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1991/07/09 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes Unscheduled Mayor Eck stated that in compliance with State Law (The Brown Public Appearance Act), anyone in the audience who wished to make a comment may do so at this time. In most cases under legislation of the new Brown Act, the Council cannot handle an item without agendizing. To ensure accurate recording, "Speaker Cards" are provided at the entrance to the Council Chambers and unscheduled public appearances are requested to fill out the cards and present to recording clerk after speaking. James Gallagher Sonoma County Assessor James Gallagher was recognized and addressed the Council regarding the 1991 -92 assessment roll to the cities of the County and informed that Rohnert Park's Assessment Roll is $1,747,435,540, which is an increase of $164,789,392 (10.41 %) over the 1990 -91 assessment roll. Mr. Gallagher stated that, hopefully, with this assessment roll, 1 July 91 1991 The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in regular session commencing at 6:00 p.m. in the City Offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Eck presiding. Call to Order Mayor Eck called the regular session to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance. Roll Call Present: (5) Councilmembers Hollingsworth, Hopkins, Reilly, Spiro and Mayor Eck Absent: (0) None Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Netter, City Attorney Fiitner, Assistant to the City Manager Leivo, City Engineer Brust, and Finance Director Harrow. Approval of Minutes Upon motion by Councilmember Spiro, seconded by Councilmember Hollingsworth, with Councilmember Hopkins abstaining, the minutes of June 17, 24, and 25, 1991 were approved. Approval of Bills Upon motion by Councilmember Hopkins, seconded by Councilmember Hollingsworth, and unanimousi approved, the bills presented per the attached list in the amount of $1,335,430.17 were approved. CDA bills presented per the attached list in the amount of $1,171,078.04 were approved. Non - agendaed items Mayor Eck queried if any Councilmember had any non - agendaed items to add to the agenda. City Manager Netter stated he has two matters to discuss under City Manager's report. Mayor Eck said he had one item to add under Matters from /for Council. Unscheduled Mayor Eck stated that in compliance with State Law (The Brown Public Appearance Act), anyone in the audience who wished to make a comment may do so at this time. In most cases under legislation of the new Brown Act, the Council cannot handle an item without agendizing. To ensure accurate recording, "Speaker Cards" are provided at the entrance to the Council Chambers and unscheduled public appearances are requested to fill out the cards and present to recording clerk after speaking. James Gallagher Sonoma County Assessor James Gallagher was recognized and addressed the Council regarding the 1991 -92 assessment roll to the cities of the County and informed that Rohnert Park's Assessment Roll is $1,747,435,540, which is an increase of $164,789,392 (10.41 %) over the 1990 -91 assessment roll. Mr. Gallagher stated that, hopefully, with this assessment roll, 1 Rohnert Park City Council Minutes July 9, 1991 the City will be able to provide important services to its residents that are included in the 1991 city budget. He also advised that this assessment does not include the utility roll. Approving final map and dedication of Commerce Circle Condominiums, an 18 unit commercial project at Commerce Blvd. and Professional Center Dr. (Wanda McCulloh, et al - 1.47 acres) Upon motion by Counc Omember Hopkins, seconded by Councilmember Hollingsworth, and unanimously approved, the Consent Calendar as outlined on the meeting's agenda was approved. City Manager Netter advised that the City receives 13 cents of each dollar of property taxes. Mayor Eck thanked Sonoma County Assessor Gallagher for taking time out of his busy schedule to appear at the City Council meeting to advise the Council of the assessment roll matter. C O N S E N T C A L E N D A R Mayor Eck queried if anyone had 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 the posting of the agenda. Resolution No. 91 -135 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING COMPLETION AND DIRECTING CITY ENGINEER TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION, COMMERCE BGJLEVARD BIKEPATH, PROJECT NO. 1988 -17 Resolution No. 91 -136 A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE DATE TO RECEIVE SEALED PROPOSALS FOR LEFT TURN LANES, COMMERCE /SNYDER, PROJECT NO. 1990 -13 Resolution No. 91 -137 A RESOLUTION OF AWARD OF CONTRACT, COPELAND CREEK BIKE PATH, PROJECT NO. 1990 -16 Resolution No. 91 -138 A RESOLUTION APPROVING SALE OF PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A GRANT DEED TO COTATI - ROHNERT PARK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (Sale of City -Owned Land in "M" Section for "M" School, 9.0 acres, a portion of Assessor's Parcel 047- 121-23) Approving final map and dedication of Commerce Circle Condominiums, an 18 unit commercial project at Commerce Blvd. and Professional Center Dr. (Wanda McCulloh, et al - 1.47 