1993/04/27 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes
April 27, 1993
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 Hollingsworth presiding.
CALL TO ORDER -Mayor Hollingsworth called the regular session to order at
approximately 6:45 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance.
Mayor Hollingsworth advised that a Budget Work Session was held this
afternoon at 5:00 p.m. to review revenue options and other matters
pertaining to the 1993 -94 Budget and a closed session commenced this
evening at 6:00 p.m. to discuss litigation matters and personnel
matters. He said no action was taken and there was nothing to report
at this time.
ROLL CALL Present: (5) Councilmembers Eck, Gallagher, Reilly, Spiro and
Mayor Hollingsworth
Absent: (0) None
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Netter,
City Attorney Flitner, Assistant to the City Manager Leivo, Director
of Public Works /City Engineer Brust and Recreation Director Pekkain.
Approval References were made to the regular Council meeting minutes of
of April for the following corrections:
Minutes
City Manager Netter referenced bottom of page 6 pertaining to
Councilwoman Gallagher's backyard composting /waste prevention letter
with attachments and said a staff recording correction should be
made to the minutes signifying "copy attached to original set of
these minutes ";
Councilmember Spiro referenced page 11, second paragraph, and said the
statement "the survey initially started out from Cecelia Belle's SCAYD
program" should be corrected to "the survey initially started from
COYF and that Cecelia Belle, who is now Director of the SCAYD program,
was on the COYF Committee when the survey was initiated ";
Councilmember Spiro referenced page 7 pertaining to Council
composting /yard waste JPA discussion and said for the benefit of
Council and when a statement is made by a Councilmember that is
important, it needs to be incorporated into the minutes. She said
Councilman Eck's statement during the referenced discussion should be
inserted "that documents related to a Councilmember's concern should
be provided for Council review prior to a Council meeting rather
than dealing with 11th hour or surprise presentations during
Council meetings ";
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (2) April 27, 1993
City Attorney Flitner referenced City Attorney's report of same
minutes and said further information should be provided to the last
paragraph on page 17 in the Sime case explanation following the wards
"generally speaking ". Mr. Flitner said it should be clarified that it
is the position of the mobile home parks owners, not the City's, that
the contract had been breached.
Upon motion by Councilmember Spiro, seconded by Councilmember
Gallagher, with Councilmember Reilly abstaining from March 30th and
April 13th minutes due to absence from said meetings, the minutes of
NHrch 30, April 6, and April 13, 1993 were unanimously approved
as amended.
Approval Upon motion by Councilmember Gallagher, seconded by Councilmember Eck,
of the bills presented per the attached list in the amount of
Bills $396,780.02 were unanimously approved.
Non- agendaed Mayor Hollingsworth queried if any Councilmember had any non - agendaed
matters items to add to the agenda. Councilment ers Eck and Spiro said they
each had a couple of miscellaneous items to add.
Unscheduled Mayor Hollingsworth stated that in compliance with State Law (The
Public Brown Act), anyone in the audience who wished to make a comment may do
Appearances so at this time. In mast 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 of
the Chamber and unscheduled public appearances are requested to fill
out the cards and present to recording clerk.
Diane Parker, 6301 State Farm Drive, expressed concern about the lack of security at
the Performing Arts Center for the recent performances of Finocchio's.
She said efforts resulted in good attendance but six cars were
broken into on the first night of the performance and two cars
were broken into on the second night. She said it is very hard to
encourage people to come to performances if they cannot feel
comfortable about the security of their vehicles in the parking lot.
Nis. Parker recommended that the City provide adequate surveillance of
the parking lot during performances at the Performing Arts Center.
Discussion followed during which Councilwoman Spiro confirmed her car
was one of the vehicles that was broken into during one of the
performances. She said her car was the first car right out
front and was not in an unlighted, inconspicuous area toward the back.
Nis. Spiro said it would have been more economical to pay directly for
the needed security than to pay for the $500* worth of damage that was
done to her car. City Manager Netter explained that the City has
actually provided security guards for the Symphony in the past. He
said there has been a total of nine incidents at the referenced
parking lot of which six took place on the above- referenced evening.
Phlr. Netter said staff is already working on establishing further
procedures for the provision of adequate security that will probably
include additional charges to the rental groups, but agreed to make
sure security was provided.
*CORRECTION from 5/11/93 Council meeting: Change "$500 worth of damage"
to 1500 deductible for damage ".
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (3) April 27, 1993
George Horwedel, 7669 Camino Colegio, said his comments at this time were to follow
up on convents he made at the previous City Council meeting. He
referenced copies distributed to Council of his five page letter (copy
attached to original set of these minutes) expressing his concerns
related to the proposal of merging the Housing Task Force efforts in
with the COYF Committee. He shared contents therein including
recommendations for various changes in procedure requirements and for
making appointments, as well as recommendation to combine the two
groups with a new name.
Cecelia Belle, 461 High Street, Sebastopol, said she was here tonight as Director of
SCAYD (Sonoma County Associates for Youth Development) to convent on
State funding priorities. She said there had been a lot of support
from the City of Rohnert Park for the SCAYD program and she was sorry
to report that SCAYD did not move into priority to merit County Human
Services funding. She said they are not happy with the decision and
will appeal to the County Board of Supervisors.p ,p
Discussion followed during which Councilmember Eck recommended a
stinging letter to the Board of Supervisors regarding this matter
including lack of representation for Rohnert Park. Mayor
Hollingsworth said we have written our own letter expressing concerns
about the situation. City Manager Netter said he had recently
discussed the issue with Supervisor Tim Smith and Council would
definitely want to include contact with Jim Harberson, Ernie Carpenter
and Mike Cale regarding same.
A motion was made by Councilmember Eck, seconded by Councilmember
Gallagher, and unanimously approved, directing a letter over the
Mayor's signature to the Board of Supervisors expressing above -
reviewed concerns related to representation and distribution of
local funding.
