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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04/07/1975415 MINUTES OF MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA April 7,. 1975 . COUNCIL MEETING ATTENDANCE INVOCATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES 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. Present: Councilmen Brunner, Cavanagh, Daly, *Harberson, Perry, and Mayor Putnam. Absent: Councilman Mattei. *Councilman Harberson was excused from the Council meeting at 8:05 p.m. The Reverend G. Roland Bond, Christian Church, gave the invocation. The minutes of March 3, 1975, were approved as recorded. AGENDA The Council decided to move Item 425 on the agenda, amendments to various sections of the Bicycle Ordi- nance, and place it before Item #11, "Bicycle License Fee," under "Petitions and Communications." CONSENT CALENDAR A motion was made by Councilman Daly, seconded by Councilman Perry, adopting the Consent Calendar, Items #1 through A. Motion carried unanimously. Agenda Item X61 Resolution #6877 N.C.S. designating Robert H. Meyer, � CATEGORY I City Manager, David L. Smith, Assistant Purchasing PERSONNEL-- Officer, Timothy Edwards, Fire Battalion Chief, and SURPLUS PROPERTY David A. Young, Director.of Public Works, as repre- RES X66877 NCS sentative"s of the City of Petaluma authorized to sign for and accept surplus federal property, regardless of acquisition costs, and repealing Resolution X66117 N.C.S. was introduced by Councilman Daly, seconded by Councilman Perry, and approved by 6 affirmative and 1 absentee votes. .genda Item #2 Resolution #6878 N.C.S. approving plans and specifica- ALL FOR BIDS -- tions for second phase communications system updating 3 OMMUNICATION for the Fire Department and calling for bids April 29, YSTEM, FIRE 1975, was introduced by Councilman Daly, seconded by EPARTMENT Councilman Perry, and approved by 6 affirmative and 1 ES #6878 NCS absentee votes: l Agenda Item X63 Resolution #6879 N.C.S. declaring that weeds growing 'SET PUBLIC and the rubbish, refuse, and dirt existing upon the HEARING, WEED streets, parkways, sidewalks and parcels of private , ABATEMENT property, referred to and described in this resolution, RES 666879 NCS constitute and are a public nuisance was introduced by Councilman Daly, secon:ded'by Councilman Perry, and approved by 6 affirmative and 1 absentee votes. Agenda Item #4 'APPOINT JUELLE ANN BOYER, DEPUTY AUDITOR RES #6880 NCS i Resolution #6880 N.C.S. appointing Juelle Ann Boyer, 2 Deputy Treasurer, for the City of Petaluma, was J introduced by Councilman Daly, seconded by Councilman Perry, and approved by 6 affirmative and 1 absentee votes. ** ** ** ** ** 4 1 6 April 7, 1975 PUBLIC HEARING-- Senior Planner Dennis Boehlje reviewed the six items APPLICATION RE in the priorities recommended by the Community De- COMMUNITY DEVELOP- velopment•Advisory Committee to be included in an MENT ACT FUNDS application for.federal funds under the Housing and. u RES #6881 NCS Community Development Act of 1974. Mr. Boehlje stated -the Advisory-Committee would like to have the Council's confirmation of their priorities. He further stated that even though the City 'had. received a letter from the Area Director of the Department of Housing 'and Urban Development stating there would not be sufficient funds during this fiscal year to make Community Development Grants, preapplication had been made on five of the priorities set forth by the Community Development Advisory Committee. It was the Com- mittee's and the staff's recommendation the final application should be made before April 15th in the event funds would be made available by the federal, government. Director of Community Development Frank Gray reported to the Council that since receipt of the letter he had contacted-Congressman Clausen's office and was advised that emergency - appropriation bill was being introduced to restore Community Development, Act Funds. The .application to be submitted would be for the first three items.in the order of priority and would total $91,150. Some,discussion was held by the Council on.whether or not the funds assigned to these three projects could be transferrable or were they assigned in a fixed amount to each project. Mr. Boehj.le said it was his understanding that once they were assigned to a project, the funds had to be.u_sed in the speci- fied manner. He also advised the Council an Environmental Assessment had been done on the first three projects; however, the fourth project on the list would probably require an Environmental Impact Report. At the conclusion of the discussion, Mayor Putnam declared the public hearing open. No appeals or communications were received by the City Clerk and the public hearing was declared closed. City Manager Robert Meyer suggested the Council may want to pass a resolution of appreciation for the members of the Community Development Advisory Committee at a later date. The letter directed to the City from the Department of Housing and Urban Development filed with the City Clerk. l� CARPETING- -FIVE Resolution 46882 N.C.S.. awarding contract for the CORNERS COMMUNITY purchase and installation of carpeting in designated V CENTER areas of the Five_Corners Community Center was intro= RES 446882 NCS duced by Councilman Daly, seconded by Councilman Harberson, and.approved.by 6 affirmative and 1 absen- tee votes. The successful bidder was Bob Shaw Floors, P. 0. Box 106, Penngrove, in the amount of $2,425. Four bids had been re= ceived for the carpeting and a copy of Assistant Purchasing