1998/06/09 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes
June 9, 1998
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in adjourned session commencing at
5:00 p.m. for the City Council "Strategic Plan Priorities" Leadership Team Workshop
immediately preceding the regular session commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the City Offices,
6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Linda Spiro presiding.
CITY COUNCIL "STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITIES" LEADERSHIP TEAM
- WORKSHOP -
with Consultant Rick Brown of "The Results Group"
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Linda Spiro called the adjourned session to order at approximately 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: (5) Councilmembers Flores, Mackenzie, Reilly, Vidak- Martinez,
and Mayor Spiro
Absent: (0) None
Staff present for all or part of the workshop: City Manager Netter, Assistant City Manager
Leivo, Finance Director Harrow, Personnel Manager Robbins, Director of Public Safety
Rooney, Director of Performing Arts Grice, Interim Recreation Director Mikalis,
City Engineer Gaffney, Planning Director Schulenburg, Building Official Braun and
Public Works Manager Stephens.
This work session was scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of
continuing the process to follow -up on recommendations from Rick Brown's previous
workshops, as well as contribute to the upcoming budget process. -- City Manager Netter
referred to the staff report for the items listed on the separate agenda provided for this
workshop. Consultant Rick Brown reviewed the process to date and responded to Council
questions. -- Discussion included Council review and signified revisions of the documents
listed on the workshop agenda.
RECESS: Mayor Linda Spiro declared a recess at approximately 7:00 p.m. to proceed with the closed
session, as listed on the regular meeting agenda of this date.
RECONVENE: Mayor Spiro reconvened the Council meeting calling the regular session to order at
approximately 7:35 p.m., and led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL: Present: (5) Councilmembers Flores, Mackenzie, Reilly, Vidak- Martinez,
and Mayor Spiro
Absent: (0) None
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Netter, City Attorney Flitner,
Assistant City Manager Leivo, City Engineer Gaffney, Finance Director Harrow, Building
Official Braun and Public Works Manager Stephens.
1. CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Linda Spiro reported on the closed session which commenced this
evening at 6:00 to discuss matters listed on the agenda attachment, representing an update,
with no action taken at this time.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Corrections to the previous meeting minutes were made by
Council and signified on original set of minutes.
Upon motion by Councilmember Mackenzie, seconded by Vice Mayor Vidak- Martinez,
with abstention by Mayor Spiro due to being absent from the meeting, the minutes of
May 26, 1998 were unanimously approved as amended.
3. APPROVAL OF BILLS: Upon motion by Councilmember Flores, seconded by Councilmember
Mackenzie, with Mayor Spiro abstaining on Check No. 87393 to Transworld Systems
pending the City Attorney's research of the matter, via the Mayor's request to find out if
she needs to abstain on this, because her spouse now works for the company, City bills
presented per the attached list in the amount of $393,967.59 were unanimously approved
4. ADDING INFORMATIONAL NON- AGENDAED MATTERS:
Mayor Spiro asked Council- members or staff if there were any non - agendaed informational
items to add to the agenda. -- Councilmember Flores signified one item to add regarding
the Community School. -- Councilmember Mackenzie signified one item to add regarding
disclosure of political contributions of elections held in the City of Rohnert Park.
5. INTRODUCTION: Karen Mejia, Administrative Assistant to the City Manager
City Manager Netter introduced Karen Mejia, the newly selected Administrative Assistant
to the City Manager, beginning June 8, 1998. Mr. Netter advised that Ms. Mejia comes to
the City from Sonoma State University with approximately 19 years of experience in the
Student Academic Services Department. He shared that Ms. Mejia's administrative skills
and advanced computer expertise would be a great asset in the City Manager's
Administrative Department. -- Ms. Mejia acknowledged her background experience
and shared that she looked forward to working with the City Council and City Staff.
The City Council welcomed Ms. Mejia and commended her selection for this position.
MOMENT OF SILENCE for Bob Weinmann, Senior Citizen Advisory Commissioner
Mayor Linda Spiro responded to the verification of a message just received that Mr. Bob
Weinmann passed away earlier today. Mayor Spiro declared a moment of silence at this
time for Mr. Weinmann, acknowledging that he was recently appointed to the Senior
Citizens Advisory Commission. She also signified that a letter of condolence to the family
of Mr. Weinmann would be prepared over the Mayor's signature.
