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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03/03/197539 3 , MINUTES OF MEETING .OF CITY COUNCIL PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA March 3, 1975 COUNCIL MEETING The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Petaluma was called to order by Mayor Putnam at the hour of 7:30 p.m. ATTENDANCE Present: Councilmen Brunner, Cavanagh, Daly, Harberson, Mattei, Perry, and Mayor Putnam. Absent: None. INVOCATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Item #1 Denying Claim- - Margaret Fuentes Res 46841 NCS Agenda .Item #3 Revenue Sharing, Sonoma County Funds -- Library The Reverend Kenneth Ohrstrom, First Baptist Church, gave the invocation. The minutes of February 3, 1975, and February 10, 1975, were approved as recorded. At the request of Councilman Mattei, and with the concurrence of the Council, Agenda Item #2 was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. A motion was made by Councilman Cavanagh, seconded by Councilman Daly, approving Agenda Items #1 and #3 on the Consent Calendar. Motion carried unanimously. Resolution. #6841 N.C.S. denying claim of Margaret Fuentes for personal injuries ($4,000) was introduced by Councilman Cavanagh, seconded by Councilman Daly, and approved by 7 affirmative votes. Letter dated February 24, 1975,.addressed to the City Council from David L. Nichols, County Admin- istrator, was ordered filed. The letter advised the City Council that additional hearings on Revenue Sharing Funds for fiscal year 1975 -76 would be held on Thursday, April 24, 1975, before the Sonoma Coun Board of Supervisors. CALL FOR BIDS -- The item having been removed from the Consent Calendar 27,500 GVW TRUCK was open for discussion. Councilman Mattei questioned W /HOT PATCH UNIT whether or not it was a "starred" item in the capital RES 46842 NCS outlay budget, to which Mr. Meyer replied it was not starred item and had been approved by the Council for purchase under Revenue Sharing Funds. nyJ Councilman Mattei also recalled there had been some discussion about buying�?� separate units rather than a combination unit. He questioned the advisability of tying up a vehicle which could be used for only one purpose and may not be used during inclement weather.' Mr. Young assured Councilman Mattei the piece of equipment would get almost daily use except, of course, in rainy weather. Mr. Young further pointed out the equipment presently in use probably would not meet the safety standards of CAL -OSHA. Mr. Mattei with - drew any objections to calling for bids on the combination unit; whereupon, Resolution 46842 N.C.S. authorizing the purchase of one 27,500 GVW Truck with hot patch unit, or, in the alternate, one hot patch unit for street repairs and calling for bids was introduced by Councilman Mattei, seconded by Councilman Harberson, and adopted by 7 affirmative votes. BID OPENING-- ADDITIONAL REPAIRS, AIR BLOWER, WASTEWATER TREATMEN PLANT RES 46843 NCS Resolution 46843 N.C.S. awarding the contract for the repair of one Ingersoll Rand Company Type "L" AXI Compressor was introduced by.Councilman Harberson, seconded Councilman Daly, and approved by 7 affirmative votes. The additional repairs were awarded to Christie Machine Works in the amount of, not to exceed, $5,000. .A` March 3, 1975 OFFER TO CITY -- A letter to the City Council from the law firm of ENGLISH STREET Margolis, Chatzky, and Dunnett, dated February 10, PROPERTY 197.5., on behalf of their clients.Anglo Dutch Capital Company was read by the City Clerk and ordered filed. Director of Community Development Frank Gray showed an aerial view of the area on the overhead projection. The two -acre parcel in question is-at the top of English Street where Hill Boulevard intersects and.is commonly known as the "slide" area. Some of the lands adjacent belong to California Water Company; part of the area belongs to the City; and, Anglo Dutch owns this portion of the land. The area is depicted on the general plan and in the Environmental Plan as a subregional park. Mr. Gray stated, however, the site has a major geological problem on it, but it could be used as a pedes trian access way to a subregional park in the area. Mr. Gray further stated that in order to determine how extensive or deep the slide is, the services of a geologist would probably be necessary. The Council concurred because of the instability of the land and the liabilities the City could incur by the purchase of this piece of property, they would not be interested in acquiring it at.this time. The principals were to be advised of the Council's decision. PROTEST- -NEW A letter dated February 19, 1975, from the Jack E. BICYCLE LICENSE Winters family was read and ordered filed. FEES Michael Shelton, Administrative Assistant to the Police °Chief., gave a slide presentation of the