Officer David Smith's report is on file with the City Clerk. BID OPENING -- Assistant Purchasing Officer David L. Smith reported 27,500 GVW TRUCK to the Council the results of the bid opening March 25, W /HOT, PATCH UNIT 1975, for one 27,500 GVW truck with hot patch unit. OR ALTERNATE Two bids were received; One from Nixon -Egli Equipment - ACTION Company with a total cost of $24,079. Mr. Smith stated, however, the bid from Ricker Machinery Com- pany was a nonconforming bid in the amount of $20,056.58 in that the model offered for bid was a demonstrator. unit and the specifica- tions called for a new The new.unit offered by Nixon -Egli Equipment Company exceeds the budgeted amount by $2,000. Mr, Smith advised the Council that in response to Ricker's bid of the demonstrator unit, Nixon -Egli had offered a used unit. He suggested to the Council the staff be given an opportunity to evaluate,all variables and inspect the units offered by Ricker and Nixon -Egli before the Council made any decision. The matter was held over. April 7, 1975 REJECT BIDS -- Resolution' N.C.S. rejecting bid of Sanderson ONE 27,500 GVW Ford - Mercury Sales for one 27,500 GVW chassis was CHASSIS introduced-by'Councilman Brunner, seconded by Council - RES #6883 NCS man Harber.son and approved by 6 affirmative and 1 I absentee votes. Assistant Purchasing Officer David L. Smith's report on the bid opening of March 27, 1975, was filed with the City Clerk. Two bids were received- -one from Sanderson Ford - Mercury Sales in the of $4,229.90 and the second from Bishop Hansel Ford, Santa Rosa, in the amount of $4,190.50. The bid received from Bishop - Hansel Ford was nonconforming in that it was not accom- panied by the required ten percent deposit or bid bond. The bid was then awarded to Sanderson Ford - Mercury Sales in the amount of $4,299.90. BID OPENING -- Resolution 46885 N.C.S. awarding contract for the DIRECTOR OF purchase of one four-door-sedan, standard size, for - PUBLIC WORKS the - use of the Director of Public Works was intro - CAR duced by Councilman Perry, seconded by Councilman RES 46885 NCS Daly, and approved by 4 affirmative, 1 negative, and 2 absentee votes. Councilman Brunner voted "no." The bids received were from Sanderson Ford - Mercury Sales, Bob Benson Buick Pontiac, and Bishop - Hansel Ford. The bid from Bishop- Hansel Ford was non- conforming in that it was not accompanied by the required ten percent deposit or bid bond. Of the two conforming bids, the low bidder was Sanderson Ford- Mercury Sales to whom the bid was awarded in the amount of $4,754 for one Ford Custom 500 Sedan with air conditioning and no trade -in. City Manager Robert Meyer recommended to the Council they not trade in the car now being used by the Director of Public Works as he_felt a better price than the $200 trade -in offer could be realized by putting the car up for public auction. CLAIMS AND BILLS Resolution 46886 N.C..S. approving claims and bills RES 46886 NCS 43400 to 43541, inclusive, and 42748 to #2774, in- clusive approved for payment by the City Manager, was introduced by Councilman Perry, seconded by .Councilman Cavanagh, and approved by 5 affirmative and 2 absentee votes. NEW LIBRARY -- Resolution 4688.7 N -C.S. approving employment of COLUMBIA RESEARCH Columbia Research Testing Corporation to perform TESTING SERVICES certain consulting services required for the con RES 46887 NCS struction of the new Petaluma Public Library and authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement for said services was introduced by Councilman Perry, seconded by Councilman Brunner, and approved by 5 affirmative, 2 absentee votes. City Manager Robert Meyer advised the Council the architectural firm of Lieb and Quaresma, associates for the library project, had recommended Columbia Research Testing Corporation to perform the necessary tests on such items as structural steel welding, laminated beams, reinforcing steel, concrete and other miscellaneous items as the work progresses on the new library struc- ture. The estimated cost for above services is $5,000 to $7,000. Mr. Meyer stated in the overall estimate there had been a certain amount of money set aside for such items required for the library construction project. Assistant Purchasing Officer David L. Smith reported to the Council the truck cost offered on the new unit by Nixon -Egli was lower than the bid received from Sanderson Ford- Mercury Sales and he is recommending the Council reject the bid of $12,243 for the 27',500 GVW truck offered by Sanderson. BID OPENING -- Resolution #6884 N.C.S. awarding contract for the POLICE CAR purchase of one four -door sedan, intermediate size, RES 46884 NCS for the Police Department was introduced by Council - man Daly, seconded by Councilman Cavanagh, and approved by 5 affirmative and 2 absentee votes. Assistant Purchasing Officer David L. Smith's report on the bid opening of March 27, 1975, was filed with the City Clerk. Two bids were received- -one from Sanderson Ford - Mercury Sales in the of $4,229.90 and the second from Bishop Hansel Ford, Santa Rosa, in the amount of $4,190.50. The bid received from Bishop - Hansel Ford was nonconforming in that it was not accom- panied by the required ten percent deposit or bid bond. The bid was then awarded to Sanderson Ford - Mercury Sales in the amount of $4,299.90. BID OPENING -- Resolution 46885 N.C.S. awarding contract for the DIRECTOR OF purchase of one four-door-sedan, standard size, for - PUBLIC WORKS the - use of the Director of Public Works was intro - CAR duced by