HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 02/02/1976MINUTES OF MEETING
OF CITY COUNCIL
PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA
FEBRUARY 2 1976'
COUNCIL.MEETING The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Petaluma was called to order by Mayor Helen Putnam at
the hour of 7:30 p.m.
ATTENDANCE Present: Councilmen Brunner, Cavanagh, Harberson,
Hilligoss, Mattei, Perry, and Mayor Putnam.
Absent: None.
INVOCATION The Reverend Goss of, First Presbyterian Church
gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE A number of Boy Scouts were in attendance at the
Council meeting in order to observe Council procedures
for their Boy Scout in Government Council Meeting to
be held February 9, 1976, at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Putnam
called upon Scout Bill Hagopian to lead the assembly
in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the special meeting of the City Council
held January 19, 1976, at 4:00 p.m., and the minutes
of the regular meeting held January 19, 1976, at-7:30
P.M., were approved as mailed.
CONSENT CALENDAR A motion was made by Councilman Cavanagh, seconded by
Councilman Perry, approving the resolutions on the
Consent Calendar. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #1 Resolution #7281 N.C.S. authorizing the appointment of
PCDC,STAFF OFFICERS Staff Officers to the Petaluma Community Development
RES #7281 NCS Commission was adopted by 7 affirmative votes.
Agenda Item #2
PCDC AGREEMENT- -
ADVANCE FUNDS
RES 47282 NCS
AMEND ZONING
ORDINANCE -- RECLASSIFY
A.P. #8- 262 - FROM
PUD TO R -C
ORD 41206 NCS
(SECOND READING)
Resolution #7282 N.C.S. authorizing the signing of an /' � /
6
agreement for the advance of funds to the Petaluma 0
Community Development Commission was adopted by 7
affirmative votes.
The proposal to rezone the property located at the
northeast corner of Sixth and "I" Streets from a
Planned Unit District to an R -C (Compact Single - family
Residence) District was briefly reviewed by Planning
Director Dennis Boehlje. The Council was informed
that the property had recently been rezoned to a
Planned Unit District; however, the developer found it
financially unfeasible and asked to have the zoning
reverted to the R -C District classification.
Mr. Boehlje explained the allotment procedure would not apply to the project,
since the first year's proposal called for two duplexes, or a total of four
units. Mr. Boehlje further stated the R -C District would require lot lines to
be designated in conformance with the Subdivision Ordinance. The R -C desig-
nation provides for a lower density on the property than had been proposed
under the PUD zoning.
Mayor Putnam then opened the public hearing. It was noted notices had been
mailed to the adjacent property owners and no responses had been received by
the City Clerk. In addition, no comments were offered at the meeting and the
public hearing was closed.
Ordinance 41206 N.C.S amending Zoning Ordinance 41072 N.C.S. by reclassifying
A.P. #8- 262 -04, consisting of approximately .9 acres located on the northeast
corner of Sixth and "I" Streets, from a Planned Unit District to an R -C
(Compact Single - family Residence) District was adopted by 7 affirmative votes.
C
February 2, 1976
CERTIFY EIR-- HOSPITAL Planning.Director Dennis Boehlje informed the Council
SITE -- TROUDY LANE that even though the bond issue to relocate the Hill -
RES 47283 NCS crest Hospital had been defeated by the voters last
November, the E.I.R. still could be useful, since
construction was being contemplated on the Troudy Lane
site. Mr. Boehlje also advised the document contained valuable information
regarding proposed sites as well. Initially, the E.I.R. had been found
lacking in some areas; however, the consultant had.provided an adequate adden-
dum report and the Planning Commission recommended it be certified as having
been completed in accordance with State and local guidelines.
Vice -Mayor Mattei felt much of the information contained in the E.I.R. was
superfluous and expensive to obtain. Mr. Boehlje replied various segments of
the environment had to be addressed under the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act, and the City staff did not have sufficient infor-
mation to evaluate.all these areas'. Mr Boehlje further stated because of
stringent requirements, consulting.frms sometimes provided more.information
than-necessary in the E.I.R.; however, this -was a manner of protection for the
consulting agency to insure all the factors.in the environment have been fully
investigated.
