2002/06/25 City Council MinutesCITY OF ROHNERT PARK CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES for:
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
ROHNERT PARK FINANCING AUTHORITY
June 25, 2002
Tuesday
The concurrent meetings of the City of Rohnert Park for
the City Council, the Community Development Commission,
and the Rohnert Park Financing Authority met this date in
regular session for a regular meeting to commence at
7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 6750 Commerce
Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Flores presiding.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Flores called the regular session to order at
7:30 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: (4) Councilmembers Mackenzie and
Vidak- Martinez; Vice Mayor Reilly;
and Mayor Flores
Absent: ( 0 ) None
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City
Manager Netter, City Attorney Strauss, City Engineer
Gaffney, Public Works Manager Stephens, Recreation
Director Barry, Director Public Safety Bullard, and
Finance Services Manager Lauchner.
1. MAYOR'S REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Flores reported on the closed session which
commenced at approximately 6:00 p.m. Lo discuss matters
listed on the agenda attachment, representing an update.
PERSONNEL MATTERS:
1. Review Negotiation Process and Disclosure: Nothing
to report.
2. Rohnert Park Public Safety Officers Association
(RPPSOA) negotiations with Consultant Lee Finney and
Personnel Manager. Robbins: Nothing to report.
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
June 25, 2002 Page(2 )
LITIGATION MATTER:
1. South County Resource Preservation Council vs
City of Rohnert Park: Nothing to report.
REAL ESTATE NEGOTIATIONS:
1.
Lands Around
Stadium:
Nothing
to
report.
2.
Old Library property:
Nothing
to
report.
2. APPROVAL OF CONCURRENT MEETING MINUTES FOR:
2002 -03 BUDGET WORD SESSION - JUNE 11, 2002
REGULAR CONCURRENT CITY MEETINGS - JUNE 11, 2002
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, seconded by
Councilmember Mackenzie, the 2002 -03 Budget Work
Session Minutes of June 11, 2002, and the Regular
Concurrent City Meetings Minutes of June 11, 2002, were
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AS AMENDED:
Vice Mayor Reilly, Regular Concurrent City Meeting
Minutes of June 11, 2002, Item 7 Consent Calendar,
page 5, under the motion, replace "APPROVED 3 -0 -1
with Vice Mayor Reilly abstaining" with "UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED."
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, 2002 -03 Budget Work
Session Minutes of June 11, 2002, Item 2 Capital
Improvement Program, page 2, last paragraph, first
sentence, amend "Council discussion concluded with
Council CONCURRENCE TO DIRECT STAFF" to read "Council
discussion concluded, and at the suggestion of
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, Council CONCURRED TO
DT1?TiCT STAFF" regardl ng ca report Gii tiie City'S
playground equipment.
Councilmember Mackenzie, Regular Concurrent Meetings
Minutes of June 11, 2002, Item 12 November 2002
Election Matters, page 10, paragraph 3 -b, add the
following: " ; and (3) furthermore, at the suggestion
of Councilmember Mackenzie, to DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY
to prepare a report on the proper expenditure of public
funds in terms of executing an agreement for Public
Education Consulting Services."
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINpSge(3UjES
June 25, 2002
3. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS, IF ANY (INFORMATIONAL ONLY):
Mayor Flores asked the Councilmembers if there were any
informational communications to add to the agenda.
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez: INFORMATIONAL
(1) Report on the response to the Hate -Free
Communities Campaign meeting held last week
in response to a hate crime at Rancho Cotate
High School; representative from the United
States Department of Justice in attendance;
next meeting on July 11, 2002, at the Senior
Center at 6:30 p.m.
(2) Report on the success of her efforts to get
the National League of Cities to hold its
Leadership Summit Conference at the Doubletree
Hotel in Rohnert Park in August of 2003.
Councilmember Mackenzie:
(1) Request to add under "Council Committee and /or
Other Reports" reports on the June 17 and
June 25, 2002, Water Subcommittee meetings.