Councilman Perry, seconded by Councilman RES 46885 NCS Daly, and approved by 4 affirmative, 1 negative, and 2 absentee votes. Councilman Brunner voted "no." The bids received were from Sanderson Ford - Mercury Sales, Bob Benson Buick Pontiac, and Bishop - Hansel Ford. The bid from Bishop- Hansel Ford was non- conforming in that it was not accompanied by the required ten percent deposit or bid bond. Of the two conforming bids, the low bidder was Sanderson Ford- Mercury Sales to whom the bid was awarded in the amount of $4,754 for one Ford Custom 500 Sedan with air conditioning and no trade -in. City Manager Robert Meyer recommended to the Council they not trade in the car now being used by the Director of Public Works as he_felt a better price than the $200 trade -in offer could be realized by putting the car up for public auction. CLAIMS AND BILLS Resolution 46886 N.C..S. approving claims and bills RES 46886 NCS 43400 to 43541, inclusive, and 42748 to #2774, in- clusive approved for payment by the City Manager, was introduced by Councilman Perry, seconded by .Councilman Cavanagh, and approved by 5 affirmative and 2 absentee votes. NEW LIBRARY -- Resolution 4688.7 N -C.S. approving employment of COLUMBIA RESEARCH Columbia Research Testing Corporation to perform TESTING SERVICES certain consulting services required for the con RES 46887 NCS struction of the new Petaluma Public Library and authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement for said services was introduced by Councilman Perry, seconded by Councilman Brunner, and approved by 5 affirmative, 2 absentee votes. City Manager Robert Meyer advised the Council the architectural firm of Lieb and Quaresma, associates for the library project, had recommended Columbia Research Testing Corporation to perform the necessary tests on such items as structural steel welding, laminated beams, reinforcing steel, concrete and other miscellaneous items as the work progresses on the new library struc- ture. The estimated cost for above services is $5,000 to $7,000. Mr. Meyer stated in the overall estimate there had been a certain amount of money set aside for such items required for the library construction project. April 7, 1975 STATUS REPORT -- City - Manager Robert Meyer had been asked by the CARLSEN PROPERTY Council to give a status report on the Carlsen MAGNOLIA AVENUE Property.. He stated the City Attorney had appeared once in a preliminary hearing in Santa Rosa on the matter and was endeavoring to negotiate a reasonable price for this 2,700:.square foot area. He also advised the Council another suit in the amount of $30,000 had been filed. i rJ%I LEGISLATION AFFECTING CITIES W ,0 A.B. 960 Criminal Justice Planning Council City Attorney. Matt Hudson reported 'that ,at present seven members of the Council are representatives from local entities. This bill would remove this representation, and replace these members with professionals. 75% of the funds' reviewed'for grants by the Council are for local entities, and it would seem reasonable to.retain local representation on_the Council. A motion was made by Councilman Perry, seconded by Councilman Cavanagh, to'oppose A.B. 960, which would delete local,representation on the Criminal Justice Planning Council. Mot=ion carried unanimously. OPPOSE Tenure - Police Officers City Attorney Matt. Hudson A.B. 700 explained the bill would provide lifetime tenure for Police Officers similar to tenure granted t'o judges. He further stated the bill does not apply to Highway Patrol officers, but only to local police. The bill also establishes a three -man hearing board for discipline applied to any police officer which would not only be complicated, but each side would have to bear their own cost. Upon a motion by Councilman Perry, seconded by Councilman Cavanagh, the Council - directed the City Attorney to write proper agencies opposing A.B. 700. The motion was carried unanimously. A.C.A. 3 Legalized Bingo - Charitable Organizations City Attorney Matt `Hudson reported Chief Higgins is in favor of.this bill.because it would legalize which are standard in many communities. A mot -ion was made by Councilman Brunner, seconded by 'Councilman Daly, approving A.C.A. 3 to make bingo lawful for charitable organizations.. Motion carried by 4 affirmative, 1 negative, and 2 absentee votes. Councilman Cavanagh voted no. S.B. 95 Liberalization of Marijuana Laws City Attorney Matt Hudson reported the bill had been introduced by. Senator Mos'coni. He reported Chief Higgins advised him he was vigorously opposed.to the measure.because he felt it would have a severe impact on the entire criminal justice system in the State.. A motion was made by Councilman Daly, seconded by Councilman Cavanagh, opposing Senate Bill 95, which would liberalize.marijuana laws in the State of California. Motion carried by 4 affirmative, 1 negative, and 2 absentee votes. Councilman Brunner voted "no." REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY The question has arisen whether oranot Council members MEMBER -- CONFLICT OF sitting on the Board of the Redevelopment Agency, who INTEREST are property owners in the redevelopment area, would be in conflict.of interest if they vot "ed on matters pertaining to the redevelopment of the downtown core area,, City Attorney Matt Hudson advised the Council the Fair Political Practices Commission is now taking the question under advisement as. it has been brought to their attention by the City of Antioch. Until the matter, has been resolved, the City Attorney's advice to the Council is to