comparison of the ordinance presently in effect to the one which mill become effective March 20, 1975. Mr. Shelton.pointed out that affixing licenses to bicycles is now State mandated and the types of license to be used will - be uniform throughout the State. Some of the major differences between the two pieces of legislation include the licensing of new bicycles by the dealers at the time of purchase. Previously, dealers had to submit a report to the Police Department of all new bicycle purchases. Mr. Shelton felt this would be a convenience to the purchaser so the licensing and the purchase and the inspection of the bicycle can be done, at one time. The new ordinance provides provides a 50(, per bicycle reimbursement to the dealers for their services in licensing and their twice- monthly report to the Police Chief. The present ordinance calls for license renewal on bicycles annually at a -cost of $1.50 per bicycle; whereas, the new ordinance provides for a three -year license at an annual cost of $2. The three -year ,period is mandated by the State Department of Motor Vehicles which had the prerogative of setting the renewal period, not to exceed.five years. The Department of Motor Vehicles has stipulated a three -year period';.' Mr. Shelton explained funds received from bicycle fees are to .be placed in a special fund to be used exclusively for bicycle purposes. Mr. Shelton also presented an overlay showing the estimated cost for education and enforcement and stated the $2 fee was based upon a benefit principle - -those who would use the services. would be contributing toward it. He stated fees collected would be only minimal compared to the costs to be incurred.. Mr. Shelton concluded by stating the ordinance which is, to become effective March 20th, other than proposing the change in the fee from $1.50 to $2, contains nothing which is not State mandated or stipulated in the current ordinance. In answer to Councilman Per•ry's question whether or not a bicycle which has been recovered by the Police Department would have to be licensed, before being released, Chief Higgins indicated this would be the case, however, only for bicycles belonging to residents of the City of Petaluma. Chief Higgins further stated he felt the licensing of bicycles was of great value to the Police`Department in returning lost'or stolen bicycles to the right- ful owner. He estimated there.are' approximately 8,000 bicycles to be licensed the'new system. Chief' Higgins further clarified that the present bicycle license purchased by residents would be in effect until December 31,1975, and residents wishing to purchase the license now before the new ordinance becomes effective, could do so with an expiration date of. December 31, 1975.' Chief Higgins pointed out to the Council that because the City of Petaluma has previously had a licensing program for bicycles, they were now mandated.by the State to conform with the regulations for the new program.. The areas which had not previously had a licensing program were not covered by the State mandate. The only latitude the.Council would have would be in the establishment of the amount of the fee. 1 1 March 3, 197.5 PROTEST - -NEW In answer to Councilman Daly's question whether the BICYCLE LICENSE $.50-to be paid•to a licensing agent was a reasonable FEES - fee, Chief. Higgins :indicated they estimate it would (Continued) cost the City $.75 per bicycle for the same procedure. The members of the Winters' family was present in the audience, and at the request of Mr. Jack Winters the above letter was read. Mr. Winters stated his main concern was for parents.of small children who had sidewalk bicycles and would it be necessary for these bicycles to be licensed. Chief Higgins indicated all bicycles would fall under the regulation. Chief Higgins further stated he was very reluctant to auction off bicycles which had been turned into the Police Department.and he was unable to find the rightful owner. Mr. Winters informed the Council that his family had.moved.here from Daly City, and in Daly City the Girl Scout Organization and Police Cadets handled the safety program and the only charge at that time was a $.50 life -time fee for licensing bicycles. City Manager Robert Meyer informed the Council the actual license for the bicycles are distributed by the State and each license is.numbered and a record is kept at the State .level. It was his understanding that eventually these numbers would be set up on a computer which would be of a great value in locating the owners of bicycles. Others in the audience who spoke opposing the fee were Mr. Harold Wojciechowski and Miss.Cathy Winters. Miss Winters.asked if the structure of the ordinance could be changed so the $6,.00 could be for the life the bicycle and not for a 3 year period. However, Chief Higgins indicated the law as mandated by