6. YOUTH CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES from 1997 -98 Youth of the Year Program
Mayor Linda Spiro introduced Youth Representatives Senior Monica Ohkubo and Junior
Amie Schmale, who provided the youth report which included:
*graduation ceremony for Rancho Cotate High School Seniors is this Friday at 6:00 p.m.;
•finals are this week; and
•efforts are currently in process for choosing the new Junior Youth of the Year Represen-
tatives to the City Council for next year.
7. SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
1) Lew Kuehm re New Youth of the Year Program
Mr. Kuehm provided an update on this item which included:
*On behalf of the City Council, at the Rancho Cotate Awards Night on June 4, 1998,
Mr. Kuehm presented Certificates of Appreciation to the eight Seniors who have been the
1997 -98 Youth Representatives to the City Council as follows:
Nichole Fields, Elizabeth Leonhardt, Meagan Pulley, Jamie Sahouria,
Dena Ito, Monica Ohkubo, Adam Romero and Joe Stablein.
•Greg Nordin, a four -year interviewee, and Julianna Sahouria, a previous Youth of the
Year representative two years ago, presented the scholarship letters to the Seniors at the
Awards Night.
*The seven Juniors who will be Seniors next year, will continue in the program lending
continuity for City Council participation as follows:
Jessica Batacao, Cynthia Rail, Amie Schmale, Jennifer Weaver,
Marisa Eggering, Eric Rico and Vivian Snyder
*Seven upcoming Juniors for this September have applied and are candidates currently being
considered for the 1998 -99 Youth of the Year Program. The Steering Committee has
requested the eight graduating Seniors to assist in the decisions at tomorrow's meeting.
One of the new Youth of the Year representatives will be attending the June 23rd
City Council meeting along with an experienced Junior who will be a Senior in September.
*The on- campus interviews are planned for the 98 -99 year. Because of the expanded
program, a two -year cycle of interviewees is necessary. October, November and
December "role models" have already been secured, and they are working on January `98.
*YOUTH OF THE YEAR STEERING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
Mr. Kuehm acknowledged 1998 -99 would be entering the 7th year of the Youth of the
Year Program. He reviewed aspects of a plan, as in other cities, of having the Youth of
the Year representatives serve as city officials such as City Council Members, City
Manager, Director of Public Safety, etc. for a day, month, or quarter that would educate
and enhance the role of the teens representing their peers. The Steering Committee is
making this recommendation and asking the City Council to officially consider such a plan.
Discussion concluded in Council concurrence to consider the above - reviewed plan during
the upcoming budget sessions.
2) Jim Redding re Face to Face for Sonoma County Aides Network
Mr. Redding provided a brief update on the financial status of this non -profit organization,
for Council's information, as well as a synopsis of the beneficial efforts of this organization
which includes treatment and care, health education and emergency financial assistance.
Mr. Redding advised that his second term as President is coming to an end this month, with
the new incoming President next month, and he wanted to take this opportunity to express
appreciation to the City Council for its support in the past which has contributed to the
successfulness of their program. -- Mr. Redding responded to Council questions including
acknowledgment that he had provided the City's Finance Director, Mike Harrow, the audit
statement for their agency. -- Council commended the efforts of Face to Face and
encouraged the organization to keep up the good work. -- Mayor Spiro complimented
Mr. Redding's recent presentation on this item at a Rotary meeting and encouraged other
local organizations which entertain guest speakers at meetings, to invite Mr. Redding.
8. Unscheduled Public Appearances: Mayor Linda Spiro stated that in compliance with State Law
(The Brown Act), citizens wishing to make a comment may do so at this time (limited to 3-
5 minutes per appearance with a 30 minute total time limit).
1) Bob Carpenter Santa Rosa, reviewed concerns, as a political activist, on the price of
wastewater provisions. He referred to the recent debate on this issue about three weeks
ago, signified his position is different, and commented on the explosive population growth
projected for this area along with the need for expanded wastewater provisions. There
will be additional transporting costs and increased rate payers are going to get zero. The
Subregional Plant determines who gets wastewater provisions, which should be the ones
willing to pay the highest price. With the anticipated population growth of this area, the
representatives of the Santa Rosa Subregional Wastewater System should be approached
while capacity is still available. During recent discussions on the Geysers option, someone
said governments are the biggest business, but instead it is people. Growers want to
escalate considerations on this issue. By giving increased costs to rate payers, the trickle
down is not going to work with wastewater, and nothing can escape these concerns.