(2) Request to add under "Matters from /for Council"
the matter of the use of motorized scooters,
particularly those with two- stroke engines.
Mayor Flores: INFORMATIONAL
(1) Fundraiser Opening Night for the New Library
to be held August 30, 2002; tickets $50 per
person; includes beverages, wine, and chamber
music groups.
4. YOUTH OF THE COMMUNITY - COMMENTS, IF ANY:
Mayor Flores asked if there were any youth in the audience
who wanted to share brief comments. No youth responded.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
June 25, 2002 Page(4 )
5. SCHEDULED APPEARANCES /PRESENTATIONS:
1. Presentation to Department of Public Safety,
Director Tom Bullard for League of California
Cities - 2002 California Cities Helen Putnam Award
of Excellence, Certificate of Honorable Mention and
Appreciation to the City of Rohnert Park for their
2002 Entry in the category of Public Safety: Mayor
Flores presented the Certificate of Honorable
Mention to Director Public Safety Bullard.
2. Families and Children Commission (FACC) - Report on
results of research on community counseling and
support services available: Three representatives
from FACC DISTRIBUTED AND REVIEWED their report on
community counseling and support services available.
Councilmember Mackenzie REQUESTED that groups
seeking counseling space get full consideration from
the Recreation Department. Furthermore, at the
suggestion of Councilmember Mackenzie, Council
CONCURRED TO AGENDIZE the matter of development of
a Youth and Family General Plan Element.
3. Presentation of Certificate of Commendation to
Sister Cities Committee for Rohnert Park &
Hashimoto, Japan 1963 -83 from Congressman Don H
Clausen: Mayor Flores presented three
representatives from the Sister Cities Committee,
Gordon and Faith Adam and Ron Rasmussen, with the
Congressional Certificate of Commendation, and the
Mayor REQUESTED that they forward a copy of the
certificate to Hashimoto. Said representatives
gave a brief report on the activities of the
Sister Cities Committee.
6. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
Mayor Flores stated that in compliance with State law,
The Brown Act, members of the public wishing to make a
comment may do so at this time, limited to 3 -5 minutes per
appearance, with a 30- minute limit.
1. Bill Conner, 7145 Avenida Cala, was recognized and
urged the City Council to reject the expenditure of
$50,000 for voter education services. He noted that
the results of the City's $15,000 survey indicated
little support for proposed taxing measures, and he
encouraged the City to start saying no to spending,
particularly during its current financial bind.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park FInanc.i ng Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
June 25, 2002
2. John Hudson 399 Bonnie Avenue, was recognized and
expressed opposition to the City's expenditure of
$50,000 for a public education campaign. He cited
Government Code, Section 54964, which permits public
education campaigns which are fair and impartial, and
he called for the Council to allow equal input from
opponents of said voter education campaign. He
questioned the City's expenditures on everything
from the painting of bolts for the new library to
expensive consultants, and he called attention to
many of the charges on the soon -to- increase residential
water bills.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Flores asked if there were any questions about
the matters on the Consent Calendar, which were explained
in the City Manager's Council Meeting Memo. The Mayor
signified removal of the following Consent Calendar items
for further discussion as follows: Item C and Resolution
No. 2002 -139 per City Manager Netter's recommendation;
Resolution Nos. 2002 -128, 2002 -131, and 2002 -133 per
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez' recommendation; and
Resolution Nos. 2002 -130, 2002 -131, and 2002 -137 per
Councilmember Mackenzie's recommendation.