acres) Upon motion by Counc Omember Hopkins, seconded by Councilmember Hollingsworth, and unanimously approved, the Consent Calendar as outlined on the meeting's agenda was approved. Rohnert Park City Council Minutes July 9, 1991 Ralph Jones Mayor Eck introduced former Rent Appeals Board Member Ralph Jones and presented him with a gift and Resolution No. 91 -134 expressing appreciation to Mr. Jones for his years of service on the Rent Appeals Board. Scheduled Public Nancy Seymour, Chair of the Rohnert Park Cultural Arts Appearance Commission, referred to her letter of resignation dated July 1, 1991 and expressed her regrets at having to resign from the Cultural Arts Commission and Corporation due to her upcoming relocation to Kings County. Mrs. Seymour stated that the Commission and Corporation have undergone a mass exodus of members over the past year and that more resignations may be forthcoming. She requested that the City find some way to support some of the local groups which traditionally have approached the Cultural Arts organizations for financial support. Mrs. Seymour requested a letter of introduction from the City to aid her in possibly securing a Position with the Kings County Cultural Arts Council. She stated that she feels Rohnert Park is a unique city and she has enjoyed living here. Mayor Eck stated that he and the City Council would be happy to prepare a letter of introduction for Mrs. Seymour, thanked her for her dedicated service to the Cultural Arts activities of the City, and invited her to come to the next City Council meeting so that she may be presented with a token of the City's appreciation for her years of service. Mrs. Seymour accepted the invitation to attend the next meeting. Award of Contract City Manager Netter recommended that "M" Park of contract for "M" Park listed on until the next City Council meeti received regarding the bid opening described the various phases of the to a diagram on display. Discussion followed. the resolution for award the agenda be deferred Ig due to a challenge for said project. He project while referring Upon motion by Councilmember Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilmember Spiro, and unanimously approved, the award of contract for "M" Park was deferred until the July 23, 1991 meeting. Cable TV Mayor Eck informed of the Council Cable TV Committee's Video Equipment meeting with cable television company representatives Purchase relative to the possible purchase of video equipment and stated that the Committee feels the purchase would be a real benefit to the City. City Manager Netter advised that the City's franchise agreement with Mutivision Cable TV contains a provision to the City of at least $75,000 worth of video equipment, that 3 Rohnert Park City Council Minutes July 9, 1991 the equipment being considered for purchase is valued at approximately $19,000, and that the $19,000 would be paid from that $75,000 amount. He advised that the equipment would have numerous uses, among which would be to televise City Council, Commissions, and other public meetings, as well as being used to produce educational and training films. Discussion followed. Upon motion by Councilmember Hopkins, seconded by Councilmember Hollingsworth, and unanimously approved, staff was directed to pursue the purchase of the cable television video equipment as described. Televising Mayor Eck discussed how and where the video equipment would Meetings be set up in the Council Chambers should the meetings be televised. City Manager Netter reiterated details regarding equipment purchase and advised that Mutivision Cable would provide up to 20 hours per week for staff assistance. Discussion followed during which Councilmember Hollingsworth stated he feels the City should pursue the matter. Councilmember Hopkins informed that he does not like the idea and would not vote for it as he feels it would be a Waste of money because in his opinion not enough people would be interested in watching the meetings. Upon motion by Councilmember Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilmember Spiro, and approved by the following voice vote, the televising of City Council meetings was approved: AYES: (4) Councilmembers Hollingsworth, Reilly, Spiro, and Mayor Eck NOES: (1) Councilmember Hopkins Property City Manager Netter advised that an update on several Abatements property abatements is on tonight's agenda to keep the City Council apprised of progress on the properties. City Engineer Brust was recognized and advised that the property — 100 Liberty Court has been cleaned up and repaired and is in satisfactory condition and that this matter is considered completed. Mr. Brust advised that the property at 1608 Blair Avenue is well under construction and that repairs should be completed within 30 days. Mr. Brust stated that the property at 1512 Blair Avenue has had the roof replaced, sheet rock work is in progress, and that the improvements are moving ahead at a good pace. He recommended holding off on any further abatement procedures. 