2) Joi Losee, 943 Holly Avenue, shared contents of her letter of this date provided to Council
signifying that the public trust in the Rohnert Park City Council majority has eroded and
Measure A was not appropriate (copy attached to original set of these minutes). Her
concerns included: attention to efforts involved to defeat Measure A concluding in 67% of
the voters voted No on Measure A; accountability and responsibility of the Council
majority for the cost of Measure A; and acknowledged her request to Councilmembers
Mackenzie and Reilly, the supporters of No on Measure A, to ask staff for the total amount
of expenditures on Measure A and to make those figures known to the voters. She shared
that we, the public, will be vigilant in watching this Council and making them accountable
for their actions.
3) Katheryn Collins 828 Lilac Way, expressed agreement with comments of the previous
speaker with the exception of not needing to know the total cost of Measure A before it
went to the ballot, as the process of a ballot measure is the way it should be. She expressed
concern that the difference from previous procedures was that Measure A was brought to
the City Council for approval before it was brought to the full Council for review and
consideration. She asked who authorized the expenditure of those funds and if, in deed,
the Mayor authorized those expenditures, where in the City's Code does it state that the
Mayor can authorize such expenditures. Ms. Collins commented on the probability that it
would have been approved, but Council should have followed the established procedure.
4) Linda Branscomb, 21 Anne, signified she would like to know where we are going from
here and referred to this question for the Measure A item listed later on the agenda. She
shared that the Council was elected to represent the concerns of the people and had trust in
the Council's ability to draft the measure. The people are telling the Council again
that they want the urban growth boundary, but not the one proposed in Measure A.
Ms. Branscomb commented on the need to open this up to comments and advertise for
hearings on the question of "where are we going from here ", as the public has spoken and
she urged the Council to consider the message from the recent election results.
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9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Linda Spiro asked if there were any questions regarding the matters on the Consent
Calendar which were explained in the City Manager's Council Meeting Memo.
Acknowledging the City Manager /Clerk's report on posting of the meeting's agenda
Resolution Nos:
98 -116 Supporting the Devil Pups Program
98 -117 Award of Contract for the Remodel of Public Safety Main Station Front
Lobby Counter
98 -118 Rejecting the Claim of Ann Mead (re. alleged injuries from swing at H -Park)
98 -119 Rejecting the Claim of Randall G. Heyden /CAD Motor Trust (re. alleged
unwarranted arrest and seizure of automobile)
Upon motion by Councilmember Flores, seconded by Vice Mayor Vidak- Martinez, the
Consent Calendar as outlined on the meeting's agenda, was unanimously approved.
10. TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION COMMITTEE - Report on Upgraded Telephone System
1) Implementation Plan/Budget -- City Manager Netter reviewed highlights oi' the staff
reports provided for this item from (1) Purchasing Supervisor Caroline Gabriel on the
proposal addressing the needs of the City's telephone system, previously identified by the
Technology Committee, by networking all eight City facilities, and (2) from Finance
Director Harrow on funds proposed in the 1998 -99 budget in the amount of $150,000, to
be financed by a lease - purchase agreement over a period of five years at an interest cost of
approximately 5.2 %. Staff is requesting Council concurrence on this project and the
authorization to proceed immediately due to the timing factor of the Year 2000 problem
facing everyone. Also, the City Hall system upgrade has an incentive feature that expires
on June 30, 1998 which saves the City approximately $35,000. -- City Manager Netter
and Finance Director Harrow responded to Council questions related to this item. This
included responding to concerns expressed by Mayor Spiro on maintenance not being
included in the agreement, that AT &T's higher interest rate does include maintenance but it
is financially more beneficial for the City to pay the monthly bill and proceed with the
non - maintenance agreement at the lower interest rate.
Discussion concluded upon motion by Councilmember Flores, seconded by
Councilmember Mackenzie, and unanimously approved, to proceed with the above -
reviewed upgraded telephone system, as recommended by staff.