A. ACKNOWLEDGING THE CITY MANAGER /CLERK'S REPORT ON THE
POSTING OF THE MEETING'S AGENDA
B. APPROVAL
FOR
N THECAMOUNTL FOR:
OF
*CITY
*COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION IN THE AMOUNT OF:
$1,068,439.12
C. ACCEPTING CASH /INVESTMENTS REPORT FOR MONTH END,
MAY 31, 2002, CONCURRENTLY FOR:
*CITY OF ROHNERT PARK /CITY COUNCIL - DEFERRED
*COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION - DEFERRED
* ROHNERT PARK FINANCING AUTHORITY - DEFERRED
City Manager Netter noted that said items will be
presented at the next Council meeting.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
June 25, 2002 Page(6 )
D. Resolutions for Adoption:
2002 -127 DECLARING JUNE, 2002, PG &E CARE MONTH (20%
MONTHLY SAVINGS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ON LOW OR FIXED
INCOMES)
2002 -129 AUTHORIZING A CERTAIN CLASS TITLE, RANGE,
SALARY, AND CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR CITY
POSITIONS
2002 -132 AWARDING A TWO -YEAR WATER MONITORING CONTRACT
FOR ROHNERT PARK DRINKING WATER TO SEQUOIA
ANALYTICAL LABORATORIES
2002 -134 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH COTATI- ROHNERT PARK
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR JOINT USE OF CERTAIN
PUBLIC FACILITIES OWNED BY CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
AND COTATI- ROHNERT PARK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
2002 -135 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF COTATI
FOR CITY OF ROHNERT PARK SERVICES RELATING TO
ANIMAL CONTROL
2002 -136 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH HARRIS
AND ASSOCIATES TO PROVIDE PUBLIC FINANCING
CONSULTING SERVICES
2002 -138 APPROVING CONSULTANT CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH
GREEN VALLEY CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR GOLF
COURSE DRIVE TRAFFIC- CALMING
2002 -140 APPROVING RECONCILIATION OF PERFORMING ARTS
CE:TTER READER BOARD SIGN HEIGHT
2002-141 REJECTING THE CLAIM OF _TTTSTTT.T uFyTur�AN ( RE .
ALLEGED POLICE BRUTALITY)
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, with the exception of
Item C and Resolution Nos. 2002 -128, -130, -131, -133,
-137, and -139, the Consent Calendar, as otherwise
outlined on the meeting's agenda, was UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGPSS MINUTES
June 25, 2002
Item for Consideration:
� 2.1 Y-
2002- 1-2=9- DECLARING THE OFFICIAL INTENT TO REIMBURSE
EXPENDITURES FROM THE PROCEEDS OF TAX- EXEMPT
OBLIGATIONS (FROM THE SEWER CONNECTION FUND FOR
THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF RESIDENTIAL
WATER METERS AND METER - READING SYSTEM
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez confirmed with the City
Attorney that the resolution has been redrafted to
address earlier Council concerns.
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, seconded by
Councilmember Mackenzie, Resolution 2002 -' was
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
Item for Consideration:
2002 -130 APPROVING THE OUTLINE OF CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF
EMPLOYMENT, FRINGE BENEFITS, AND SALARY
ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE ROHNERT PARK CONFIDENTIAL
UNIT
FOR THE RECORD, Councilmember Mackenzie stated that he
will be speaking to this matter after the Public Hearing
for the City Budget has taken place. Furthermore, he
noted that he wanted there to be a vote of the Council
on this particular resolution.
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, seconded by
Vice Mayor Reilly, Resolution 2002 -130 was APPROVED 3 -1
with Councilmember Mackenzie dissenting.
Item for Consideration:
2002 -131 APPROVING THE OUTLINE OF CERTAIN CONDITIONS
OF EMPLOYMENT, FRINGE BENEFITS, AND SALARY
ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE MANAGEMEWT UNIT
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez indicated that she wants
a Council vote on this matter, and she expressed her
continued support for decreasing management staff as
a cost - saving measure and /or maintaining the status
quo for the management unit.
Councilmembers shared their perspectives, and upon MOTION
by Mayor Flores, seconded by Vice Mayor Reilly,
Resolution 2002 -131 FAILED 2 -2 with Councilmembers
Vidak- Martinez and Mackenzie dissenting.