4 Rohnert Park City Council Minutes July 9, 1991 City Engineer Brust stated that although the property at 7711 Blair Avenue was not listed on tonight's agenda, he wanted to alert the Council to the fact that rapid progress is being made and that repairs should be complete in two to three weeks. He advised that this item has been scheduled for the July 23, 1991 City Council meeting, as the property owner had filed an appeal and that notices had been sent out that the appeal would be heard at the July 23rd meeting. Councilmember Reilly said that he had heard there was talk about having a neighborhood meeting in the area of the property abatements so that residents could communicate with one another and perhaps not have to get to the point where they need to approach the city officials for remedy. City Engineer Brust advised that the City does have staff who checks on these situations, that the City has laws governing the condition in which properties are kept, and that warnings are issued. Mayor Eck queried if there is any way we don't have to go through this abatement process each time someone complains about a neighboring property being in disrepair. City Engineer Brust advised that the City does have a system whereby notices are given to such property owners, but that if compliance is not met abatement proceedings are adhered to. Councilmember Spiro queried about building codes and the possibility of setting up some sort of color standards for residences and suggested that an article be published encouraging people to keep their homes in good order. City Manager Netter stated that most subdivisions have CC &R's to be followed, thus providing some control for maintaining aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods. US 101 Sound Wall City Manager Netter referred to a letter received from resident Michelle Eads requesting construction of a sound barrier wall, a request which was spurred by the recent tanker truck fire on US 101. While referring to a drawing depicting the location for the sound wall, Mr. Netter advised that Cal Trans has included the wall in its ultimate design of US 101 Hwy., but that there is no funding for the sound wall. City Engineer Brust explained Cal Trans' process in determining the need for such a sound wall and that studies are performed to ascertain noise levels and the possible need for the barrier. Mr. Brust also advised that the study cannot be conducted until funding is available. 5 Rohnert Park City Council Minutes July 9, 1991 Mayor Eck suggested that all neighbors in the area in question be notified. City Engineer Brust advised that Michelle Eads had been notified by telephone call and by providing her with a copy of the Cal Trans letter. 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. Seymour Councilmember Hopkins requested that the minutes reflect resignation Nancy Seymour's resignation was accepted with regret. City Manager's City Manager Netter handed to the Council copies of the report: Community Development Agency project priorities listing and informed that the primary purpose of the July 23rd, 5 :00 p.m. CDA Work Session Community Development Agency work session will be to discuss the list and to establish goals and priorities for the new fiscal year. Wilfred Ave. City Manager Netter stated that Cal Trans has informed that Bids bids will be opened for the Wilfred Avenue Interchange on September 11, 1991 with the project beginning hopefully this year. COYF Center City Manager Netter brought to the Council's attenticn Grand Opening several dates in October which have been suggested for the grand opening of the Committee on Youths and Families (COYF) center. Former Councilman City Attorney Flitner referred to the recent questions raised Cochran's relative to Former Councilman Charlie Cochran stating he did residence not live in Rohnert Park during the last year of his term. Mr. Flitner advised that Charlie Cochran had stated that he had two places of residence, Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park, and that as far as Flitner is concerned intent is the major factor and that Cochran did intend to maintain a residence in Rohnert Park and never abandoned that intent. Discussion followed, during which it was the consensus of the Council that a good date would be on Friday, October 18th, at 4:00 p.m. City Attorney's City Attorney Flitner referred to the tax items later on the report: meeting's agenda and reported specifically on the issue of Utility Users increasing certain taxes and fees without without a vote. This is Tax in reference to Proposition 62. He informed that recently the Tulare County Court of Appeals validated a utility users tax and ruled that same is not subject to the referendum rules in Proposition No. 62 and that the City Council would be safe in adopting the tax matters on tonight's agenda. Former Councilman City Attorney Flitner referred to the recent questions raised Cochran's relative to Former Councilman Charlie Cochran stating he did residence not live in Rohnert Park during the last year of his term. Mr. Flitner advised that Charlie Cochran had stated that he had two places of residence, Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park, and that as far as Flitner is concerned intent is the major factor and that Cochran did intend to maintain a residence in Rohnert