2) Creation of City Council Liaison -- City Manager Netter advised that Councilmember
Mackenzie requested consideration of this item on the agenda. Mr. Mackenzie was
previously assigned as the Council Liaison to the WebPage /InterNet Committee and is now
requesting Council authorization to be the Council Liaison to the Technology Committee.
Councilmember Flores recommended this selection by the Mayor. Mayor Spiro agreed
commenting that Councilmember Mackenzie was the only one who has signified interest in
this liaison assignment.
11. SSU STUDENT BODY ASSOCIATION relationship
1) Formation of two - member Council Ad Hoc Committee
2) Establishment of Student Body Council representatives
Councilmember Flores referred to previous discussions on this item and distributed his
memo to Council regarding his recommendations as follows:
1. Rotating City Council Subcommittee and Student Body Executive Committee
a. Monthly Meetings, September - June
b. Council Members
1. September - Linda Spiro and Jake Mackenzie
2. Ociober - Jim Reilly and Armando Flores
3. November - Vicki Vidak- Martinez and Linda Spiro
4. December - Jake Mackenzie and Jim Reilly
5. January - Armando Flores and Vicki Vidak - Martinez
6. February - Linda Spiro and Jake Mackenzie
7. March - Jim Reilly and Armando Flores
8. April - Vicki Vidak - Martinez and Linda Spiro
9. May - Jake Mackenzie and Jim Reilly
10. June - Armando Flores and Vicki Vidak - Martinez
2. Associated Student Council Representative to City Council
a. One Representative per Month Selected by the SSUAS Executive Board
Mayor Spiro invited comments from the SSU Student present at this Council meeting.
Karl Binswanger, SSU Student, advised he was a former SSU Associated Student Board
Member and was asked by current SSUAS Board Member Stephanie Klyber to show his
interest in this item scheduled on tonight's City Council agenda. He shared t'lat the
rotation recommendation seemed like a good idea and he would share Council comments
on this item with the SSUAS Board Members. He responded to Council question that the
SSUAS Board meets each Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. during the school year and on
Monday evenings at 8:00 p.m. during the summer.
*C O R R E C T 10 N BELOW from 6/23/98 City Council meeting: Per Councilmember Reilly (addition underlined)
Discussion included Mayor Spiro commenting on the idea to rotate two SSU students, one
of which would have attended the previous Council meeting, in order to have consecutive
flow of information from one meeting to the next. -- Councilmember Flores suggested
that other SSU students could provide written reports for Council's consideration.
-- Councilmember Reilly referred to the November election and assuming retention of the
Council Member rotation list pending election results. Mr. Reilly shared that he was not
necessarily interested in being assigned to another committee and, referring to the other
four Council Members who previously signified interest in this committee, suggested
rotation of those four. -- Councilmember Flores recommended participation of all five
Council Members in this rotation. -- Mayor Spiro recommended starting with the Council
Members truly interested. -- *Council agreed that all five Council Members would
artici� _,:e in this rotation Council signified one meeting per month would be sufficient for
the designated Council Members to meet with the SSU Associated Student Board at one of
their monthly meetings and the SSU Student Board Members would need to let Council
know when they want the two Council Members to attend. -- Council agreed with comment
by Councilmember Reilly that, since two City Council Members are being considered to
attend the SSUAS Board meetings, it would be appropriate to also consider having two
SSU students at Council meetings, which could be discusses at the first meeting. A
schedule will be prepared and forwarded to the SSUAS Board. -- SSU Student Karl
Binswanger agreed to share the comments herein with SSUAS Board Members.
12. CHANNEL 22, KRCB -TV - Revised Agreement
1) Committee /Staff report (Flores/Reilly)
City Manager Netter referred to discussions of this item during the past two City Council
meetings. He reviewed the notations on his previous memorandum dated May 22, 1998,
confirming approvals to the most recent revisions settled by the Exchange Bank and
Nancy Dobbs, President & CEO of Channel 22, KRCB -TV, who was also present at this
Council meeting. City Manager Netter advised that an additional sentence has been added
to Page 7 (1st paragraph) to the previously revised language "To reciprocate, RCBC
agrees to investigate and implement reasonable efforts to assist and promote ROHNERT
PARK and it programs and projects ", to ADD: - - - "by mutual agreement of terms and
conditions listed in separate memorandum ". Mr. Netter noted that this will take care of
the open -ended language of this particular section. The only outstanding item is that
Channel 22, KRCB -TV is currently in the process of negotiating a lease with Cellular One,
as explained in the letter provided to Council from KRCB -TV 22 dated June 2, 1998.
