2001/09/11 City Council MinutesCITY OF ROHNERT PARK CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES for:
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
September 11, 2001
Tuesday
The concurrent meetings
the City Council and the
met this date in regular
commence at 6:45 p.m. in
Boulevard, Rohnert Park,
CALL TO ORDER:
of the City of Rohnert Park for
Community Development Commission
session for a regular meeting to
the City Offices, 6750 Commerce
with Mayor Mackenzie presiding.
Mayor Mackenzie called the regular session to order
at 6:53 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: (4) Councilmembers Reilly and
Vidak.Martinez; Vice Mayor Flores;
and Mayor Mackenzie
Absent: (1) Councilmember Spiro
Mayor Mackenzie noted that Councilmember Spiro was in
Texas on family business.
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City
Manager Netter, City Attorney Strauss, Assistant City
Manager Donley, Planning and Community Development
Director Kaufman, City Engineer Gaffney, Director Public
Safety Miller, and Recreation Director Barry.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
Mayor Mackenzie ANNOUNCED that a Special Meeting of the
City Council for the Skateboard Park matter will be held
on Friday, September 21, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
chambers.
NATIONAL EVENTS:
At this time, the Councilmembers shared their perspectives
on today's terrorist attacks in New York City and
Washington D.C. Councilmember Flores SUGGESTED that staff
set up a process for citizens to donate blood for the
victims of the attacks.
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 11, 2001 Page (2 )
City Manager Netter and Director Public Safety Miller
shared comments on two meetings held today in the
City: Department dead Team meeting and Emergency
Operations Center meeting. Director Miller DISTRIBUTED
a memo regarding the City's Emergency Preparedness.
The City Manager and Director Miller urged citizens to
remain calm in light of the attacks,on America today,
and they briefly discussed Rohnert Park's emergency
plan, the need to be alert for suspicious activities,
and the availability of grief and counseling services..
1. 14AYORIS REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Mackenzie reported on the closed session which
commenced at approximately 6:15 p.m. to discuss matters
listed on the agenda attachment, representing an update.
REAL ESTATE NEGOTIATIONS:
1. Lands Around Stadium: Nothing to report.
2. Kisco Retirement Communities (KRC): Nothing to
report.
LITIGATION MATTERS:
1. South County Resources Preservation Committee vs.
City of Rohnert Park: Nothing to report.
2. Claim of Iry Sutley: Nothing to report.
2. APPROVAL OF CONCURRENT MEETING MINUTES FOR:
REGULAR CONCURRENT CITY MEETINGS - AUGUST 28, 2001
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, seconded by
Vice Mayor Flores, the Regular Concurrent Meetings Minutes
of August 28, 2001, were APPROVED 4 -0 -1 with Councilmember
Spiro absent.
3. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS, IF ANY (INFORMATIONAL ONLY):
Mayor Mackenzie asked the Councilmembers if there were
any informational communications to add to the agenda.
*Vice Mayor Flores INDICATED that he desired to add a
matter regarding the Spreckels Center highway reader sign
to "Matters from /for Council."
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 11, 2001 Page(3 )
4. YOUTH REPRESENTATIVES TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM HIGH
SCHOOL YOUTH LEADERSHIP OF ROHNERT PARK SELECTIONS:
1. Recognizing Youth Representatives: Senior Laura Lively
and Junior Charles Yong were recognized. Council
congratulated Ms. Lively for placing in the top 10 in
the recent California Junior Miss program held here
in Rohnert Park.
*Youth Report /Comments, if any: Highlights of the
Youth Report included the following:
(1) Introduction of Charles Yong, new Juniors' leader.
(2) Brief outline of new requirements for juniors and
seniors in the Youth Leadership program, including
studying current events, participating in a job
shadow, and joining a City committee.
(3) Praise for Rancho Cotate administration's handling
of today's national events.
2. Other Youth Comments, if any: None.
5. SCHEDULED APPEARANCES /PRESENTATIONS:
1. Presentation of Resolution Congratulating Katie
Kaufman on Awards Earned at the 2001 Junior National
Wheelchair Championships: Mayor Mackenzie read and
presented a resolution honoring Ms. Kaufman for her
achievements. He noted that she broke the national
archery record. Ms. Kaufman thanked the Councilmembers
and DISTRIBUTED an informational handout regarding the
Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program.
2. Presentation of Resolution Honoring Lew Kuehm and the
Youth of the Year Steering Committee for Outstanding
Guidance and Leadership:
Lew Kuehm, Coordinator
Jim Granadas
J.T. Henley, DDS
Ann Rasmussen (Present.)
Carol Smith
David Sommers
Mayor Mackenzie read the resolution honoring Mr. Kuehm and
the Youth of the Year Steering Committee for their
leadership, and he presented said resolutions to Laura
Lively on behalf of Mr. Kuehm and to Ann Rasmussen.
