CALL TO ORDER

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

CITY COUNCIL MEETS IN CLOSED SESSION FOR THE REASONS INDICATED BELOW:

EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (G.C. §54957)

Title: City Manager

Mayor Berkemeier called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

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

Staff present: Shaddox, Stewart, Hayes, Kirkpatrick, Anna

Mayor Berkemeier announced that Council met in closed session for the items listed on the agenda and no action was taken that needed to be reported.

It was moved by Gilardi, seconded by Kurvers, to approve the minutes of April 25, 2001 and to waive the reading of all ordinances introduced and/or adopted under this agenda.

Yes: 5 No: 0

-- Visit the City's web page at www.ci.cotati.ca.us to see announcements, upcoming events, and agendas and minutes for the City Council and commissions.

Mayor Berkemeier called attention to the announcements.

Honorary Mayor Chavez introduced herself and reported on her scholastic plans and personal interests and activities. She responded to questions from Council. Mayor Berkemeier thanked her for her presentation.

Council consensus was to receive and file the report.

Patricia Voulgaris said the Museum now has a web site and is moving forward with plans for Casino Night and the museum itself.

June Silva, 8575 Loretto Avenue, said she wanted to know upon what basis the Polypavement paving material was chosen for the Marsh Way Bike Path and what the City plans to do about illegal activities at the LaSalle bridge. So far, she said, she has heard nothing from the City and the items have not appeared on the Council agenda. She said Council has a responsibility to deal with the illegal activities which include graffiti, driving of motorized vehicles, setting off firecrackers, arson, and unleashed dogs. She suggested the area should be closed if the illegal activities cannot be controlled. She requested the matter be placed on the next Council agenda.

George Barich, 176 W. Cotati Oaks Court, said he agrees the items discussed by Ms. Silva should be placed on the agenda for discussion. Regarding the Chamber of Commerce, he asked if the Chamber's periodic report is available to the public and was advised by Mayor Berkemeier that it is. He recalled the debate at Thomas Page School during the last election campaign and said he had concerns about the Chamber as a result.

Ysenia Chavez, Honorary Mayor, invited everyone to attend the Thomas Page School graduation in June. She is involved in fundraising to pay for the graduation, the Eighth Grade gift to the school, and field trips.

Councilman Fox suggested Ms. Silva can be given the tape or minutes from the meeting so she can review the decision to pave the Marsh Way pedestrian/bike path with Polypavement.

Fox continued that he would like an item on a future agenda to discuss safety on the paths. City Manager Shaddox recommended agendizing for discussion and possible action, preferably in July to permit staff to prepare information. Councilwoman Kurvers requested that leash and helmet laws be included in the discussion.

Item pulled: No. 6

It was moved by Fox, seconded by Orchard, to approve the remaining items on the Consent Calendar.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Item 6: Rebecca Browne of the Accordion Festival Organizing Committee reviewed preparations for the Festival.

Patricia Jonas Voulgaris said the Festival is a great event and people work very hard on it. However, when such festivals happen, she said, merchants are closed out and do not make money. She asked Council to find a way to include merchants in benefiting from the festival.

George Barich said he dislikes the fencing around the Accordion Festival and he believes many other people dislike it as well. He asked Council to reconsider approving fencing around the Festival.

Mayor Berkemeier reviewed the history and the necessity for fencing, which includes insurance considerations. He said arrangements have been worked out satisfactorily with surrounding merchants.

Ms. Browne noted that over $105,000 has been donated to local youth groups from Festival proceeds.

Councilman Fox remarked on meetings that have been held with merchants to work out any problems. He added that when he was running his restaurant he found business was even greater on festival weekends.

Councilwoman Gilardi commented that, in addition to having fun volunteering at the Accordion Festival, she appreciates that the youth groups benefit from the Accordion Festival.

Councilwoman Kurvers said she realizes that people come and go from the Festival and do spend time and money at businesses in town.

It was moved by Kurvers, seconded by Gilardi, to approve Item No. 6.

Yes: 5 No: 0

There was no public comment.

Following brief discussion, it was moved by Fox, seconded by Kurvers, to approve the recommended date and times for the dedication ceremonies.

Yes: 5 No: 0

The joint meeting was called to order at 7:43 p.m.

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

Staff present: Shaddox, Stewart, Hayes, Kirkpatrick, Anna

It was moved by Fox, seconded by Kurvers, to approve the Consent Calendar.

Yes: 5 No: 0

The joint meeting was adjourned at 7:44 p.m. and the regular City Council meeting reconvened.

Following brief discussion, Council consensus was to support Petaluma Mayor Thompson for the appointment.

Councilmembers briefly commented on meetings they have attended and other matters.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m. to the special meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 6:30 p.m. with the Walkable Cotati group.

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________________

Deputy City Clerk