abstain from voting as a member of the Redevelopment Agency if they own - property in the project area. A.B. 15 Councilman Brunner asked the City. Attorney to follow thr,ough.on.Assembly Bill #15, which has to do with prime agricultural land, He also stated he was aware there was some difficulty'in the.definition of "prime" agricultural land. City Attorney Matt Hudson advised the Council'he will follow through on the matter and try to determine when the hearings would be held. April 7, 1975 -- COUNCIL REPORTS ZONE 2A ADVISORY COMMITTEE PROJECT PRTnRTTTF.S Vice -Mayor Cavanagh reported to the City Council the Zone 2A Advisory Committee met in March and they will meet again this month. He explained to the City Council most of the Board members are new and the priorities for the projects were not set at the last meeting. However, they do indicate the Wilson Street Flood Zone will still be the first priority for Zone 2A. The Board did agree, however, to vist the "I" Street site which was the Council's preference for first priority. Mr. Cavanagh stated there is some question on the flood zone in the Wilson Street area which may cause the Advisory Committee to give it a higher project priority. Director of Community Development Frank Gray explained to the Council that we are now under the National Flood Insurance Protection Act. The area between the Petaluma River all the way to the Fairgrounds is con - sidered a flood plain and is a lour area which could become flooded. If the Wilson Street project were to be completed, it would be of some economic benefit to the citizens in the area as they would no longer have to purchase flood insurance. AMENDED FINAL MAP =- Resolution #6888 N.C.S., approving final subdivision WESTRIDGE SUBDIVISION map on Westridge Subdivision Unit #1 (as amended), was UNIT #1 introduced by Councilman Perry, seconded by Councilman RES #6888 NCS Brunner, and approved by 5 affirmative and 2 absentee votes. Resolution No. 2 -75 of the Petaluma City Planning Commission and the - Planning Commission Minutes of April 1, 1975, submitted and.filed. Director of Community Development- Frank Gray outlined the proposed changes on the overhead projection unit. He advised the Council there are storm drain and sewer easements through two of the lots and in order to accommodate these easements and allow for the proper setbacks the size of two lots would be changed to 65 feet'and the others to 60 feet as opposed to the original sizing of 60, 63, 63, and 64 feet. The total frontage remains the same. LAFCO REPORT The Director of Community Development reported to the "WHAT IS URBAN - Council the document was prepared by LAFCO in co- WHAT IS'RURAL ?" operation with the Planning Policy Committee, and it was•basically•the thoughts of a group called Sonoma County-Association of Planning Officials which meets periodically to discuss mutual problems. Before the group could talk about spheres of influence and development policies, they needed a definition of what was urban and what was rural. Mr. Gray briefly reviewed the report prepared by LAFCO and the definitions therein. Mr. Gray repotted the Planning Policy from the individual cities. -:The City matter to the Planning Commission and comments. RIGHT -OF -WAY APPRAISALS AND NEGOTIATIONS AND RELOCATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES- -EAST WASH INGTON-WIDENING PROJECT Committee is-now looking for direction Council requested Mr: ,Gray take the then return to the Council with their Director of Public Works David Young advised the ' l Council he was in receipt of a- proposed agreement between the City of Petaluma and the State of Calif- ornia to provide right -of -way and relocation of assistance services for the City on the East Washing- ton Street Widening Project from the Freeway to Lakeville Street. In order for the City to enter into a contract with the State, it would be necessary for the City to pay their share of the estimated cost, or a total of $54,525. The City's share would equal 17 %, and 83% would be Federally funded. Signing the contract with CALTRANS is the final step in order for the State to do the appraisal work. `''` April 7, 1975 RIGHT -OF -WAY Director of Public Works David Young was asked by -the APPRAISALS RE Mayor to read the letter to the Council from Robert EAST WASHINGTON Koenitzer, real estate appraiser, regarding the same STREET WIDENING project. The letter was read and is on file with the PROJECT City Clerk. (continued) Mr. Young reported to the Council it was his understanding, from a meeting held with City officials and the State, that the Federal Highway Administration has very stringent requirements regarding relocation assistance. A public agency has to assist anyone whose property is being.acquired and this applies both to residential and commercial. The City at that time was informed by CALTRANS the.only agencies they knew who were authorized were their own public right -of -way group and the '.County of Marin. Sonoma_ County is not qualified. City Attorney Hudson stated upon receipt of Mr.'Koenitzer's letter, he contacted the federal people to determine whether or not Mr. Koenitzer and his group could'be qualified. It would be'necessary for the City to submit Mr. Ko,enitzer's group to the State for authorization and if approved there, the matter would be referred.to the federal agency. If the group receives federal approval, they could perform the appraisal services, right -of -way negotiations, and location assistance. The City Attorney advised.the Council when the contract was written, they were very careful to include in the proposed contract that all of the State's actions would guarantee to qualify the City for FAU funds. He further stated anyone performing the services other than the State would have to make the same guarantee. The question of the time element arose.. Director of Public Works.David Young said the City must have work under way by, he believes, June 30, 1975, or the funds would revert back to the federal government. Mr. Hudson, in talking with the federal agency, learned that once they received the approved authorization from the State., it would take them,about one week to certify whether or not Mr. Koenitzer would be qualified. MY. 