1 nt Commission/
*City Council /Community Deve opine
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
June 25, 2002 Page(8 )
Item for Consideration:
2002 -133 APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
PACIFIC WEB OF COTATI FOR INTERNET -BASED WEB
SITE SERVICES
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez called attention to recent
information gathered from the pollster for the City,
which indicated that there has not been a great use of
the City's web site.
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Mackenzie, seconded by
Vice Mayor Reilly, Resolution 2002 -133 was APPROVED 3 -1
with Councilmember Vidak- Martinez dissenting.
Item for Consideration:
2002 -137 APPROVING CONSULTANT CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH
NORDBY CONSTRUCTION FOR COMMUNITY CENTER BEAM
REPLACEMENT, PROJECT NO. 2000 -06
At the request of Councilmember Mackenzie, City Manager
Netter responded to his inquiry about the current
overload in the City's Engineering Department. At this
time, Mayor Flores clarified the City's reason for the
expenditure of funds to repaint bolts in the new
library. He noted that due to the integrity of the bolts
and timing issues for completion of the library, the
Council elected to repaint the bolts with the option of
later legal recourse over the issue of responsibility.
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, Resolution 2002 -137 was
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
Item for Consideration:
2002 -139 APPROVAL OF PLANS AND CALLING FOR SEALED
PROPOSAL, OVERLAYS - 2000, PROJECT NO.
2000 -07
At the direction of City Manager Netter, said
resolution was DEFERRED until the next Council meeting
due to a hold -up with Cal Trans.
*************************** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
June 25, 2002 Page(9 )
8. CIRCUSES USING ANIMAL ACTS - CONSIDERATION OF GLORIA
HAFFNER -ALLEE REQUEST FOR BAN ON CIRCUSES USING WILD
OR EXOTIC ANIMAL ACTS ON DISPLAY ON CITY PROPERTY:
Council Discussion /Direction: Council discussion
concluded, and upon MOTION by Councilmember
Mackenzie, seconded by Councilmember Vidak- Martinez,
Council UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED DIRECTIONS TO STAFF to
examine the Municipal Code and present for Council
consideration a proposed ordinance regarding circuses
using wild or exotic animal acts on display on City
property. Councilmember Vidak- Martinez SUGGESTED
that staff review the ordinance format of the Animal
Protection Institute provided in the agenda packet.
9. CITY BUDGET:
1. _Staff Presentation of Budget 2002 -03: City Manager
Netter shared the contents of the staff report,
"Proposed Budget FY 2002 -03," dated June 25, 2002,
via Power Point presentation. Vice Mayor Reilly
SUGGESTED that there be more comparison charts
with other Sonoma County cities in future budget
packets for Council consideration. City Manager
Netter responded to Council inquiries.
FOR THE RECORD, Councilmember Mackenzie referred to Santa
Rosa data regarding a study on their fiscal year revenues
for 01 -02, and he noted that they have a utility users tax
which brings in about ten percent of their general fund
revenues, D.M.V. about eight percent, and other revenues
about thirty percent. He stated that sales taxes are
similar for quite a few cities in Sonoma County, and he
stated that percentage -wise Rohnert Park relies on its
TOT tax.
2. PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Flores OPENED the Public
Hearing at 9:30 p.m.
1. Lauri Heanue, 35 Madrigal Street, was recognized and
expressed concern over the impact of several budget
cuts on youth and families. She cited the elimination'
of the DARE program, the elimination of a crime
prevention officer in the schools, and the elimination
of the Youth & Family Services counseling program as
budget cuts that deeply affect local families and
children. She also noted that not many programs for
the seniors are being cut this budget year.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
June 25, 2002 Page(10)
Mayor Flores noted that the senior program is not very
expensive, and he added that it is important for
parents and schools to assume greater responsibility
in terms of an officer being cut from working in the
schools.
