CITY OF COTATI

 

October 22, 2003

 

Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting

and Joint Meeting of the City Council and Cotati Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors

201 W. Sierra Avenue, Cotati, CA  94931-4217

 

 

CALL TO ORDER  -  6:00 p.m.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Kurvers.

        

CITY COUNCIL MEETS IN CLOSED SESSION FOR THE REASONS INDICATED BELOW

 

The Council convened in closed session.

        

RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

 

The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Kurvers at 7:02 p.m.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE

 

ROLL CALL

 

Councilmembers present:  Kurvers, Gilardi, Berkemeier, Moore, Orchard

Staff present:  Christofferson, Dorch, Woltering, Hayes, Sime, Nebb

 

CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT

 

None.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING READING

        

1.      Regular meeting of October 8, 2003.

--       Notice of waiving the reading of all ordinances introduced and/or adopted under this agenda.

 

It was moved by Councilmember Berkemeier, seconded by Councilwoman Moore, to approve the minutes of October 8, 2003 and to waive the reading of all ordinances introduced and/or adopted under this agenda.

 

Yes:   5             No:   0

 

ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

        

Announcements

        

Mayor Kurvers announced that the Community and Environment Commission’s Fall Earth Day will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2003, Helen Putnam Park.  All ages invited.

 

Report by Honorary Mayor

        

2.      Robert Van Winkle, Technology High School

 

Honorary Mayor Van Winkle introduced himself and his family.  Robert spoke about his interests and personal goals.  He responded to questions from Council.  Mr. Van Winkle agreed to participate in the Annual Kids’ Day Parade this next July and wear his ‘Clo the Cow’ costume.  Mayor Kurvers thanked Mr. Van Winkle for his comments and presented him with a certificate of appreciation.

 

CITIZEN BUSINESS

 

Dr. Eliza Birch, 8306 Windmill Farms Dr., complained of a noise factor coming from the Santero Way Project.  Dr. Birch asked for clarification regarding the time frame in which construction was allowed to take place.  Dr. Birch requested Council assistance regarding an informational campaign pertain to the duration of the noise.  At the request of Mayor Kurvers, Planning Director Woltering stated that Todd Cunningham, Building Official, would compile a memo (inclusive of input from the Santero Way Project Director) and circulate said memo to the neighbors in the area of concern.  Planning Director Woltering clarified that construction was allowed to take place from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on Saturdays, with no construction being allowed on Sundays.

 

George Barich, Cotati, stated that he had been overlooked regarding his request to speak at the grand opening of the Police Facility.  Mr. Barich mentioned that he had attended several of the meetings pertaining to the construction of the facility and that there were issues which were not addressed.  Mr. Barich remarked that the City would eventually see a need to bring in massive development to pay for the new facility.  He indicated there was no competitive bidding process among the subcontractors who worked on the project.  Barich stated that he had previously approached Council and had met with then-City Manager Shaddox in order to be included in the bidding process.  He remarked that he was the only qualified licensed security equipment contractor within the City of Cotati.   Mr. Barich stated that City Manager Shaddox had given his personal assurance to him, along with the companies Mr. Barich represented, the opportunity to bid on the project.  Mr. Barich felt he had been discriminated against regarding the bidding process with the full awareness of Police Chief Stewart and then-City Manager Shaddox.

 

Iva Jones, 8168 Arthur St., cited from a letter pertaining to individuals endorsing a “no” vote on Measure B.  Ms. Jones remarked that Measure B was biased, misleading and would not prove beneficial for the City.  Ms. Jones requested that Council provide the voters (on the City’s website--by Friday) an exact accounting of the annual sales tax projections amounting to $1,000,000--$3,000,000.  Ms. Jones also noted that she would like a list of sources, i.e., retailers, stores and businesses detailing the projected $1,000,000--$3,000,000 in annual sales tax.

 

Mayor Kurvers closed Citizen Business.

 

COUNCILMEMBER DIRECTION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 

In response to Ms. Jones’ comments regarding Measure B, Councilwoman Moore stated that she and Mayor Kurvers had met with individuals, including Mr. Neil Hancock, to clarify some of the issues regarding Measure B.   Mayor Kurvers stated that Measure B was crafted simply to let the voters decide if they wished to allow a certain portion of the City available for construction of a site over the usual allotted 43,000 sq. footage.  Mayor Kurvers commented that the measure did not mention any particular retailer(s).