Park and never abandoned that intent. Rohnert Park City Council Minutes July 9, 1991 Discussion followed during which a question was brought up concerning whether or not Former Councilman Cochran's vote in City Council actions during that one year period could be challenged. Mr. Flitner advised that if there were a situation where there was a 3 -2 vote and someone did decide to challenge the matter, the best action to take would be to ratify the original decision. Matters from /for Council: Council was reminded of the League of California Cities Annual Conference to be held in San Francisco October 13 through October 16. Councilmember Hopkins requested League Conference that his reservations be made for October 12 as he must attend a CALCOG meeting prior to the League conference. Trees Councilmember Spiro queried about the size of the trees to be placed in the Safeway Shopping Center, stating the shop keepers want fairly large trees planted. Mayor Eck informed that it was agreed to install some small and some large trees. City Manager Netter stated the matter will be checked into to confirm the larger trees. Home Depot Mayor Eck referred to correspondence y P previously received from the City Cotati of relative to the Home Depot project and suggested it may be a good opportunity to speak to Cotati officials regarding same during the League Conference in Monterey this week and stated that if there is no objection he would meet with them _ Discussion followed whereby Councilmember Hollingsworth said he would attempt to meet with Cotati officials. Councilmember Hopkins said that if Councilmember Hollingsworth's schedule could not work out with Cotati's that he would meet with them. Therefore, a Council Committee of Mayor Eck and Councilman Hollingsworth, with Councilman Hopkins as alternate, was established to discuss the matter with Cotati officials. Cat Licensing City Manager Netter referred to a letter received from RP resident Jim Clark, a memo report received from Meg Crumley at the Animal Shelter, and a memo from Finance Director Harrow relative to costs and benefits from establishing a program for licensing of cats, stating that the Council has received copies of each item referred to. Mr. Netter recommended that if the Ordinance being presented tonight is introduced that an added condition for mandatory rabbies vaccination proof be required when a license is applied for. Discussion followed during which Councilmember Hollingsworth expressed concern about the cost of implementing a cat licensing computer program as depicted in Finance Director Harrow's memorandum and suggested that perhaps a simpler program such as Lotus be used. City Manager Netter stated that the system cost is just an estimate at this time and 7 Rohnert Park City Council Minutes July 9, 1991 that it may not actually cost as much depending on how we handle the licensing system. City Attorney Flitner advised that he spoke to the County and that at present they do not have a cat licensing ordinance. Mayor Eck stated that this item is not scheduled for a public hearing but that time has been allotted for public comment and opened the public comment portion of the cat licensing matter. Jim Clark, 80 Walnut Circle, informed that he did a study on animals that goes clear back to natural wildlife and advised that cats are classified as predators and he feels spaying and neutering of cats should be mandated. There being no one else desiring to speak, Mayor Eck closed the public comments on cat licensing. Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilmember Hollingsworth to leave the animal control ordinance as is, that is, not to include cats. Said motion died due to lack of a second. Further discussion followed during which Councilmember Hollingsworth said he feels there is no great outcry from residents to implement such an ordinance and that the Council is tending to react to just a few citizens. Councilmember Spiro stated that there has been quite a lot of public input over the past couple of years and she feels it is discriminatory to require licensing of dogs but not cats. Mayor Eck said he also feels that if dogs need licensing then so should cats. Ordinance No. 541 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK AMENDING CHAPTER 6.20 OF TITLE SIX OF THE ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSING OF CATS, FEES FOR SUCH LICENSING AND PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO LICENSE Upon motion by Councilmember Spiro, seconded by Councilmember Hopkins, and the following roll call vote, Ordinance No. 541 was introduced: AYES: (4) Councilmembers Mayor Eck NOES: (1) Councilmember Hopkins, Reilly, Spiro, and Hollingsworth 1991 -92 Budget City Manager Netter gave a brief overview of the proposed budget and the several work sessions the City Council had conducted pertaining to same. He stated that City revenues are $250,000 less than anticipated, which makes the beginning balance (or revenues) that much lower, and that the budget Rohnert Park City Council Minutes July 9, 1991 now contains changes directed by the City Council at its work sessions and referred to draft copies of minutes of the last work session held