CITY OF COTATI

 

November 12, 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

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Mayor Kurvers.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE

 

ROLL CALL

 

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

Staff present:  Christofferson, Dorch, Hayes, Sime, Walter

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING READING

        

1.      Regular meeting of October 22, 2003.

--      Notice of waiving the reading of all ordinances introduced and/or adopted

         under this agenda

 

George Barich stated that a correction was needed to the minutes of October 22, 2003.  Mr. Barich commented that he had made reference to the bidding process regarding vendors, parts and services for the Cotati New Police Facility.  Mr. Barich remarked that he had previously presented his vendor information to City Manager Shaddox and was under the impression that he would be given the opportunity to bid on security equipment.  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.

 

It was moved by Councilman Berkemeier and seconded by Councilwoman Moore to approve the minutes of October 22, 2003 as amended (to include Mr. Barich’s comments) and to waive the reading of all ordinances introduced and/or adopted under this agenda.

 

Yes:     5          No:      0

 

ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

        

Announcements

        

--      The Community and Environment Commission invites you to participate in our annual Fall Earth Day on Saturday, November 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  This will be a work day at Helen Putnam Park on Myrtle Avenue, and projects will include tree planting along Cotati Creek, planting of native shrubs and perennials on picnic hill, and general creek cleanup.  All ages are invited (though children must be supervised).  Dress for work and weather.  Plants are donated by Circuit Rider Productions, Sonoma County Jail Industries and Cotati Creek Critters.

          

--        This is a reminder that the second regular City Council meeting in November has been rescheduled to Tuesday, November 25.  This has been done to accommodate those who may be traveling out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday.

              

n           The Holiday Tree Lighting event will take place on Wednesday, December 3 at 6:00 p.m. in La Plaza Park.  Following caroling in the park, festivities will continue at the Fire Station where Santa will make an appearance.  There will be punch, cookies and holiday craft-making for the kids.

 

Mayor Kurvers welcomed Scout Troop 4 to the meeting.  Mayor Kurvers suggested that Troop members should feel free to address Council at any time during the meeting.

        

Report by Honorary Mayor

        

2.      Bret Hennessy-Price, Mountain Shadows Middle School

 

Honorary Mayor Hennessy-Price introduced himself and spoke regarding his interests and personal goals.  He introduced his family members, and also Ms. Laurie Mason, Principal, Mountain Shadows Middle School and Monica Douglas, History Teacher, Mountain Shadows Middle School.  Mr. Hennessy-Price presented a biography of his life in which he mentioned that he had won first place in the Northern California Talent Search.  Mr. Hennessy-Price commented that he was pursuing an acting career at this time.  At Council request, Mr. Hennessy-Price commented that he would consider singing at the next Council Meeting.  Councilman Berkemeier congratulated Brett on his singing career.  Mayor Kurvers thanked him for his presentation.

 

Correspondence and Presentations

        

3.      Presentation regarding proposal for funding of a Fine Arts Center and Gymnasium at Rancho Cotate High School  (Ann Huber, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District)

 

A presentation regarding the proposal for funding of a Fine Arts Center and Gymnasium at Rancho Cotate High School was given by Ms. Ann Huber, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District. 

 

In answer to a question from Mayor Kurvers, Ms. Huber commented that the proposed timeline for construction of the buildings would take about two years.  She further clarified that a one-year time frame had been scheduled for each building.  Ms. Huber mentioned that the buildings would both be located on the Rancho Cotate High School Campus.  She hoped that construction could take place year- round in order that both buildings could be completed within one year.

 

Councilwoman Orchard pondered the formation of a subcommittee regarding the School District’s proposal.

 

Mayor Kurver’s and Councilwoman Orchard contemplated staff contacting Ms. Huber’s office in order to create joint proposal writing on staff or subcommittee level.

 

Ms. Huber stated that the School District would apprise the City of future proposed activity regarding the Fine Arts Center and High School Gymnasium.

        

4.      Presentation of  Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Report for Quarter Ending September 30, 2003; receive and file Quarterly Reports for Quarters Ending March 31 and June 30, 2003  (Chamber President and Executive Director)

 

A motion was made by Councilmember Berkemeier and seconded by Vice Mayor Gilardi to continue the Chamber’s Quarterly Report to the November 25th Councilmeeting.

 

Yes:     5          No:      0

        

Commissions, Committees, Boards and Task Forces

        

5.      Appointment to fill vacancy on Design Review Committee

 

Mayor Kurvers opened the public comment.

 

Mayor Kurvers closed public comment.