 

Councilmember Berkemeier requested that Council visit Resolution No. 1446-03 pertaining to the Town Council of the Town of Windsor supporting revisions [HR 2656/S1342] in Federal legislative requirements related to gaming proposals and associated major tribal enterprises proposed by the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria.

 

 

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

3.            Adoption of Resolution No. 03-56, Approving a Mitigated Negative Declaration for a Zone Change from R-2 to R-3:PUD at 910 East Cotati Avenue (APN: 144-302-025) and a .22-Acre Portion of 906 East Cotati Avenue (APN: 144-302-018), Zone Change from R-2 to R-3 for the .27-acre Remainder of 906 East Cotati Avenue (APN: 144-302-018), General Plan Amendment from Medium to High Density Residential, Tentative Subdivision Map, Conditional Use Permit, Growth Management and Design Review for the Construction of 15 Single-Family Dwelling Units on 1.18 Acres.  Applicants:Work Force Housing Associates; APN: 144-302-025 and APN: 144-302-018 portion (Planning) (Continued from October 8, 2003)

 

Senior Planner Marsha Sue Lustig reported on the item and responded to questions from Council.

 

In answer to a question from Councilman Berkemeier, Senior Planner Lustig clarified that the connector road would not be Mr. Karakozoff’s responsibility.  Councilmember Berkemeier felt that citizens would not want the connector road and that a Council decision regarding this matter was at hand.  Mayor Kurvers also felt it important for decisive Council action regarding the proposed connector road.

 

Mayor Kurvers opened public comment.

 

Doug Elliott, 625 2nd Street, Petaluma, Work Force Housing Associates, LLC, commented on the evolution of basic subdivisions.  He felt that his firm had designed the Cotati Courtyard project as a single family product with a multiple family unit in mind.  He felt that his project presented an affordable, high-standard, energy-efficient unit.  He acknowledged that the connector road was a City issue.  Mr. Elliott stated that it was his firm’s goal to deliver the housing at the 15 unit density.  He stated that the project was not an affordable subsidized project, and that by keeping the 15 unit density, the project could accommodate a more affordable unit.  Mr. Elliott stated that he would like to see a 28’ wide street, or a narrower street, due to the character it would lend to the project.

 

Carl Euphrat, Member, Work Force Housing Associates, LLC, mentioned that the original plan did not include the bottom five units acquired from the adjoining property.  Mr. Euphrat touched on the flexibility of the original plan, and further added that this type of affordable housing was needed for the City.  He commented on the suggested widths for the public street. Mr. Euphrat reiterated that he was in receipt of Mr. Karakozoff’s comments regarding the connector road.   

 

Paul Foti, 7883 Old Redwood Highway, agreed with Mr. Karakozoff’s request that a connector road not be allowed through his property.  Mr. Foti commented that the project units reminded him of condominiums rather than individual homes.

 

Mayor Kurvers closed public comment.

 

Vice Mayor Gilardi stated that she was aware of Mr. Karakozoff’s comments regarding a proposed connector road through his property.  Vice Mayor Gilardi stated that she had concerns with such a proposal.

 

Councilwoman Moore commented that there was no available access to the two parks slated for the Santero area.  She stated that the roadway was needed in order to access the parks. 

 

Mayor Kurvers stated that she was not comfortable with the connector road, and as an alternative solution, suggested a pathway to access the open space.

 

Mr. Elliott, Work Force Housing Associates, commented on the width of the sidewalk along the public street.  Mr. Elliott also mentioned that Mr. Karakozoff did not object to pedestrian access to the parks.

 

Councilmember Berkemeier stated that he favored a pathway to the open space.

 

Councilwoman Orchard remarked that she favored a pathway connecting to the open space versus that of a connector road.   In answer to a question from Councilwoman Orchard, Senior Planner Lustig clarified the allotted space for the construction of a pathway through Mr. Karakozoff’s property.  Lustig stated that Mr. Karakozoff would prefer a pathway vs. a through street. 

