CALL TO ORDER OF OPEN SESSION

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Fox at 6:03 p.m.

CITY COUNCIL MEETS IN CLOSED SESSION FOR THE REASONS INDICATED ON THE ATTACHED NOTICE

Mayor Fox stated Council would meet in closed session for the reasons indicated on the attached notice.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Councilmembers present: Berkemeier, Cullinen, Jensen, Fox

Councilmember absent: Gilardi (previously excused)

Staff present: Shaddox, Dorch, Stewart, Morris, Kirkpatrick, Anna, Nebb

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Jensen, to approve the minutes of October 11, 2000 as amended and to waive the reading of all ordinances introduced and/or adopted under this agenda.

Yes: 4 No: 0 Absent: 1 (Gilardi)

Halloween at Cotati Nite Out will be tomorrow night, here at City Hall. Be here at 7:00 p.m. for spooky surprises!

Be sure to vote on Tuesday, November 7. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Mayor Fox called attention to the announcements.

-- Christine Keophilaphanh

Honorary Mayor Keophilaphanh gave a report and responded to questions from Council. Mayor Fox thanked her and presented her with a certificate of appreciation.

Council consensus was to receive and file the correspondence.

Steven Hawkes, farmer in Sonoma County for 29 years, spoke regarding Proposition I, the Rural Heritage Initiative, and urged Council and audience to vote in favor of the proposition.

Tony Adler, Arthur Street, said on W. Sierra Avenue, just outside the City limits, there is a planned residential unit proposed to be built, and he asked Council to not approve annexation of that land to permit the development. He went on to remark on the Candidate’s Night sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, saying that he felt it was a very biased structure. He suggested the City check with the City Attorney regarding the right of individuals to videotape public meetings, and he said he has turned over the videotape he made to the City Manager.

Patricia Jonas Voulgaris, Cotati, said she had no objection to being videotaped at the Candidate’s Night. She said she is concerned about the apartments owned by the Andreoli family on Old Redwood Highway north of William Street, and she asked the City Council to take steps to improve the property and living conditions at that location.

Councilmember Cullinen responded, saying the City would like to improve that property but has been involved in litigation with the Andreoli family for several years and is unable to take any action.

Following brief discussion, Council consensus was to request staff to ask the County Health Department to look into the situation.

George Barich, 176 W. Cotati Oaks Court, said he feels Council needs to respond to requests such as Mrs. Voulgaris put before Council.

There was no public comment.

It was moved by Cullinen, seconded by Berkemeier, to approve the Consent Calendar.

Yes: 4 No: 0 Absent: 1 (Gilardi)

Planning Director Dorch gave a staff report and responded to questions from Council.

There was no public comment.

It was moved by Cullinen, seconded by Berkemeier, to authorize sewer service for the property at 6700 Madrone Place.

Yes: 4 No: 0 Absent: 1 (Gilardi)

Administrative Analyst Anna gave a staff report and responded to questions from Council.

Councilmember Cullinen indicated he would not be able to attend a meeting on Tuesday, November 21 because of work requirements.

There was no public comment.

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Cullinen, to authorize changing the second regular City Council meeting in November from November 22, 2000 to November 21, 2000, to authorize cancellation of regular meeting of December 27, 2000, and to authorize closure of City Hall and the Public Works Facility for the period December 22, 2000 through January 2, 2001.

Yes: 4 No: 0 Absent: 1 (Gilardi)

City Manager Shaddox reviewed the staff report and responded to questions from Council. He commented there are portions in the Municipal Code regarding commissions which need to be cleaned up and asked if Council would wish to direct staff to bring an ordinance back with such changes.

Vice Mayor Jensen said she was not so much concerned with term limits as she is that the Council seems to generally follow the recommendations of the Planning Commission and the same people keep getting appointed over and over again.

George Barich, 176 W. Cotati Oaks Court, said there should be term limits for all members because it gives other qualified applicants a better chance to serve.

Patricia Jonas Voulgaris, Cotati, said she would like to see five members on Design Review, term limits of two terms for each member, with two years off and then they can reapply. She said there are many people who would like to participate, and she repeated her recommendation that apprenticeships be established for these positions.

Councilmember Cullinen said he would prefer seven members of Design Review rather than five, and he would not wish to place term limits on the architectural position. Although he does not care for term limits in general, he said he could agree to term limits for the at-large members. He said he would concur that Council should make the appointments to the Design Review Board, although he is comfortable with the Planning Commission making recommendations.

Vice Mayor Jensen said she would like the Planning Commission to interview the candidates and provide a summary of candidates and qualifications to City Council who would make the appointment.

Vice Mayor Jensen moved to direct staff to come back with an ordinance incorporating provisions for consistency in terms, looking at a procedure for handling tie votes, changing the meeting time from 4:30 p.m. to a time more convenient for attendance by the public, charging the Planning Commission with summarizing the qualifications of applicants and with the City Council interviewing candidates for final approval, and setting a limit of two terms for each position with a provision for reappointment of an incumbent if no candidate steps forward. The motion failed for lack of a second.

Mayor Fox said he would like the Design Review Board to meet at a time more conducive to attendance by the public and said he would like Council to interview for all bodies. In addition, he would like to see seven people on Design Review, and does not wish to impose term limits.

Councilmember Berkemeier commented that it took him about a year and a half to learn how to function on Design Review, and he does not see the sense of term limits at all. He said he feels that the City must try to retain its valuable commissioners.

Councilmember Cullinen noted that all four Councilmembers are in agreement that Design Review should be increased to seven members.

City Manager Shaddox thanked Council and audience for their comments and indicated he will bring back an ordinance for Council’s consideration.

Vice Mayor Jensen asked that any changes in other cities be incorporated in information brought back to Council.

Call to Order

The joint meeting was called to order at 8:12 p.m.

Roll Call

Council/Board Members present: Berkemeier, Cullinen, Jensen, Fox

Council/Board Member absent: Gilardi

Staff present: Shaddox, Dorch, Morris, Kirkpatrick, Anna, Nebb

Consent Calendar

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Cullinen, to approve the Consent Calendar.

Yes: 4 No: 0 Absent: 1 (Gilardi)

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

The joint meeting was adjourned, and the regular City Council meeting reconvened, at 8:14 p.m.

-- Brief announcements and reports on Councilmember activities.

Councilmembers reported on meetings they have attended recently.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

_________________________________

Deputy City Clerk

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PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Title: City Manager

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION [G.C. §54956.9(A)]

Existing litigation: Staley v. City of Cotati

_____(signed)____________________

Deputy City Clerk