C O N S E N T C A L E N D A R
Mayor Hollingsworth 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.
Resolutions:
No. 93-34 RESOLUTION DECLARING WEEDS GROWING UPON OR IN FRONT OF CERTAIN
PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE,
DIRECTING THE CITY M?NAGER TO POST NOTICE THEREOF, AND DETR:tMCNING
HEARING DATES AS REQUIRED BY CHAPTER 8.08 OF THE ROHNERT PARK
"ICIPAL CODE
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (4) April 27, 1993
No.93 -35 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SALARY ADJUSTMENTS FOR CERTAIN PART -TIME
RECREATION POSITIONS
N0.93 -36 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK APPROVING
AN EXTENSION TO THE LEASE AGREES E WITH SONOMA COUNTY PEOPLE FOR
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (Re. Use of Burton Avenue Recreation Center)
No.93 -37 RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK AUTHORIZING THE
FILING OF AN APPLICATION WITH THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
COMMISSION FOR ALLOCATION OF TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT AND
APPLICABLE STATE TRANSIT ASSISTANCE FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1993 -94
No. 93-38 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COL14CIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK UPDATING
AND ESTABLISHING A POLICY AGAINST HARASSMENT AND ESTABLISHING A
COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
Approval of contribution in the amount of $250 in response to Rancho
Cotate High School letter request for donation towards Academic
Achievement Awards
Upon motion by Councilmember Eck, seconded by Councilmember Gallagher,
the Consent Calendar, as outlined on the meeting's agenda, was
unanimously approved.
Scheduled Public Appearances:
1) Karen Johnson, Director, Volunteer Center of Sonoma County, expressed
appreciation to Council for the invitation and opportunity to discuss
grass roots efforts toward the establishment of a satellite center in
Rohnert Park. She reviewed the history, office locations and purpose
of the organization which is to sustain and assist non - profits toward
effective results for various programs benefiting the human race.
She reviewed previous conumications with Dawna Gallagher about a year
and a half ago, via Ms. Gallagher's representation on Leadership
Rohnert Park (LRP) at the time, regarding the possibilities of
establishing a satellite center in Rohnert Park, as well as more
recent phone com mications from Mr. Jim Park, Rohnert Park's Youth
and Family Services Manager, regarding the possibility of office space
in the Codding Center, phone lines, start u f„nds etc. regarding
same. Further communications were made with LRP, since the idea
initially came from that direction, but LRP has had other things
to deal with including financial stability. Ms. Johnson confirmed
she was here tonight to learn the desires of City Council for the
upcoming year regarding pursuit of this project.
Discussion followed during which Council expressed complimentary
commnts about this proposal and agreed the idea is worth pursuing,
especially with the possibility that it could be accomplished without
a major fiscal outlay. Councilwoman Gallagher said she would like to
be appointed to the Council Committee for this effort, when and if the
project can be pursued. Council concurred that Ms. Johnson should
meet with Youth and Family Services Manager Jim Park and City Ninager
to prepare a proposal for a satellite center in Rohnert Park for
Council review and further consideration.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (5) April 27, 1993
Cecelia Belle, SCAYD Executive Director, 461 High Street, Sebastopol, responded to
2) Russ Denison, 6071 Donna Court, regarding request for 4 -way stop signs at Santa
Dorotea Circle and Donna Court - Mr. Denison shared reasons for this
request and which he said agrees with opinion of many of the
surrounding neighbors of the referenced area. He gave exanples of
many close calls toward accidents and said the problem is not just
related to speed but also related to poor visibility due to the angle
of the corner as well as the particular landscaping at the location.
Mr. Denison responded to various Council questions regarding same.
Ed Spring, 6074 Donna Court, and Pat Jackson, Professor of Criminal Law at Sonoma
State University, 6068 Donna Court, also shared confirming comments in
support of stop signs at the referenced location.
Discussion followed during which Director of Public Works, City
Engineer Brust responded to various Council questions regarding this
matter confirming that staff had recommended against placement of
other stop signs at other intersections in the referenced vicinity but
agreed the above- reviewed location is probably the most difficult,
even though there has only been one recorded accident at same. M'.
Brust said, if he were to choose one location over another for the
placement of stop signs, it would probably be for the Santa Dorotea
Circle and Donna Court intersection as requested tonight; however, the
intersection does not warrant the stop signs from a traffic
engineering concept. He responded to Council inquiry that, if stop
signs are placed at this location, the ones recently placed at Santa
Dorotea at Dawn Drive should be removed. Council further reviewed the
complexities involved with the placement of stop signs including
comments on recent numerous requests for same. The Mayor pointed out
that if stop signs are going to be removed, surrounding residents
should be informed prior to such action and a public hearing should be
scheduled regarding same.
A motion was made by Councilmember Eck, seconded by Councilmember
Spiro, and unanimously approved, to hold a public hearing and notify
all residents close to the intersections involved for consideration of
installing a stop sign at Santa Dorotea Circle and Donna Court and
removing one stop sign at Santa Dorotea at Dawn Drive.
Nhyor's consent to speak, as requested earlier, regarding this matter.
She said she had not yet had the opportunity to speak personally
with Volunteer Center Director Karen Johnson, but intended to do so in
the near future. Nis. Belle shared comments encouraging development
of the satellite center in Rohnert Park. She encouraged Council to
work together with the Volunteer Center and said she would also enjoy
working with the opportunity in a coordinated fashion to stop
duplication of services. Ms. Belle confirmed that their organization**
has brought several million dollars into the area in the short
time of three to four years and intends to continue its value to the
community especially with interests toward youth issues, low income
families, etc. City Council concurred to have Cecelia Belle join in on
the discussions of a volunteer center and to meet with Karen Johnson
and City staff.