 

Regarding the consideration of a pathway through Mr. Karakozoff’s property versus the connector road, Assistant City Attorney Nebb clarified that an advance amendment to the Specific Plan was not necessary, due to the fact that the property under consideration was not actually a part of the Santero Way specific plan area.

 

Council concurred with the suggestion of a pathway through Mr. Karakozoff’s property.

 

Referring to Councilmember Berkemeier’s suggestion to narrow the public street to 28’, with parking on one side, Senior Planner Lustig clarified that it was City standard to accommodate a 30’ wide street with parking on both sides.

 

Vice Mayor Gilardi stated that vehicular maneuverability may prove problematic should the public street be less than 28’ wide.

 

Councilwoman Orchard commented that she favored a 30’ width for the public street.

 

Regarding the public street, Council concurred to a 30’ width, with parking on both sides of the street.

 

In answer to a question from Senior Planner Lustig, Mayor Kurvers stated that the proposed public street would then become a private street based on City policy.

 

Vice Mayor Gilardi, Councilwoman Orchard and Councilmember Berkemeier concurred with a 15-unit density for the project.

 

Councilwoman Moore stated that she had a problem with the 15-unit density.  Moore commented that the 15-unit density could present a safety issue and prove problematic for areas of play for children.

 

Considering a question from Senior Planner Lustig, Mr. Euphrat and Mr. Elliott commented on specifics regarding reconfiguration of set-backs.  They stated that they were willing to work with staff regarding any changes pertaining to the set-backs.

 

At the suggestion of City Attorney Nebb, members of staff and the developer concurred to craft changes to the Conditions of Approval during the Council meeting. 

 

Council agreed to move on to Item No. 4 (Consent Calendar).

 

The Conditions of Approval were amended to read as follows:

 

 

 

 

Condition No. 5

 

A minimum 20’ setback shall be provided from the edge of porch on Unit 1 to the back of the sidewalk on East Cotati Avenue.  Prior to Final Design Review approval, Applicant shall re-configure lots 8 & 9 to remove between 8’ & 10’ of setback which shall be added to the front setback of Unit 1.  This 20’ setback of Unit 1 shall be maintained by the mechanism for the collective maintenance of landscaping is as approved by the City Attorney.

 

Condition No. 6

 

The public street version of the proposed project for 910 East Cotati Avenue shall be private and maintained by the HOA or other maintenance mechanism approved by the City Attorney. utilized.  The street shall be 28 30-feet wide. and shall contain as many detached single family dwelling units as possible.  The area gained by having the street width reduced by two feet shall be added to the rear yards.  Parking shall be provided on both sides of the street.  The connector street shall also be public and designed to be 20-feet wide with a 5 ˝ foot planter strip and a 5-foot sidewalk on one side.  A pedestrian connector shall be provided and shown in the area of the Emergency Vehicle turnaround on the or in the event on Final Improvement Plans.

 

Condition No. 8

 

Unit 8 shall be set back a minimum of fifteen ten feet from the back of sidewalk along the street side sideyard to allow a minimum of 5’ of landscaping between the fence and the sidewalk.  Unit 9 shall be set back a minimum of fifteen ten feet from the back of curb along the street side sideyard.

 

Condition No. 24b

 

b.  The on-site roadway shall be a public private street.  The roadway shall be 28 30 feet in width for the entire length.  The area that will eventually be connected to the east of this property emergency vehicle turnaround shall be 20 feet wide with sidewalk required on one side thereof s of the property; and, standard cross slopes per City standard.

 

Condition No. 39 

 

One additional onsite fire hydrant shall be installed near the temporary emergency vehicle turnaround subject to the approval of exact location by the Fire District.  The existing fire hydrant near East Cotati Avenue shall be in service before any construction starts on this project.

 

Condition No. 41

 

The end of the new primary street shall be painted red from the emergency vehicle turnaround to the end of the road  and labeled in white lettering a minimum of 4” tall, “NO PARKING—FIRE LANE”.  There shall be no parking for the first 30’ of the through street beginning at the corner (during the temporary turnaround phase) within the emergency vehicle turnaround.  This section shall also be painted red and labeled in white lettering a minimum of 4” tall, “NO PARKING—FIRE LANE.”