2. Michele Rogers Executive Director of the Early
Learning Institute, was recognized and encouraged the
Council to fund in the nonprofit area as soon as
revenues improve for the City. She noted that the
Early Learning Institute was awarded a Starbuck's
grant because of its diverse funding that included
support from the City, and she stated that many
nonprofits not only provide services to the City,
but, among other things, they work to form partnerships
within the City.
Mayor Flores CLOSED the Public Hearing at 9:35 p.m.
Council Discussion /Action: Councilmembers shared
their perspectives on the budget. Highlights of
their comments include the following:
Councilmember Mackenzie:
*DISTRIBUTED AND READ a prepared statement, ATTACHED TO
THE ORIGINAL SET OF MINUTES, regarding the budget:
*Pointed out several inter - connected matters related to
the City's current financial condition: Approval of
salary and benefit increases for some City staff;
$2.7 million shortfall in next year's budget, with
$3.7 million expected shortfall for 03 -04's budget;
transfer of funds from the endowment fund to address
the shortfall; approval of expenditure of $50,000 of
public funds for public education consulting services.
*Intention to vote against any nrnnr -)Q=r1 � =l =rtr
increases for all City staff, recognizing that they
work hard, but acknowledging the need for a freeze on
salary increases across the board at this time in the
City's budget.
*No expectation of funding aid from the State or
executive branch of government.
*Concern expressed about the need for the City to
increase revenues annually through sales tax revenue
increases.
*Support for thoughtful ideas and concepts about
solving the budget crisis.
*Disappointment in the absence of all eight candidates
who recently showed interest in filling the vacant
seat on the Council.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
June 25, 2002
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez:
*Noted that last year's budget figures were erroneous;
acknowledges this year's figures are more accurate.
*Acknowledged that Councilmembers are elected to make
the hard decisions, particularly on the budget.
*Would like to see City maintain services and be as
fiscally responsible as possible.
*Committed to economic development and planning to
participate in the next economic boom, rather than
just cutting services year after year.
Vice Mayor Reilly:
*Anticipates the need to make larger cuts than
those made tonight to other programs and subsidies.
*Noted that Rohnert Park City employees are paid based
on the City's income, as well as what other agencies
pay.
*Expects his tax dollars to go to police, fire, and
roads among other things; acknowledges recreation
and performing arts as things that improve a
community, but are not requirements.
*Willing to cut City subsidies before employee
salaries.
*Suggests City look at consolidating management,
prioritizing subsidies and cutting low - priority
subsidies, privatizing, and /or focusing on getting
the water and sewer capacity needed to expand the
City.
*Acknowledges that citizens are paying for the
services provided by the City through increased
fees and tax measures.
Mayor Flores:
*Noted that it is much harder for Councilmembers
to make decisions in a challenging economy.
*Stated that Council has tried to make decisions that
maintain the essence of City services to every segment
of the City's population, and indicated that Council
will continue to do so if more reductions are
required.
*Called on the Council to recognize the challenges it
has faced and to make the necessary budget transfers
to balance the budget.
*Reiterated the need for the Council to focus on
maintaining programs and services in the future for
the continuity and integrity of the City if the
economy does not recover and /or the proposed tax
measure fails.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
June 25, 2002 Page(12)
Resolution for Adoption:
2002 -142 APPROVING AND ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR
2002 -2003
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, Resolution 2002 -142 was
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
3. 2001 -02 Budget Fund Transfer - Consideration of
Temporary Transfer from Reserve Fund to General
Fund: City Manager Netter gave a brief overview
of the budget fund transfer matter.
Council Discussion /Action: Councilmember Vidak-
Martinez expressed concern with certain language
in the resolution, and City Attorney Strauss
responded to Council inquiries.