'Robert Koenitzer spoke to the Council. He advised them he has been studying the guidelines set forth the FAU projects. He feels he could be qualified; however,,, the final :determination_ would be made by the State. • He also stated in.his letter he indicated he would enter into a joint venture arrangement to provide the three services, i..e., appraisal services, right -.of -way negotiations, and relocation assistance. However, he does not feel there will be much relocation involved and he would like to amend his request to have the City only consider the services and right -of -way negotiations, and have the State retain the relocation assistance if necessary. Mr.. Koenitzer stated all three functions needed to be separated entirely from one,. to meet the Federal requirements.- He was.proposing he would do the appraisal work and Mr. Terry Wheeler, who resides in Healdsburg presently, but had worked in Petaluma for various.savings and loans and was familiar with the area, would do the right -of -way negotiation. Mr. Koenitzer advised the Council his plan would be for both he and Mr. Wheeler to do the appraisal work at the beginning, and then switch and each do . the others' right -of =way negotiations. Ths.would expedite the project and could be done within the framework of the time limit. Further discussion was held on whether or not the City would be jeopardizing its position with the State and Federal government if a request was forwarded to the State to have Mr. Koenitzer and his-group certified for the project. Those who were in attendance at the meeting with CALTRANS and the Federal representatives were of the opinion their recommendation was that the State be. retained as the agency to perform the services. However, the Council concurred that since a local appraiser could be available, they would like to explore this avenue whether or not he could be retained for the Washington Street Widening project. The matter was held over until the April 21st meeting and the staff was requested to prepare a letter asking the State to consider qualifying Mr. Koenitzer and his group. No action was taken. 4211 April 7, 1975 CALL FOR BIDS -- Resolution #6889'N.C..S. calling for bids April 14, SUBMERSIBLE PUMP 1975, for for one submersible electric motor the MAGNOLIA PUMPING Magnolia Pumping Station was introduced by Councilman STATION Perry, seconded by Councilman Daly, and approved by 5 RES #6889 NCS affirmative and 2 absentee votes. CALL FOR BIDS -- 'Resolution #6890 N.C.S approving plans and specifications MCNEAR PARK TENNIS and calling for bids April 29, 1975, for McNear Park .�a. COURTS Tennis Courts was introduced by Councilman Perry, / RES 46890 NCS seconded by Councilman Cavanagh and approved by 5 affirmative and 2 absentee votes. ESTABLISH OUTSIDE Ordinance 41171 N.C.S. amending Petaluma Municipal SEWER FEES Code, Chapter 15.56, Section 15.56.060, providing for ORD 41171 NCS outside sewer fees was introduced by Councilman Daly, seconded by Councilman Brunner, and approved by 5 affirmative and 2 absentee votes. The ordinance was ordered published. SUSPEND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ORD 41169 NCS SECOND READING Ordinance 41169 N.C.S., declaring there is no further need for the Redevelopment Agency created by Ordinance #715 N.C.S., and which has remained inactive since its establishment, was introduced by Councilman Daly, seconded by Councilman Perry, and approved by 5 affirmative and 2 absentee votes. ESTABLISH REDEVELOP Ordinance 41170 N.C.S., introduced by Councilman MENT AGENCY - Harberson, seconded by Councilman declaring the ORD 41170 NCS need for a Redevelopment Agency to function in the j SECOND READING City of Petaluma, declaring the City Council to be the Redevelopment Agency for the City of Petaluma, was approved by 5 affirmative and 2 absentee votes. It was, requested by Councilman Brunner and approved by the Council that the memorandum dated April 4, 1975, to the City Council from'Larry Martin, Downtown Planning Coordinator, be incorporated into the minutes. MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL LARRY MARTIN, DOWNTOWN PLANNING'COORDINATOR BACKGROUND INFORMATION - EXISTENCE OF BLIGHT IN PETALUMA CORE AREA The Community Redevelopment Law; Section 33000 of "the Health & Safety Code of the State of California, defines certain conditions which must be present in a community before the use of 'redevelopment powers is justified. These conditions are designated as blight and discussed in Sections 33030 et. seq. of'the Act. An important element-of the redevelopment plan will be a survey of potentially blighted areas and a finding'as to the existence or absence of blight in Petaluma, as defined in the Ac.t. Although a detailed finding of the existence blight is not prerequisite to the establishment of a Community Redevelopment Agency, it might be useful for the City Council to review the more obvious symptoms of blight at the meeting where establishment of the Agency is considered. The following outline is submitted as background material for such a discussion. 