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1990/02/12 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes February 12, 1990 GENERAL PLAN Adj.Reg.Mtg. The Council of the City of Rohnert Park mt this date in adjourned regular session commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the City Offices, 6750 Comrerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Hollingsworth presiding. Call to Order Mayor Hollingsworth called the adjourned regular session to order at approximately 7:01 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance. Roll Call Present: (4) Council members Eck, Hopkins, Spiro, and Hollingsworth Absent: (1) Council member Cochran Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Callinan, City Attorney Flitner, Planning Director Skanchy, Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust, Director of Administrative Services /Assistant to City Manager Netter, and Assistant to the City Manager Leivo. General Plan Mayor Hollingsworth welcomed citizens to the City Council's first public meeting for the General Plan. Assistant to the City Manager Leivo gave opening comments regarding previous public meetings and the Planning Commission Draft of the General Plan. He said that after Planning Commission closed its process, the City received additional comrents which have been compiled and presented tonight for Council's review. He said that people should be willing to disagree without being disagreeable. Mr. Leivo reviewed highlights of the issues as a result of the input for the Draft General plan, explained how these comrents were printed on multi - colored sheets for use at the Planning Commission's Open House for the General Plan on February 3rd and provided for tonight's meeting, and how said sheets worked in correlation to Draft General Plan. He stated that the major issue that needs to be resolved is how much growth will there be in Rohnert Park. Mr. Leivo explained the suggested procedure for tonight's public meeting and format as outlined on the agenda. Discussion followed regarding the complexity of tieing in addition Open House comrents to Draft General Plan confirming these additional comments included proposals from a large variety of sources that came in after the Planning Commission had completed its process. Council agreed these additions Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (2) February 12, 1990 GENERAL PLAN Adj.Reg.Mtg. should be entered into the record as part of tonight's public meeting, as well as the letter received today and any other comments received as a result of the citizen's survey. Mayor Hollingsworth said that the City Council is gathered tonight to hear public comments regarding the General Plan and that the purpose is not for the Council to engage in dialogue, but to listen to input. He said that Council would try to answer questions for clarity if desired, but would refrain from involvement in dialogue. Open Public Feting Mayor Hollingsworth opened the public meeting at approximately 7:30 p.m. and asked if there was anyone in the audience wishing to speak regarding the General Plan. 1) Harvey Bell, 700 Lindsay Avenue, was recognized and commended the Planning Commission, as well as staff for efforts. He thanked all the residents that have been involved. He said that without the Sierra Club lawsuit, there would be no general plan. For that reason only it, has been worth having the lawsuit. He said that four months is not a long time for such a process. It takes time for people to know where they are going and some came late for input in the process. He referred to State's guidelines for a general plan. He said that more time should be taken since 120 days are allowed to complete the process. He said the maximum amount of time should be utilized so nothing is left out. Mr. Bell referred to a printed statement prepared in response to Draft General Plan, distributed to Council (a copy of which is attached to orignial set of these minutes) and explained the major issues therein. Discussion followed in which a request was made for aroster of Concerned Citizens in order to know the number of people involved. W. Bell said he would have to ask the Concerned Citizens group for approval. Mayor Hollingsworth advised that each person speaking tonight could feel free to mention their affiliation, if desired. 2) Jim Clark, 80 Walnut Circle, was recognized and said he vas not a member of Concerned Citizens but represented himself. He would like to see the word affordable put in under housing since young and old have to be taken care of whether we like it or not. He said that funds have been provided by President Bush, that there are 27 million in poverty in the U.S. and that it may be necessary for the City to set up a City housing group and consider selling bonds. We should not get into the short term leases like ten years and gave Copeland Creek as an example. He said that developers are needed and should not be turned away and that a ceiling should be put on growth and expanded on in the next general plan. Regarding conservation and open space, a cemetary could be put in and considered as Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (3) February 12, 1990 GENERAL PLAN Adj.Reg.Mtg. open space. He said he did not know what should be done about circulation since it would be 10 to 20 years before any circulation could be done on Highway 101 or light rail. He said he was not here to debate Harvey Bell's sheet but felt it contained a lot of improprieties. The City should not be in the realm of proposing other new cities. He commended the Planning Commission on a job well done, and said that at future Council meetings on the General Plan he would provide further specifics. 3) Mindy Young, Sonoma Grove /22 Barta, was recognized and said she was concerned about statements in the Draft General Plan about phasing out Sonoma Grove. tudent housing is an issue that needs to be addressed. Sonoma Grove has a much different population than student dorms since they are older, not full time, and all low income. She proposed that the residents of Sonome Grove be involved in the General Plan process regarding low income housing. They may have input regarding design. There are 150 dwelling units in Sonoma Grove that would probably not be able to afford such housing so without the Grove there would be many households that would become homeless. She thanked the Council for this oppportunity to speak. 