When appropriate, this will be presented to Council as a separate item at a later date.
2) Resolution for consideration:
No. 98 -120 Authorizing and Approving Amendment Number Four to the Agreement with
Rural California Broadcasting Corporation (RCBC)(Channel 22, KRCB -TV)
Discussion concluded upon motion by Councilmember Flores, seconded by Vice Mayor
Vidak - Martinez, and approved 4 -1 by roll call vote, with Mayor Spiro dissenting and
signifying for the record that from her research she did not believe City land should be
encumbered, which has nothing to do with her continued support of public broadcasting
and wishing them well in their efforts, reading of the resolution was waived and Resolution
No. 98 -120 was adopted.
3) Council consent to loan and terms
City Manager Netter reviewed the letter dated May 19, 1998 from Channel 22, KRCB -TV
regarding the wishes of RCBC to proceed with refinancing its building at 5850 Labath and
requesting the City's permission to do so. -- Discussion included Councilmember Reilly
referring to the Mayor's preceding comments regarding encumbrance concerns, and made
comparison3 with the City entering into partnerships like the Community School, the
Assistance Dog Institute, etc., as examples of other uses of City land. The local
broadcasting station has been a use of City land which the City has enjoyed, and in an area
he was not sure what else would go there. He wholeheartedly supported this as the best
use of this City land and did not think it could have a better use. -- Mayor Spiro shared
that using City land and encumbering it are different, and if the station did not make it for
some reason, the City would have to pay the encumbrance. -- Councilmember Reilly
responded that if that happened, he did not think the City would be paying the
encumbrance but would just be taking over the station.
Discussion concluded upon motion by Councilmember Flores, seconded by Vice Mayor
Vidak - Martinez, and approved 4 -1, with Mayor Spiro dissenting due to above - expressed
concerns, to provide a letter from the City for the above - reviewed item, signifying Council
consent to the loan and terms, as requested by Nancy Dobbs, President of KRCB -TV 22.
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13. 1998 -99 GENERAL FUND BUDGET PROPOSAL - Presented to Council
• Review of General Fund
• Set time & date for Budget Work Sessions
City Manager Netter advised that this portion of the 1998 -99 budget proposal has been
provided for Council's review prior to the consolidation of the entire budget, which is
anticipated to be submitted at the Council meeting of June 23, 1998. Staff will provide a
summary of the budget and respond to Council questions during the upcoming budget
11, Ad_ T.T _'r__ .L _ 1 n n
vVwxn ae331oiis. Mu. iNULLer X181111 wd tIIe need Ior Council Members to review their
calendars to identify possible dates for budget work sessions between June 23 and July 28.
The proposed calendar was included in the budget packet of this Council meeting as follows:
June 9 Present preliminary General Fund budget to City Council
June 23 Duplicate proposed budget and present to City Council
June 23 - July 23 City Council budget conferences
June 23 - July 28 Public consideration of the budget
July 28 Adopt budget
City Manager Netter and Finance Director Harrow responded to Council questions on
the above- referenced portion of the proposed budget; various inclusions and expectations
to be considered in the entire budget which is considered to be in good standing and
not anticipated to use any General Fund reserves in 1998; caution to bold the line to
maintain this good standing; and upcoming procedures working toward the adoption of
the City's 1998 -99 Budget.
14. COMMUNITY SUMMIT
• Presentation by Champions re: Time & Procedures - Proposed date: June 23rd
City Manager Netter explained this request for presentation to the City Council by the
Champions of the Community Summit Task Force Members, as reviewed in the Council
Meeting Memo. Council concurred with the request for the presentation of this summary
report at the June 23rd City Council meeting regularly scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m.,
which could be televised.
City Manager Netter referred to the Survey of Community Summit `task Force Members
dated June 1998, which was provided to Council for authorization to mail to those who
attended the Community Summit last October, and to pay the postage. Council concurred.