4�2 April 7, 1975 Establish Redevelopment Agency Memo from Larry Martin, Downtown Planning Coordinator (continued) I. Characteristics of blighted areas - Unfit buildings and structures This category covers buildings and structures which create a health and safety hazard and contribute to "ill health, disease, infant mortality, juvenile delinquency, and crime. a. Shoplifting is a major juvenile delinquency and crime problem and in the core.area is contributed to by defective design and control of entrances and exits in many older.buildings. Health and safety hazards are presented also by buildings which do not meet minimum fire codes and earthquake standards because they were bui,lt,many years prior to adoption of present day standards, b. Interior circulation in many older..structures is 'confused and can present serious safety hazards in the event of emergency such as fire or, earthquake, when structures should be evacuated rapidly. Tight exterior 'spacing creates outside circulation and access problems and particularly along the riverfro.nt, which is hidden from direct view, can contribute to crime, vandalism, and malicious mischief. C. It is not uncommon.in older structures that inadequate provision is made for ventilation, light, and sanitation In there are many public and private facilities along the Petaluma 'River which contribute to visual and waterborne pollution and to vermin infestation, presenting a health hazard to the entire community. d. Little provision is made for open space and recreational facilities in the core area.. This situation is particularly crit -ical when. viewed against the.open,space and recreational potential of the Petaluma River. Without coordinated City action this potential cannot be tapped. e. Age, obsolescence, deterioration,. and dilapidation are problems which are spotted throughout the core area and are prevalent along the river, The older industrial areas especially suffer - from under - utilization, obsolete location, and deterioration. f. Much of the core area is characterized by mixed and shifting uses caused by rapid growth of the city, changing business requirements, and structural obsolescence. This transition is painful both economically and socially and contributes to a climate of uncer- tainty which results in further deterioration. 2. Characteristics of blighted areas - Faulty planning; subdividing; laying out of lots; 'inadequacy'of streets, etc.; submerged areas This category covers land use and infrastructures. a. Planning as we know it today was nonexistent when.the core area was originally constructed. Nonetheless, a form . 'of planning did exist, and Petaluma was laid out to meet the needs of its time and to take advantage of the commercial transportation potential of the river. Revolutionary changes in transportation technology and in social customs and habits, compounded by rapid growth in recent years, have negated many of the assumptions upon which the core area was' originally laid out and constructed, resulting in economic dislocation,, deteriora tion and disuse of large parcels of land. b, A large proportion of ,lots in the core area, particularly along the riverfront, are of inadequate size'and configuration for proper usefulness. This substantially inhibits privately initiated redevelopment. The problems of private land aggregation in an area characterized by April 7, 1975 Establish Redevelopment Agency Memo from Larry Martin, Downtown Planning Coordinator (continued) multiple small lots and multiple ownerships are prohibitive. Some lots along the east side of Petaluma Boulevard, for example, are only 16 feet wide and 120 feet deep. C. The dominance'of the automobile in the quarter'century has created serious problems in the core area, particulary in the prime commercial core. Streets in this area are inadequate yet are as wide as they can presently be made without demolishing entire blocks of buildings. Inadequate open space has been mentioned previously and this situation can be remedied only through coordinated replanning and redevelopment of the area. d. Along the,river large areas of land are subject occasionally to being submerged.by water 3. Characteristics of blighted areas - Factors impairing taxpaying capacity This category covers depreciated values, impaired investments, and social and economic maladjustments resulting in diminshed ability to pay taxes and rising costs of public services. a. Changing business requirements have resulted.in under- utilization of a large proportion of core area commercial and industrial structures. The shift of office space from second level space above downtown shops to freestanding buildings with private parking facilities is one example. Another is the shift in industrial location emphasis from riverfront to freeway location's. While most of the ground floor retail space downtown is occupied, very little of the above ground space is, resulting in impaired real estate investments in the area. Older industrial buildings also are not occupied to their former potential. Income - producing properties perform far below what would normally be expected for the type of use, resulting in depreciated values In many instances buildings have been demolished and the lots remain vacant because redevelopment is not attractive. b. Recent growth trends in the community, and competition from new shopping areas both in Petaluma and in nearby communities, constitute a social and economic maladjustment which contributes to the decline of the core area and result.in both a property tax and.sales tax drain on the community. At the same time, the cost of providing public services is rising. Construction of the freeway in the location chosen for it has had an adverse effect on the core area by dividing the community and stimulating commercial and industrial development in new areas. C. Preliminary review of tax records shows that" the prime downtown commercial blocks' have declined . in assessed value by 9.5% since 1965. This in a period when assessed values of property in general have experienced a rapid increase. The same picture is expected to hold true with respect to older industrial areas. 