4) Chip Worthington, 8080 Mitchell Drive, was recognized and said that he has worked, pastored, owned homes, has had students in the school system and a wife who spends money in Rohnert Park and would like to see more shopping opportunities. He said that Rohnert Park could easily grow to 60,000, the City should beware of elitism, as part of a metropolis its an illusion to say we connot have growth, and the City could have 50% more growth. He said the City should pay fair market value to developers for preserving open space and that green space is an illusion in our county. He said if affordable housing is wanted, he recommends subsidizing by a non - profit corporation. Without it. there would be no middle class but only rich and poor. He is for growth of the middle class. He said that in the next 10 years there's a need to consider social problems in the General Plan due to alcohol and drugs. Public Safety does a very good job, but if counseling is needed, a person has to go outside of Rohnert Park. He said regarding circulation that he would like to see a loop expressway or rail system around the City like San Jose's. He appreciates the City fathers' approach to problems being more like Ronald Reagan's in that nuch is done without necessarily writing it down. 5) Alice E. McAdams, 16 Alexis Drive, was recognized and said that she is a 45 year old student at SSU and that no matter what kind of low income housing is provided, she could not go to school and afford it. She said there are rmany working parents who are trying to put themselves through school in the same situation. Her plumbing works, she has a garden, and Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (4) February 12, 1990 GENERAL PLAN Adj.Reg.Mtg. regarding comments that trailers look dilapidated she said that Sonoma Grove has beautiful parks and is a peaceful place to study and live. She said that student housing was supposed to be provided all along. She has never heard if there's even such a plan for low income housing. 6) Patricia Cantu', #2 Alexis Drive, was recognized and said she's been a teacher's aid and had gone to Jr. College for three years but settled in Sonoma Grove for the past year and a half because it's the only affordable housing. She cannot get on the list for Section 8. Without the Grove she would not be able to st:y ark~ teach as in the past, and that she loves her place. 7) Bambi Dennett, 5349 Daniel Drive, was recognized and said that the City has worked hard to efficiently and cooperatively update the General Plan. The lawsuit has slowed down the real work that needs to be done. She asked why hasn't the Sierra Club dropped its lawsuit and wondered if there's not an alternate goal. The real citizens of Rohnert Park are not members of the Sierra Club of which the majority live elsewhere. Outsiders think they're coming in to protect our town but the lawsuit should be stopped. She said if development had been held up like this over the years, we would still be in A Section. This has hurt in the loss of commercial development. She referred to several items on the flyer distributed by Concerned Citizens and closed in saying that the citizens of Rohnert Park should be given their true say in these matters and that progress has to go on. 8) Dennis Tatman, 1174 Santa Cruz Way, was recognized and said that the City has grown into a good place to live and listed advantages from schools to sports and recreation centers, parks, movies, YNCA, etc. The City has shown a lot of independence in the last 15 years. Some people have a hard time letting us go. 9) George Horwedel, 7660 Camino Colegio, said that the City had been warned about the lawsuit and that the recommendation of a citizen's committee had been tabled as Council could not decide on the size of the committee. He pointed out discrepancies in the time frames of the General Plan. It seemed to be backwards to designate permanent buffers by 1995. The greenbelt should be set and then we should determine land that would be developed for residential and commercial use. He said that the plan doesn't say Rohnert Park is in any danger of earthquakes but according to reports the City is in danger and needs to plan for a serious earthquake. He said that 4,000 to 5,000 alone would be homeless if a similar quake to Santa Rosa's last one hit. He thanked Council for this opportunity to speak. Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (5) February 12, 1990 GENERAL PLAN Adj.Reg.Mtg. 10) Jim Thomas, 4405 Hamlet Court, was recognized and said that he has lived in a variety of places in the U.S. When he retired, he left his property in Texas and chose to live here because he liked the wide streets and parks. He hopes Rohnert Park continues to be a happy home for many people. He said he's a member of Concerned Citizens but was speaking for himself tonight. He said that the word affordable is loosely thrown around regarding housing, subsidized housing deteriorates fast as people do not take care of them, and we do not need to take government money for subsidizing housing. He said he would like to see this comnmity continue to be a good place to live. 11) Herb Ray, 1383 Middle Brook Way, was recognized and said he decided Rohnert Park was a nice place to live and came here about a year and a half ago. We owe mach to developers, planners and the City Council. He said the Concerned Citizens want this empty and that empty and so many restraints, He said the Concerned Citizens want so many restraints, but how will we pay the bill except from development or residents. A tax base is needed to bring in the good things that we want. There will have to be give and take in this matter. There is still resentment in him that such a small number of people have caused so many problems and so much cost. The residents should take over and not let outsiders bulldoz and take over. He said he thought the City would continue to do a great job. 12) Jake MacKenzie, 1536 Gladstone Way, was recognized and said he was Interim Vice President of Concerned Citizens but that his remarks tonight on the General Plan were his own. He said that a great amount of work has gone into the plan, that we have seen some real progress, and that full citizen participation has occurred. The end results have surprised us all but we still have a long way to go. He said that as Earth Metrics gets