal within he one year of residence required for unforseen circumstances". The Roh- ert Park ordinance does not contain hat exception but does allow Roh- ert Park residents to own 2 single unily rentals and non-residents to wn one single family rental house. The reasons behind the Rohnert 'ark ordinance are many. We will ►)k at most of them one at a time. First it's noted that Rohnert Park ow has a 15% renter population. his was thought to be high Statis- cs from various other areas show its to be invalid. The City of Santa osa has a renter occupancy of 43.6% ie Santa Rosa County Planning area pure is 31%; Santa Clara County W 38% renters` in 1974; Arroyo rande, Calif. had 23.3% in the same w' in 1972 Phoenix, Ariz. had 30% riter rate and the State of Colorado id a 40% renter occupancy hi 1970. Statistically 15% is very low. The �ncerneld Council members in Roh- .rt Park are worried about blight :)m excessive rentals of single family ►rnes. They forget that the type of sidence is a matter of lifestyle with DSt single family homes being occu- ad by family units with children or tired people who have built equity d wish to retain their favorable using costs. In Phoenix 58% of re- ed people own single family homes d only 4% rent them. But new- mers show only a 26% owner fac- , and a 21% rental factor in single nily units in the, same city. In a San Jose housing study in the '70's it was found the "Instant Blight" was caused by: ". . . a sur- plus of low-cost housing, minimal equity requirements for Veterans Ad- ministration financing, etc. This resul- ted in making homeownership possi- ble for low income families who, in many cases were uninterested in, or unprepared for, the responsibilities of homeownership. "Other contributing factors includ- ed generally low incomes with little or no money available for mainte- nance as well as lack of equity in the homes being occupied". If the single family rental market is constrained a number of bad effects result. First, young families with no savings but a need for this kind of housing are either forced into apart- ment living which tends, to increase juvenile delinquency rates and speeds up apartment deterioration or they buy beyond their means. Also, a val- uable training -ground is lost for home ownership responsibilities. A home- buyers profile done in Phoenix in 1972 showed that 21% of all buyers came from single family home renters. Dur- ing the rental term, maintenance costs are included in rent and the landlord, or his agents, teach the rent- er about maintenance and deteriora- tion factors. This prepares them for ownership responsibilities. Further studies show that there are very little current income differ- ences between buyers and renters of new homes. However, in established homes (5-15 years of age) the renters ,tend to have the higher average in- come. Owners normally spend 20% for housing while renters normally spend 25%. The inflationary spiral tends to force renters into appropri- ate areas for the current worthlincome ratio. Homeowners are less effected by this factor. Thirdly, the Rohnert Park building limitation was designed to meet new home buyer needs not renter needs and, theref6re, a mechanism is needed to reserve those, homes for owner/ occupants. This argument by proponents of the ordinance, if successful, will not cor- rect a problem. It will compound it. Sociologically, man is a spatial ani- mal. His psychological wellbeing is in part related to his perception of his spatial needs. His ability to satisfy FEBRUARY 1979 this need is a major element of his self esteem. Man also meets s the self esteem -need through acquisition of mate, family and goods, i.e. jewels, gold clothing, transportation etc. However, the type of purchase in these areas is dictated by artificial societal values, whereas the spatial need goes back to the origins of man. This spatial need has also been found to relate, in many instances, to the causes of violent crime. Two groups have an inherent need for larger living spaces than others. They are the mid-years parent with children at home and children from 2 to the activity oriented teen period. Frustration of the human need in these groups tends to foster hostil- ity and violence. Individual members of other groups may have the same need for more than average living space. Economic ability. seems to have no relationship to the psychological need for space (however, the reverse is frequently true, i.e. a perceived need for space is a strong motivational fac- tor in seeking improved economic ability). In the present sociological system these factors have an outlet for the lower economic groups through the rental of older, but spacious, single family homes or, as an alternative, rental to the capacity of economic ability through a second job or more than one employed family member. Artificial constraints on this poten- tial solution will push more people into purchasing homes before they are psychologically or economically able to cope with ownership. It will encour- age more contracts of sale with low down payments and will create a greater pressure for government inter- vention in the financing of homes through low down payments and guaranteed low interest rates. Each increment of governmental interven- tion, in the market place creates a greater dependency on government, higher taxes and a loss of individual selt esteem. That which is bought easily is valued less highly than that which is bought through struggle and hardship. That which is valued less is cared for less, etc. The ordinance proposed is likely to become a cause, rather than a cure of blight in the community. The important thing in the housing field is to meet the needs of the community rather than try to change the needs of the community. Single family units will become (ContinuM On Page 81 r 'AGE 8 THE REALTOR FEBRUARY 1979 (Continued From Page 6) more available, for those whose spa - tial needs require them, when there is a sufficient supply of traditional rent - al units available for those with elss spatial need. . This was born out in Arroyo Gran - de, Calif. between 1960 and 1974. Between 1960 and 1968, of all new housing construction unit starts, only 10.3% were multiple (or rental intend- ed) starts.,In 1969 33.6% of all units in the city were rental units. Between 1969 and 1974, however, the percen- tage of multiple units as new con- struction housing unit starts was 42.2 %. In 1974 total units being rent ed in the city was down to 23.3 %. It would I!appear that, with the a- vailability of small rental units, peo- ple with less spatial need were able l y i y r c i AL U MA t✓U U MA L to vacate their larger single family eft to right: Bill Hedges, Mary Palmer, Yigal Toister, Lou Steinberg (Chairman), Nancy units thus making these units avail- dams (Secretary), Pat Hebert, Marc Reif, Bruce Morton, Don Csutoras, Joe Milner (Treas.). able t0 others. -o- Monthly mortgage payments may In ,analyzing the above we must kt income -tax time, homeowners seem steep to first -.time home buyers. remember that people ususally select i deduct real estate taxes and any But, says the National Association of an area to live in first and then select erest paid on a mortgage. As the Realtors, one thing to keep in mind the specific place of residence from the ,tional Association of Realtors re- is that the amount will stay the same units available at the time. rts, these deductions can save to- for the duration of the mortgage. The consideration of an ordinance y's average ` homeowner several The amount a homeowner pays the requires careful and thorough thought adred dollars in income taxes. first year of the loan will be the It's frequently easy to do something same as the last year of the loan, and wrong just for the satisfacton having -o- the homeowner will be building equity done something. meanwhile. o►�ounry� QUOTE OF THE MONTH O� "The wail of horses as their throats Q are cut, the clash of swords, the crash o ip C of bombs on granite walls, the shriek of women roped and of infants crush - �IM ed such is the noisy overture to the comedy that ends with surburban so- LOCAL cialists deploring the extinction of Neanderthal Man ". pE�p`E Bey "Cities rise to the sky because Man SERVIAG property that is rising out of the slime ". LOCAL REEDS appreciates. "Those who say cities are not worth the pain are not worthy of the pains LEASE year Car or Traci that cities take". "Individuals are born and die. The d" date CYty lives' ALL... he WIN "Civilizations that feel shame for \J\ /l/� their achievements inevitably lament v (/ Lease for Less from Leslie the passing of the Stone Age. It is not (All Makes Autos 8 Trucks) the good and simple that they long for CALL but the chance to repeat their splen- dour all over again ". SOAOMA COYATY SAVIORS From: At1D LOAr1 A8SOC1ATl0f1 LESLIE LEASING The Flights ofLogrus Fourth and B Streets 525 -9690 28M CLEVELAND AVE., sake 14 by Santa Rosa, California 95402 SANTA ROSA • 95401 Donald Lehmkuhl Hours: Mon,Thurs 9.4 Fri 9.6