HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 05/24/1976277
.MINUTES OF MEETING
OF CITY COUNCIL
PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA
MAY 24 1976 -
COUNCIL MEETING
ATTENDANCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The adjourned meeting of the City Council of the City
of Petaluma was called to order by Mayor Helen Putnam,
at the hour of 7:35 p.m.
Presentr Councilmen Brunner, Cavanagh, Harberson, Mattei,
Perry, and Mayor Putnam.
Absent: Councilman Hilligoss.
Mayor Putnam led the assemblage in the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
The minutes of the adjourned meeting of May 10, 1976,
were approved as mailed.
CANNONS
A letter dated May 11,
1976, addressed
to the Mayor
and City Council, from
Kenneth Colin,
Chairman of the
r] [�
Petaluma U.S. Bicentennial Committee,
Inc., was read ��
/ I
by the City Clerk
and ordered filed. The request was for the
City to accept
two 75mm cannons
to be used in the celebration
of the Nation's
Birthday, July
4th, and also for.the
City to assume ownership
and place them
in an appropriate
public facility on
a permanent basis.`
A brief discussion was held regarding the cannons. Some questions were raised
as to the size., where they would be placed and /or stored. Mayor Putnam asked
to have it determined whether or not the cannons were to be gifts to the City,
asked the staff to look into the matter of insurance, and the placement after
they were used for the Fourth Celebration. Staff was requested_ to
report back to the City Council.
RESOLUTION OF Mayor Putnam asked have the resolution prepared for
APPRECIATION AND the Council's consideration, read by the City Clerk, 3 75
COMMENDATION ADDRESSED and made a matter of record.
TO LARRY D. HIGGINS
RES #7398 NCS Resolution No. 7398 N.C.S.
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION AND COMMENDATION ADDRESSED
TO LARRY D. HIGGINS
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMAN William A. Perry, Jr. and
SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN Robert A. Brunner at a
Adjourned
Meeting of the City Council of the
City of Petalum on the 24th da of May 19 76
WHEREAS, Police Chief Larry D. Higgins has announced.his resignation to return
to his home state,of Idaho, and,
WHEREAS, this Council desires that the permanent records of this City contain
appropriate recognition of the Chief's loyal and outstanding service,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Council finds and recites as follows:
The Chief began his service to the City of in,August, 1960, as a
police officer. From the first day of his employment he was a policeman's
policeman and showed his unique ability to establish and maintain rapport with
both his fellow officers and the community he served. In June, 1965, the
Chief was promoted to sergeant,, and then in January, 1968, to Chief, the first
person to make the transition directly from sergeant.
In 1968, the Chief had charge of 31 persons. By 1976, the department had
grown, in response to the needs and demands of the community, to include 54
employees. The Chief continued to grow along with his department so that he
2 1 8 May 24, 1976
RESOLUTION OF
APPRECIATION AND
COMMENDATION ADDRESSED
TO LARRY D. HIGGINS
RES #7398 NCS
(Continued)
is, and has been, the epitome of the modern Police
Chief, a leader of men, technically well informed,
aware of events and current thoughts both within and
without his profession, and, above all, a humane and
compassionate public servant.
While carrying the heavy burdens of public office, the
Chief has maintained an affectionate and close -knit
family life with his wife, Kaleen, his daughter, Cindy, and his two sons, Nate
and David. His staunch belief in the Almighty and his leadership in his
church as a Bishop in the Petaluma Church of the Latter -Day Saints indicate
the quality of the man and his value to this community beyond his public fife.
The Chief's wide range of activities are reflected, in part, by service as
President, Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs Association, 1970 -1973;
Secretary-Treasurer, Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs Association,, 1973-
1976; Advisory Committee., Northern California Criminal Justice Training
Center, 1968 - 1976; Chairman, Police Academy Operations Committee - Northern
California Criminal Justice Training Center, 1974 - 1975; Board Member and Grant
Review Committee, Region E, California Council on Criminal Justice Regional.
Board; Member, Special Committee appointed by Congressman Don H. Clausen to
study future use of Army facility at Two Rock Ranch Station, Petaluma. Always
a favorite and respected speaker, the Chief was asked on countless occasions
to advise, inform and teach local groups, clubs and associations, the Chief
responded with enthusiasm and interest.