 

It was moved by Councilman Berkemeier and seconded by Vice Mayor Gilardi to ratify the Mayor’s appointment of Mr. Greg LeDoux to a two-year term as a regular member of the Design Review Committee.

 

Yes:     5          No:      0

        

CITIZEN BUSINESS

 

Alex Legering, Scout Troop #4, introduced Scout Leader Keith Schoenthal. 

Mr. Schoenthal commented that he would like see Troop #4 involved with the Community and Environment Commission’s Fall Earth Day and the December Tree Lighting Ceremony.  Mr. Schoenthal offered the Troop’s help with any future Cotati community events.

 

George Barich, Cotati, stated that he wished to follow-up on comments which he made during the Citizen’s Business portion of the last Councilmeeting pertaining to security measures for the new Police Facility.  Mr. Barich stated that, according to City Manager Shaddox, funds were not available for video security on the project whatsoever.  Barich stated that Mr. Shaddox indicated that he would consider Mr. Barich’s services for consulting should funds become available, and that Mr. Barich would be asked to bid on the project.  Barich mentioned that Police Chief Stewart was aware of his desire to bid on the project but did not know if Interim City Manager Christofferson had been informed. Mr. Barich mentioned that he had been actively involved in the Police Facility project from the beginning stages.  Mr. Barich remarked that he did not understand how out-of-town vendors could profit from the project, while local vendor participation had been ignored.  Mr. Barich hoped that Council would investigate the fact that his inquiries had been overlooked and that any conclusion might be returned to him.

 

Mayor Kurvers closed Citizens Business

 

Vice Mayor Gilardi commented that she was aware of the fact that Mr. Barich had expressed his desire to bid on the Police project to others, and that he should have been included in the bid process.

 

In answer to a question from Councilman Berkemeier, Assistant City Manager Dorch clarified that there had been three separate contracts for the Police Facility, among which was security for the facility.  Dorch commented that the bid process for that portion of the contract was not handled by the general contractor and that Chief Stewart might be approached for clarification.

 

Council agreed that an explanation of the security portion of the bid process should be returned to Council and to Mr. Barich.

 

COUNCILMEMBER DIRECTION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 

None.

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

6.      Adoption of Resolution No. 03-70, A Resolution Overruling Protests and Ordering the Improvements, the Formation of the Assessment District and Confirming the Diagram and Assessments for the Santero Way Developments Assessment District for Cotati Station Phase 1 Subdivision (PA #13/02).  (City Engineer)

 

Adoption of Resolution No. 03-71, Concerning Foreclosure of Delinquent Assessment Liens for the Santero Way Developments Landscape and Lighting Assessment District for Cotati Station Phase 1 Subdivision.  (City Engineer)

 

Assistant City Manager Dorch gave a brief synopsis of the item and responded to questions from Council.  Dorch clarified that a COLA was included with the newest assessment districts in order that the assessment would rise automatically with the cost of living.

 

In answer to a question from Mayor Kurvers, Assistant City Manager Dorch stated that the assessment district would be recorded against the properties and, as each perspective new property owner purchased a unit, the assessment information would be disclosed to the new property owner as part of the sales process.

 

Mayor Kurvers opened public comment.

 

Mayor Kurvers closed public comment.

 

It was moved by Councilwoman Orchard and seconded by Councilwoman Berkemeier to adopt Resolution No. 03-70 overruling protests and ordering the improvements, the formation of the assessment district and confirming the diagram and assessments for the Santero Way Developments Assessment District for Cotati Station Phase 1 Subdivision (PA #13/02). 

 

Yes:     5          No:      0 

 

Assistant City Manager Dorch gave a brief synopsis and responded to questions from Council.

 

Mayor Kurvers opened public comment.

 

Mayor Kurvers closed public comment.

 

It was moved by Councilwoman Orchard and seconded by Councilman Berkemeier to adopt Resolution No. 03-71, concerning foreclosure of delinquent assessment liens for the Santero Way Developments Landscape and Lighting Assessment District for Cotati Station Phase 1 Subdivision.

 

Yes:     5          No:      0

        

CONSENT CALENDAR

 

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

        

7.      Second reading and adoption of 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)).

 

City Attorney Walter clarified that the public was allowed to address Consent Calendar items.

 

Mayor Kurvers opened public comment.

 

Mayor Kurvers closed public comment.

 

It was moved by Councilwoman Orchard and seconded by Vice Mayor Gilardi to approve the Consent Calendar.