Resolution for Adoption:
2002 -143 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PROCEED WITH
TEMPORARY TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM THE ENDOWMENT
RESERVE FUND TO THE GENERAL FUND TO ASSIST IN
BALANCING THE 2001 -02 BUDGET
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, Resolution 2002 -143 was
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED with DIRECTIONS FOR STAFF to
amend the fifth paragraph to read as follows: "which
shall be replenished with proceeds from the sale of
either the existing city hall or other City land
assets.
EXTEND COUNCIL MEETING:
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Mackenzie, seconded by
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, a motion to extend the
meeting past 10:00 p.m. to finish necessary agenda items
was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED at approximately 10:00 p.m.
10. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM - ANNUAL UPDATE OF THE
FIVE -YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND BUDGET:
1. Staff Report: Provided in the agenda packets.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MIN3)ES
June 25, 2002
2. Council Discussion /Action:
Resolution for Adoption:
2002 -144 APPROVING 2002 -07 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
BUDGET
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, seconded
by Vice Mayor Reilly, Resolution 2002 -144 was
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED with commendations to Recreation
Director Barry and the Capital Improvement Program
Committee for their efforts.
11. NOVEMBER 2002 ELECTION MATTER - PUBLIC EDUCATION
CONSULTING SERVICES - CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC
EDUCATION CONSULTING SERVICES:
1. Staff Report: City Manager Netter shared the
contents of the staff report, and City Attorney
Strauss commented on the matter.
2. Council Discussion /Action: Councilmember shared
their perspectives, and Council (1) CONCURRED TO
TAKE NO ACTION on the proposed resolution; and (2)
to DIRECT STAFF to prepare a proposal for the next .
agenda for an in -house program of public education,
and to post the City's 2002 -03 Fiscal Year Budget
information on the City's web site.
Resolution for Adoption:
2002- AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION
CONSULTING SERVICES
NO ACTION TAKEN; Directions to staff as noted above.
12. WASTE MANAGEMENT ISSUES:
1. Franchise Fees Underpayment bV Empire_Waste
Management:
and
2. Hilton Farnkopf & Hobson Proposal - Scope of Work:
City Manager Netter summarized the contents of the
staff report.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
June 25, 2002 Page(14)
3. Council Discussion /Direction /Action: Council
discussion concluded with Council CONCURRENCE TO
DIRECT the City Attorney to do further research and
come back with a report for the Council, at which
time action will be taken.
Resolution for Consideration:
2002- APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH HILTON FARNKOPF &
HOBSON FOR PROVIDING SERVICES RELATED TO
FRANCHISE FEES BY EMPIRE WASTE MANAGEMENT
•S
2002- APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT, MUTUAL GENERAL
RELEASE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE WITH EMPIRE
WASTE MANAGEMENT, a.d.b.a, WASTE MANAGEMENT
RECYCLING AND COLLECTION, INC.
NO ACTION TAKEN; Directions to staff as noted above.
13. GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM - MATTERS RELATED
TO THE GENERAL PLAN PROCESS, IF ANY:
1. Status Report on General Plan Implementation: City
Manager Netter briefly reviewed Planning Director
Kaufman's status report dated June 18, 2002, as
provided in the agenda packets.
2. General _Plan Implementation Oversight Committee,
June 17, 2002, meeting: Councilmembers Mackenzie
and Vidak- Martinez called attention to Planning
Director Kaufman's "Status Report on General Plan
Implemer�taticr�, " and they shared additl.onal comments
on the status of the school boundary changes, the
Community Fields, and Community Separator issues.
Regarding the Community Separator issues, at the
request of Councilmembers Mackenzie and
Vidak - Martinez, Council CONCURRED to allow them to
meet with representatives of the Sonoma County
Board of Supervisors to discuss the issues raised in
the Draft Discussion Paper and possible amendments
to the City's General Plan and the City /County LAFCO
agreement relative to Community Separator in -lieu
fee mitigation.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MIN5)ES
June 25, 2002
3. Results of Creekside Middle School meeting with
School District and LAFCO: City Manager Netter
reported that the School District will be taking up
the matter of partial annexation at their next Board
meeting on July 9, 2002.