Mayor Putnam then opened the public hearing. No written comments.have. been
received by the City Clerk. Mr. Dean Merrick, a member of the audience,
stated he agreed with Vice -Mayor Mattei as to the superfluous content of the
E.I.R. There being no further.comments, Mayor Putnam then closed the public
hearing.
Vice -Mayor Mattei inquired whether an additional E.I.R. would be required if
the hospital expanded at its current site. Mr. Elgar Hill, the Consultant,
who had prepared the E.I.R-. stated he believed some supplemental information
would be required, but it would not be necessary to go through the entire
process.
Staff report dated January 14,, 1976, from the Planning Department to the
Planning Commission submitted and filed; excerpts from the Planning Com-
mission minutes of January 20, 1976, submitted and filed; Planning Commission
Resolution #3 -76, dated January 20, 1976 submitted and filed; E.I.R. for
Hillcrest Hospital with addendum, submitted and filed; staff,report dated,
October 9th and 14th to the Planning Commission and excerpts of the minutes
of October 14, 1975, submitted and filed.
At the conclusion of the discussion, Resolution 47283 N.C.S. certifying the
Environmental Impact Report for the proposed Hillcrest Hospital Site at.
Troudy Lane was introduced by Councilman Perry, seconded by Councilman
Harberson, -and approved by 7 affirmative votes.
BID OPENING--1976 Purchasing Officer C. D. Huffman reviewed the bids
MODULAR AMBULANCE from four different .agencies which had been opened
RES 4:7284 NCS January 21, 1976. Bids had been received from Y -W
Corporation, Pacific'Coach and Ambulance Sales
Company., Superior Professional Cars and Western
States Fire Apparatus of California.. The low bidder was Y -W Corporation,
with a bid of $22,;207.65. The bid did not include a trade -in allowance for
the 1968 Cadillac ambulance now in use. The recommendation of the Purchasing
Officer was to accept the low bid in the amount of $22,207.65.
Report dated January 2.9, 1976, out the bids, submitted and filed.
In answer to questions posed by the City Council, Mr. Huffman advised the
anticipated.delivery date for the bid from Y -W Corporation would be approx -
mately 90 days. Pacific. Coach and Superior Professional Cars would give no
delivery date, and Westerns States would require 125 to 155 days for de-
livery.
At the conclusion of the discussion, Resolution 47284 N.C.S. awarding con-
tract for the purchase of new ambulance for the Fire Department to Y -W
Corporation, 245 East Olive Avenue, Burbank, California 91502, in the amount
of $22,207.65 was introduced by Councilman Harberson, seconded by Councilman
Perry, and by 7 affrmativeavotes.
February 2, 1976
BID OPENING -- Finance Officer John Scharer reviewed the bids re-
PASSENGER TRANSIT ceived by the'City, which had been opened January 28,
BUSES 1976, for the purchase of five diesel= powered buses.
RES #7285 NCS Mr'..Scharer indicated-specifications had been sent to
six manufacturers and three bids had been received.
A summary of the bds-and the companies submitting
proposals, submitted and filed.
Mr. Scharer explained to the Council only two of the three bids were conform-
ing bids, as Servicar did not comply with the - specifications in that a bid
bond did not accompany the bid. When questioned by Vice -Mayor Mattei why the
other three companies who were sent specifications did not reply, Mr. Scharer
answered that FMC and Twincoach did not make transit vehicles in the 16 -23
passenger range, and Minibus did respond with a "no bid ".
Mr. Scharer advised the Council, after reviewing all the bids, it was the
recommendation to purchase the five Model 03909D19 Mercedes Benz buses from
Holt Motors, Stockton, California, in the amount of $169,525.95. Delivery
date for the buses would be 60 days after the order is given.
The Council discussed some of various specifications, including the -size
of the fuel tanks to be included on the buses, and Councilman Hilligoss
questioned why the tanks on the Mercedes Benz were so much more expensive
than others. Mr -. Bob Wickem from Holt Motors explained the fuel tanks are
built by the Snyder Corporation in New York and cost $390.00 a piece. The
high cost of the fuel tanks relates to the laws imposed by the Air Resources
Board of the State of California..