 

Yes:     5          No:      0

        

REGULAR AGENDA

        

8.      Adoption of Resolution No. 03-72 Adopting the 2003 County Wide Integrated Waste Management Plan; Adoption of Resolution No. 03-73 Approving Second Amended Joint Powers Agreement Between the Cities and County of Sonoma for a Joint Powers Agency to Deal with Waste Management Issues  (Assistant City Manager)

 

Assistant City Manager Dorch gave a staff report and responded to questions from Council.

 

Ken Wells, Director of the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency gave a presentation on the 2003 Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan and the Second Amended Joint Powers Agreement.

 

Mr. Wells explained mandatory recycling and mentioned that this topic was included within the CoIWMP.

 

In answer to a question from Councilman Berkemeier, Mr. Wells clarified the timeframe in which methane gas would prevail after the last use of a landfill.

 

In answer to a question from Councilman Berkemeier, Mr. Wells stated that extra green waste recycling boxes would be made available for multiple family complexes.  

 

With regard to a question from Councilwoman Moore, Mr. Wells commented that the JPA Board would indeed include input from other agencies, e.g., Councils, advisory groups and waste agency boards before deciding upon the purchase of land for other uses e.g., waste sites.  Wells further commented that the selection of waste sites would be a very public process which would include public and agency feedback.

 

Councilman Berkemeier praised the JPA’s decision to weigh all trailers as well as trucks regarding the hauling of green waste.  Mr. Wells commented that the JPA was in the designing stages to weigh all vehicles, e.g., cars, vans, pickups.  Wells mentioned that this weigh-in change may take up to a year and urged everyone to be ‘patient.’

 

Mayor Kurvers acknowledged the JPA’s  progressive work with methane gas processes.

 

Mr. Wells mentioned that the January, 2004 Mayors & Councilmembers Meeting would be addressing green house gas emissions.

 

Mayor Kurvers opened public comment.

 

Mayor Kurvers closed public comment.

 

It was moved by Councilman Berkemeier and seconded by Councilmember Orchard to adopt Resolution No. 03-72 adopting the 2003 County Wide Integrated Waste Management Plan

 

Yes:     5          No:      0

 

It was moved by Councilman Berkemeier and seconded by Councilwoman Moore to adopt Resolution No. 03-73 approving second amended Joint Powers Agreement between the Cities and County of Sonoma for a Joint Powers Agency to deal with waste management issues.

 

Yes:     5          No:      0 

        

JOINT MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

        

Call to Order

 

The joint meeting was called to order at 7:58 p.m. 

        

Roll Call

 

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

Staff present:   Christofferson, Dorch, Hayes, Sime, Walter

        

Consent Calendar

 

 

Mayor/Chair Kurvers read the Consent Calendar title and asked if it should be pulled for discussion.

 

9.          Approval of warrants and audited claims for the period October 17 – November 5, 2003.

 

Councilwoman Moore pointed out an expenditure on page three of the financial report for services rendered by Hines Signs.  Finance Director Hayes clarified that the update to the signage charge pertained to the Cotati Philharmonic and that the group was being billed for the charge.

 

Councilwoman Moore questioned the purchase of a name plate. Finance Director Hayes clarified that the name plate was for Mr. for Nash Gonzales, Contract Planner, Planning Department.

 

Councilman Berkemeier mentioned that Mr. Nash Gonzalez, Contract Planner, Planning Department had previous County experience and that the City was very fortunate to have him on board as a member of City staff.

 

In answer to a question from Councilwoman Moore regarding a $375 payment for shelving for the new Police Facility, Finance Director Hayes clarified that the purchase was for additional shelving.  Hayes stated that the shelving had not been included within the Police Facility contract, and therefore, was being expensed from the normal Police supplies account.

 

It was moved by Vice Mayor Gilardi and seconded by Councilman Berkemeier to approve the Consent Calendar.

 

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

8:02 p.m.

 

Councilman Berkemeier stated that he had made a request that staff schedule a meeting of the Garbage Subcommittee Meeting, along with Mr. Jim Landa of Waste Management to discuss topics related to City Hall recycle pickup and the removal of debris located at the Cotati Veteran’s Hall. 

        

CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS

        

--      Brief announcements and reports on Councilmember activities.

        

Councilmembers reported on meetings they have attended recently.

 

Mayor Kurvers announced the dedication of Wilford Lane Village and Draper Park will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2003, 4:00 p.m.  The public is invited to attend.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m. to the meeting of November 19, 2003 at

7:00 p.m. and in memory of Steven Rucker, Novato firefighter, who lost his life in the Cedar Fire, San Diego County, October 29, 2003.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                          

Administrative Clerk