4. Characteristics of blighted areas - Neglect of valuable land; population doss burdening taxpayer a. As a result of many of the factors cited above, there is in many parts of the core area a growing lack of proper utilization of the land, resulting in a stagnant and unproductive condition of land potentially useful and valuable for contribution to the public health, safety, and welfare. These areas include the riverfront, older industrial the railroad property,.and portions of the commercial core. 1 a ,k April 7, 1975 Establish Redevelopment Agency Memo from Larry Martin, Downtown Planning Coordinator (continued) b. Decline of proper utilization of the core area results in further deterioration and added cost;to the taxpayer for the creation of new public facilities and services elsewhere. 'This is seen =in the division of commercial and industrial facilities encouraged by the freeway, the need for establishing and provid'ing'services to new facilities far removed from the core area. The above outline is not intended to bean expert or detailed presentation. It is a review of obvious conditions which point the way toward more detailed investigations once the Community Redevelopment Agency'is established. After such a negative review of existing conditions, it is important to keep in mind that, due to foresight in managing the.growth of the community,,th'e core area of Petaluma is not nearly so deteriorated as it might have been, and that certain.unique resources and potentials exist in the core area which can be capitalized upon to the benefit of the entire community through a well managed redevelopment process. But the economic and social balance of the core area is delicate. An adverse development such as a major new shopping facility in or near Petaluma could cause a very.rapid decline and create a severe dislocation which might persist for many years. The purpose of redevelopment is to begin to rebuild the strength that is needed for the downtown to retain its position of service to the community and its importance in providing jobs and producing public tax revenues. AWARD -- 1975 -76 Resolution #6891 N.C.S. awarding housing allotments.,. 0 CONSTRUCTION YEAR was introduced by Councilman Perry, seconded by Councilman DEVELOPMENT ALLOTMENTS Cavanagh,. and approved'by 5 affirmative and - 2 absentee RES` #6891 NCS votes. Senior Planner Dennis Boeh'lje, who acted as secretary to the Residential Development Evaluation Board, advised the Council the resolution before them is based on the recommendations of the Residential Development Evaluation Board. A letter from the Chairmam of the Board, Dr. Lawrence Saunders, to the City Council dated March 20, 1975, was read by the Clerk andordered incorporated into the minutes. Honorable Mayor and City Council: Attached is a - letter from David'A. Young,, Director of Public Works;: to the 1975 -76 Residential Development Evaluation Board. Mr. Young indicates that water rationing will be necessary in the summers of 1975 and 1976, prior to the completion of the Russian River - Cotati Intertie Project. The Board has determined that no one applicant for development allotments for the 1975 -76 construction year should be downgraded on the basis of.tlis City- wide problem. Thus, we have evaluated each application with respect to the availability of water service without regard for the effects that new residential developments would have on the City's overall water supply. However, we wish to express to the City Council our concern for this matter. The Board.therefore recommends that the Council adhere to the development. allotment rankings as determined by Board. However, we also recommend that the Council take the appropriate action to suspend all residential development if the water situation should become worse'in the ensuing year. Sincerely, Dr. Lawrence Saunders, Chairman Residential Development Allotment Board 425 April 7, 1975 AWARD -- 1975 -76 CONSTRUCTION YEAR DEVELOPMENT ALLOTMENTS RES #6891 NCS (continued) No. 1, they would prefer 19 bonus units. In awarding the housing allotments, the Board recommended the proposal from Qantas Development Corporation, Alternate No. 1, which included 119 units total, 19 of which were stipulated low- income bonus units and were not part of the quota of 120 units. Mr. Jon Joslyn, speaking for Qantas Development Corporation, asked that rattier than have the Council consider Alternate consideration of Alternate No.