Ms. Rasmussen shared brief comments on Youth of the Year's
many years of youth guidance.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 11, 2001 Page(4 )
6. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
Mayor Mackenzie 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 limit. No citizens came forward at this
time.
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7. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Mackenzie asked if there were any questions about
the matters on the Consent Calendar, which were explained
in the City Manager's Council Meeting Memo. No matters
were raised at this time.
ACKNOWLEDGING THE CITY MANAGER /CLERK'S REPORT ON THE
POSTING OF THE MEETING'S AGENDA
APPROVAL OF BILLS /DEMANDS FOR PAYMENT CONCURRENTLY FOR:
*CITY OF ROHNERT PARK /CITY COUNCIL IN THE AMOUNT OF
$995,654.52
*COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION - No Bills /Demands
for Payment at this time.
Resolutions for Adoption:
2001 -193 PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 2001 AS "SYMPHONY MONTH"
2001 -194 PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 2001 AS "NATIONAL ALCOHOL
AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH"
2001 -195 PROCLAIMING OCTOBER 1 -5, 2001, AS "CALIFORNIA
RIDESHARE WEEK"
2001 -196 APPROVING AMENDED AGREEMENT WITH OLD ADOBE
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO PROVIDE JANITORIAL
MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT THE PERFORMING ARTS
CENTER
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MATTERS:
CDC Resolutions for Adoption:
2001 -06 AWARDING A CONTRACT TO NOSSAMAN, GUTHNER, KNOX &
ELLIOTT, LLP, FOR BOND COUNSEL SERVICES
2001 -07 AWARDING A CONTRACT TO ROSENOW SPEVACEK GROUP,
INC., FOR FISCAL CONSULTANT SERVICES
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 11, 2001 Page(5 )
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, seconded by
Vice Mayor Flores, the Consent Calendar as outlined on the
meeting's agenda was APPROVED 4 -0 -1 with Councilmember
Spiro absent.
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8. SKATEBOARD PARK - CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED LOCATIONS
AS FOLLOWS:
(a) City -Owned vacant lot on Snyder Lane, adjacent to
Community Center
(b) City -Owned vacant lot on City Hall Drive, adjacent
to The Vision Teen Center
(c) Other options
1. Staff Report: Mayor Mackenzie ANNOUNCED that the
Skateboard Park item will be POSTPONED until a Special
Meeting of the Council to be held on Friday,
September 21, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
chambers.
2. PUBLIC HEARING:
Mayor Mackenzie OPENED the Public Hearing at 7:25 p.m.
There being no citizens desiring to speak on the matter,
Mayor Mackenzie CLOSED the Public Hearing at 7:25 p.m.
and CONTINUED it to September 21, 2001.
3. Council Discussion /Action: None.
9. ROHNERT PARK WELLNESS CENTER (RPWC) /HEALTH CARE CAMPUS -
CONSIDERATION OF PHASED DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROPOSED BY
KISCO RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES (KRC), ASSIGNMENT OF
GROUND LEASE TO KRC AND AMENDMENTS TO THE GROUND LEASE
AGREEMENT:
1. Staff /Committee Report:
and
2. Presentation by Kisco Retirement Communities
Representative(s):
and
3. Council Discussion /Action:
Resolutions for Consideration:
2001- APPROVING THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE ROHNERT PARK
WELLNESS CENTER, LLC, GROUND LEASE TO KISCO
RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 11, 2001 Page(6 )
2001- APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE GROUND LEASE
AGREEMENT WITH KISCO RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES, FOR
A HEALTH CARE CAMPUS
Mayor Mackenzie ANNOUNCED that due to the FAA grounding of
all general and commercial aircraft as a result of the
attacks today, the Kisco representatives will not be able
to attend the meeting, and said Kisco matter will be
DEFERRED to the Council meeting on September 25, 2001.
10. JAPANESE GARDEN - REVIEW HID RESULTS TO CONSIDER:
1. Staff Report:
(a) Appropriation of additional funds for award of
contract
(b) Re -bid the project later this fall
(c) Breakdown project - Re- evaluate improvements
City Manager Netter gave a brief overview of the staff
report provided to Council in the agenda packets.
2. Council Discussion /Direction /Action:
Council CONCURRED with staff's recommendation to reject
the bid and to review the project in an effort to get the
costs down.
11. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS:
File No. 2001 -043 - Variance - Consideration of Settin
Public. Hearing Date on September 25, 2001, to consider
Appeal of Use Permit for Cleophas Garcia to add a bathroom
in the aaraae at 1135 Copeland Creek Drive (A.P. No. 158-
160 -030)
1. Staff Report: City Manager Netter shared the contents
of the staff report provided to Council in the agenda
packets.