• Measure A.- Where do we go from here? (Spiro)
Council shared comments reflecting on the recent June 2nd election results related to
Measure A not passing. Mayor Spiro referred to the Sunday, June 7th, editorial in the
Press Democrat entitled, "Give Peace a Chance ", and suggested that is what this Council
should adopt. -- Councilmember Flores signified echoing the Mayor's sentiments and
distributed a copy of the referenced editorial (copy attached to original set of these
minutes). Council expressed differing views and opinions on this item. -- Mayor Spiro
advised the purpose of having this item on tonight's agenda was to provide the opportunity
for everyone to say whatever they needed to say on the matter and to have some closure on
past efforts, and to schedule on the next agenda "which way we should go ".
15. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND /OR OTHER REPORTS:
1) Senior Citizens Advisory Commission (Spiro)
Mayor Linda Spiro referred to the Moment of Silence declared earlier this evening and
expressed further regrets for the passing away of Bob Weinmann. Mr. Weinmann was the
Mayor's nomination for the recent appointment to the Senior Citizens Advisory
Commission. Mayor Spiro reported on the Senior Advisory Commission meeting held in
May which included the previously discussed item on joint efforts of Senior Commissions
with the City of Cotati, noting that Cotati is in our service area. Cotati representatives
have indicated they would make a decision on this matter. Mayor Spiro advised that a
financial report was also provided at the last Senior Citizens Advisory Commission meeting
and requested staff to obtain a copy of that report for distribution to the full Council.
2) Performing Arts Center Committee (Spiro/Mackenzie)
Councilmember Mackenzie reported on this Committee meeting held yesterday afternoon
at the Performing Arts Center, which included review of the proposal presented for the
combined concept of the Community Center and the Performing Arts Center. Previous
concerns expressed about not being able to find the Performing Arts Center expanded into
a much broader view for this overall area. The presentation was very enlightening with a
display, slide show and discussion. The Council Committee agreed this concept needed
further review before presenting it to the full Council. Another item discussed was aspects
of the proposed 1998 -99 budget for the Performing Arts Center.
3) Founder's Day Committee (Mackenzie)
Councilmember Mackenzie referred to Public Works Manager Bill Stephens' written
review of the Founder's Day Committee meeting held on Tuesday evening, June 2nd, at
6:30 p.m. Mr. Mackenzie advised that he and Public Works Manager Stephens attended
this meeting with other Committee Members. Documents are in process from the
California Horsemen's Association for the Founder's Day Parade and will be available at a
later date. The focus is still on the parade which will start at 11:00 a.m. and finish up at
Alicia Park. The next Committee meeting will be held at City Hall, 6:30 p.m., Thursday,
June 18, 1998.
4) Copeland Creek Clean -Up June 2nd - results
City Manager Netter reviewed the staff report provided to Council for this item from
Public Works Manager Bill Stephens reporting on the results of this successful annual
event. Councilmember Mackenzie signified that he participated in this event and advised
that the initiating Monte Vista students of last year, now 4th graders, were there helping
the 3rd graders. Mr. Mackenzie shared that this annual event will be beneficial to the
community in years to come and expressed appreciation to the Public Works staff for
coordinating the event. Councilmember Reilly recommended a letter from the Mayor
expressing appreciation to the appropriate staff in the Department of Public Works for the
successful coordinating efforts involved for the event. Council concurred.
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16. COMMUNICATIONS: Communications per the attached outline were brought to the attention
of the City Council. No action was taken unless specifically noted in these minutes.
City Manager Netter referred to item #11 on Communications regarding his memorandum
dated June 4, 1998 with attached report from the Sonoma County Crushers, and advised staff
will prepare a more complete report on this item for Council's review in the near future.
17. MATTERS FROM/FOR COUNCIL:
1) Golf Course Committee meeting (Spiro)
Mayor Linda Spiro signified the need to schedule a Golf Course Committee meeting.
Council Committee Members Flores and Spiro agreed to schedule this meeting at 3:00 p.m.
on July 15, 1998 at City Hall, and requested staff to send out appropriate notices.
2) Request for stop signs at Mitchell & Camino Colegio (Spiro)
Mayor Spiro shared traffic concerns at this location expressed to her from citizens and
requested staff to review the matter and provide a recommendation to Council on same.
Council agreed.
3) Mayors' & Councilmembers' Association. Executive Meeting, Thursday, June 11, 1998
Mayor Spiro advised she would be unable to attend this meeting as she would be out of
town and asked if the Vice Mayor would be able to attend in her absence. Vice Mayor
Vidak - Martinez responded she would `lave to check her calendar and would let the City
Manager know if she is able to attend.