4. Other, if any: None.
14. BACK -UP ALARM ORDINANCE PROPOSED BY AL BARR:
1. City Attorney Report: City Attorney Strauss
summarized the contents of her staff report
and responded to Council questions.
At this time, Mayor Flores called forward a member of
the public interested in speaking on this matter.
1. Al Barr, 5746 Dexter Circle, was recognized and
DISTRIBUTED AND REVIEWED a packet of all of the letters
of communication in concise order regarding his
proposed noise ordinance. He gave Council a detailed
outline of his efforts to remove any conflicts with
state and local ordinances from his proposed back -up
alarm ordinance, and he reiterated Councilmembers'
general reactions throughout the process. He urged
City staff.(1) to familiarize themselves with
Cal- O.S.H.A.'s regulations regarding this matter,
particularly California Code Section 1592 A -B and
the subsections, and (2) to informally meet with him to
make any necessary amendments to the proposed
ordinance. Furthermore, Mr. Barr responded to Council
questions.
2. Council Discussion /Direction: Council discussion
concluded with Council CONCURRENCE on the following
DIRECTIONS TO STAFF: (1) Determine whether an
alarm is manufactured with a range specifically
between 200 and 500 feet; (2) Should such an alarm
exist, have the City Attorney draft an ordinance
for Council consideration at the first Council
meeting in August, 2002. City Attorney Strauss
noted that she is available to meet with any
members of the public interested in speaking with
her. Councilmembers noted that they will be
raising questions about the enforceability of
any proposed noise ordinance when it comes before
them.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
June 25, 2002 Page (16)
15. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND /OR OTHER REPORTS:
1. Water Subcommittee June 17 2002 meeting:
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez reported the
following: (1) City's negotiating team for the
Water Agreement designated; (2) Water Agreement
negotiation points discussed. Councilmember
Mackenzie reported the following items from today's
Water Subcommittee meeting: (1) Public Workshops
in August dealing with alternatives under the
Endangered Species Biological Assessment; (2)
expect draft of new Water Agreement by September;
(3) Meeting with City's water consultant July 1
at Santa Rosa Wastewater Treatment Plant; (4)
Request for SCWA water contractors to go to
Washington, D.C., at the end of September; (5)
Water Meter and Telemetry System update; (6)
Northern and Coastal California Water Bond
Initiative Coalition meeting on June 26 -
Councilmember Mackenzie to attend; (7) Summer
Water Consumption Plan issued.
2. Garbage Subcommittee June 17 2002 meeting:
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez reported that they
reviewed the elements of the City's upcoming
annual review of it garbage contractor.
3. Economic Development Committee Report on RFP:
Councilmember Vidak- Martinez referred Council to
the draft RFP for an "Economic Development Strategic
Plan" provided in the agenda packets. City Manager
Netter stated that said matter will be AGENDIZED
FOR THE NEXT C- 01UNCIL iiEETiNG and will be distributed
on July 10, 2002.
4. Santa Rosa Subregional Wastewater Policy Advisory
Committee: Councilmember Vidak- Martinez reported
on the review of the subregional projects and
operations.
5. Other, if any: None.
16. COMMUNICATIONS:
Communications per the attached outline were brought to
the attention of the Councilmembers. No communications
were discussed at this time.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
June 25, 2002 Page(17)
17. MATTERS FROM /FOR COUNCIL:
1. 2002 Conflict of Interest Code - Biennial Notice of
Review to determine accuracy and /or need to be
amended: INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES. City Manager
Netter shared brief comments on the materials
provided in the agenda packet.
2. Other informational items, if any: None.
18. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
1. Update on PG &E request for discussions on Electric &
Gas Franchise Agreements: City Manager Netter
reported on his meeting with PG &E and the League
of California Cities' recommendation that a
Subcommittee be formed to address the matter of
PG &E's reorganization.