involved the draft EIR will need to be considered regarding the recommended changes. The 120 day time frame to is actually a short time for all the State requirements to be met. The Council should remove any objectives from the general plan that go beyond 1995 since it does not seem appropriate to consider beyond 1995. He said there are mechanisms that could be used in the next five years to draw up a plan thereafter. He said that to have neighborhood meetings should be added in the General Principle. Regarding Land Use objectives, additional single family dwellings should not be built on the northern boundary as in Cannon Manor. There needs to be a discussion of the purpose of the school bond issue. Boundaries need to be identified within the context of a new general plan. He said there seems to be a contradiction regarding upgrading or planned growth at some time in the future versus retaining a small town atmosphere. On the Conservation Element, Mr. MacKenzie said the water supply objectives and the expansion of wastewater treatment Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (6) February 12, 1990 GENERAL PLAN Adj.Reg.Mtg. capacity and pupping capacity implies growth prormtion. We should add toxic data. He suggested that the creeks be considered for adoption by children as part of an environmental educational program. He said in closing that the plan should talk to the year 1995, no more, no less as Council goes through it line by line. In response to a question from Council regarding a number for growth control, Mr. MacKenzie said it would have to be limited. He asked if the City would be able to dispose of its wastes through the year 2,000. He would suggest that the pace of growth should relate to public facilities with a modest increase over the next 20 years. The growth in the next five years should be set doen in the general plait, but he could not give an exact number. 13) Barbara MacKenzie, 1536 Gladstone Way, was recognized and said she was concerned about the polarized atmosphere but believes that all things are possible. She's never been involved like this before and thought that in requiring a conplete review a concensus can be reached. Things that are happening presuppose growth like the school bond, additional space for City Hall, and wastewater capacities. The survey indicated that people want to control growth. There are mixed messages in the plan which don't clearly express whether it is long term or short term. She personally would like to know the ultimate size. 14) Beth Robertson, 4722 Fairway Drive, was recognized and said that officials were elected to quickly handle these decisions. That was the purpose in electing them. She is tired of spending her money in Santa Rosa and driving on clogged Highway 101. She said light industry and commercial development is needed and that the architectural committee would bog down the process. The plan should look beyond five years to handle the growth that's ahead. She would like to see her family stay here. Safety needs to be provided for circulation and funds for transportation inprovements come from developers. 15) Leffler Brown, 4438 Hollingsworth Circle, was recognized and said that he was Chairman of the School Bond Committee. The letter circulated by Concerned Citizens includes false statements about the school bond issue. The school bond is designed to serve students for buildout in the city limits and for the existing population including the new school needed in M Section, libraries, storage for teachers, computer rooms. The Jr. High and High Schools are not adequate for upcoming students with no new growth. An article in yesterday's Press Detmcrat said that California ranks last in the U.S. on the percent per capita spent for public schools. The thousand new class rooms that were built in the State in the 80's is still not enough. The State faces twenty years of neglect. The Recess Reconvene Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (7) February 12, 1990 GENEPAL PLAN Adj.Reg.Mtg. State Department of Finance projects a 1.4 million endowment increase by the year 2,000 and that 11 billion dollars will be needed just to house those students. The money mast come from bond issues, and the effort now is to try and raise that money needed. He said that 85 million dollars is needed for the existing educational needs. If we don't invest in education, we might as well throw it all away. He confirmed that the last three schools built in Rohnert Park were financed through development fees. Said fees won't be able to handle it in the future. 16) Anella Barbour, 7367 Belita Avenue & 4100 Snyder Lane, was recognized and asked why are people coming from the outside telling us what to do. There are parks and schools in every section. The tax base from a shopping center is needed. We should not get bogged down with details. We did it twenty years ago and we can do it again. Council concurred to continue public meeting until 10:00 Mayor Hollingsworth declared a recess at approximately 8:55 p.m. Mayor Hollingsworth reconvened the Council meeting at approximately 9:05 p.m. with all Council members present except for Councilman Cochran. 17) Coralia Serafim, 761 Lincoln Avenue, was recognized and said she is glad that the Planning Commission has beefed up the environmental section of this plan and regional input has been solicited. The review process needs to be rare thorough. She's glad to hear all the different points of view. All points should be considered and people need to listen to one another. She said that it's crucial to have a formal growth management plan. Growth can't be stopped but needs to be done responsibly. The EIR should be taken seriously. She supported alternatives to automobiles including bike paths and rail. There's a need for low income housing. Sonoma Grove provides diversity of housing which should be encouraged. She would be willing to pay to reserve open space. Options need to be studied such as how mach it costs and how to get the money. She said the survey gave no option for growth of less that 40,000 and believed a good majority would go for less. The plan needs to be internally consistent. 