The discussion then led to the funds from M.T.C. and T.D.A. funds
to, operate the system. It was the understanding the system could operate for
two years with the funds presently appropriated. Ridership was also dis-
cussed during the meeting and it was felt a two -year trial of the system
should indicate whether or not it would be feasible to continue. The pro-
posed system is for a three - loop, four bus system, with the fifth bus to be
used as a spare.
At the - conclusion of the discussion, Resolution #7285 N.C.S. awarding the
contract to Holt Motors, 1515 West Charter Way, Stockton, California 95206,
in the amount of $169,525.95 was introduced by Councilman Harberson seconded
by Councilman Hilligoss, and approved by 4 affirmative and 3 negative votes.
Councilmen Brunner, Cavanagh, and Perry voted "No ".- Councilman Brunner
clarified his negative vote by saying he could find no fault with the'bids;
however, he felt the City was taking more than.a. minimal gamble with tax -
payers' money by providing this type of transportation system.
CLAIMS & BILLS Resolution #7286 N.C.S. approving claims and bills
RES 47286 NCS #6769 to #6906, inclusive; General City; and, 4295 to
4320, inclusive, Water; approved -for payment by the
City.Manager, was introduced by Councilman Perry,
seconded by Councilman Brunner, and approved by 7
affirmative votes.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
PETALUMA REFUSE City Manager Robert Meyer reported he had been ap-
COMPANY RATES proached by the Petaluma Refuse Company regarding the
rate structure, and asked whether or not the Council
would want to appoint a Committee to work with the
Garbage Company in this regard. Mayor Putnam asked the Committee which had
previously worked with the Petaluma Refuse Company if they would be
to serve again, and-reappointed Councilman Cavanagh as Chairman, Vice -Mayor
Mattei and Councilman - Brunner as members of the Committee.
AGENDA ITEMS- -STUDY City Manager Robert Meyer requested the following
SESSION FEBRUARY 9, topics be discussed at a Study Session February 9,
1976 1976. (1) The.type of. organization to oversee the
library museum; (2) The possibility of forming a
Transit and Utility Commission which could include sewer, water, the transpor-
tation system, and possibly review of garbage fees; and (3)' The Encroachment
Ordinance. Mayor Putnam asked City Attorney Matt Hudson to research whether
or not a committee or commission of the type suggested by the City Manager
could be formed and report back to the Council.
19
6 2 February 2, 1976
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
LEGISLATION Councilman- Cavanagh reported AB 337 and AB 1294 had
AFFECTING CITIES been defeated in the Legislature; AB 15 is still
being discussed. Councilman Cavanagh also mentioned
the City Attorney had written letters of appreciation
to the Legislators who had supported the City's
position on the above bills.
With regard to legislation affecting cities, Mayor Putnam advised she and
Councilman'Cavanagh had attended the Business Session at'the Redwood Empire
Division of the League of California ;Cities and the League is going to take a
very active part in reviewing -and making recommendations to cities regarding
Senate and Assembly bills which affect cities.
ZONE 2A Councilman Cavanagh reported the Zone 2A Advisory
ADVISORY COMMITTEE Committee to the Sonoma County Water Agency had met -
CN and the same priorities as were established the prior
year were.continued. The "I" Street Project is still
the Number l priority, and the estimated cost for the project is.$613,000.
Councilman Cavanagh also reported the Committee is, reviewing the tax rate,
stating a $.01 tax raises approximately $10,000. The recommendation from the.
Committee to the Board of Supervisors is to review the possibility of an $.18
to $.20 tax rate, instead of $.25.
MAYOR'S REPORT - Mayor. Putnam reported she had been invited to attend
a meeting in Leesburg, Virginia, called "Project
Knowledge 2Q00," which was sponsored by the.National
Science Foundation and the American Revolution Bicen-
tennial Commission,.and Co- sponsored by Xerox, in
terms of facilities and helping with the format. The
focus of the meeting was on the knowledge of °needs
through the year 2000.
r� PREAPPLICATION -- Planning Director Boehlje explained the preap-
a J &- COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT plication process. At the present time, the City
Q FUNDS will merely file the preapplication with.the.Asso-
P � RES #7287 NCS ciation of hay Area Governments. He stated the
�� deadline for such preapplication is February 15th,
G and although.the Petaluma Community-Development
Advisory Committee had set forth six proposals for the preapplication,
priorities would not be set at this time. After the preapplication :is re-
viewed by HUD, the priorities would then be set. HUD will either invite the
City to apply for funds, or reject the application.