ORRECTION from
5/11/93 Council meeting: include comment that SCAYD is currently in the
rocess of
Councilwoman Gallagher responded that with the County reorganization
riting a grant
and potential budget cuts on human services, there may not be
or volunteers.
resources available. She said that is why such human services need to
be here and agreed with the need to work together.
2) Russ Denison, 6071 Donna Court, regarding request for 4 -way stop signs at Santa
Dorotea Circle and Donna Court - Mr. Denison shared reasons for this
request and which he said agrees with opinion of many of the
surrounding neighbors of the referenced area. He gave exanples of
many close calls toward accidents and said the problem is not just
related to speed but also related to poor visibility due to the angle
of the corner as well as the particular landscaping at the location.
Mr. Denison responded to various Council questions regarding same.
Ed Spring, 6074 Donna Court, and Pat Jackson, Professor of Criminal Law at Sonoma
State University, 6068 Donna Court, also shared confirming comments in
support of stop signs at the referenced location.
Discussion followed during which Director of Public Works, City
Engineer Brust responded to various Council questions regarding this
matter confirming that staff had recommended against placement of
other stop signs at other intersections in the referenced vicinity but
agreed the above- reviewed location is probably the most difficult,
even though there has only been one recorded accident at same. M'.
Brust said, if he were to choose one location over another for the
placement of stop signs, it would probably be for the Santa Dorotea
Circle and Donna Court intersection as requested tonight; however, the
intersection does not warrant the stop signs from a traffic
engineering concept. He responded to Council inquiry that, if stop
signs are placed at this location, the ones recently placed at Santa
Dorotea at Dawn Drive should be removed. Council further reviewed the
complexities involved with the placement of stop signs including
comments on recent numerous requests for same. The Mayor pointed out
that if stop signs are going to be removed, surrounding residents
should be informed prior to such action and a public hearing should be
scheduled regarding same.
A motion was made by Councilmember Eck, seconded by Councilmember
Spiro, and unanimously approved, to hold a public hearing and notify
all residents close to the intersections involved for consideration of
installing a stop sign at Santa Dorotea Circle and Donna Court and
removing one stop sign at Santa Dorotea at Dawn Drive.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (6) April 27, 1993
Patty Coe, representing Fourth of July event and request for waiver of fees for use
of stadium - City Manager Netter advised that Patty Coe was unable to
attend tonight's meeting and, therefore, she requested this item be
deferred to the next regular City Council meeting of May 11, 1993.
Council agreed.
Parks and Recreation matters:
1) 24 Hour Relay challenge - request for yearly family pool membership as award to
outstanding participants - City Manager Netter explained content of
staff report provided to Council regarding this request as reviewed in
the Council meeting memo.
Upon motion by Councilmember Spiro, seconded by Councilmember Eck,
donation of the annual family pool membership as an award to
outstanding participants of the 24 -Hour Relay Challenge, was
unanimously approved, as recommended by the Parks and Recreation
Commission.
2) Proposed closing of Alicia Park Little League field for Babe Ruth Bambino League
State Tournament - Recreation Director Pekkain said copies were
provided to Council of letter dated April 21, 1993 from Babe Ruth
Bambino Baseball, Inc. along with staff report regarding this request.
He shared contents therein as reviewed in the Council Meeting
Memo and responded to various Council questions confirming the
need for turf restoration time of the referenced field prior to the
state tournament. Discussion followed.
Upon motion by Councilmember Eck, seconded by Councilmember Spiro,
consent to close Alicia Park Little League field for needed turf
restoration time, as requested by Babe Ruth Bambino League and as
recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission, including Council
direction that an appropriate temporary sign be installed at the field
advising reasons for this action in words that can be understood by
Youths, was unanimously approved.
3) Recreation facilities fees and changes in use policy - Recreation Director
Pekkain referenced staff report provided to Council and shared
contents therein as reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo. He
responded to various Council questions regarding same confirming that
separate packets are distributed to applicants of facility users
pertaining to requirements of participation in the Hospitality Program
when functions include serving alcohol. He agreed with Council
comment that security requirements should be consistent, as outlined
on page 5 of the policy reviewed herein, with specific reference to
security needs of the Performing Arts Center as previously reviewed
earlier tonight.
Upon motion by Councilmember Eck, seconded by Councilmember Reilly, as
recommended by Parks and Recreation Commission, the Recreation
facilities fees and changes in use policy were unanimously approved.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (7) April 27, 1993
Bingo operations update re. gross receipts - City Manager Netter explained the
resolution for consideration regarding this matter which was prepared
by City Attorney Flitner. Mr. Netter shared contents therein as
reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo and which was covered in more
detail in the April 21, 1993 staff report provided to Council. City
Manager Netter advised results of the referenced meeting with PAL
representatives on Friday, April 23, 1993 to discuss the payment plan
options for past pull -tab receipts. Mr. Netter said PAL
representatives Mr. Harvey Head, President, and Bobby Brown were
present at tonight's meeting to respond to this matter. City Manager
Netter explained that Mr. Head disagrees with the definition of gross
receipts on pull -tab sales and feels that pull -tab sales should be
reported based on gross profit because only a specified amount can be
realized by PAL. Mr. Netter shared the example given by Mr. Head.
Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the various complexities of this
matter comparing the City's responsibility and obligations as the
licensing agent to the logic of concerns expressed by PAL.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gallagher, seconded by
Councilmember Eck, to charge 1% on the gross profit of pull -tabs for
pull -tab sales for the period of January 1, 1991 to October 31, 1992.
Said motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: (4) Councilmembers Eck, Gallagher, Reilly and
Mayor Hollingsworth
NOES: (1) Councilmember Spiro
ABSENT: (0) None
Councilmember Spiro said she could not support the motion because it
is in direct conflict of what the state law requires. State law is
very clear regarding what we should be doing related to gross sales.