It is rare indeed that any Council or community is favored with.the loyalty,
competence, leadership, and decency of*a man like Larry D. Higgins. The
Council has been privileged to receive the dedicated services of the Chief for
more than 15 years and its gratitude, admiration, and respect can never be
adequately expressed. But the Council extends by this resolution its heart-
felt thanks and good wishes as the Chief embarks on a new and exciting chapter
in his life.
Chief Higgins, in the words of the New Testament, "Well done, thou good and
faithful servant.
Resolution 7398 N.C.S. of appreciation and commendation addressed to Larry D.
Higgins, was adopted by 6 affirmative and 1 absentee votes.
Mayor Putnam, on behalf of the City Council, expressed further appreciation to
the Chief for his service to the community, and asked the Clerk to have the
resolution made part of the official records of the City of Petaluma. She
further wished Chief Higgins well in his new endeavor on behalf of the Council
and expressed the Council's regrets on having to lose him from the service of
the City.
�I
PUBLIC HEARING RE Mayor y Putnam advised the large audience assembled for
v
RATES chaired b
GARBAGE SERVICE & the public hearing the Council has had a committee,
Cavanagh, which has had the
responsibility of reviewing the matter of garbage
service and rates. The Committee has been working on
the matter for a lengthy period of time. The report from the Committee was
presented to the City Council at the last meeting. A great deal of- community
concern surfaced as a result of the report and some of the members of the
Council had received telephone calls and letters. Letters had been forwarded
to the City Hall, and there was a general concern by many citizens. Mayor
Putnam advised, in an endeavor to have the public hearing adequately pub-
licized, an ad had been placed on the front page of the Argus Courier to
encourage public participation.
Mayor Putnam then opened.;;.:: the public hearing and called on Mr. Jim Ratto of
the Petaluma Refuse Company to address the Council. Mr. Ratto deferred to Mr.
William Robotham, a member of the CPA firm of Pisenti and Brinker, Santa Rosa.
.Mr. Robotham reviewed the letter dated May 18, 1976, from the Petaluma Refuse
Company to the City Manager, outlining the increased operating costs from
January of 1971,- through May of 1976. Mr. Robotham pointed out the cost for
diesel fuel per gallon had increased in'the five -year period 143.88 %; gaso-
line, 81.1% ;wages per day per man, 57.3%, and dump fees per cubic
59.7 %. The rates for one -can service from - January 1970 to the present time
27 tof
May 24, 1976
PUBLIC HEARING RE had increased 10 % or from '$2.00 to $2.20 per month.
GARBAGE SERVICE & If the City adopted a policy of compulsory City -wide
RATES service, the rate increase would be 11.36.%, or from
(Continued) $2.20 to $2,.45 a can.. If the present service is
maintained, the'rate would go from $2.20 to $2.75 per
can, or an increase of 25 %. Mayor Putnam asked if any
communications had been received regarding the matter, and the Clerk informed
the Council the only letter received by her was from Luck and Barbara Gravett,
1568 Trellis Lane. The communication is filed with the City Clerk.
For the benefit of the audience, Mayor Putnam asked Councilman Cavanagh,
Chairman of the Council's Garbage Committee, to review the report given at the
Council Meeting of May 17, 1976. Councilman Cavanagh reported he and the
other members of the Committee, Vice -Mayor Mattei and Councilman Brunner, had
reviewed all the alternatives and had submitted two proposals for considera-
tion at this public hearing. Their basis for suggesting City -wide service was
primarily due to the fact the County, beginning June 1, 1976, would be charging
fees for disposal privileges at the various dump sites. He then outlined the
charges which will take effect: as $.50 minimum charge for passenger cars,
station wagons, and other vehicles having less than 1 cubic yard; $1.00 for pickups
leveled with the bed; $2.00 for pickup trucks loaded to the top of the cab;
and, $.65 per cubic yard for larger loads. He further explained the Committee
gave consideration to City -wide service various complaints had been
received of people leaving their garbage accumulate for two or three weeks,
which can become a health hazard. Councilman Cavanagh explained the Committee
wished to adequately publicize the two proposals in order to have input from
citizens and to advise,the citizens of the proposed rate increases.
Vice -Mayor Mattei added if City -wide service was adopted, additional service
would be provided by the refuse company, in that trash, lawn clippings, tree
trimmings, and so forth, equivalent to 1 cubic yard, or approximately seven
cans placed at the curb side would be picked up weekly with the garbage.