4) Mayors' & Councilmembers' Association Executive Forum, July 22 -24, 1998 at the
Monterey Conference Center -- Mayor Spiro announced this item for Council's
information.
5) League of California Cities' North Bay Division Quarterly Meeting, Thurs., June 18, 1998,
Ristorante Orsi, Novato -- Mayor Spiro, as President of the North Bay Division, signified
she would be attending this meeting and encouraged other Council Members to advise the
City Manager's Office if they can attend. Vice Mayor Vidak - Martinez advised she would
be not be attending this meeting on the 18th as it the evening of her daughter is graduating.
6) League of California Cities - re nominations to General Resolutions Committee prior to
Annual Conference, Oct. 24, 1998 in Long Beach -- Mayor Linda Spiro announced this
item. -- Councilmember Flores signified he planned to attend this conference. -- Vice Mayor
Vidak - Martinez acknowledged she was on the General Resolutions Committee last year.
- -Mayor Spiro shared that each Mayor is to select a nominee for this Committee and
signified the selection of Councilmember Flores as her nominee for this appointment.
7) Mobile Home Parks safe 1y matter -- Mayor Spiro advised she received a call from Marie
Vinsick requesting safety information for mobile home parks to make sure water sources
are identified. Mayor Spiro signified she thought Public Safety should be doing that. City
Manager Netter responded that mobile home parks are generally private streets, with the
exception of the city -owned mobile home park, and that he would check into the matter.
..
8) Recycling article from Chris Slotten -- Mayor Spiro requested review of the recent
Community Voice newspaper article she received from Chris Slotten regarding a city
program for recycling and making a profit center.
9) Community School contract -- Councilmember Flores inquired about the progress of this
item. City Manager Netter responded it is moving along and an update would be provided
at the next Council meeting.
10) Open Space/Land adjacent to Performing Arts Center -- Mayor Spiro referred to Open
Space District property negotiations and previous Council discussions on the land adjacent
to the Performing Arts Center. She requested review of this on the next Council agenda.
11) Political Campaign Signs -- Councilmember Mackenzie reviewed concerns on this item
which surfaced during the recent campaign and proposed scheduling an agenda item to
discuss amending the City's sign ordinance for clarity, including a map, on where political
campaign signs can be posted.
12) Ballot Measure costs -- Councilmember Reilly referred to the request made earlier this
evening during Unscheduled Public Appearances to provide information to the public on
the City's costs for Ballot Measure A, and recommended preparation of a report
categorizing these campaign expenditures. Discussion concluded with recommendation by
Mayor Spiro that this report would need to include the costs of Measures M, N and A.
18. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
1) Movie Theater timeline - Status Report -- City Manager Netter referred to his memo of
May 27, 1998 responding to previous Council request for an update on this item and
advised this report was provided to Council for its information. Finish date for the
multiplex is set for September 1, 1998. Construction on the IMAX portion is slated to
begin in August, with completion date expected four months after the start date.
2) COPS MORE Federal Grant - Status Report
City Manager Netter referred to the letter dated May 25, 1998 from the Santa Rosa Chief
of Police, provided to Council for this item, and explained the grant was submitted toward
having a unified approach to data processing. Mr. Netter referred to charts on the
Potential COPS More 98 Grant 'Expenditures and advised the total cost of the grant is a
little over $10 million with the federal dollars amounting to $7,634,000. The total agency
requirement for Rohnert Park is approximately $608,000, its portion of the collective 25%
grant match of approximately $2.5 million. This is a little more than previously anticipated
but will be an important benefit to the community. City Manager Netter advised he would
be meeting with Director of Public Safety Rooney review this regional system approach
more carefully and to consider amortizing set aside reserves.
3) Teen Summit Dance Committee - Report
City Manager Netter advised this report was provided to Council for its information. It
was mentioned earlier this evening during the priorities work session. There was no
particular problem with the youth dance sponsored by the Recreation Department on
Friday, May 22nd and more dances are being planned. This item originated from the Teen
Task Force.
4) Empire Waste Management/USA Waste - Proposed merger - Status Report
City Manager Netter referred to the letter dated May 28, 1998 from Empire Waste
Management, provided to Council for this item. Mr. Netter advised that they are currently
in a 90 day consideration process and a final decision regarding this merger is not expected
until the Fall of this year.