 

Condition No. 55

 

Proposed No developable lots shall be created on the area identified as Parcel A 12, 11, 12, and 13 comprising of 12,900 square feet shall not be created until and unless the identified wetland has been mitigated off-site to the satisfaction of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Army Corps of Engineers, or the buffer and wetland area are preserved in perpetuity as common open space as directed by a licensed biologist and approved by the Planning Director, for the resource agencies (F&G, RWQCB, Army Corps) determine that no preservation is necessary.

 

Condition No. 63

 

A through street  pedestrian access to the eastern property line to allow for future pedestrian connection to Santero Way shall be provided to allow a second point of access for vehicles and pedestrians to the project.

 

Condition 74 (Tentative Map Condition 70)

 

No offers of dedication for either of the streets shall be accepted by the City until and unless the through street is connected to Santero Way.  RESERVED.

 

Condition 75 (Tentative Map Condition 71)

 

Prior to the issuance of any Building Permits, a permanent sign shall be affixed to a fence at the property line where the street is intended to connect into the Santero Way Specific Plan area which shall read:  “Future Through Street”.  Any additional sign copy, the sign size and exact location shall be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer.  RESERVED.

 

Condition 79 (Tentative Map Condition 75)

 

Mailbox location and design shall be subject to Final Design Review.  Any locations indicated on plans shall have had prior approval of the Cotati/Rohnert Park Post Office.  The use of the gang, locking mailbox is required with appropriate landscaping and a bench or two.

 

City Attorney Nebb commented that the above amendments shall apply to every resolution and ordinance presented under Item No. 3.

 

Mayor Kurvers opened Item No. 3 for public comment.

 

George Barich, Cotati, commented on the proposed pedestrian path.  Mr. Barich mentioned that pathways which are not well-lit or well-crafted are not always advisable.  Mr. Barich expressed concern with the 30’ width for the public street with parking on both sides.  He remarked that such a situation could prove dangerous for the community and children.  For safety purposes, Mr. Barich suggested that the street width should be a minimum of 32’. 

 

Yvonne Van Dyke, 466 Christensen Court, expressed concern that the project did not allow for parking of a third and fourth vehicle.  Ms. Van Dyke stated that she approved of a pedestrian pathway and hoped that the walkway would be well-lit.  Ms. Van Dyke was pleased that an access road would not be considered.

 

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Gilardi and seconded by Councilmember Berkemeier to adopt Resolution No. 03-56 approving a Mitigated Negative Declaration for a zone change from R-2 to R-3:PUD at 910 East Cotati Avenue (APN: 144-302-025) and a .22-acre portion of 906 East Cotati Avenue (APN: 144-302-018), zone change from R-2 to R-3 for the .27-acre remainder of 906 East Cotati Avenue (APN: 144-302-018), General Plan amendment from medium to high density residential, Tentative Subdivision Map, Conditional Use Permit, growth management and design review for the construction of 15 single-family dwelling units on 1.18 Acres as amended under Conditions Nos. 5, 6, 8, 24b, 39, 41, 55, 63, 74, 75 and 79.

 

Yes:      5          No:       0                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

 

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Gilardi and seconded by Councilmember Berkemeier  approving Resolution No. 03-57, approving a General Plan amendment, redesignating two parcels located at 910 E. Cotati (APN: 144-302-025) and 906 East Cotati Avenue (APN: 144-302-018 (portion plus remainder)) from medium density residential to high density residential as amended under Conditions Nos. 5, 6, 8, 24b, 39, 41, 55, 63, 74,75 and 79.

 

Yes:      5          No:       0

                                                                                                                                                    

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Gilardi  and seconded by  Councilmember Berkemeier  to introduce Ordinance No. 751 rezoning the properties located at 906 and 910 East Cotati Avenue from residential R-2 to residential R-3 (APN: 144-302-018 (remainder)) and from residential R-2 to residential R-3:PUD (APN: 144-302-025 and 018 (portion)) as amended under Conditions Nos. 5, 6, 8, 24b, 39, 41, 55, 63, 74, 75 and 79.

 

Yes:     5          No:      0

                                                                                                                                                    5                                                                                                                                                No:

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Gilardi and seconded by Councilmember Berkemeier to adopt Resolution No. 03-58, approving a Tentative Map and a Lot Line Adjustment for the subdivision of 1.18 Acres into 15 lots located at 910 East Cotati (APN: 144-302-025) and 906 East Cotati Avenue (APN: 144-302-018 (portion)) as amended under Conditions Nos. 5, 6, 8, 24b, 39, 41, 55, 63, 70, 71 and 75.