Carolyn Geiger- the Chairman of the Petaluma Community Development Advisory
Committee, discussed the six items proposed for the preapplication, which
include: (1) Acqusition of Real Property for Senior Citizens' Housing of
Moderate- and Low-Income; (2) General Housing Stock Rehabilitation and Code
Enforcement; (3) Proposed Teen.Facility•at the People Services Center; (4) A
Senior Citizens' Center; (5) A Continuation of the Sidwalk Ramps for the
Handicapped; and (6).Community Development Planning Study.
Minutes of Community Development meetings of January 7, 1976, January 21,
1976, January 23, 1976, submitted and filed; Outline and Purpose of Program,
Title I, report submitted and filed; Memorandum dated January 30, 1976, from
Planning Director to City Manager regarding proposed Title I projects,
submitted'and filed.
Mr. Lou Rassmussen, speaking from the audience, stated he was one.of the
members of the Board of the Sonoma County Council on Aging and urged the
Council.to take the need for senior citizen housing under consideration.
At the conclusion of the discussion, Resolution 97287 N.C.S. designating the
Mayor as the authorized representative for purposes of filing preapplication
for 1976 Title I Community Development Funds was introduced by Councilman
Perry, seconded by Councilman Brunner,-and approved by 7 affirmative votes.
February 2, 1976
DECLARE 1968 Resolution 17288_ N.C.S. finding personal property
CADILLAC AMBULANCE herein named is surplus, no longer required, and the
SURPLUS same and herein named is one 1968 Cadillac Ambulance,
RES W7288 NCS was.introduced by Councilman Perry, seconded by
Councilman Hilligoss,, and approved by 7 affirmative
votes.
When asked by Vice -Mayor Mattei whether or not the City would realize the
same revenue as last year', Chief Ellwood replied it would be above.last year
due to charge structure for multiple lot owners..
163
ON
5a/
Upon conclusion.of the discussion, Resolution #7289 N.C.S. abolishing weed
spraying service.and changing method of charging for other weed abatement
services, was introduced by Vice -Mayor Mattei, seconded' by Councilman Harberson,
and approved by 7 affirmative .votes.
RECESS Mayor Putnam called a recess at 9:20 p.m., and the
Council reconvened.at 9:27 p.m.
"I" STREET CURVE As requested by Vice -Mayor Mattei at a previous meet -
IMPROVEMENT REPORT ing, City Engineer David Young gave a brief report on
the progress for the improvement of "I" Street at the
curve near Olive Mr. Young stated a field
survey had been completed,. required rights-of-way-. been identified, and
drafting of the plans and profiles by the Engineering Department has recently
been started. He felt the plans and specifications could be ready by the end
of March. He did state, however, the time necessary to acquire the rights -of-
way could delay the project. The property descriptions have been given to
the City Attorney and appraisals are yet to be made. If negotiations proceed
on schedule, Mr. Young anticipated advertising the in May, with
construction to begin in June or July. Mr. Young further stated the job is
not a large one,, but it has to be done methodically, and the only real time
constraint could be the matter of appraisal and negotiation.
BICYCLE MOTOCROSS Recreation Director Jim Raymond "advised the Council
PROGRAM the Recreation, Music and Parks_Commission had re- I�
ceived a request to establish a site for bicycle v
motocross. Such a facility would require approxi-
mately one or two acres, and would provide a course for bicycles and not
motorized vehicles. Mr. Raymond then showed slides of various tracks he had
visited; one in Vallejo, another in Santa Rosa, and the third in Windsor. The
Recreation, Music and Parks Commission recommended Shollenberger River Park as
a possible site for the facility. The course would be open to the public;
however a sponsoring group, the Petaluma Optomist Club, would handle competi-
tions and construct the track. At the Commission level, two concerns were
addressed; one the possibility of increased insurance costs and the danger of
young cyclists crossing Lakeville Highway to reach the site. The minutes of
the Recreation, Music and Parks dated January 14, 1976, were
submitted and filed.