18) Tom Roberts, 4655 Willis Avenue, was recognized and said he owns property on the north side of the City. He would like to see the City annex more area and he complimented the City on fine building that has taken place. He said he would like to get the same treatment that others receive. If the City annexes a street it should take in properties contiguous to the street. He asked to be annexed in and was turned away while others came in behind him and were annexed. He said people should pay for open space rather than steal it through Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (8) February 12, 1990 GENERAL PLAN Adj.Reg.Mtg. zoning just to provide visual relief for the motoring public on Highway 101. A big price would be paid by those who paid for what they have and then are not able to develop their property. Rohnert Park's Planning Department has beuilt a beautiful city. This City is made up of doers. He would like to see them develop the whole north Bay Area because such a great job has been done. He issued a challenge to the Sierra Club to quit cheating Rohnert Park citizens and withdraw the lawsuit. He would like to see everyone work together so no one is forced out. It is a supply and demand economy in there is a big demand for housing and a low supply. 19) Michael Tippett, 31 Alexis, was recognized and said that he's a student from out of town who decided to live at Sonoma Grove because it's more affordable than the dorms. The dorms are $300 or more a month while the Grove is only $140. He said that low income or affordable housing could bring in different types of people. Sonoma Grove is an intellectually challenging place to live. Dilapidation is a matter of opinion. He finds his trailer beautiful. If people moved from Sonoma Grove, would there be other affordable housing. Tract housing is all the same with no trees and nothing identifiable but Sonoma Grove has developed an identity Of its own. 20) Dale Trowbridge, 6039 Elsa Avenue, was recognized and said he's a member of Concerned Citizens and that he was amazed to see how many responded to the survey. It needs to be taken seriously. It is the Council's job to sort out the contradictory responses. He said there's a lot of diverse things in the survey such as requests for more commercial development and also a strong statement to remain a town rather than become a large city. Open space is wanted and must be part of the plan. It doesn't really matter if we want buffers if this place is swallowed up by others. Development of commxnity buffers has to be a part of the plan if an area is to retain any open space at all. He said that owners should be properly paid for land that provides open space. He could never return to the congestion of Southern California. Aggressive decisions need to be made to determine what the City's future will be. 21) Frank Willis, 44 Vanda, Sonoma Grove, was recognized and said Sonoma Grove provides diversity in cost of housing. There is mix of people in the Grove with low incomes including nurses, teachers, and single parents with no place else to go. He said there's a lot of civic pride in Sonoma Grove. It is a nice commtmity, safe for children and a place where low income people can take care of themselves. He invited everyone to walk through the place to see how nice it is. It is like an oasis. He said a problem would develop if people had to Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (9) February 12, 1990 GENERAL PLAN Adj.Reg.Mtg. move out of Sonoma Grove. There is a need to provide housing for low paid workers. The residents of Sonoma Grove are civic minded which would not happen in Section 8 housing. Closing Sonoma Grove would only increase the chances for homelessness or cause people to leave the county. He said that technical assistance should be provided to Sonoma Grove like other mobile homes. 22) Tracy Fields, 742 Racquet Club Circle, was recognized and said that she was currently looking forward to purchasing her first home in Rohnert Park. She is among the group that represents the future. She said if growth is halted many young people would not be able to reach their goals or partake in the future of the City. 23) Gerald Griffin, 1514 Garfield Court, was recognized and said he really liked the quality of life present in Rohnert Park. The quality of growth needs to be retained as well as open space. 24) John Lthguren, 4380 Fairway Drive, was recognized and said his wife and family have lived here since 1981. He thinks the City has done a fantastic job with the planning process and would expect the same in the future. He said he wanted to develop a spirit of cooperation. The lawsuit should be removed and everyone should work together to solve problems. He said everyone needs to supply input for the future development including developers and the City Council. Without the developers there would not be anyone here. He took offence to the white sheet distributed tonight that stated under Land Use "'residents ", not "the City or Developers" should decide how big or fast our city should grow'. He said the planning process should look beyond 1995. No more time should be wasted with new city ideas. There has been reasonable, controlled growth and it should continue. 25) Charlie Artman, 25 Alexis, Sonoma Grove, was recognized and said he would wait to give his comments at the next meeting. 26) Robert Davis, 53 Varda Street, was recognized and said he's an artist who has worked for the past 30 years in many places and was also an actor. He said he moved to Sonoma Grove in 1982 and there seems to be a monster lurking around there. They will be eaten by developers who have forgotten that we are people, too. We've been attacked for years but the deal's been done and greed is the reason. For the most part people in Sonoma Grove want to keep the place intact and would like to be left alone and let us live. 27) Ray McKenzie, 7729 Montero Drive, was recognized and said he was concerned about stopping projects like the Price Club. He could not understand the difference between shopping in Santa Rosa and flushing toilets there or doing the same here. He said that building permits are where the money comes from for Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (10) February 12, 1990 GENERAL PLAN Adj.Reg.Mtg. education. It doesn't come from those not working here and not involved in development. He said progress can't be stopped and people can't be stopped from coming to Rohnert Park. 28) John Giertz, 455 Alta Avenue, was recognized and said that an architectural design review committee should not be established. Santa Rosa and Cotati have had such committees and did not work well. There were too many people involved. Rohnert Park gets things done. He said planning can't be stopped after five years because things would come to a complete halt and a five year plan would fall on its face. The City has to go on toward its goal to develop because of the need to go forward and not backward. 