 

Yes:      5         No:       0

 

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Gilardi and seconded by Councilmember Berkemeier  to adopt Resolution No. 03-59, approving preliminary design review and growth management for the construction of 15 single family dwelling units located at 910 East Cotati (APN: 144-302-025) and 906 East Cotati Avenue (APN: 144-302-018 (Portion)) as amended under Conditions Nos. 5, 6, 8, 24b, 39, 41, 55, 63, 74,75 and 79.

 

Yes:      5          No:       0

 

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Gilardi and seconded by  Councilmember Berkemeier  to adopt Resolution No. 03-61, approving a Conditional Use Permit to allow a 15-unit residential planned unit development in an R-3 zoning district  for a .96-acre parcel located at 910 East Cotati Avenue (APN: 144-302-025) and .22-Acre at 906 East Cotati Avenue (APN: 144-302-018 (portion)) as amended under Conditions Nos. 5, 6, 8, 24b, 39, 41, 55, 63, 74,75 and 79.

 

Yes:      5          No:       0

        

CONSENT CALENDAR

 

Mayor Kurvers read the Consent Calendar titles and asked if any should be pulled for discussion.

 

Item(s) pulled: No. 5 (Orchard/Gilardi)

 

4.         Authorize rescheduling regular meeting of November 26, 2003 to Tuesday, November 25, 2003; authorize cancellation of regular meeting of December 24, 2003; authorize closure of City Hall and Public Works Facility during the period December 19, 2003 through January 2, 2004.

 

5.         Approval of a request to extend the life of the Cypress Meadows Tentative Subdivision Map for one year (Harryman).

 

Due to a conflict of interest, Councilwoman Orchard and Vice Mayor Gilardi stepped down from the dais as both Councilmembers resided within 500 feet of the Harryman property.

 

A motion was made by Councilmember Berkemeier and seconded by Councilwoman Moore to extend the life of the Cypress Meadows Tentative subdivision Map for one year (Harryman).

 

Yes:      3          No:       0          Abstain:         2 Gilardi, Orchard

              

6.      Authorize Mayor to execute Agreement with the County of Sonoma for conduct and supervision of municipal elections.

 

It was moved by Councilwoman Orchard, seconded by Vice Mayor Gilardi, to approve Item Nos. 4 and 6 of the Consent Calendar.

 

Yes:   5             No:       0

 

REGULAR AGENDA

        

7.      Authorize Mayor/City Manager to sign “Clean Air Consortium Voluntary Agreement” with Bay Area Air Management District.  (Planning Director) (continued from October 22, 2003)

        

A staff report was given by Planning Director Woltering who responded to questions from Council.

 

Mayor Kurvers opened public comment.

 

Paul Foti, 7883 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati hoped that all employees would be working to their capacity on days designated as Spare the Air days.  Mr. Foti did not agree that signing the Spare the Air contract would be beneficial to the City.

 

George Barich stated that he was offended that the Bay Area Air Quality Management District would place Cotati on the list of cities to participate in the Spare the Air program. He mentioned various employers and situations which would need special consideration of their work schedules in order to work around designated Spare the Air days.  Mr. Barich commented that he was particularly concerned for the Police Department and Fire Departments.  He did not want wish to see these entities stifled due to the fact that it was a Spare the Air day.  He hoped that Council would take these issues into consideration.

 

Mayor Kurvers closed public comment.

 

A motion was made by Councilwoman Orchard and seconded by Vice Mayor Gilardi that Mayor Kurvers and Interim City Manager Christofferson sign the “Clean Air Consortium Voluntary Agreement” with the Bay Area Air Management District.

 

Yes:      5          No:       0

 

Mayor Kurvers called for a short break at 8:57 p.m.

 

Mayor Kurvers reconvened the regular meeting at 9:15 p.m.

 

8.      Appointment of subcommittee to coordinate dedication of Draper Park.  (Interim City Manager)

 

Interim City Manager Christofferson gave a brief synopsis of the item.  He commented that the date of the dedication would be November 20, 2003; and that, the park would be dedicated in conjunction with the opening of the Burbank Housing Wilford Lane Village Project.