on July 2nd which contains a list of funding grants to organizations agreed to by the Council during its work sessions. Mr. Netter stated that the listing of grants does not include $14,000 to the Codding Center for seniors' excursions which needs to be added. He also stated that tonight's continued public hearing had been duly noticed. Councilmember Hollingsworth queried as to why the billboard is included in the budget. City Manager Netter explained that it would be brought up in April of next year as the lease is due to expire next May. Councilmember Hollingsworth questioned the $6,000 allotted to the Sister Cities Relations Committee for a trip to Japan, to which Mayor Eck replied that the Committee had requested $20,000 but that at the budget work session the Council explained that it was necessary to cut the funding for the Committee way back, thus giving them only a "bare bones" contribution. Councilmember Holllingsworth stated that the funds should be allocated and restricted for a round trip ticket per person only and that the gifts to be taken to our sister city should be solicited from members of the Rohnert Park business community. Council agreed. Mayor Eck opened the continued public hearing on the proposed 1991 -92 budget. Carol Haggerty, 167 Fescue Way, asked if the city would be getting a new animal shelter if the budget is adopted as is tonight. Mayor Eck explained that another project priority list will be established by the Community Development Agency and that the animal shelter can be discussed at the Agency's July 23rd work session. City Manager Netter provided the current Agency priority list to Ms. Haggerty. Pat Ross, Sonoma County Convention & Visitors Bureau representative, addressed the Council regarding the Bureau's requested $123,586 funding from the City and the City's $50,000 allocation to it for the next fiscal year, explained that the Bureau needs long term funding, and informed that the $50,000 will not accomodate the services that the Bureau is providing and that $45,790 should be allotted for conventions and $77,776 allocated for tourism and promotion. Sharon Rosenthal, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Red Lion Hotel in Rohnert Park, advised that the Red Lion benefits most from the Sonoma County Convention & Visitors Bureau by obtaining convention leads and other contacts. She said the hotel also benefits from cooperative advertising E Rohnert Park City Council Minutes Resolution No 91 -139 Recess and Reconvene Transient Occupancy Tax opportunities offered by the Bureau. July 9, 1991 Pat Ross, Sonoma County Convention and Visitors Bureau, was again recognized and stated that the cities within the county are not a destination, but rather, the County is the destination and he feels the Bureau's promotion services are worth more than the $50,000 allocated to it. Jim Clark, 80 Walnut Circle, stated that he is surprised to see that the City is going into its reserves. He also stated that he feels the Sister Cities Japan trip should be completely eliminated from the budget. There being no one else desiring to speak, Mayor Eck closed the public hearing on the proposed 1991 -92 budget. Discussion followed. Councilmember Spiro said that she feels the idea of working out a formula for financial assistance to the Sonoma County Convention b Visitors Bureau is a good idea in concept and that she proposed the tourism portion of the formula should be distributed on sales tax dollars received, not T.O.T. tax generated. Councilmember Hollingsworth instructed staff to not spend monies unless absolutely necessary and to try to reduce spending where possible. City Manager Netter commented that the policy has always been, and will continue, to scrutinize every request for expenditures. Councilmember Hollingsworth also queried how the five year projection is coming, to which City Manager Netter replied that it is being worked on. A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1991 -92 Upon motion of Councilmember Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilmember Spiro, and unanimously approved, reading of Resolution No. 91 -139 was waived and said resolution was adopted. Mayor Eck called a recess in the meeting at approximately 7:32 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 1:42 p.m. Mayor Eck stated that a Councilmember has requested that the Occupancy Tax matter be moved ahead of the Real Property Transfer Tax matter. Council concurred. City Manager Netter referred to his Council Meeting Memo dated July 5, 1991 and other staff reports provided to the Council relative to a possible increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax from 10% to 11% or 12%, stating that said tax 10 Rohnert Park City Council Minutes July 9, 1991 has not been adjusted since 1982. Mr. Netter advised that the public hearing scheduled for tonight has been duly noticed and that notices of the proposed increase had been mailed to all hotels and motels in Rohnert Park for their information. He referenced a letter received from Red Lion Hotel General Manager Nabih Geha, stated that the Council had been provided with copies of same, and advised that Mr. Geha is in the audience