30) Dawna Gallagher, 7342 Rasmassen Way, was recognized and said she is a residential real estate agent. There is a housing crisis in California. It is the worst state as far as affordability is concerned. She expressed concern about considerations for mass transit and asked who would ride it. She said she was from a southern California comninity where development was halted. It seemed to work for a certain period of time but soon development was forced by default. Four motels were built within 3/4 miles. She said a tax base needs to be created. Enployees at State Farm and Hewlett Packard cannot buy homes here. She said there's a need to balancd jobs and housing. The only way it can be done is in other ways like subsidies. There will be rewards for those cities that plan and develop low cost housing. The cities that don't will suffer. 30) Dennis G. McCormack, 1431 Jasmine Circle, was recognized and said he would be willing to pay for his part of a regional Park on Snyder Lane across from the new church development. He said he's not against another golf course if it's wanted. He would like to see another regional park which should be planned now wiiile the land is vacant. He agreed that the Sierra Club should drop the lawsuit and that everyone should work together. He was a member of the Sierra Club. but dropped out when he heard about the lawsuit. He said he has nothing against the people at Sonoma Grove and that those concerned about the condition of their housing should go out and take a look at the place. There being no one further desiring to speak, Mayor Hollingsworth closed the public meeting at 9:50 p.m. Councilman Hopkins said that he attended a meeting for the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) last week in which it was pointed out that an effort is being made to give regions planning powers. If responsible planning is not done at the local level, the State will do it. Those who have been critical of what Rohnert Park has done, won't like it. Such action is not far away if we don't get our act together. Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (11) February 12, 1990 GENERAL PLAN Adj.Reg.Mtg. Discussion followed regarding the need for affordable housing, the affect of building restrictions and the planning process on the cost of housing, and affordable high density housing. It is imperative to look beyond 1995. There is a need to be assertive regarding things like the wastewater plant. Everyone should work together to accomplish oat's necessary. Mayor Hollingsworth conplimnted the audience for the way they handled themselves tonight. Adjournment There being no further business, Ibyor Hollingsworth adjourned the public meeting for the General Plan at approximately 10:00 p.m. to be continued on February 20, 1990 at 7:00 p.m. DeputJ Ci Clerk r Mayor i fir _f Dear Editor: Please print the following article as soon as possible. Thank you From: Harvey Bell, Rohnert Park Resident ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL FOUND GUILTY / SIERRA CLUB WAS RIGHT Superior Court Judge Lawrence Sawyer, after nearly three months of study, announced his findings that the Sierra Club was right in its suit and that Rohnert Park's General Plan was not in compliance with the law and that proper environmental review was not being done prior to approving new development there. The verdict declared that every element of the general plan was outdated, inaccurate, inconsistent and out of compliance with the law. These elements include guidelines that, when followed, allow us to develop a well planned and healthy city for the future. The Rohnert Park City Council was not properly or legally being responsible for the planning of Land Use, Traffic Flow (Circulation), Housing, Conservation, Open Space, Noise and Safety. In fact, Judge Sawyer added that they "abused their discretion ". As a result of the verdict against the city, Rohnert Park now has 120 days to update its General Plan and bring it in compliance with the law. In the meantime, no approval of any significant development project, zoning changes or subdivision changes can be given until the General Plan complies with the requirements of the law. The Price Club and any further development in the Northwest Program area can not proceed without proper environmental review and a legal General Plan. (the Good Night Inn, Red Lion II expansion and Roberts Lake Road extension, already in progress, may proceed.) What this means is that a thoughtful, mainstream judge, a former District Attorney, after thorough evaluation confirmed that there are serious deficiencies in our City Council. They did not comply with the laws designed to protect the health of our city in the future. They hindered our progress in commercial development, thus stopping the addition of potential tax revenues. They abused their discretion, in favor of the wishes of outsider developers. They did not provide good and legal planning in Rohnert Park. Our City Council had advice from their own City Attorney - they ignored it. They also ignored requests from residents. Then Mayor, Charlie Cochran, who as a lawyer should be knowledgeable of proper legal conduct, even denied people their right to speak during Council discussion. Thanks to the Sierra Club and local residents, this "Outlaw Council" was brought to account for refusing to obey the laws. The Sierra Club's win in this case is a win for the city - the real city, not the council members who respond only to developers wishes. It is a win for the people who live here who are tired of traffic congestion, noise and overcrowded schools and who want to save and permanently protect the open space around our city. Thanks to the Sierra Club, we residents get to participate in the updating of our General Plan, a process that our current City Council did not want us to do. They have been shutting people out of local government long enough. the Sierra Club helped open the door. It is now time to keep the door open; to have the future of Rohnert Park really be what the residents want it to be - a