Mr. Raymond advised the 'Council he had investigated the possibilities of our
} present insurance carrier covering such a facility and learned the motocross
course would be covered under the City's policy through the end of the fiscal
year. There would be a possibility, however, of an increase in the premium to
cover such a program when the policy is renewed.
Mr. Raymond was asked whether alternative sites had-been taken into considera-
tion for the course. 'Mr. Raymond replied the Fairgrounds, the acreage located
between Crinella Drive and Casa Grande High School, and -the undeveloped
CHANGES TO. WEED
Fire Chief Joe Ellwood advised
the Council
the City
ABATEMENT'PROGRAM
presently charges,an administrative
fee of
$5.00 for
RES #7289 NCS
lot discing, regardless'of the
revised plan would' be to charge
size of the
15% of the
lot. The
weed .
abatement contractor's charge.
This would
provide a
more equitable administrative charge., as the owner of a
small lot would be
charged less and the
owner of a larger lot, or multiple
lot owners,
would pay
the larger fee.
When asked by Vice -Mayor Mattei whether or not the City would realize the
same revenue as last year', Chief Ellwood replied it would be above.last year
due to charge structure for multiple lot owners..
163
ON
5a/
Upon conclusion.of the discussion, Resolution #7289 N.C.S. abolishing weed
spraying service.and changing method of charging for other weed abatement
services, was introduced by Vice -Mayor Mattei, seconded' by Councilman Harberson,
and approved by 7 affirmative .votes.
RECESS Mayor Putnam called a recess at 9:20 p.m., and the
Council reconvened.at 9:27 p.m.
"I" STREET CURVE As requested by Vice -Mayor Mattei at a previous meet -
IMPROVEMENT REPORT ing, City Engineer David Young gave a brief report on
the progress for the improvement of "I" Street at the
curve near Olive Mr. Young stated a field
survey had been completed,. required rights-of-way-. been identified, and
drafting of the plans and profiles by the Engineering Department has recently
been started. He felt the plans and specifications could be ready by the end
of March. He did state, however, the time necessary to acquire the rights -of-
way could delay the project. The property descriptions have been given to
the City Attorney and appraisals are yet to be made. If negotiations proceed
on schedule, Mr. Young anticipated advertising the in May, with
construction to begin in June or July. Mr. Young further stated the job is
not a large one,, but it has to be done methodically, and the only real time
constraint could be the matter of appraisal and negotiation.
BICYCLE MOTOCROSS Recreation Director Jim Raymond "advised the Council
PROGRAM the Recreation, Music and Parks_Commission had re- I�
ceived a request to establish a site for bicycle v
motocross. Such a facility would require approxi-
mately one or two acres, and would provide a course for bicycles and not
motorized vehicles. Mr. Raymond then showed slides of various tracks he had
visited; one in Vallejo, another in Santa Rosa, and the third in Windsor. The
Recreation, Music and Parks Commission recommended Shollenberger River Park as
a possible site for the facility. The course would be open to the public;
however a sponsoring group, the Petaluma Optomist Club, would handle competi-
tions and construct the track. At the Commission level, two concerns were
addressed; one the possibility of increased insurance costs and the danger of
young cyclists crossing Lakeville Highway to reach the site. The minutes of
the Recreation, Music and Parks dated January 14, 1976, were
submitted and filed.
Mr. Raymond advised the 'Council he had investigated the possibilities of our
} present insurance carrier covering such a facility and learned the motocross
course would be covered under the City's policy through the end of the fiscal
year. There would be a possibility, however, of an increase in the premium to
cover such a program when the policy is renewed.
Mr. Raymond was asked whether alternative sites had-been taken into considera-
tion for the course. 'Mr. Raymond replied the Fairgrounds, the acreage located
between Crinella Drive and Casa Grande High School, and -the undeveloped
February 2, 1976
BICYCLE MOTOCROSS portion of Lucchesi Park had been investigated;'how-
PROGRAM ever, the decision for Shollenber.ger River Park was
(Continued) made because of the 16 acres of undeveloped. land in
the area, the adequate parking facilities,'and adja
cent restrooms on the boat launching site: Mr. Meyer
commented.the motocross course participants could not rely on the area used by
the launching ramp facilities for parking as the City has made a commitment to
the State to preserve the area for those who wish to use the launching ramp
and the river facilities.