this evening. Mayor Eck opened the public hearing regarding a proposed increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax. Nabih Geha, General Manager of the Red Lion Hotel in Rohnert Park, stated that he has been here for one year and referred to the tax collected from the Red Lion by the City and advised that the hotel has been an important part of the city. Mr. Geha went on to say that the hotel wants to help the City make money, however, he feels the increase is high compared to the tax collected by Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and other cities in the County. He advised of the many expenses the hotel incurs, including payroll expenses, and informed that business and the economy has been down this year, that Santa Rosa offers a lot of competition in the hotel industry here and queried why should Rohnert Park charge 4% more tax than the City of Santa Rosa, asking just what Rohnert Park has to offer compared to some of the other cities in the county. Mr. Geha stated that he feels it would be suicidal for the Red Lion Hotel to have to pay such an increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax at this time. He requested Council's consideration of holding off on the increase at this time until the economy turns around. There being no else desiring to speak, Mayor Eck closed the Public hearing on the proposed Transient Occupancy Tax increase. Discussion followed. Councilmember Spiro inquired of Mr. Geha as to whether the Red Lion Hotel includes the T.O.T. in its published rates. Mr. Geha responded "No," but that the patron is aware of the tax which will impact a party's second stay. Councilmember Hollingsworth queried if the T.O.T. rate is charged for corporate visitors, to which Mr. Geha replied "Yes," that corporate customers are the most important to the hotel trade. Mr. Geha further stated that he is not opposed to an increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax sometime in the future but that he feels it is inappropriate at this time. Mayor Eck expressed concern that Rohnert Park already has the highest Transient Occupancy Tax in Sonoma County. 11 kohnert Park City Council Minutes July 91 1991 Councilmember Hopkins stated that if and when the T.O.T. is raised, he feels a portion of it should be put towards the Proposed Wine Center and that if the tax were used for a special purpose such as that that he would vote for it because it would be a method for increased sales in the hotel which would result in increased revenues to the city. Upon motion of Councilmember Hollingsworth, seconded by Councilmember Hopkins, and the following voice vote, consideration of raising the Transient Occupancy Tax will be postponed until sometime next year: AYES: (3) Councilmembers Hollingsworth, Hopkins, and Mayor Eck NOES: (2) Councilmember Reilly and Councilmember Spiro Real Property City Manager Netter referred to his Council Meeting Memo Transfer Tax dated July 5, 1991, other staff reports relative to the proposed increase in the Real Property Transfer Tax, and discussions held at the Council's budget work sessions. He explained several options, ranging from implementing a new rate of $1.10 per thousand of sales price to $3.10 per thousand, and informing that currently half of the tax (55 cents) collected goes to the County, and to break even the City should at least charge a rate of $1.10 (for a total new rate of $2.20) per thousand of sales price since the law dictates that the County retain the total existing tax of $1.10 if the rate is changed. Mr. Netter also reminded the Council that this tax has not been increased since 1967 and that the cities of Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sebastopol, and Cotati have the increased rate. He stated that tonight's public hearing on the subject was duly noticed and that if the Council approves, an ordinance has been prepared for introduction. Mayor Eck opened the public hearing on the proposed increase in Real Property Transfer Tax. Jack Behl, 529 Lorraine Court, said he feels the increase mould hurt sellers because they would lose equity. He cited an incident of what he feels is careless city spending, i.e. two Public Works employees going to a mini -park, playing loud music, and doing what probably could be done by just one employee. He stated that if the City were more cautious in areas such as these, it may not have to raise taxes such as the Real Property Transfer Tax. Mayor Eck reminded Mr. Behl that the tax in question has not been raised since 1967. 