City Manager Netter advised that this action only takes care of the
past and Council still needs to establish the above - reviewed policies
for use of bingo license fees and for the conducting of future
bingo audits. Further discussion followed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Spiro, seconded by Councilmember
Gallagher, to have the bingo organizations provide an audited
financial statement prepared by a qualified C.P.A. at their own cost
per the standard procedures required by the State.
City Manager Netter explained that the only problem with this
stipulation is that the smaller bingo operations cannot afford the
cost of an average audit. Councilman Eck suggested there might be
auditors available who would volunteer their auditing services for the
smaller non - profit organizations.
Harvey Head, President of PAL, said he would not want to see the City get into
costing the smaller non - profits, since an auditing financial fee is
quite expensive, and the smaller organizations cannot afford it. Mr.
Head referenced City Manager's outline of requirements for the smaller
non- profits and said they have to report to the state and, if there is
anything wrong with the way the money is spent, there is a way to
check into that. He said, however, that PAL could probably afford the
audits and would much rather pay $5,000 to an auditor than pay $24,000
to the City.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (8) April 27, 1993
Mayor Hollingsworth recommended amending the above motion accordingly
since all the City needs to know is whether such a non - profit
organization is meeting the requirements of the state law.
Councilmember Spiro responded that from personal experience, there is
only one problem with this recommendation in that such financial
statements to the state are conpiled from numbers provided with a
disclaimer from the C.P.A. and she wondered if that would fulfill the
responsibilities of the auditing agency.
A motion was made by Councilmember Eck, seconded by Councilmember
Spiro, and unanimously approved, to table the above motion for 30 days
until after City Attorney can review the entire bingo matter and
include this in his above - directed report at the May 25th, 1993
Council meeting.
Mr. Head said the state does not require the non - profits to conduct an
audit. City Manager Netter responded, however, that the City has an
obligation as the regulatory body to make sure the assets of such
operations are protected, the organization has sufficient internal
controls and that bingo proceeds are spend for charitable purposes.
He said the audits have been used to ensure this.
RECESS Mayor Hollingsworth declared a recess at approximately 8:09 p.m.
RECONVENE Mayor Hollingsworth reconvened the Council meeting at approximately
8:15 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Kaufman. and Broad -South Bay, Inc. letter request to perform calculations on sewer
capacity relative to the retrofit program - City Manager Netter said
copies were provided to Council of letter dated April 19, 1993 from
Kaufman & Broad regarding sewer allocation for the two (2) Hewlett
Packard (HP) residential properties proposal along Camino Colegio
totaling approximately 291 single - family homes. He shared comments
as reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo. City Manager Netter and
Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust responded to Council
questions pertaining to the concept and request for down- sizing the
density zoning and potential sewer capacity from the City's new
retrofit program for development of residential units on the Hewlett
Packard land.
Peter Benson, Mtanager, Land & Planriinrr for Kaufman and Broad, referenced additional
copies distributed to Council of Kaufman and Broad's Countryside Grand
Opening of its decorated models in Petaluma on Saturday, May ist,
1993. He shared further details pertaining to tonight's letter and
request. Mr. Benson responded to Council inquiry that the agreement
relating to completion of the extension of Bodway Parkway is not
binding to Kaufman and Broad if the purchase agreement is not
consummated. He said the project is focused toward affordable housing
in the range of approximately $160,000 to the low $200,000 and
confirmed upgraded design of post tension slab floors. Mr. Benson
said it is understood they are competing with everyone else for sewer
capacity and said right now the attempt is to review alternatives.
City Engineer Brust responded to Council inquiry confirming that the
referenced sewer capacity calculations (theoretical calculations) were
not that difficult to prepare and he would report on same for
Council's review at the next Council meeting. Mayor Hollingsworth
said Kaufman and Broad should not rely on theoretical numbers and
maybe should consider Hewlett Packard's available capacity.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (9) April 27, 1993
Planning and Zoning matters:
1) File No. 1585 - Codding Enterprises - Receipt of Focused EIR proposals for
Laguna Apartments project to be located on south side of Laguna Drive,
north of and contiguous to Rancho Feliz Mobile Home Park - City
Manager Netter said copies were provided to Council of the referenced
proposals, specifically Elgar Hill in the amount of $19,890 and
LSA Associates, Inc. in the amount of $69,915. He shared comments
therein as reviewed in the Council Meeting Memo and responded to
Council questions regarding same.
Upon motion by Councilmember Gallagher, seconded by Councilmember
Spiro, the lower proposal in the amount of $19,890 from Elgar Hill for
File No. 1585 - Laguna Apartments Focused EIR, was unanimously approved.
2) File No. 1527 - Review of conditional use permit process to allow potbellied
pigs in residential districts - City Manager Netter referenced copies
provided to Council of previous ordinance and resolution adopted in
April of 1992 regarding this matter, as reviewed in the Council
Meeting Memo, confirming one of the conditions of the resolution
was that the matter be subject to Council's review one year from
its adoption.
Mayor Hollingsworth responded to Council request to defer this item to
the first Council meeting in May because the original initiator of the
idea was unable to attend tonight's meeting. The Mayor said deferring
the matter would probably not be necessary since the intent is simply
to review the process to see how it is working. City Manager Netter
confirmed there had been no reported problems related to allowing pot
belly pigs in residential districts with the exception of the one
recent complaint as reviewed in the above- referenced staff report and
scheduled for review at the Planning Commission meeting of April 22nd.
The use permit process seems to be working and staff recommends
Council concurrence to continue under the existing procedures.
Katherine Collins, 828 Lilac Way, said it was her understanding that the
establishment of the use permits was to keep track of the pot belly
pigs during the trial period and questioned continuance of the
ordinance. Council responses clarified that the ordinance was not on
a one year trial basis but that use permits were subject to review
one year after issuance with confirmation that this is a very
important part of the ordinance which allows the City to revoke
permits if a real problem occurs. Ms. Collins said there were a lot
of people in the community with pot belly pigs that she did not think
has use permits and she just wanted them to be legally licensed.
