The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Mayor Fox.

Councilmembers present: Berkemeier, Gilardi, Jensen, Fox

Councilmember absent/excused: Cullinen

Staff members present: Shaddox, Lustig, Hayes, Anna, Abaci

1. Regular meeting of November 8, 2000.

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Gilardi, to approve the minutes of November 8, 2000 as amended and to waive the reading of all ordinances introduced and/or adopted under this agenda.

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

Mayor Fox called attention to the announcements.

Patricia Jonas Voulgaris, Cotati, presented an album of photographs from the recent fundraising dinner for the Helen Delevois Memorial Museum and Library to Mayor and Council. She indicated she was withdrawing the letter of request at this time because the Museum and Library Board is pursuing other options.

Prue Draper, 718 W. School Street, commented on Mrs. Voulgaris’ letter and difficulties experienced elsewhere in trying to preserve historically significant buildings, and old buildings in general. She said the buildings on Trebino Court are not of historical significance and she advocated against storing the buildings at the City corporation yard. She said that although Mrs. Delevois had been a close friend of Mrs. Voulgaris, nevertheless she felt there were a number of other Cotati families and individuals who were more deserving of public acknowledgement. She detailed the numerous ways in which she and her husband have secured items of historical interest and have made them available to scholars and the public.

Vice Mayor Jensen said she hoped Mrs. Draper and Mrs. Voulgaris will be able to resolve any differences they may have, and she commended both for their efforts in preserving Cotati history.

Patricia Jonas Voulgaris, Cotati, said she believed Mrs. Draper had perhaps misunderstood her intentions and she discussed the purpose of the Delevois Museum and Library.

Mayor Fox requested that a meeting be coordinated by the City to explore possibilities regarding preservation and display of historical objects. City Manager Shaddox indicated that that subject can easily be incorporated into a planned series of meetings which will take place after the first of the year.

George Barich, 176 W. Cotati Oaks Court, cautioned that there may be some copyright issues on historical objects and he suggested that they be put into the public domain where they can be adequately protected, as well as protected from natural disasters. He commended all involved.

Honorary Mayor Ferlito discussed the need for an Olympic-sized pool in or nearby Cotati to accommodate swim activities in this area. At present, he said, swimmers have to travel out of the County to utilize a pool of that size. He proposed that Nokia be approached regarding assistance for building such a pool in Cotati. He listed the benefits of having such a pool: It would bring in guests who would stay in hotels and eat in local restaurants, and it would make a connection between Cotati and Rohnert Park students, and would provide the opportunity for students to pursue water activities locally.

Mayor Fox complimented Mr. Ferlito on his well-prepared presentation and presented him with a certificate of appreciation.

Mayor Berkemeier invited Mr. Ferlito to participate in the annual Kids Parade and complimented him on his presentation.

Vice Mayor Jensen thanked him for his presentation and urged him to develop it further and prepare to come to hearings which may take place regarding development of the Monahan property.

Gilardi told him to tell his friends to come to Council meetings to help shape Cotati’s future.

Theresa Eaton, 117 Silver Drive, said she understands about twenty people participated in the pre-election distribution of door hangers aimed at Pia Jensen, and they were all associated with the Little League. She said Council should look very closely at Little League requests in the future.

George Barich, West Cotati Oaks Court, said he asked three questions at the last meeting concerning the distribution of the door hangers to which Ms. Eaton referred, and he has not had answers from Councilmembers, with the exception of Vice Mayor Jensen . He asked, first, if Councilmember Gilardi had had anything to do with it, then said Mayor Fox did not provide leadership in the matter. Addressing Vice Mayor Jensen, he said he hoped she would be instrumental in drafting an ordinance that would prevent this sort of thing in the future. He asked Councilmember Berkemeier to come forth and state his position and prove that he is an upstanding citizen.

Vice Mayor Jensen asked Assistant City Attorney Abaci if the City would be able to set up an ordinance or other document to diminish the opportunity for poor campaign practices. Abaci responded that there would be serious First Amendment considerations with any restraint on campaign speech. With regard to a City ethics policy, his office would need to research carefully in order not to run afoul of the First Amendment.

Vice Mayor Jensen said she will contact the Fair Political Practices Commission to see if the ethics code could be strengthened in any way.

Mayor Fox said candidates could voluntarily sign some type of campaigning guide, although it would be symbolic because people could go ahead and do what they wished at some point.

Senior Planner Lustig gave a staff report and responded to questions from Council.

Discussion ensued regarding the fact that at lambing season the number of animals can double or more, and how best to allow for that fact.

Theresa Eaton, 117 Silver Drive, said she foresees a time when people move into the area thinking they are in a residential area and then encounter the sheep. Usually, she said, the farmers lose out in response to complaints from other residents. She recommended looking at the matter carefully and doing what is best for the citizens.

Rick Stewart, 421 Maple Avenue, owner of the property in question, said at most they have four ewes and sometimes a ram. At lambing season, there would be at most around eight to ten animals. He pointed out that the land would not support more, and thanked Council for their consideration.

Mayor Fox said he appreciated Ms. Eaton’s comments and asked for suggestions from staff to ensure that Mr. Stewart’s family can continue to raise the few sheep they have historically kept. City Manager Shaddox responded that documentation in this ordinance will have the effect requested.

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Gilardi, to introduce Ordinance No. 709 Rezoning 59 parcels located between West Cotati Avenue and West School Street, near Clifford Street and Maple Avenue, from R-R (Rural Residential) and AR 1.5 (Agricultural Residential) to R-1 (Single Family Residential).

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

Senior Planning Lustig requested this item be continued to the next regular meeting after public comment is taken tonight.

Mayor Fox opened the public hearing.

There was no public comment and the public hearing was closed.

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Jensen, to continue this item to the regular meeting of December 13, 2000.

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

Vice Mayor Jensen pulled Item No. 4

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Gilardi, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.

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

Vice Mayor Jensen said she notes that it is being requested that the restroom be left unlocked during the event, and she remarked that she hopes this will set a good precedent, as she is always sorry to see that the public restrooms are generally kept locked during public events.

It was moved by Jensen, seconded by Gilardi, to approve Item No. 4.

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

Call to Order

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

Roll Call

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

Council/Board Member absent: Cullinen

Staff Members present: Shaddox, Hayes, Anna, Abaci

Consent Calendar

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

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

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

The joint meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m. and the regular meeting of the City Council was reconvened.

-- Brief announcements and reports on Councilmember activities.

Councilmembers reported on meetings they have attended recently.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. to a special joint meeting with the Planning Commission and Design Review Board to be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2000 on Phase I Walkable Cotati.

Respectfully submitted,

__________________________

Deputy City Clerk