healthy city for the future. It is time to start looking ahead to replacing Council members who opposed following the law - replacing them with good, law abiding people who care about what residents want and who are not responsible to outside developers. please see page two Dear Editor, From Harvey Bell, page two Our 'Outlaw City Council" cost us the Price Club. If left unchecked, they would also have cost us all the open farmland that surrounds us. It is the local residents who deserve to have the final say in the future of our city. Two great opportunities exist to express our desires: the City Council hearing Monday, February 12th at 7:00 pm at City Hall where people can tell the Council what they want for the future of their city; and the November election where two new City Council members can be elected who will more fairly, and legally, represent the true will of the people. Thanks to the Sierra Club, the residents of Rohnert Park can now reclaim their city and insure the future of the lifestyle and quality of life that they desire. q0 Vey' a KA 0 V1fj Py. February 8, 1990 THE FOLLOWING AREAS OF CONCERN ARE SUGGESTED FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION BY THE CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR ROHNERT PARK WHO HOPE THAT YOU WILL EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AND CONCERNS AT THIS MEETING PURPOSE OF THE GENERAL PLAN No annexation without a thorough (1 to 2 year) Plan update (including neighborhood meetings citizens advisory committee). LAND USE PAGE ITEM # General Support "General- and a Principal" pl.2 Stop promoting new cities elswhere. p4.21 Delete p2.23 #21 Address SSU's growing needs directly. Include the p4.20 #4 Delete SSU Environs Study in this plan and address their needs. p2.11 No heliport in Rohnert Park - who needs the noise. Delete p2.22 #22 "Residents ", not "the City or Developers ", should decide how big or fast our city should grow. Support p2.20 # 9 No development plans outside the current city limits. p2.8 Provide for adequate Open Space and a buffer to Support p2.19 #14 neighboring development. Support p2.20 #10 Develop an architectural and design review committee Add to p2.22 & 4.23 with professional and citizens input for housing and commercial /industrial development Change the building height limit to a 3 -story maximum Add to p2.22 & 4.23 for all buildings (including the new City Hall) Add an "agricultural /open space" zoning to the kinds Add to p2.22 & 6.4 of land uses al l oT.,7able in Rol next Park. (See also notes under "Open Space ", below) n TrVITTT TMTnTT Provide for safe and free flowing traffic movement prior to the building of congestion causing developments HOUSING We don't "need" to build all the houses that ABAG projects. No planning now for housing sites for after 1995 in this 5 -year plan. Stop wasting our time and energy with new city ideas. OPEN SPACE p3.16 -3.18 p4.2 #lb Delete p4.21 #3,4,5 Delete p4.19 #2 (on left; Delete p4.20 #4 Delete p4.22 #24 Form an Open Space committee to identify desirable Add to p2.22 Open Space for permanent protection and to develop Add to p6.4 a plan and action steps to create desired buffer zones. Support p6.3 #5,9,12 add a deadline such as 1995 p2.22 #17 CONSERVATION Provide (in this 5 -year plan) only for the sewage treatment capacity and water supply needed for our city of 40,000 people that this plan defines. Add "up to the current capacity needed" p5.13 #12 & 13 SAFETY i 1 Require that an "Above Ground Hazardous Materials" ordinance be enacted with a deadline (like 1 year) p8.11 PLEASE EXPRESS ALL YOUR OPINIONS TODAY, EVEN IF SOMEONE ELSE SAID IT FIRST The next City Council Meeting on the General Plan will be Tuesday, February 20th at 7 pm w lJ Dear Editor: Please print the following article as soon as possible. Thank you From: Harvey Bell, Rohnert Park Resident ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL FOUND GUILTY / SIERRA CLUB WAS RIGHT Superior Court Judge Lawrence Sawyer, after nearly three months of study, announced his findings that the Sierra Club was right in its suit and that Rohnert Park's General Plan was not in compliance with the law and that proper environmental review was not being done prior to approving new development there. The verdict declared that every element of the general plan was outdated, inaccurate, inconsistent and out of compliance with the law. These elements include guidelines that, when followed, allow us to develop a well planned and healthy city for the future. The Rohnert Park City Council was not properly or legally being responsible for the planning of Land Use, Traffic Flow (Circulation), Housing, Conservation, Open Space, Noise and Safety. In fact, Judge Sawyer added that they "abused their discretion ". As a result of the verdict against the city, Rohnert Park now has 120 days to update its General Plan and bring it in compliance with the law. In the meantime, no approval of any significant development project, zoning changes or subdivision changes can be given until the General Plan complies with the requirements of the law. The Price Club and any further development in the Northwest Program area can not proceed without proper environmental review and a legal General Plan. (the Good Night Inn, Red Lion II expansion and Roberts Lake Road extension, already in progress, may proceed.) What this means is that a thoughtful, mainstream judge, a former District Attorney, after thorough evaluation confirmed that there are serious deficiencies in our City Council. They did not comply with the laws designed to protect the health of our city in the future. They hindered our progress in commercial development, thus stopping the addition of potential tax revenues. They abused their discretion, in favor of the wishes of outsider developers. They did not provide good and legal planning in Rohnert Park. Our City Council had advice from their own City Attorney - they ignored it. They also ignored requests from residents. Then Mayor, Charlie Cochran, who as a lawyer should be knowledgeable of proper legal conduct, even denied people their right to speak during Council discussion. Thanks to the Sierra Club and local residents, this "Outlaw Council" was brought to account for refusing to obey the laws. The Sierra Club's win in this case is a win for the city - the real city, not the council members who respond only to developers wishes. It