-2, which excluded the Director of Community Development Frank Gray advised the Council the first alternate which included the 19 low - income units, was given a higher ranking than Alternate No. 2; however, Alternate No. 2 was next in ranking and awarded 100 units to Qantas Development Corporation. City,Manager Robert Meyer responded that one of the goals of .the housing allotment system was to provide low- income housing and he did not feel these 19 units should be deleted. In response to a question by Mayor Putnam on why Qantas Development did not wish to complete these 19 low - income housing units, Mr. Joslyn.advised that they did not feel they would be economical. Director of Community Development Frank Gray said the Council could have a choice of amending the resolution to Alternate No. 2 tonight or award the 119 units. The allotment system procedures would provide for the applicant to turn down the first alternate and apply for the second alternate as it was the next ranking on the"list,. City Attorney Matt Hudson agreed with Frank Gray's statement. He did state., however, awarding the 119 units and having the applicant decline the units, could put the units in jeopardy. The Council would have the choice of awarding to the next ranking units, which in this case would be Qantas Development, or to hold the units until the following year. At the conclu sion of the discussion, the Council determined to retain the 119 f. units, or Alternate No. 1, in the resolution. The next person to appear before the Council was Mr. Ed Ghirardo, who is a partner of Horst Han.f. Mr. Ghirardo explained to the Council his firm hopes to build a senior citizens project called Park Haven. When they submitted the application for consideration by the Residential Development Board, they were aware that only 65 units were alloted for multi -units in the area where they had filed their application. However, they are asking the Council to give consideration to awarding more than the 65 units. Mr. Ghirardo explained ultimately they would like to build 160 units and'he pointed out because of the age group, 65 years a.nd older, these 160 units would not relate in popu- lation as an apartment would. It is their intention to provide total care for ambulatory people, A central dining area, central kitchen, some health facilities, recreat ' ion f`atilitie&, and a minibus will be provided for the complex. Mr. Ghirardo asked when'the Council reviewed the previous years' allotments which remain inactive, that consideration be given to awarding additional units to the Park Haven development. Councilman Daly asked whether or not some.consideration was given during the allotment process, to considering this development as a commercial venture rather than have to go through the allotment system. Director of Community Development Frank Gray informed the Council the question had come up during the deliberations of the Residential Development Evaluation Board; however, they felt that any development for long -time residency should be brought under the Control System. The development proposed for Park Haven is not a convalescent home, but a total care facility for the elderly. He advised the Council if they wanted to award additional units for this development they could do so at this meeting our of next year's allotment and deduct from the multi- family units under the Development System for the 1976 -76 construction year. He opposed having units which were'considered bonus units not allocated in this construction year being awarded to Park Haven development, as well as awarding the unused 25 single- family units for the central sector. 42 April 7, 1975 AWARD -- 1975 -76 After some discussion,'the Council determined to adopted CONSTRUCTION YEAR the resolution as written and review the inactive allotments DEVELOPMENT ALLOTMENTS for previous years, keeping Park Haven'in mind for additional RES #6891 NCS units. (continued) At'the conclusion of. the discussion on the Residential Development Allotments, a motion was made by-Councilman Perry; seconded by Council- man Daly, that a resolution of appreciated be to the Residential Development Evaluation Board. The motion carried unanimously. SET HEARING DATE Resolution. #6892 N.G.S. setting hearing date April 21,.. APRIL 21, 1975 1975, for of previous year's Residential Develop - FOR REVIEW PREVIOUS ment Allotments was introduced by Councilman Brunner, YEARS' ALLOTMENTS seconded by Councilman Cavanagh, and approved'by 5 RES #6892 NCS affirmative and 2 absentee votes. RESOLUTION OF Some d'is'cussion was held prior to the approval of this VO INTENTION resolution. Councilman Cavanagh asked the question of the v RE PENNGROVE SEWER City Attorney whether or not he should'ab "stain from voting RES 46893 NCS on the matter because-of a personal. involvement in the area. The City Attorney's advice to Mr. Cavanagh was that he not vote on the matter. 'City Attorney Hudson then asked.,if the resolution before the Council was not a matter of urgency to be pr:esehted.to t he Board of Supervsors,t might be well to' have 'a full Council present to vote on such an important matter. However;, Director of Public Works David Young felt because of the need forthe'County to 'move the praj,ect through the -maze of the State's grant program,.it was important for the Council to approve the resolution. Mayor Putnam pointed out also the approval would not contain any negative votes only absentee and abstention. Whereupon Resolution 46893 N.G.S. of intention re Penngrove Wastewater Management Facilities was introduced by Councilman Perry, seconded by Councilman Daly, and approved by 4 affirmative and 2 absentee votes and l absention. Councilman Cavanagh abstained from voting. ADJOURNMENT There being'no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned. at 10:`35 p.m., to April 14, 1975. Mayor Attest: 1 City erk