Council concurred to existing procedures pertaining to allowing
pot belly pigs in residential districts and to review procedures again
in twelve months.
Composting /Yard Waste joint powers agreement - Assistant to the
City Manager Leivo
updated Council
on this
matter and reported that
the Sonoma County
Waste Management
Agency
has continued its meeting
to May 5th, 1993.
He said if for
some reason the Agency does not
proceed with the
contract, there
will be
a proposed contract with
Sonoma County and
several of the cities to
accomplish the same thing.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (10) April 27, 1993
Payment of interest on security deposits on rental units - City Attorney Flitner
referenced copies provided to Council of his memorandum dated April
21, 1993 regarding this matter. He shared comments as reviewed in the
Council Meeting Memo and responded to various Council questions
regarding same confirming his opinion that the City can enact
reasonable regulations providing for relations between landlords and
tenants if the provisions do not contradict, amend, or alter state
law. Mr. Flitner pointed out, however, that the responsibility of
enforcement of such provisions should be between private parties and
not through City forces, since the matter is not a direct municipal
concern to the City. Discussion followed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Spiro, seconded by Councilmember
Gallagher, and unanimously approved, directing City Attorney to
prepare an ordinance for consideration as reviewed above pertaining to
payment of interest on rental unit security deposits.
Mayor Hollingsworth confirmed a duly noticed public hearing would be
held regarding this matter following the City Attorney's preparation
of the referenced ordinance. He said separate public hearing notices
should be provided to all realtors and property managements within the
city limits. Council agreed.
Ben Friedman, 7323 College View Drive #501, acknowledged distribution of his letter
regarding this matter at the previous Council meeting and expressed
concerns pertaining to lack of response from an ad he recently placed
in the Press Democrat regarding same. He asked if numerous realtors
and property managers opposed this issue at the public hearing, and he
is the only person that shows up to support it, would that mean
Council would give no further consideration to it? The Mayor
responded no and signified that the issue would be considered
according to the needs of the community.
City's undergrounding projects and Rule 20A funds - City Manager Netter referenced
copies provided to Council of various items related to this matter, as
briefly reviewed at the previous Council meeting, including project
identification map specifically related to description of the Adrian
Drive 7 -nder g ---,ndiig project. ile shared ms coiii��t� th
erein as reviewed
in the Council Meeting Memo. Discussion followed during which City
Manager Netter and Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust
responded to Council questions pertaining to Rule 20A funds for
undergrounding projects confirming the need to use other funding
sources for house service connections and street lighting costs.
Mr. Netter indicated this funding could come from the reserve for
housing programs from the 1984 Bond program.
A motion was made by Councilmember Eck, seconded by Councilmember
Gallagher, and unanimously approved, to proceed with action on above -
reviewed undergrounding project of Adrian Drive from East Cotati
Avenue to Santa Barbara Court in the amount of approximately $487,000
and implementation for Rule 20A funds, as recommended by staff,
provided necessary supplemental funding is available through sources
other than General funds.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (11) April 27, 1993
Possible transit stops in Rohnert Park - Director of Public Works /City Engineer
Brust said copies were provided to Council of map signifying potential
transit stations in the City of Rohnert Park (copy attached to
original set of these minutes). He shared comments as reviewed in the
Council Meeting Memo identifying the seven potential sites and
responded to various Council questions regarding same.
Ralph Jones, 5309 Country Club Drive, pointed out that as a realtor in the area, he
has monitored property along the tracks. There are a number of
parcels in Cotati that have been condemned along East Cotati Avenue
and Industrial until transit decisions are made. The City will not
permit development on the parcels next to the car wash until this
happens. The General Plan Committee has also reviewed the rapid
transit matter whereby one of those sites had been recommended.
Discussion followed during which Council concluded the need to
correlate with Cotati via 2 x 2 Committee Meeting for a possible
central transit station location along East Cotati Avenue; preference
was signified toward Red Lion Plaza but consideration could be given
to Seed Farm Drive extension in that the land in that location might
be better used as a transit station concluding this could also be
reviewed in the 2 x 2 Committee Meeting with Cotati; reference was
made to the Park and Ride lot by Roberts Lake Road with recommendation
of a double -deck parking structure at that location because of all the
cars currently parked up and down that road; and, with confirmation
by Councilmember Eck that he would be attending an Open Space meeting
on Wednesday evening, it was recommended he should approach the County
about the northern location by Wal -Mart for a potential transit
station. Council agreed consideration of these potential transit
stations should be adequate at this time and said the General Plan
Committee might want to consider same in its final draft.
Council meetings tape recorded - Councilmember Spiro said this was not an agenda
item but noticed a Councilmember was taping the meeting and asked if
this was going to be done regularly as it seemed a little odd that a
Councilperson would tape Council meetings. City Manager Netter
confirmed Councilmember Gallagher's response that she had reviewed
this matter earlier with him whereby W. Netter had said anyone is
free to tape record the meeting, if desired, but advised that the
official record is the written record following Council's approval
of same .
ABAG's request for support of AB 398 (Valerie Brown) on growth management /regional
government - City Manager Netter referenced copies provided to Council
of ABAG (Association of Bay Area Governments) letters dated April 12
and 14, 1993 regarding this matter, as well as letter dated April 14,
1993 from City of Suisun City with attached sample resolution
expressing support of same. W. Netter said Council had requested at
the previous Council meeting that this item be placed on tonight's
agenda. Discussion followed during which Council agreed the
referenced sample resolution had a tactful approach with both the
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (12) April 27, 1993
AB153 Nbrgan bill and the AB398 V.Brown bill but there needed to be a
"whereas" section included expressing concerns about the weighted vote
in representation.