the State called for a relicensing of the bicycles every 3 years. Mr. Harry Dechene asked about.the license plate itself and whether or not it. could not be stolen from one bicycle and put onto another. Mr. Shelton indicated.the license, if.removed,.would be self - destructive and could not be attached to another.bicycle. Mr. Charles Berg then spoke opposing the fee. He felt it was against the whole intent of conservation. At the conclusion of the discussion, Mayor.Putnam, with the concurrence of the Council, asked the - ordinance to be given a reasonable trial, with Chief Higgins keeping a close watch on the.results• and reporting back to the City Council. REESTABLISHMENT Mayor Putnam reported to the Council a letter had PASSENGER RAIL been received from the City of Arcata along with SERVI.CE- related materials and a copy of their resolution No. NORTH COAST 745 -35, asking the Council's endorsement of rees- tablishment of.rail: service to the north coast. Mayor Putnam asked the Council their on the matter. Councilman Harberson indicated he would-be in favor of the Council preparing a resolution supporting the, reestablishment of passenger service. However, he did not feel it was necessary to support the North Coast Travel Foundation. Mr. Harberson further indicated this could relate to expenditure of funds by the City. If Amtrak adds a service which they feel is not needed,.they could ask the cities and counties through which.the service would travel, to help subsidize such.service. Mayor Putnam asked City Attorney Matt Hudson to• prepare a resolution for the Council's examination supporting the reestablishment of rail transportation, but eliminating any support for .the -North .Coast Travel Foundation.'' CLAIMS AND BILLS Resolution #6844 N.C.S. approving claims and bills # RES #6844 NCS 3109 to 3231, inclusive, with the exception of claim 43153 and 43170, which were deleted from the claims listing, and 42704 to' inclusive, approved for payment by the City Manager, was introduced by Councilman Perry, seconded by Councilman Cavanagh, and 'approved by 7 affirmative votes. ROOM 396 March 3, 197.5 REPORT- FINANCING John Scharer_, Fiscal Analyst reported :on a conference PUBLI:C..TRANS,IT attended by. City Manager Robert Meyer,. Administrative Assistant to Department of 'Public Works, Bill Liebel, and himself, on February-.21, 1975, . in San Francisco. A report prepared February 28, 1975, by Mr. Scharer to the attention of the City Manager on.the meeting, is filed with the City Clerk. Mr. Scharer, reviewed his memorandum with the Council stating the conference pointed out there will be a capital shortage.in the next 5 -year period'of $33,,000,000 as well as an operating-shortage of $199,000,000'to finance public transit in the.Bay Area. Previously the capital.funds were.available from the, Federal Government, accounting .for the 6 to 1. ratio. - operating shortage,over capital shortage.. The general theme of the conference was to discuss new sources of revenue for operating expenses, one of which would be to use highway funds for transportation. Several other-suggestions-were made all,of which would include.additional taxes. These are included in Mr.. Scharer.'s report. Mr.-Scharer felt...the conclusion reached at _the conference was :there would not.be,an open checkbook policy on financing transit.systems as has been done : in, the,_past. Smaller rural communities will be asked. to work in conjunction. with larger transit operators such_as.the Golden Gate Transit- System, or joint.power agreements in a.county -wide system. The discussion then led to Petaluma's proposed transportation system. In answer to.:Councilman Mattei.'s question whether or not. we ..were - working - the Golden. Gate .Trans t,`Mr. Meyer said.we are moving ahead with - Golden Gate and are still planning meetings with-them-regarding Petaluma's transportation plans. Councilman Harberson indicated that as far as the county wide transit system was concerned, he had been a member of the County_Advisory.Committee which reported to the - Board of Supervisors, however_, the Committee.'s recommendation for a county wide transit_ system did.not meet with favor with the Board of.Supervisors. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT City Manager Robert Meyer reported Vice -Mayor Cavanagh, ACT SEMINAR Director- of Community Development Frank Gray, and he d attende a one day seminar February 25, in Berkeley. Mr. Meyer.,reported it was a small group. with each city's elected official, administrative officer and director of acting as a team. They were able to get information and direction to help our city move forward under the program. STUDY -- PROGRAM Mr.,Meyer reported to the Council it was hi's intention OF SERVICE _ to bring each department's Program of Service to the Council.in..work sessions over a period of time, in order for the .Council to review the programs proposed by the departments and to enable the Council to contribute input before the final budget is presented. -- COUNCIL REPORTS - LEGISLATIVE REVIEW Resolution #6845 N.C:S. in opposition to A.B. 695 A.B. 695 was introduced by Councilman Cavanagh, seconded by RES 46845 NCS Councilman Harberson, and approved by 7 affirmative votes. Councilman Cavanagh reported this bill had been introduced by Assemblyman Barry Keene of Santa Rosa. The purpose of the bill was to abolish the Department of Navigation and Ocean Development. Mr. Cavanagh-reported this is one of the few agencies in the State which is self - supporting. It was through the cooperation of this department the City of Petaluma was able to build its launching facility. Mr. Cavanagh stated the California Marine Parks and Harbors Association is asking the City's opposition to this bill. SENATE BILL 4275 Resolution 4.6846 N.C.S. urging the defeat of Senate 1 LABOR RELATIONS FOR Bill No. 275 was introduced by Councilman Daly, PUBLIC EMPLOYEES seconded by Councilman Perry, and approved by 7 RES 46846 NCS affirmative votes. City Attorney Matt Hudson reported the bill was due to be on the floor of the Senate in April. However,.Mr.. Meyer advised the Council the League of California Cities bulletin indicated the matter would be heard March 11. Councilman Daly said he and the City Attorney had discussed the.bill at length and the memo which the Council received from the City Attorney outlines March 3, 1975 SENATE BILL 44275 the bill very thoroughly. This memo-is on file with LABOR RELATIONS FOR the City Clerk. Mr. Daly.further pointed that if PUBLIC EMPLOYEES during.neg iations < go into binding arbitration, RES 46846 NCS this, tends to .take the expenditure of funds out of (Continued) the'hands of the C -ty. City Manager Robert Meyer illustrated a casein point where the City of Oakland having gone through arbitration not only had to give an additional amount of money but the increase permitted .by the arbitrator placed the fire fighters ahead of the police officers-and stipulated other provisions which would cost the City of Oakland $26,000,000. Mr. Meyer further reported the reason the League of California Cities had taken the strong stand against the bill was because the membership had indicated to the League they were opposed unalterably to Senate Bill 4275. Mr.. Meyer further suggested that when copies of the resolution are sent to the legislators, those portions of the bill to which the City was not unalterably opposed, could be mentioned. After the above resolution was approved by the City Council the'Mayor directed the City Clerk to send copies to the authors of the bill and the City's represen- tative in the Senate and Assembly. REPORT -- REDEVELOPMENT The delegation from the City of Petaluma attending SEMINAR - -COSTA MESA this conference entitled "Redevelopment -- California Style ', sponsored by the University of California, Irvine Campus at Costa Mesa, included Councilmen Brunner and Mattei, City Manager Robert Meyer, Director of Community Development Frank Gray, City Attorney Matt Hudson, and the Planner for the Downtown Redevelopment Larry Martin. Councilman Mattei commented it was one of the finest one -day seminars he had.ever attended. The session was conducted by six panelists and Councilman. Mattei felt, from the conclusions drawn,.the City of Petaluma is proceeding in the right direction on the redevelopment plans and once the Council has enacted legislation to create a Community Development Commission and Housing Authority, they would have the proper tool for urban development. Councilman Mattei said he also learned at the conference that redevelopment should not be done in.haste but on a step by step,method which would involve citizen participation. Councilman Brunner also stressed the conference indicated a cautionary approach to redevelopment and,the success or failure of any project would depend upon the degree of participation by the property owners in the downtown area. City Manager Robert. Meyer reported that he agreed with the two Councilmen, however, the conference was not directed solely to redevelopment of downtown core areas. They did gain some insight into rehabilitation of older structures on a one- for -one basis. Th'ey.received some information on how to apply for low- interest loans in order to rehabilitate the older structures and not force the tenants out because.of high rent. Mr. Meyer indicated Mr. Mitchell who had formerly been with FHA and was now the administrator of the Community Development Agency for the City of Los Angeles, advised him he would be willing to come to Petaluma to assist in setting up a plan for securing low - interest rates. Director of Community Development Frank Gray said he felt he had gained some insight into.planning for