2. Council Discussion /Direction /Action: City Attorney
Strauss responded to Council inquiries. Council
CONCURRED to accept the Appeal and AGENDIZE a formal
Public Hearing for the Council meeting on September 25,
2001, with the condition that if the September 25th
Council agenda is too full, said Public Hearing will be
agendized for the Council meeting on October 9, 2001.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 11, 2001 Page(7 )
12. GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM - MATTERS RELATED
TO THE GENERAL PLAN PROCESS, IF ANY:
1. Council Sub - Committee Report, August 30, 2001, meeting:
Mayor Mackenzie and Councilmember Vidak- Martinez shared
comments on the meeting and referred Council to Planning
Director Kaufman's Meeting Summary provided to the
Councilmembers. Councilmember Vidak- Martinez commented
on two matters: (1) Increasing the priority to
greenbelt lands along Petaluma Hill Road, which would
accommodate mitigation for the Community Separator in
the Northwest part of the General Plan; and (2) Having
City Attorney Strauss draft a resolution by which
developers of land along Petaluma Hill Road would be
able to purchase and dedicate land to the Open Space
District. Mayor Mackenzie discussed the following
matters: (1) His desire for an MOU with the Open Space
District to formalize the upcoming resolution/ His
opposition to retroactive purchases of Open Space
conservation easements or fee titles; (2)
Transportation mitigation; (3) The need to transmit
Rohnert Park's draft agreement to the cities of
Petaluma, Cotati, and Santa Rosa; and (4) Draft
agreement to be presented to the Council and the
Board of Supervisors at their respective meetings two
weeks from today.
2. Other, if any: None.
13. PARKS AND RECREATION MATTER:
*Golf Course Renovations Update: Recreation Director
Barry gave a brief update of the golf course
renovations. He indicated that representatives of
CourseCo would like to make a short presentation to the
Council regarding the construction of golf course
improvements to the Willows Course, and Mayor Mackenzie
noted that said matter would be AGENDIZED for either the
Council meeting on September 25, 2001, or October 9,
2001.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 11, 2001 Page(8 )
14. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY MATTER:
*Council Ad Hoc Sub- Committee - Work Plan: Vice Mayor
Flores and Councilmember Reilly DISTRIBUTED AND
REVIEWED the Work Plan, ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL SET OF
MINUTES. Vice Mayor Flores noted that said meetings with
Department of Public Safety staff will be held on
Friday, September 21, 2001, from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Councilmember Reilly added that all miscellaneous
employees of the Department of Public Safety are to be
included on the list of meetings for September 21.
Mayor Mackenzie briefly referenced his memo "regarding
the purpose and structure of the Council Ad Hoc
Sub - Committee.
15. DOROTHY SPRECKELS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER MATTER:
*Council Sub - Committee Report on Read Board Sign: Vice
Mayor Flores discussed his support for an aesthetically -
pleasing sign constructed of aluminum and stone, and he
noted that Paramount Sign Company would like to make
a presentation to the Council of the sign design. At
the request of Vice Mayor Flores, Council CONCURRED TO
AGENDIZE the Read Board Sign as an action item to consider
approval of the design as well as putting the sign out
to bid, with the understanding that the Mayor will have
flexibility in agendizing the matter either for the
Council meeting on September 25 or October 9 based on
the fullness of the agenda.
16. POSSIBLE STUDY ON CITY STAFFING /COMPENSATION - MERITS
OF COMPETITION -BASED FORMULA FOR SALARY AND BENEFITS:
*Council Discussion /Action: Councilmember Reilly briefly
discussed formulating competition -based salaries and
benefits based on those of Rohnert Park's neighboring
cities. Vice Mayor Flores SUGGESTED that the City Manger
consider hiring a firm at a reasonable cost to determine
whether City staff could do that type of analysis.
Council CONCURRED with the recommendation of City Manager
Netter to schedule, prior to a Council meeting and before
Thanksgiving, a 45- minute Work Session with the
Personnel Department to address said matter.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 11, 2001 Page (9 )
17. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND /OR OTHER REPORTS:
1. Youth Leadership Meeting at S.C.A.Y.D., Friday,
September 7, 2001: Councilmember Vidak- Martinez
indicated that she was unable to attend due to an
ill family member, and she noted (1) that she will be
meeting with S.C.A.Y.D. members to get feedback and
(2) that she will report back to the Council. Mayor
Mackenzie noted that he was unable to attend the
meeting due to a schedule conflict.
2. Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) Meeting,
Monday, September 10, 2001: Mayor Mackenzie noted that
there was discussion of financing alternative modes of
transportation with work to be done this fall to
determine possible direction for funding said
activities on the November 2002 ballot. Furthermore,
the Mayor noted that excellent progress is being made
by Cal Trans on the Wilfred Avenue overcrossing, with
possible completion by the year 2004.