Resolution A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
No.93 -39 SUPPORTING THE CM,/MCC /ABAG PARTNERSHIP TO COORDINATE LAND USE AND
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING REQUESTING THE CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE TO DEFER
ACTION ON AB153 (Nbrgan) AND AB398 (V.Brown)
Upon motion by Councilmember Eck, seconded by Councilmember Spiro, and
unanimously approved, reading of the sample resolution was waived for
the wording of Resolution No. 93 -39 with inclusion of additional
paragraph expressing concerns about the weighted vote in
representation, and said resolution was adopted by title and direction
for staff to FAX said resolution tomorrow morning to Valerie Brown for
the April 28th hearing of the Assembly Local Government Committee.
Communications - Connunications 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's report:
1) Distribution of information relative to smoking ban in restaurants - City Manager
Netter referenced copies provided to Council of staff report regarding
this matter for informational purposes. Discussion followed during
which Assistant to the City Manager Leivo responded to Council inquiry
that the notices had already been mailed to the restaurants.
2) Rohnert Park Towing's participation in Spring Cleanup - City Manager Netter
shared contents of copies provided to Council of letter request dated
April 16, 1993 from Rohnert Park Towing regarding participation in
this year's Spring Clean -up, as has been done in past years, with the
additional request this year to be included in the City's brochure to
be enclosed with the utility billing. Council agreed with
confirmation that anyone interested in participating in such programs
is welcome to do so and also expressed the hope that local newspapers
would pick un on this and spread the Ajo;
rd
3) Open House -Youth & Family Services-May 10, 1993 -4:00 to 6:00 p.m. - City Manager
Netter said copies were provided to Council regarding invitation to
this special occasion.
4) Report on meeting with Senator Marks - City Manager Netter reported on meeting
last Friday with Senator Marks which included a representative from
Assemblywoman Vivien Bronshvag's office and Assemblywoman. Valerie
Brown, representatives from the County and each of the cities.
Senator Marks' message supported local government. The two basic
issues Senator Marks is pressing is the continuation of the 1/2 cent
sales tax and a simple majority vote for increase of parcel taxes.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (13) April 27, 1993
5) Report on meeting with State representatives re. widening of U.S. 101 from
Wilfred Avenue to Steele Lane - City Manager Netter also reported on
this meeting with Supervisor Tim Smith and Assemblywoman Valerie Brown
and representatives from the cities and local businesses, etc. as a
focus group to identify solutions to the U.S.101 traffic and
transportation problems. This focus group is brainstorming on the
possibility or feasibility of dusting off Measure B. City Manager
will keep the Council informed as this group continues, but said if
this is pursued further, it will surface at SCTA and the Mayors' and
Councilmembers' Association.
6) Young Woman of the Year - City Manager Netter said Carrie Caudle will be
representing Rohnert Park in the State competition for Young Woman of
the Year.
City Attorney's report:
Amicus Brief regarding City of San Diego vs. Jipson - City Attorney Flitner referred
to this amicus brief regarding asbestos applied to any buildings in
San Diego whereby it was discovered that the statutes of limitations
has no power and each case is reviewed building by building. Mr.
Flitner confirmed review of the matter with the representative and
said he did not think Rohnert Park has any problem with buildings in
the City, but what they are asking for is for the benefit of the
statutes of limitation. Mayor Hollingsworth responded that he might
have a conflict regarding this matter since he is in the insurance
business. Council agreed it would be better to deal with such issues
on a case by case basis and signified preference not to join this
amicus brief.
Matters from/for Council:
1) Dedication of new Public Safety Building - City Manager Netter said this
occasion was scheduled for Wednesday, April 28th, 1993 at 5:00 p.m.
2) Rohnert Park 'Theatre Guild - "Fabulous Follies" on May 7,8,& 9, 1993 - City
Manager Netter announced this event and said he would be one of the
participants, as well as Councilmember Eck, Councilmember Spiro, City
Engineer Brust, Assistant to the City Manager Leivo, along with others.
3) County Human Services Commission (Spiro) - Councilmember Spiro said Cecelia Belle
dealt with this item earlier during this meeting.
4) Youth Commission (Spiro) - Councilmember Spiro referenced copies provided to
Council of notice from County of Sonoma Human Services Commission
regarding public hearing on Tuesday, April 27, 1993 at 4:00 p.m.
inviting input on preliminary recommendations for FY 1993 -94 Funding
of Conrunity Services and Child Abuse Prevention, Intervention and
Treatment programs. Ms. Spiro said she had requested more information
regarding this matter. City Manager Netter advised he did some
research into the matter including checking with the Mani Code, but it
was not there. He also checked with Recreation Director Pekkain who
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (14) April 27, 1993
advised there was a commission many years ago whereby it was signified
in the records of Don Kite. Councilmember Spiro said possibilities
had been discussed pertaining to the Boys and Girls Club and confirmed
she would pursue the matter further.
5) Opposing Federal Excise Tax on Wine - Councilmember Spiro referenced copies
distributed to Council of resolutions from the cities of Cotati and
Cloverdale opposing any increase on federal excise tax on wine. She
recomrended Council's review of both resolutions for consideration at
the next Council meeting.
6) Golf Course - Councilmember Spiro referenced letter dated April 18, 1993 from
Dana House regarding suggestions to deal with various noises on golf
courses. Ms. Spiro said she would also like to mention not only noise
as a problem at the golf course, but people are using trees to relieve
themselves rather than waiting until they can get to the restrooms.
Mayor Hollingsworth responded that this matter had been addressed in
the past and reviewed the complications regarding same.
7) Factory Outlet Consultants - Councilmember Spiro referenced recent conrunications
from Factory Outlet Consultants whereby Rohnert Park was included in a
listing of cities furnished by the United States Conference of Mayors
to consider factory outlet retail stores as a potential avenue for
accelerating revitalization activities. Ms. Spiro shared comments
supporting the idea and recommended having the City Manager pass
this material on to local developers and the Chamber of Commerce.