12 Rohnert Park City Council Minutes July 9, 1991 Beth Robertson, Realty Broker with Century 21, queried if the City is going to specify that the tax be placed on the sellers, to which City Attorney Flitner replied that State law stipulates that the seller should pay, that the City ordinance could reflect that the seller should pay, but that the city could not control individual contracts. Mrs. Robertson went on to say that Rohnert Park home sales will not reach 135 as they did last year. George Horwedel, 7669 Camino Colegio, said the tax would only come to approximately $220 per home, that other fees have a greater impact on buying and selling homes, and he feels this is certainly better than the City charging a sales tax. Robert Corbion, Sebastopol, informed he is a commercial property owner in Rohnert Park, is planning to sell his business, believes that businesses are moving out of California, and that we need something to keep people here and not drive them out, and that speaking from a commercial standpoint, he is against raising the tax and encourages the Council not to adopt it. There being no one else desiring to speak, Mayor Eck closed the Public hearing. Discussion followed. Councilmember Hollingsworth stated that if it were possible he would like to see a stop on all taxes but that if the City did so it would have to make a lot of cut backs and reduce needed services. He stated there is a need to increase the tax, since it has not been increased since 1967. Councilmember Hopkins informed he feels if the tax is increased it should be increased to $2.20 per thousand of price and that it would do nothing for the city to increase it by a lesser rate. Councilmember Spiro stated that she feels the tax should be staged, i.e. increase it to 55 cents one year, 55 cents more the next year, etc. Councilmember Reilly advised he would have difficulty voting for this tax because one special interest group succeeded in defeating the increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax this evening and he feels the City should be equitable and not approve this tax increase either. He also stated that in the beginning before tonight's meeting he had come prepared to vote for all the tax increases, but that he has changed his mind after actions taken so far tonight have seemed to single out special groups. 13 Rohnert Park City Council Minutes July 9, 1991 Mayor Eck stated that he feels the tax increase should not be staged, and that the City should increase to $2.20 or do nothing. He also cocmmented on the difference between the two tax proposals, stating that the T.O.T. tax Rohnert Park currently has is the highest but for the Real Estate Transfer Tax, Rohnert Park has one of the lowest, and that the tax hasn't been increased since 1967. citing the fact that Rohnert Park has one of the lowest Real Estate Transfer Taxes at present. Ordinance No. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2 OF ORDINANCE NO. 90 AND SECTION 540 3.16.020 OF THE ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO AMOUNT OF REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX Councilmember Hopkins leaves Fees to discuss at July 23, 1991 meeting Unscheduled Public Appearances Upon motion of Councilmember Hopkins, seconded by Councilmember Hollingsworth, and approved by the following voice vote, Ordinance No. 540 was introduced: AYES: (3) Councilmembers Hollingsworth, Hopkins, and Mayor Eck NOES: (2) Councilmembers Reilly and Spiro At this point in the meeting, the time being approximately 8:22 D.m., Councilmember Hopkins left the Council Chambers. City Manager Netter informed the will be discussed at the July building, development, capital signals, special water connection and Landscape b Lighting Act of lighting assessment district). Council of various fees that 23, 1991 meeting such as outlay, per acre, traffic animal license and impound, 1972 (landscape and street Mayor Eck inquired if there were any unscheduled public appearances. No one responded. Adjournment: Mayor Eck adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:25 p.m. Mayor Deputy City Clerk 14 ;s James J. Gallagher 5 Sonoma County AGRICULTURE Assessor INOUSTRY RECREATION July 9, 1991 David Eck, Mayor City of Rohnert Park 6750 Commerce Blvd. Rohnert Park, CA 94928 Dear Mayor Eck: 585 Fiscal Drive Room 104F Santa Rosa, CA 95403 -2872 (707) 527 -1888 In light of the fiscal uncertainty of many jurisdictions in Sonoma County, I am providing the preliminary 1991 -92 assessment roll to the Cities of the County as soon as it is available. The 1991 -92 City of Rohnert Park Assessment Roll is $1,747,435,540, an increase of $164,789,392 (10.41 %) over the 1990 -91 assessment roll. This does not include value attributable to the State Assessed Public Utility Roll. I hope this information assures your ability to provide the residents of Rohnert Park with the important services proposed in your 1991 budget. SincerelyeGafl4ager *ames Sonoma County Assessor JJG /bjs TRA 007 CITY OF ROHNERT PARK COMPARISON OF ASSESSMENT ROLL VALUES PERSONAL GROSS NET 1991/92 LAND IMPROVEMENTS PROPERTY TOTALS EXEMPTIONS TAXABLE Secured $522,673,657 $1,150,159,305 $56,979,578 $1,729,812,540 $54,114,315 $1,675,698,225 Unsecured $ 17.841.558 $ 13.818188 $40,968.408 $ 72,628.154 $ 890.839 $ 71.737,315 TOTALS $540,515,215 $1,163,977,493 $97,947,986 $1,802,440,694 $55,005,154 $1,747,435,540 1990/91 Secured $458,891,658 $1,062,355,807 $61,064,961 $1,582,312,426 $52,199,353 $1,530,113,073 Unsecured $ 3.993,400 $ 11.239.550 $38.326.057 $ 53.559.007 $ 1.025.932 $ 52.533,075 TOTALS $462,885,058 $1,073,595,357 $99,391,018 $1,635,871,433 $53,225,285 $1,582,646,148 Increase $77,630,157 $90,382,136 ($1,443,032) $166,569,261 $1,779,869 $164,789,392 % Increase 16.77% 8.42% -1.45% 10.18% 3.34% 10.41% Note: Public Utility roll value not included in the above.