 

Mayor Kurvers and Councilmember Berkemeier stated that they would like to serve as subcommittee members to coordinate the dedication of Draper Park.

 

Mayor Kurvers opened public comment.

 

Paul Foti, 7883 Old Redwood Highway, requested clarification for the direction of park funds.  In answer to Mr. Foti’s question, Assistant City Manager Dorch stated that these funds were directed back into the Redevelopment Capital Fund.

 

Mayor Kurvers closed public comment.

 

A motion was made by Councilwoman Orchard and seconded by Vice Mayor Gilardi to appoint Mayor Kurvers and Councilmember Berkemeier to serve as subcommittee members to coordinate the dedication of Draper Park.

 

Yes:      5          No:       0

        

9.      Authorize Mayor to sign letter to legislators and Governor urging them to keep local services fully funded through maintenance of the Motor Vehicle In-Lieu Tax as a local revenue source. (Interim City Manager)

 

Interim City Manager Christofferson gave a synopsis of the item and responded to questions from Council.

 

Mayor Kurvers opened public comment.

 

Paul Foti, 7883 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, stated that he was not in favor of Council signature to the letter supporting the maintenance of the Motor Vehicle In-Lieu Tax. 

 

George Barich, Cotati, commented that he did not endorse Council signature to the letter regarding endorsement of the maintenance of the Motor Vehicle In-Lieu Tax.

 

Mayor Kurvers closed public comment.

 

Vice Mayor Gilardi stated that she did not agree with public comment.  Vice Mayor Gilardi cited various examples regarding preventive budgetary measures taken by the City vs. those of the State.

 

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Gilardi and seconded by Councilmember Berkemeier authorizing Mayor Kurvers to sign a letter to legislators and Governor-elect Schwarzenegger urging them to keep local services fully funded through maintenance of the Motor Vehicle In Lieu Tax as a local revenue source.

 

Yes:      5          No:       0

        

Mayor Kurvers referred Council to Item No. 3.

 

JOINT MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

        

Call to Order

        

The joint meeting was called to order at 9:39 p.m.

 

Roll Call

 

Council/Board Members present:  Kurvers, Gilardi, Berkemeier, Moore, Orchard

Staff present:  Christofferson, Dorch, Woltering, Hayes, Sime, Nebb

 

Consent Calendar

 

10.    Approval of warrants and audited claims for the period October 3-16, 2003.

11.    Receive and file City Investment Report for the Quarter Ending September 30, 2003.

        

A motion was made by Councilmember Berkemeier and seconded by Vice Mayor Gilardi to approve the Consent Calendar.

 

Yes:      5          No:       5

 

Regular Agenda

        

12.    Approval of Preliminary Budget for the Civic Center Buildings Renovation Project; direct staff to complete plans and specifications and to advertise for bids.  (Assistant City Manager/Executive Director)

 

Assistant City Manager Dorch and Finance Director Hayes presented the proposed funding scheme for the renovation of the Civic Center buildings.

 

In answer to a question from Mayor Kurvers, Assistant City Manager Dorch clarified that it would take up to 30 days to compile plans and specifications, that bids could be opened in January; and that, construction could possibly take place between the months of January and April.

 

Councilwoman Moore stated that Classrooms 2, 3 and 4 had been mentioned in the staff report.  Councilwoman Moore inquired if Classroom 7 and other classrooms would be included in the renovation process. In answer to a question from Councilwoman Moore, Assistant City Manager Dorch stated that, at this time, classrooms 2, 3 and 4 had been designated for renovation due to the fact that they were being utilized by the Recreation Department.  Assistant City Manager Dorch mentioned that, as the need arises, perhaps a future request from Council could be considered regarding further classroom renovation.

 

Councilwoman Moore queried if the items from Classroom 7 would be removed, e.g., items pertaining to the Police Department, Community and Environment Commission and Cotati Philharmonic. Assistant City Manager Dorch commented that Classroom Room 7 was presently being used as a storage room, and that those items from the Police Department would eventually be removed. 