is a win for the people who live here who are tired of traffic congestion, noise and overcrowded schools and who want to save and permanently protect the open space around our city. Thanks to the Siena Club, we residents get to participate in the updating of our General Plan, a process that our current City Council did not want us to do. They have been shutting people out of local government long enough. the Sierra Club helped open the door. It is now time to keep the door open; to have the future of Rohnert Park really be what the residents want it to be - a healthy city for the future. It is time to start looking ahead to replacing Council members who opposed following the law - replacing them with good, law abiding people who care about what residents want and who are not responsible to outside developers. please see page two Dear Editor, From Harvey Bell, page two our 'Outlaw City Council" cost us the Price Club. If left unchecked, they would also have cost us all the open farmland that surrounds us. It is the local residents who deserve to have the final say in the future of our city. Two great opportunities exist to express our desires: the City Council hearing Monday, February 12th at 7:00 pm at City Hall where people can tell the Council what they want for the future of their city; and the November election where two new City Council members can be elected who will more fairly, and legally, represent the true will of the people. Thanks to the Sierra Club, the residents of Rohnert Park can now reclaim their city and insure the future of the lifestyle and quality of life that they desire. February 8, 1990 U' V" WV W THE FOLLOWING AREAS OF CONCERN ARE SUGGESTED FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION BY THE CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR ROHNERT PARK WHO HOPE THAT YOU WILL EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AND CONCERNS AT THIS MEETING e,�Pt A4V PURPOSE OF THE GENERAL PLAN PAGE ITEM If No annexation without a thorough (1 to 2 year) General Support "General- Plan update (including neighborhood meetings and a Principal" citizens advisory committee). We don't "need" to build all the houses that ABAG projects. pl.2 #1b LAND USE Delete p4.21 #3,4,5 this 5 -year plan. Stop promoting new cities elswhere. p4.19 Delete p2.23 #21 Address SSU's growing needs directly. Include the Stop wasting our time and energy with new city ideas. Delete p4.22 SSU Environs Study in this plan and address their needs. p2.11 No heliport in Rohnert Park - who needs the noise. Delete p2.22 #22 "Residents ", not "the City or Developers ", should decide how big or fast our city should grow. Support p2.20 9 No development plans outside the current city limits. p2.8 Provide for adequate Open Space and a buffer to Support p2.19 ##14 neighboring development. Support p2.20 #10 Develop an architectural and design review committee Add to p2.22 & 4.23 with professional and citizens input for housing and commercial /industrial development Change the building height limit to a 3 -story maximum Add to p2.22 & 4.23 for all buildings (including the new City Hall) Add an "agricultural /open space" zoning to the kinds Add to p2.22 & 6.4 of land uses allowable owabil e i n Rol-Lnert Park. (See also notes under "Open Space ", below) CIRCULATION Provide for safe and free flowing traffic movement prior to the building of congestion causing developments p3.16 -3.18 HOUSING We don't "need" to build all the houses that ABAG projects. p4.2 #1b No planning now for housing sites for after 1995 in Delete p4.21 #3,4,5 this 5 -year plan. Delete p4.19 #2 (on left; Delete p4.20 #4 Stop wasting our time and energy with new city ideas. Delete p4.22 #24 n,nLTT C17T('L Form an Open Space committee to identify desirable Add to p2.22 Open Space for permanent protection and to develop Add to p6.4 a plan and action steps to create desired buffer zones. Support p6.3 #5,9,12 add a deadline such as 1995 p2.22 #17 CONSERVATION Provide (in this 5 -year plan) only for the sewage treatment capacity and water supply needed for our city of 40,000 people that this plan defines. Add "up to the current capacity needed" p5.13 #12 & 13 SAFETY i Require that an "Above Ground Hazardous Materials" crdinance be enacted with a deadline (like 1 year) p8.11 PLEASE EXPRESS ALL YOUR OPINIONS TODAY, EVEN IF SOMEONE ELSE SAID IT FIRST The next City Council Meeting on the General Plan will be Tuesday, February 20th at 7 pm CCSI CITY OF ROHNERT PARK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER FEASIBILITY STUDY REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. Purpose of Study: To determine the feasibility of raising funds to endow the city of Rohnert Park Performing Arts Center. 2. Study Period: Five weeks from January 2, 1990 through February 2, 1990. 3. Study Participants: CCS conducted personal, confidential interviews with 47 individuals representing civic, social, cultural, business, professional, and corporate leaders. All participants were very cooperative. A color -coded direct mail survey was also sent to 446 individuals. The response rate of 25% was exceptionally high, particularly for a municipality. CCS also researched corporations and foundations for possible support. 4. Factors Evaluated: CCS evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of six factors. They are: 1. Image: Perceptions and interest in the project. 2. Case: The needs plans, costs and priorities 3. Leadership: Individuals willing to advocate the case 4. Prospects: Individuals, foundations, businesses willing to give 5. Resources: Office staff, budget to sustain a campaign 6. Plan: Management and procedures CCS S. Consultants Evaluation linage and Perceptions: Raring "10" on a scale of ten Without exception, the City of Rohnert Park Performing Arts Center is viewed as a benefit to the City of Rohnert Park and the surrounding area. People are proud and excited that such a state -of -the -art Center has been built in their city. These positive feelings will obviously benefit any campaign for funds to insure the continuation of the Center. This is further evidenced by the indication that nearly nine of every ten respondents to the survey will use the facility. Case: Rating "8" on a scale of ten The greatest strength of the case is that the proposed new Center would benefit and be used by many groups in the community: schools, church affiliated