Council concurred.
8) Sonoma Life Support - emergency medical needs insurance programs - Councilmember
Spiro referenced item No. 15 on tonight's Communications list from
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors pertaining to response to the
City's previous inquiry regarding this matter and asked for
clarification. City Manager Netter responded that the letter
basically says that the emergency medical needs provider in Rohnert
Park, Sonoma Life Support, is not licensed by the Insurance
Commissioner to offer insurance programs. The letter reviews a
possible alternative whereby several California counties and cities
have joined in sponsoring a parcel tax to fund emergency medical
services. The funds raised in this manner have been blended with
insurance payments to hold rates for service to low levels. Mayor
Hollingsworth shared comments opposing the idea and said he personally
felt the City should not get involved in this type of insurance
because of potential litigation complications.
9) George's Cab service - Councilmember Spiro said she received information from a
citizen pertaining to taxicab rates of George's Cab and thought the
amount of $5.60 for a particular local service was very high. Various
Council responses concluded that the rates were not excessive because
of numerous expenses including liability costs to enable cabs to
operate and provide needed service to a community.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (15) April 27, 1993
10) Sonoma County Wineries Association - Councilmember Spiro referenced comnmica-
tions from the Wineries Association regarding the need of a sign.
She said she wondered why there was no sign at the specified location
and, also, asked why the letter regarding same came to the City.
Mayor Hollingsworth responded that he thought they ought to approach
the Council if they want a sign. City Manager Netter stated he
has knowledge that they are working on a sign program, but has
not yet seen anything.
11) General Plan Committee meeting - Councilmember Spiro referenced the General Plan
Committee meeting held last night and questioned the attendance of
Councilmember Gallagher at the meeting as Ms. Spiro thought
Councilmembers were not supposed to attend such meetings unless they
i were on the Council Committee of same. Discussion followed during
which Council agreed that any Councilmember can attend such meetings
as a private citizen with the understanding that they are not
representing Council and, also, that if two Council Committee Members
are able to attend such meetings, the other visiting Councilmember
would naturally be the one to leave the meeting in order to comply
with Brown Act requirements.
Councilm niDer Gallagher said she attended the above - referenced General
Plan meeting and said she would like a clear description regarding
what they are trying to do. She said it is her request that the
particular General Plan appointments should be made by her nominations
and not the past appointments (nominations) of former Councilmember
Warren Hopkins. Lengthy discussion ensued during which Assistant to
the City Manager Leivo and Council Committee Member Eck responded to
numerous Council questions as reflected in the referenced General Plan
Committee meeting held last night. Council concluded in direction to
sunset this General Plan Committee following finalization of the
referenced document by two- thirds vote of the Committee, if necessary;
forward said recommendations by June 1st, 1993, to the Planning
Commission for review and recommendation of same to Council for
consideration to incorporate one major amendment to the 1992 General
Plan; extend sincere appreciation from Council to the General Plan
Committee for the hard work involved in this effort; and, thereafter,
Council will have the option to reconstitute another General Plan
Committee to proceed with further review and recommendations for
updating the unresolved elements.
12) School District joint meeting dates - City Manager Netter responded to
Councilmember Gallagher's inquiry that the School District has
initiated communications pertaining to coordinating the previously
referenced joint meeting between the cities and the School District
and said they are looking for some dates after May 6th that would be
agreeable to everyone involved.
13) Rental car parking at PAC - City Manager Netter responded to Councilmember Eck's
inquiry regarding cars parked on the sidewalk between the Performing
Arts Center and the Community Center. Mr. Netter advised that
arrangements were made with the Volvo dealer for transportation
services for Directors at no charge.
Rohnert Park City Council Minutes (16) April 27, 1993
14) Set up meeting with SSU President's Cabinet regarding campus housing -
Councilmember Eck said he had observed SSU agenda items centered
around campus housing and recommended City Manager make arrangements
for a dinner meeting for Council to meet with SSU President's Cabinet
to review possibilities regarding same. Council agreed.
15) Meet with store managers regarding shopping carts - Councilmember Eck said he
would like to volunteer as Councilperson to meet with store managers
of shopping areas to review the problem of the discarded shopping
carts. Council agreed.
16) Bike path patrol - Councilmember Eck reviewed reasons pertaining to the need for
bike path patrol by uniformed officers. City Manager Netter responded
that a proposal was received from Public Safety and consideration of
such a program would be reviewed during upcoming budget sessions.
17) Councilmember Reilly advised he would be unable to attend the dedication of the
new Public Safety Building because he had to attend other meetings.
Unscheduled
Public Mayor Hollingsworth asked if anyone in the audience wished to make an
Appearances appearance at this time.
James M. Clark, 80 Walnut Circle, expressed concerns related to the General Plan
Committee meeting held last night of which he attended. He said the
vote was 8 to 2 to discontinue the Committee after the 24th of next
month and, therefore, the idea expressed tonight by Council to sunset
the Committee is an elegant one. Assistant to the City Manager Leivo
responded to Mr. Clark's inquiry that Committee Member Barkey withdrew
his motion of having only one more meeting.
Adjournment Mayor Hollingsworth adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:22 p.m.
to 5,00 p.m. on Nhy 11th, 1993 for a Budget Work Session preceding the
next regular City Council meeting.
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Sunday night (March 20, 1993) I sat down to write President Clinton to give
him my 12 specific spending cuts that I felt was necessary to cut the deficit. I
also reminded the President that money spent locally by the cities, county,
and schools in the hiring of police, fire, sheriff, and teachers benefits the local
citizens a 100 times more than money spent on Department of Agriculture,
Energy, or Education in Washington D.C. It is time government put a higher
priority spending locally not nationally.
Yes, state and federal government have set up a situation where cities are
going to have to cut spending or increase contributions or taxes.