 

Mayor Kurvers, Councilwoman Moore and Councilwoman Orchard agreed that renovation for storage and other classrooms seemed appropriate during the bid process for Classrooms 2, 3 and 4. 

 

Councilwoman Moore’s suggested that she and subcommittee member Berkemeier explore any additional rooms which could be added to the renovation process. 

 

Considering the suggestion of Interim City Manager Christofferson, Assistant City Manager Dorch proposed that Council consider a recommendation for the renovation of classrooms 2, 3, 4 and kindergarten classroom as a base bid; and that, the addition of other classrooms could be considered as an alternate to the bid. 

 

Mayor Kurvers stated that she would like subcommittee members Berkemeier and Moore to report their findings regarding the potential renovation of additional classrooms.

 

City Attorney Nebb clarified the prioritization of alternate recommendations. 

 

Mayor Kurvers opened public comment.

 

Yvonne Van Dyke, Christensen Court, stated that she did not disapprove of the renovation of the Civic Center buildings.  Ms. Van Dyke inquired when Council would present information to the public regarding the Civic Center Park.

 

George Barich commented that he did not understand how funds designated for the Civic Center Park could become a resource for the renovation of classrooms.  He felt that the City would be opening itself up for scrutiny with regard to spending resources and staff time for the renovation of classrooms.  Mr. Barich stated that he was alarmed with the storage in Classroom 7.  He was unhappy that resources and staff time would have to be spent in order to move these items.   In response to a question from Mr. Barich, Mayor Kurvers stated that plans for the Civic Center Buildings were presently being drawn up.

 

Paul Foti, 7883 Old Redwood Highway, would like see staff time well spent with regard to the Civic Center Project.

 

Elaine Thomas, 471 W. School St., requested a timeframe regarding completion of the Civic Center project.  Assistant City Dorch clarified that project completion should take place sometime in April, 2004.  Mayor Kurvers presented Ms. Thomas with a page from her agenda packet indicating where funds would be obtained and expensed for the renovation process.

 

Mayor Kurvers closed public comment.

 

Mayor Kurvers clarified that the new Civic Center facilities would be for the youth and senior citizens.

 

Assistant City Manager Dorch clarified funding sources for the project. 

 

In response to a question from Mayor Kurvers, Assistant City Manager Dorch stated that the Civic Center conceptual plan had been approved by Council in April, 2002.  Dorch commented that refinements to the conceptual plan were needed; and that, the City was presently in the process of performing an environmental impact report on the Civic Center Park.

 

Vice Mayor Gilardi stated that she was somewhat offended that individuals might contemplate that the City had ‘fast-tracked’ the Civic Center Project.  Vice Mayor Gilardi commented that, to the contrary, the City had given considerable thought and consideration to the project.

 

Councilmember Berkemeier concurred with Vice Mayor Gilardi’s comments that the City had not fast tracked the project.  Councilman Berkemeier mentioned that staff was readily available to clarify for any individual, the budgeting and allocation of funds for this project.

 

Councilwoman Moore commented that funding for the project would be well spent.  Councilwoman Moore further stated that as a subcommittee member, she would see that the renovation of classrooms and construction of the park would come to fruition.

 

Mayor Kurvers opened public comment.

 

George Barich clarified that it was not his intention to indicate that Council was trying to ‘fast-track’ the Civic Center Project.  Mr. Barich stated that he would like to see the plans for the Civic Center Project in order that everyone could be in agreement.

 

A motion was made by Councilmember Berkemeier and seconded by Councilwoman Moore to approve the preliminary budget for the Civic Center Building Renovation Project and to direct staff to complete plans and specifications and to advertise for bids.

 

Yes:      5          No:       0

        

Adjournment of joint meeting; reconvening of regular meeting of City Council

        

The joint meeting was adjourned, and the regular City Council meeting reconvened, at 10:11 p.m.

 

 

CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS

 

n      Brief announcements and reports on Councilmember activities.

        

ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting was adjourned at 10:18 p.m.

 

__________________________________

Administrative Clerk

* * *

CITY COUNCIL WILL MEET IN CLOSED SESSION.  MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING THE GROUNDS FOR THIS CLOSED SESSION MEETING IS PROVIDED BELOW.

 

                    PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT  (California Government Code §54957)

                                        Title:  City Manager