organizations, clubs, local arts groups, and civic organizations, not to mention bringing fine, professional performances and events to the City. Secondly, and even more significantly, the entire Center has already been paid for and the endowment fund would preclude any additional taxes over and above operational costs. Leadership: Rating "9" on a scale of ten The most positive aspect of the evaluation is the leadership and potential leadership for a campaign. It is unusually high to find over one -half of all community leaders who are personally interviewed as well as nearly one - quarter of respondents to an anonymous direct mail survey indicate they would be willing to assist on a committee to raise funds. Nearly 50 people, including city officials, would be willing to help raise funds. Prospective Donors: Rating "6" to "8" on a scale of ten CCS' evaluation discloses that a list of about 250 "prospective" donors can be developed to include individuals, merchants, clubs, associations, foundations and corporations. CCS' recommended plan would try to raise a minimum of $1.5 Million from the least amount of donors. This plan would not exclude a general "community phase," however, few campaigns can succeed by relying on support from nominal gifts in a community phase. In addition, a number of key major gift prospects' opinions and thoughts on the project are still pending. Resources The City of Rohnert Park does have, and could provide, the management resources necessary to mount and sustain a campaign. Such resources would include a budget for office space, equipment, supplies, staff, materials and management services. Plan The one factor that is missing is a plan to raise the funds. The purpose of the survey is to design a plan for consideration by the City of Rohnert Park. The recommended plan is included in this report. CCS Immediate Priorities of the Organization Phase Image and Perceptions • A slide presentation be prepared for clubs, groups and businesses, depicting the state -of -the -art concepts and features of the new Center explaining how the proposed endowment will ensure usage by, and benefits to, the community. The presentation would demonstrate that other facilities, such as the Luther Burbank Center, serve their particular purpose, but could not be expected to handle the need for state -of- the -art performances and events. Case Priorities • The slides, Information Statement (fact sheet) and major gift "prospectus" (brochure) be prepared to identify and explain the benefits of the endowment and the dollar needs and allocations. Explanations about continuity of use and possible disruption of events should be prepared. • Steps should be taken to explain how management and marketing responsibilities of the Center will assure successful operations. Prepare for the Gala Opening in April, with plans for a private reception for the the "top ten" key prospects. Leadership • The City of Rohnert Park (mayor, manager, staff, council) has an exceptionally good image among community leaders. Surveys for municipalities usually disclose degrees of criticism of elected and professional officials. This is not the case in Rohnert Park. City officials can, and should, remain active in leading the project, however, immediate steps should be taken to set up a 501(c)3 with a small group of these civic leaders as well as community leaders taking a predominant role. • A significant large "pool" of prospective leaders exists from which to immediately form a campaign cabinet and steering committee. Additional endorsements of the project should be sought immediately from civic, social, cultural and business leaders. Prospective Donors • The survey disclosed several strong indications of major gift support and sufficient potential has been indicated to design a campaign strategy to raise a minimum of $1.5 Million from approximately 200 prospective donors. CICIS 7 Gift Analysis to Achieve $1.5 Million NUMBER OF GIFTS GIFT AMOUNT TOTAL AMOUNT 1 $250,000 $250,000 2 $100,000 $200,000 4 $50,000 $200,000 11 $25,000 $275,000 20 $10,000 $200,000 30 $5,000 $150,000 50 $2,500 $125,000 100 $1000 $100,000 TOTAL 218 $1,000 - $250,000 $1,500,000 The study has disclosed sufficient prospects for a successful endowment campaign for the City of Rohnert Park Performing Arts Center. At present, we believe approximately 200 donors should be targeted to achieve the minimum endowment fund goal of $1.5 Million. C CIS 8. Recommendations 1. An Advisory Cabinet of 3 -5 civic, cultural, business and community leaders be formed to approve or disapprove the recommendations of CCS. 2. If approved, announce a campaign to endow the City of Rohnert Park Performing Arts Center at the April gala at which time at least 20% of the goal or approximately $300,000 will be raised from one or two gifts. The goal of the campaign will be a minimum of $1.5 Million. 3. The Endowment Fund campaign would be conducted by CCS in "phases" according to a plan and timetable as follows: PHASE GOAL TIMELINE I. PLANNING SURVEY Feasibility Jan. 2 to Feb. 2 (5 wks.) (complete) (option) (complete) 1. ORGANIZATION $300,000 (20 %) Feb. 5 to May 4 (13 wks.) (option) III. SOLICITATION $1,050,000 (70 %) May 7 to Aug. 3 (13 wks.) (option) IV. CONT. /CLOSEOUT $150,000 (10 %) Aug. 6 to Nov. 2 (13 wks.) V. PLEDGE PAYMENT $1,500,000 minimum Nov. '90 to Oct. '93 (3 yrs.) 4. An operating budget controlled by the City is estimated at $30,000. 5. Progress of the campaign would be reviewed every 30 days and the City would have the option to proceed accordingly with or without the on -site management of CCS. 9. Campaign Costs There will be two sets of costs required for the campaign: A. The Professional Service Fee B. The Operating Budget The service fee includes the living expenses of the CCS director who will manage the campaign on a daily, full -time basis. It also includes the expenses of a CCS executive who will supervise and participate in key activities on a monthly basis. The service fee for the 39 week campaign from February 5, 1990 through November 2, 1990 is scheduled. The campaign operating budget is anticipated to be $30,000. HALF ORGANIZATION TD ME, L_ Feb. 5 - May 4 (option) CCS W EED MINIMUM GOAL EE.F 13 $300,000 $45,000 SOLICITATION May 7 - Aug. 3 13 $1,050,000 $45,000 (option) CONT. /CLOSEOUT Aug. 6 - Nov. 2 13 $150,000 (option) PAYMENT PERIOD Nov. 190 - Oct. '93 (3 yrs) $1,500,000 (no fee)