Mr. Raymond indicated the cost of construction of the track would be borne by
the Petaluma Optomist, Club,, but did state there would be some cost involved
for the City in providing gravel for a parking. area., or to have it oiled, for
Signs to be placed in the area, expenses incurred by Park crews for maint e-
nance and garbage pick -up.
Mr. Jim Faubel, who was present in the audience., spoke in favor of the pro -
gram. He explained some of the activities and'the range of ages. Mr. Faubel
stated for example, the age groups are normally from 5 to 7, 7 to 9, and 9 to
11. There is also a senior division'for' participants age 15 and above.
When the course would not be used for 'supervised competition, It would be
available on a seven= day -a -week basis to young people for bicycle riding.
Councilman Brunner suggested this matter be discussed with the insurance
carrier. Councilman Cavanagh also suggested an alternative site could be the
area near the little league field adjacent to Kenilworth Junior High 7 School.
At the conclusion of the discussion, Mr. Raymond.indicated he would look
further into the use of Kenilworth as a possible site for the motocross,,and
Mayor Putnam requested insurance coverage be thoroughly investigated.
Councilman Harberson, the Council's representative to the Recreation, Music,
and Parks. Commission, stated the Commission was opposed to placing the facili-
ty in an area such as Luccehsi.-Park,. near developed residential sec "ions., as
the participants in a motocross' could be'quite'vocal.
INTRUSION ALARM Memorandum dated January 30, 1976, from Police Chief
REGULATIONS Larry D. Higgins Co'City Manager Robert Meyer, sub -
ORD #1207 NCS witted 'and filed. Chief Higgins advised the Council
at the present there are no guidelines 'for'the control
of security alarms in Petaluma, and that he and the
City Attorney had worked on the ordinance to regulate the installation, main -
tenance, sale, lease and alterations'of alarm systems. He further explained ,
the ordinance would safeguard the public and the City against disreputable
alarm companies, provide uniform regulations for alarm vendors,- assure proper
maintenance and installation of alarms, insure equitable charges for intrusion
alarm services provided by the City, and increase alarm security at the Police
Department. He further stated there are more than 75 alarms installed at the
present time which are monitored on a 24- hour /day basis by the Police Depart-
ment. One of the problems arising from the system is the matter of
the number of false alarms received by the Department each month. When an
unusual amount of` false alarms are received from a 'particular •busiriess .the
matter is discussed with the owner and 'advice is given to remedy the situ -
ation., Chief Higgins further advised the Council when any alarm,sounds at the
Police Station, two units are dispatched, which in the case of false alarms,
becomes quite costly. The ptoposed ordinance establishes fees for instal -
lation, permit fees, a monitoring service fee, and an alarm module placement
fee. The monthly fee for commercial users of the service is $5.00 per month.
At the conclusion of Chief Higgins presentation and a brief'discussion by the
City Council, Ordinance #1207 N.C.S. adding Chapter 10.60 to Title 10 of'the
Petaluma Municipal Code regulating the installation, maintenance, sale, lease
and alteration of an intrusion alarm system was introduced by Councilman
Perry, seconded by Councilman Brunner-, and approved by 7 affirmative votes.
February 2, 1976 .
FLOOD PLAIN- ZONING Mr. Mel Hein, a member of the audience,, addressed the
Council regarding his concern over the County of
Sonoma's Flood Plain Zoning Plan Mr. Hein stated the
land - indicated in the plan covers .approximately 17,000 acres in which the best
industrial sites in the area are located. Much of the land is now used for
farming, but is close to the City limits and adjacent to rail, water and
freeway access for shipping. Mr. Hein further stated if the Corps of Engi-
neers-is expected to continue dredging the.Petaluma.River, more industry needs
to be established along the waterway.. Mr. Hein z tated he_hoped. the Council
would oppose the adoption of the Petaluma Flood Plain Report because of the
possible loss of industrial sites along the Petaluma
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the
City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
to an Executive Session and to a Study Session February
9, 1976, at .7:30 p.m.
Attest:
/a,5 v
City cferk