18. COMMUNICATIONS:
Communications per the attached outline were brought to
the attention of the Councilmembers.
* Councilmember Reilly directed Council attention to No. 2,
letter from R. Thompson /Resident regarding POW /MIA flag.
Council CONCURRED with Councilmember Reilly's request to
replace the POW /MIA flag if it is worn and to fly it at
the Department of Public Safety. City Manager Netter
noted that the City will put a new POW /MIA flag up.
* Councilmember Reilly directed Council attention to
No. 7 from the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Authority
regarding the future transit site to be located in
Rohnert Park. Council CONCURRED TO DIRECT STAFF to
prepare a staff report so that Council may give
direction in the transit site matter.
* Councilmember Reilly directed Council attention to
Nos. 6 and 7 regarding audio traffic signals and
Expressway Overpass landscaping. City Manager Netter
indicated that staff will be reporting back on both
of those matters respectively.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 11, 2001 Page(10)
*Councilmember Reilly REQUESTED clarification of a vote
taken at the SCTA meeting on September 10, 2001. Mayor
Mackenzie DIRECTED STAFF to distribute to the Council
City Engineer Gaffney's report from the September 10th
SCTA meeting.
*Councilmember Reilly REQUESTED clarification regarding
a communication about the Make -a -wish program. He asked
that staff look into the campaign for "Make a Wish for
Craig Shepherd's Dream Come True."
INFORMATIONAL ITEM:
Vice Mayor Flores referred Council to the communication
regarding the Rohnert Park Boy Scouts Fundraising Drive,
and he noted that any citizens desiring to make a
contribution can send it to City Hall and it will be
forwarded to Joe Perry or John Borba, chairpersons for
the Fundraising Drive taking place this month.
*Mayor Mackenzie directed Council attention to No. 1,
a letter from L. Cook, Ameri -Craft Business Owner. The
Mayor noted that Mr. Cook commended City staff for
their responsiveness in dealing with particular
business problems he has encountered. Furthermore, the
Mayor congratulated City staff for their efforts.
19. MATTERS FROM /FOR COUNCIL:
Councilmembers indicated that there were no matters
from /for Council at this time.
20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
1. Traffic Enforcement: City Manager Netter shared_ the
contents of the staff reports provided to the Council
in the agenda packet. He outlined the City's support
for Director Public Safety Miller's request for two
motor officers, and he discussed the qualifications.
2. Energy Efficiency Evaluation for New City Hall: City
Manager Netter referenced a report provided to Council
from C &B Consulting Engineers, and Assistant City
Engineer Donley shared brief comments on a variety of
energy- saving measures as well as grant funding for
said measures.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 11, 2001 Page(11)
Council CONCURRED with the suggestion of Councilmember
Reilly to DIRECT STAFF to report back on an assessment of
various energy- efficient possibilities for City facilities,
including the retrofitting of existing and future City
buildings with solar panels.
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez expressed her concerns about
the design of the new City Hall, and Mayor Mackenzie
SUGGESTED that staff work towards some melding together of
the design features of the new City Hall and the new
Library, as well as the Department of Public Safety.
3. Community Field Area Development Plans: City Manager
Netter referenced Planning Director Kaufman's memo
provided to Council in the agenda packet. He briefly
summarized the contents of the memo, and he noted that
as the process moves forward, the matter will continue
to be agendized.
4. Other informational items, if any: City Manger Netter
noted that he will be at a R.E.M.I.F. Conference on
September 19 and 20.
21. OTHER UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
At this time, Mayor Mackenzie called forward any
citizens wishing to speak.
1. Harvey Goldberg, 7345 Castille Court, was recognized
and noted that he has been a 25 -year resident of
Rohnert Park. Mr. Goldberg shared brief comments on
a variety of topics as follows: (1) He discussed how
the 2 -to -1 trade off for mitigation regarding the
Open Space lands was unlawful and unconstitutional;
(2) He expressed his support for the Sonoma -Marin
Area Rail Transit, and he suggested free passes for
the first two months; (3) He discussed 1980's FAA and
City documentation regarding the proposed activation
of a fourth Bay Area international airport in Sonoma,
California; (4) He suggested preparing for the future
transportation needs of Highway 37 by reserving enough
space now for additional lanes; and (5) He suggested
plugging a box -car size generator into PG &E gas lines
to produce power for half of the City and to reduce
energy bills.
*City Council /Community Development Commission
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
September 11, 2001 Page(12)
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Mayor Mackenzie
ADJOURNED the meeting at approximately 8:25 p.m.
Katy Leonard,
Certified Shorthand Reporter
CSR No. 11599
Jake Mackenzie,
Mayor
City of Rohnert Park
*City Council /Community Development Commission