Mr. Jim Ratto, Manager of the Petaluma Refuse Company, stated the City -wide
service charge for one can pickup would be $2.45; with the additibnal service
of one cubic yard if the trash was placed at the curb side. He further stated
some thought had been given to a charge of $1.85 for senior citizens, rather
than the higher charge.
Vice -Mayor Mattei further explained if the present system of selective pickup
is continued, the rate for service would probably be $2.75 for the first can;
with only the equivalent of one bundle or one lawn bag of trimmings to be
picked up at curb side each week.
At the conclusion of the presentation by the Committee, the following citizens
expressed their opposition to the City -wide or mandatory service proposed:
Charles Taber, 10 Brookside Way; E. L. Perryman, 1521 Lauren Drive; Caroline
Henderson; Robert Parent; Mr. H. Komer, Schuman Lane; Donald Helgren, "D"
Street; Marguerite Walker; Mrs.. Olmsted; H. G. Sampson; Dr. Larry Jonas;
Russell Kirby; Dick Larbig; Ernie Curtis; Bob Tellander, Keokuk Street; Ms.
Carter, Bassett Street; Marvin Ashman; Albert Gerhardt, Elm Drive; Leon
Bohling, Sixth Street.
Mary Arnet, who had opposed the mandatory or City -wide garbage pickup, sug-
gested persons wishing to do so, could bring their recyclable materials to the
Petaluma Training Center located on Bodega Avenue, near Thompson Lane. The
recycling center accepts bottles, newspapers, and cans, and is open weekdays
from 9:30 until 3:00, and from 10:00 till 4:00 on Saturdays and Sundays.
Mayor Putnam then closed the public hearing and asked Councilman Cavanagh if
he had any comments to make. Mr. Cavanagh stated the Committee had requested
input from the citizens of the community and from the comments made at the
public hearing this evening it was obvious the only recommendation the Com-
mittee could make was to continue on the voluntary system.
Some discussion was then held regarding whether a resolution should be passed
at this meeting confirming the retention of the voluntary service, and it was
suggested a resolution could be prepared for the June 7th meeting. At this
point a citizen in the audience asked if there would be some further discus-
sion regarding the estab- lishment of rates. City Manager Robert Meyer responded
by stating the matter of the rates had been thoroughly investigated by the
Council's Committee. They had reviewed the audit of the Petaluma Refuse
Company, the City's Auditor had worked with the Committee and confirmed an
increase in rates would be justified. Councilman Cavanagh also stated the
Committee had been working on the matter since February of this year, and the
2 80 May 24, 1976
PUBLIC HEARING RE rates finally agreed upon either for voluntary or
GARBAGE SERVICE & City -wide service were considered to be
RATES Councilman Brunner suggested rather than wait until
(Continued) June 7th, a resolution be adopted at this meeting
establishing the rates for the voluntary service.
A resolution establishing the rates and charges for the collection of garbage
and rubbish in the City of Petaluma in accordance witIh.the. of
Chapter 8.16_ of the Petaluma Municipal Code, and repealing Resolution #64.21
N.C.S., was then introduced by Councilman 'Brunner, seconded by Councilman
Cavanagh. At this point Finance Director John Scharer stated he felt all of
the details on the rates had not been _thoroughly worked out, and specifically
mentioned the $2.75 rate and the rate for senior citizens, and the charges for
the second and third cans. Some of the suggestions had just been made at this
meeting. The introduction and the second to the resolution was then withdrawn
by Councilman Brunner and Councilman Cavanagh.
A motion was then made by Councilman Brunner., seconded by Councilman Cavanagh,
to continue the voluntary service of garbage and refuse collection in the City
of Petaluma. Motion carried unanimously.
RECESS Mayor Putnam called a recess at 9:05 p.m_,.,, and the
Council reconvened at 9;18 p.m.
{� DEPARTMENTAL City Manager Robert Meyer reviewed requests from City
\ < REQUESTS ep FOR dartments for revenue sharing funds for 1976 -77
ii �(1 REVENUE,SHARING FUNDS fiscal year. In relating to the request from the
Community Services Department, Mr. Meyer explained, the
three 60 -foot floating docks to'cost approximately
c� $10,000, would be.similar to the one already in place on the west bank of the
river. The docks are needed to complete the area near the turning basin where
Jack Cavanagh, Sr. had formerly permitted boats to dock. Mr. Meyer also
explained the name assigned to the docking area, i.e., "Jack Cavanagh, Sr.