So I realize why the city wants to combine or eliminate committees and /or
task forces. But I must tell you that after our meeting on March 15, 1993, with
KOYF that I feel that the Housing Task Force is being railroaded our of
business.
Let me tell you some of the highlights of this last meeting. There were
approximately a dozen people including two staff (Jim and Kathy), two
council liaisons (Art and Linda), a member of the Boys & Girls Club, a
member from the Teen Center, Linda Branscomb, City Manager Joe Netter,
and me.
In the meeting there: were no motions or votes made!,
were no agreements by consensus!,
was one recommendation for the Teen Center to
meet with the Boys & Girls Club.
In fact, the minutes I understand were not even approved from the previous
meeting. This meeting reinforced my belief that KOYF is a paper tiger made
up of staff (Jim and Kathy) doing the majority of the work and the
organization receiving the credit! I further believe (my opinion) that the only
reason the meeting was held was because of the Housing Task Force and /or
George Horwedel
7669 Camino Colegio
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 795 -8683
Page 2 of 5
the possibility of KOYF being combined with the Housing Task Force to create
another organization.
First, though, I have to correct one statement I made at the February 23, 1993,
council meeting, in which I said KOYF has had one informal meeting a pizza
parlor since November of 1991. Jim Park adamantly told me at the March 15,
1993, meeting that what I said was totally untrue, and that KOYF had a full
committee meeting last July. I apologize to the council and KOYF for the
oversight if KOYF did indeed have a meeting in July.
But playing Quincy or Perry Mason for a minute let me point out several
things indicating that July meeting either never happened or that not enough
people showed up to have an official meeting!
First, when I asked Jim after the March 15, 1993, meeting for a copy of the
minutes of the July meeting, Jim said, "I don't keep the minutes, Kathy has
all that!" and that's where Linda Branscomb got this for me (a copy of all the
minutes of KOYF).
Second, if KOYF had a meeting in July, each member of the committee would
have a copy of the minutes in their packet to approve.
Third, and far more important and embarrassing to KOYF if they did have a
meeting was the SURVEY!
One of KOYF's subcommittees put together a survey and sent it to
approximately 290 people throughout the County. The mailed the survey in
late April and asked that the survey be returned my mid -May. Now don't
you think if KOYF did a major survey with the results scheduled to be
returned in mid -May that topic No. 1 on July's agenda would be the survey?
Plus, if KOYF was still active and not a paper tiger don't you think KOYF
members would have received the results before March 15, 1992. Plus, don't
you think the city council should have not only received the results but also
ask for input on how to improve the survey, like the General Plan
George Horwedel
7669 Camino Colegio
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 795 -8683
Page 3 of 5
Committee did. Also the Housing Task Force, Park & Recreation and /or the
General Plan Committee might have been interested in the results.
And than there were the costs, which included:
1. Printing the survey.
2. Buying the pencils (each survey received)
3. Mailing costs with pencil adds up to at least 52¢ each)
4. Return postage envelopes, and
5. Staff time.
Barry Godolphin estimated that at least 500 hours of time was used in the
project. It is unclear what percentage is staffs. It is also unclear who paid for
all of this and what the total costs were?
Question: Was there a final total on the costs of this survey given to the
council? There were not brought up at the meeting.
SO WHAT DID THE CITY RECEIVE?
In my opinion, we received a survey that was mailed to a specific group, city
and county volunteers, picked by a subcommittee in contract to a random
population of Rohnert Park residents. We also received a survey that the city
council did not receive. The survey, after completion was either in
hibernation, lost, or forgotten by a committee by all appearances was in
hibernation.
In short, we may have paid for a survey that was sent to a select group of what
they would like! It doesn't tell us what the non - volunteering residents of
Rohnert Park wants and needs are. Of course with the results not distributed
for so long I think Rohnert Park's wants and needs for KOYF as currently
being operated need evaluated.
There are some other things that happened at the meeting or thorough
reading the notes that also need evaluated.
George Horwedel
7669 Camino Colegio
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 795 -8683
Page 4 of 5
1. The March 15 meeting was run by Jim Park, even though chairperson
Nikki Arena was present at the meeting.
2. I understood the March 15 meeting was supposed to be a joint meeting of
KOYF and the Housing Task Force, not a meeting or trying to show KOYF
is still breathing and then placing Linda Branscomb on the agenda as the
last item with not enough time to adequately discuss the subject.
3. My proposal of COHR (pronounced Core) Committee was on the agenda
but I wasn't invited to present it! Plus the KOYF members did not receive
the proposal in their packets to review.
4. Looking through the minutes of previous meetings, I noticed that staff
and council were making motions and voting as members.
I recommend a number of changes should be made by council:
1. Establish an annual evaluation process of two rotating council member
(not mayor, vice mayor, or immediate former mayor) who will look at the
work the committee, task force, or board has accomplished in the past year,
their costs to the City, and their specific goals for the upcoming year, and
decide whether that committee, task force, or board has enough benefits to
the City to warrant another year.
2. Establish formal requirements of do's and don'ts for each committee, task
force, and board. I was checking with Loraine on Thursday and she
couldn't find specific do's and don'ts for groups other than councils or
commissions.
My final recommendation is to combine KOYF and the Housing Task Force
and rename it. I don't care if its name the Human Services Committee or
COHR, or anything else. Combining the two groups with a new name will
put each group on an equal footing. I also propose the new group hold
monthly meetings, abide with some specific do's and don'ts, be appointed by
council, have Jim and Kathy as non - voting staff, and two non- voting council
George Horwedel
7669 Camino Colegio
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 795 -8683
Page 5 of 5
liaisons, and a requirement that the group give a report to council every six
months.
The new group would also continue the great work that KOYF and the
Housing Task Force has done in the past.
Rohnert Park needs an active, properly supervised committee with monthly
meetings that will develop to the highest degree the many wonderful projects
out there that are just waiting to happen.
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4. East Enid of
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