2. Update on Water Meter Grant Funding: City Manager
Netter shared the contents of the staff report
and noted that he has requested a written report
regarding the tracking of funding sources by the
City's consultant.
3. Other informational items, if any:
a. Mayors'. & Councilmembers' Executive Forum in
Monterey, July 24 -26, 2002: Councilmember
Vidak- Martinez noted that she will be attending
said forum as it deals with economic development
issues and homeland security. Furthermore, she
noted that she will be at the Council meeting
on July 23, 2002.
19. OTHER UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
At this time, Mayor Flores called forward any members
of the public wishing to speak. Mayor Flores acknowledged
a member of the public in the audience, Mary Scott, from
the World Journalism Institute. Ms. Scott noted that she
was observing the Council meeting as part of her summer
courses.
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
City of Rohnert Park *CONCURRENT MEETINGS MINUTES
June 25, 2002 Page(18)
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Mayor Flores
ADJOURNED the meeting at approximately 11:10 p.m.
Katy Leonard,
Certified Shorthand Reporter
CSR No. 11599
Armando Flores,
Mayor
City of Rohnert Park
*City Council /Community Development Commission/
Rohnert Park Financing Authority
o0 3
Statement from Councilmember Jake Mackenzie June 25, 2002
eer FitC- Oiz- o3v6��
Tonight this council has before it several inter - connected matters related to our
financial condition.
• The approval of salary and benefit increases for some staff [ this was preceded at our
last council meeting by an agreement with one of our bargaining units].
• The approval of next fiscal year's[ 2002 -20031 budget with a $2.7 million shortfall
having to be addressed.
• The transfer of funds from our endowment reserve fund to assist in balancing the
above mentioned $2.7 million shortfall.
• The approval of expenditure of $50,000 in public funds for "public education
consulting funds" related to a tax measure to be placed on the ballot by this council
at a special meeting on August 8 , 2002.
• In addition , the council is informed in the Budget package that the predicted
shortfall of $2.7 million in the following year's budget[2003 -2004] will possibly
grow to as much as $3.7 million To staunch this bleeding and balance the out year
budget requires a belief in an economic recovery that will yield $1.3 million in
increased revenues and passage in November 2002 of a utility tax increase which
would yield $2million annually.
My concerns with this situation have reached the point that I have decided to vote
against proposed salary increases for all city staff; whether they be hardworking staff on
line on the streets, hardworking staff in finance or plannind, hardworking managers ,
hardworking dispatchers, hardworking sworn officers, hardworking staff at our - - -
Recreation and Performing Arts campus At a time of a $2.7 million shortfall it is not
responsible to be approving an increase of $500,000 in salaries and benefits right on the
heels of last fiscal year's $2million salary and benefits increase. When our expenditures
in the General Fund are 70% devoted to salaries and benefits, I cannot vote for this
budget which does not contain an immediate freeze on salary increases.
It is my belief that neither the State of California `s legislature nor the executive branch
of government [ Governor Gray Davis] have the will or the stomach to truly help solve
the problems of funding local government . They fiddle around at the margins of the
problem! I n the meantime, we in Rohnert Park have to contemplate the possibilities of
increasing revenues annually through sales tax revenue increases such as anticipated from
the opening of Costco the fall.
Does this mean that we have to have a new "Costco" every year to pay the
annual salary and benefits increases of our staff ?
How many city buildings are there left to sell?
It's time to stop . Then we can ask our citizens to listen while the harsh realities of
local government finance are laid out and solutions are debated over the next few
weeks .
Until the fiscal situation is stabilized , we must act responsibly. Not by hacking at
already scaled back staffing patterns. Now's the time to look at contracting out Fire
Services and other concepts put forward by citizens earlier this year. I was disappointed
that in previous budget exercises we have seen little evidence of thoughtful statements by
those folks who aoppeared in front of us in April eager to sit on the vacant seat on this
council Where are you now?