5) Sonoma County Waste Management Agency/Compost Facility. contract Update
City Manager Netter advised that this report dated May 21, 1998 from Management Analyst
Angela Fogle was provided to update the Council on this item. She will be providing
further updates as this progresses. Council expressed appreciation for this report and,
referring to Ms. Fogle's recent recovery from illness, welcomed Ms. Fogle back to work.
6) en Space District land
City Manager Netter explained that the Open Space District has land on the edge of Rohnert
Park's city limits, along Snyder Lane, which the City previously considered using as a
passive recreation area. Mr. Netter commented that if the City is interested, he could send
a letter to the Open Space District pursuing this particular site before they put it into the
open market. He signified the site could be considered for a number of uses, such as
agriculture, equestrian trail, etc. Discussion concluded in Council concurrence to invite
David Hansen, of the Open Space District, to a City Council meeting to discuss options.
ADDITIONAL CITY COUNCIL MATTER:
Councilmember Mackenzie shared that he felt he had been very patient this evening on
certain comments and just wanted to say, if there is going to be peace around here, then
there better be peace. Mr. Mackenzie advised that he will prepare a document for the next
Council meeting agenda which, hopefully, will serve as a document to consider how the
City's planning process should proceed.
19. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
1) Any items from closed session
City Attorney Flitner advised the Mayor's report on the closed session was sufficient.
2) City Council Executive Sessions/Rules of Conduct
City Attorney Flitner distributed his memorandum dated June 9, 1998 for this item, with
attached General Attorney's opinion, and advised this was in response to previous question
from Councilmember Reilly. Mr. Flitner signified this was provided for Council to read
and could be reviewed and discussed at a later time.
20. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES: Mayor Linda Spiro asked if there were any
additional unscheduled public appearances at this time. No one responded.
21. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Mayor Linda Spiro adjourned the meeting
at approximately 10:10 p.m.
r
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Jud au ty Clerk Mayor
jh/mins:06 smn
Joi Losee
943 Holly Ave.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
June 9,1998
Rohnert Park City Council:
The public trust in Rohnert Park City Council majority has eroded. Measure
A was not appropriate.
We had to fight it ! There was a great deal of time and effort spent on the
Measure A. There were letters of protest, walking door to door, meetings,
phoning, all in an effort to bring the issue to the public. We saw democracy
at work. 67% of the voters listen and reached an informed conclusion.
They voted Noon Measure A.
Measure A was placed on the ballot by three city council members. The
measure was their doing and therefore we must hold the council majority
accountable for the cost of Measure A. It is their obligation it is their
responsibility.
How much are the Rohnert Park taxpayers going to pay for
Measure A.?
ask Mr. Mackenzie and Mr. Reilly the No on Measure A supporters to ask
staff for the total amount of funds spent on Measure A and to make those
figures known to the voters.
If we don't demand these answers, this inappropriate process may happen
We the public will be vigilant in watching this council and making them
accountable for their actions.
Joi Losee
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT, SUNDAY, JUNE 7,1 99
A Pulitzer Prize- winning newspaper
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EDITORIALS
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Michael J. Parman, Publisher
Bruce W. Kyse, Executive Editor
Robert L. Swofford, Managing Editor
Peter Golis, Editorial Director
Give peace a chance
t should have been a humbling
experience for a majority of the
Rohnert Park City Council. When
you lose by a 2 -to-1 margin, the
voters are trying to tell you something
about your credibility.
In Measure A, the city's residents
recognized a pro-growth measure in
sheep's clothing, and they wanted no
part of it.
The danger now is that the opponents
of Measure A won't recognize the value
of humility.
This is the opportune time to pull
together an agreement modeled on
ordinances in other cities. That means
an urban growth boundary that cannot
be substantially changed without voter
approval.
Excited by their victory, environ-
mentalists may choose to be vindictive,
or they may lapse into process — more
endless conversation that pretends to
be going somewhere.
With clear instructions from the
voters, council members on both sides
can sit down and draw a fair agree-
ment.
For too long, Rohnert Park residents
have been fighting over growth. It's
time to recognize the inevitable, estab-
lish a permanent set of rules and get on
to other business.