Moor•ing,and Facilities," was not suggested by the City Council.
Referring to the $41,929 requested by the Police Department to remodel the
Animal Control Center, Mr. Meyer asked the Council'to give serious thought to
this matter.. On the matter of signalization of Western Mr. Meyer
indicated the ,priority for signalization would be (1) Howard and Western; (2)
Kentucky and Western; (3) Keller and Western; and (4) Liberty and Western.
The total amount of this request is $208,800. Additional' '. requests, since the
list had been compiled, include the acquisition of the property to expand the
"A" Street Parking Lot, and whether or not the Council wanted to consider the
use of revenue sharing funds to construct the asphalt paths along Bodega
Avenue.
Councilman Brunner questioned whether some of the items included in the list
were not also in the regular requests in the Budget for Capital Outlay Expen-
ditures. Mr. Meyer indicated those items which show an asterick on the report
are also included in the Budget.
The question was raised whether or not revenue sharing funds could be used to
lower the tax rate, and Finance Director John Scharer stated it was his
understanding, under Federal guidelines, these funds were not to be used for
that purpose.
City Manager Robert Meyer also stated the funds were to be used by cities
where there was an actual need to provide programs and projects to avoid
raising the tax base.
Some discussion was then held regarding whether or not the City would realize
increased revenues from reassessments in the City. Mr. Scharer explained the
eastern part of the City was not reassessed this year, and the commercial
business district would not be reassessed until next year. The only quadrant
which had been reassessed was the northwestern area where assessments had been
raised by about 15 %. The overall assessment increase was estimated in the
Budget at about 7%.
APPROVE GRADING City Manager Robert Meyer referred to :a memo forwarded
OLD CITY DUMP & to him by Roy Kelly, Public Works 'Superintendent,
SHOLLENBERGER dated May 17, 1976. Mr. Kelly indicated he had suf-
RIVER PARK ficient_ funds .in the Budget to do some leveling work
281
May 24, 1976
APPROVE GRADING
OLD CITY DUMP &
SHOLLENBERGER
RTURP PARK
(Continued)
at the old City Dump to make room for the Fall leaf
collection; however, he was asking for an additional
$500 to proceed with leveling the land at Shollenber-
ger River Park where contractors had deposited dirt at
the City's request.
It was the consensus of the Council the additional
funds should be allocated to proceed with this project, the money to be taken
from the Park Development Fund.
BRIEFING -- MAINTENANCE The comparison of supplies and services (300 series)
& OPERATION BUDGET of the 1976 -77 requests against the 1975 -76 allot -
1976 -77 ments, was reviewed by the City Manager and Finance
Director John Scharer. In addition, the estimated
revenues were recapped. Mr. Scharer explained the
$952,000 estimate for the sales and use tax for 1975 -76 increased by approxi-
mately 6% over the estimate.
At the conclusion of the review of the estimated revenues, Councilman Cavanagh
questioned the status of the AB 103 funds and inquired whether there was still
a balance in that account. Finance Director John Scharer advised there is
approximately $21,000 in the fund, but no requests or demands have been
received since January. This was the time when Larry Martin resigned from his
position as the consultant for the Downtown Association. Mr. Scharer also
stated the funds are being maintained in a savings account and are drawing
interest at the present time.
With relation to the Water Pollution Control Fund and the Water Utility Funds,
City Manager Robert Meyer advised the Council new rates would probably have to
be put into effect next year. Mr.. Scharer advised because of the requirement
placed upon the City, the firm of J. B. Gilbert is preparing a recommended
revenue program under the Grant guidelines for the Water Pollution Control
Facilities. The results should be ready by September. Mr. Scharer also
advised $150,000 in connection fees in the Water Pollution Control Fund is
being used to balance the Budget. City Manager Robert Meyer also stated the
City would probably be faced with higher water rates next year.
Some discussion was held by the Council as to the date they would set aside to
review the maintenance and operation budget of the City and the consensus of
the Council was to reserve all day Wednesday, June 9, 1976, for the review.
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the
Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m., to an
Executive Session.
Mayor
Attest:
Cit Clerk