redevelopment as a result of the conference and had some notes, one of which was make sure you can deliver before you promise redevelopment and to beware of projects which are too big and those which are too small. Mr. Gray said he felt the City's delegation had learned a great deal from the practical.experience from other communities - -both their successes and failures. �j TRANSMISSION Councilman Mattei.questioned.why the Cadillac ambulance REPAIRS - CADILLAC had to have a new transmission -installed when the AMBULANCE previous one had only been in service since August 1974. Councilman Brunner indicated Fire Chief Joe Ellwood had called him today,.because he knew the question would come up at the Council meeting -this - :evening, to.advise the transmission which had been installed in August was one month and 1,000 miles over the guarantee. However, the firm was honoring the guarantee and the total cost for replacement of the transmission would be $74. 398 /S J March 3, 1975 FEDERAL AID URBAN Resolution 96847 N.C.S. of the Council, City of SYSTEMS AND URBAN Petaluma, the Federal Aid Urban- System in BOUNDARIES the-City-of Petaluma and the Federal Aid Urban RES 996847 NCS - System boundary in the City -of' Petaluma was intro- duced.by Councilman.Daly, seconded by Councilman' Perry, and approved by 7 affirmative votes. Director 'of Public Works David-Young explained the of this reso- lution is the first step in receiving Federal Aid Urban System funds. The urban' system boundaries are the 'same as those in the former Select Street System under which the City received gas funds streets. 'It takes in the arterial and collector streets for which federal monies would be available. Some question arose whether or not—Lakeville Street'was included the Select Street System or in•.the urban boundary system. Mr. Young said this is State H'ighway'116,- he cautioned the City the - 'State would like to relinquish the highways which are hin the City limits. However - the City should be' that until this-portion of road`' was brought up to City standards, the Council should not consider accepting it into the City system M.T.C. APPORTIONMENT City Manager Robert Meyer reported that Sonoma County -would be eligible for an additional 2% apportionment under the M.T.C. funds for pedestrian bicycle safety- DISCUSSION— Councilman Mattei advised the Council upon his RE: return to the City'and having gone for two PROPERTY days, he read two different articles in the paper regarding the matter. It was Mr. Matters understanding the matter was under litigation'and he'had specific questions'asked of him about this situation'. Mr. Mattei said he was'not critical of anything that happened: It was his understanding that somewhere along the line the City made a mistake and did not get proper clearance for the use of the property'. However, he was--sure it was riot the City's intention to "seize" the property as stated in the newspaper. His reason for asking the discussion to be placed on the agenda'this•evening to' clarify the steps taken to date. Councilman Mattei asked if-he would be out order to have a brief explanation and discussion on the matter. City'Attorney Matt Hudson said it would - not be out of.o.rder' for a councilman to want to'know the facts. This matter, however, is complicated because of the pending in the courts. He further stated he felt everyone was startled by the article in the tiewsp'aper and he has a brief statement of the facts which-was read to the City Council, a copy of which is on file with the City Clerk. Mr. Mattei indicated he was satisfied with Mr. Hudson's statement, however, he wanted to know if the specific piece of property could be outlined. 'Mr. Hudson stated it was 2,700-square feet at the end of the improved portion on the west and south side of the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Petaluma Blvd. North. Councilman Perry referred to article wherein it spoke of $100,000 being set aside for*this piece of property and he doesn't recall any amount budgeted previously. City Manager Robert Meyer reported $100,000 had been put into the budget under Public Works Project 3 -73 for•litigaton for improvements of Washington Street. The Council was aware of 3 pieces of'pr.operty in this area which had to be settled in court and the budget had to contain some amount to provide for any eventuality. Nothing had ever been included in the budget for litigation on Magnolia because the Council was' not aware of the problem. Councilman Daly called to the Council's attention the fact that. the day following this article which the publication of was on page 1., there was an article on an insi'de J.dge of the paper correcting their former statement''regarding the $100;000.' ADJOURNMENT There being no. further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Mayor Attest: ,� City 4 Cl k