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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 2001-02-20 49 City Council, Regular Meeting Civic Center Council Chambers 777 Cypress Avenue, Redding, California February 20,2001, 7:00 p.m. I The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Boy Scout Ryan Hackney of Troop #37. The Invocation was offered by Pastor Patrick Bloom, Cow Creek Community Church The meeting was called to order by'Mayor McGeorge with the following Council Members present: Cibula, Kight, Pohlmeyer, and Stegall. Also present were City Manager Warren, Assistant City Manager Perry, Deputy City Manager Starman, Administrative Services Director Bachman, Assistant City Attorney Tranberg, Development Services Director Hamilton, Electric Utility Director Feider, Chief of Police Blankenship, City Clerk Strohmayer, and Assistant City Clerk Sherman. CONSENT CALENDAR The following matters were considered inclusively under the Consent Calendar: Approval of Minutes - Special Meeting of February 9,2001 I Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Register (A-050-100-500) It is recommended that Accounts Payable Register No. 15, check numbers 286093 through 286561 inclusive, in the amount of $3,340,275.60, for the period of February 1, 2001, through February 15,2001, and Payroll Register No. 16, check numbers 469878 through 478525 and electronic deposit transaction numbers 86887 through 87471 inclusive, in the amount of$I,543,985.42, for the period of January 21,2001, through February 3,2001, be approved. TOTAL $4,884,261.02 Ordinance No. 2283 - Development Impact Fees (F-205-600) It is recommended that Ordinance 2283 be adopted, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Redding: (1) Consolidating existing Development Impact Fees into one chapter and establishing procedures for their collection; (2) increasing certain Development Impact Fees; (3)establishing a new Development Impact Fee entitled Fire Facilities Impact Fee; and (4) Repealing and modifying various chapters and sections of the Redding Municipal Code. I Amendment to the Contract .Scope of Services - Final Environmental Impact Report (ErR) Phase II, Stillwater Industrial Park Project; and Resolution - Appropriating Funds (E-050/B-130-070/L-0 1 0-075) It is the recommendation of the Economic Development Director that the City Council approve an amendment to the contract scope of services with Diaz & Associates for Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Phase II, Stillwater Industrial Park Project. It is further recommended that Resolution No. 2001-27 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving and adopting ~he 8151 amendment to City Budget Resolution No. 99-93 appropriating $66,090 to cover the City's portion of the final EIR Scope of. Services for the proposed Stillwater Industrial Park Project for fiscal year 2000-01. 02120/2001 50 Ag-Bag Composting Operation - Green Waste Recycling Program; and Resolution - Appropriating Funds (S-020-550 & B-130-070) It is the recommendation of the Assistant City Manager that City Council authorize the purchase of proprietary compo sting equipment from Ag- Bag Environmental as a sole source provider in the amount of$13 2,3 30, including sales tax, and approve installation of electrical components and blowers in the amount of $7,400 for a total capital cost of $149,730 including a 10 percent contingency. It is further recommended that Resolution No. 2001-28 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving and adopting the 78th amendment to City budget Resolution No. 99-93 appropriating $149,730.00 for Ag- Bag compo sting operation for fiscal year 2000-01. I Single-Family Mortgage Revenue Bond - "Fair Share" allocation (R-030-100-400) It is the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager that the City Council authorize assignment of the City's 2001 fair share allocation of single-family mortgage revenue bond authority in the amount of$532,569.00 to Cal Rural Joint Powers, and authorize sending a letter reflecting that assignment. Subordination Agreement - SandpoinkApartments located at 655 Hilltop Drive (L-010-390) It is the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager that City Council approve the new subordination agreement with Sandpointe Associates, which will enable the property owner to refinance the property and authorize the Mayor to execute the subordination agreement. Resolution - Declaring March 9, 2001, as "Community Tree Planting Day," otherwise known as Arbor Day, and March 5 - 9, 2001, as "Arbor Week." (A-050-220-075) It is the recommendation of the Director of Support Services that Resolution No. 2001-29 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding declaring March 9, 2001, as Community Tree Planting Day otherwise known as Arbor Day, and March 5 through 9, 2001, as Arbor Week. I Resolution - Updated Emergency Operations Plan (P-150-070) It is the recommendation of the Fire Chief that Resolution No. 2001-30 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding adopting the City of Redding Emergency Operations Plan. Resolution - Stating City Council Position on National Standards for Fire Department Staffing (P-150-070) It is the recommendation of the Fire Chief that Resolution No. 2001-31 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding stating its position on National Standards for Fire Department staffing. Resolution - Authorizing purchase of new police vehicles through the State of California General Services (P-150-150 & B-050-1 00) It is the recommendation of the Chief of Police that Resolution 2001-32 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding authorizing the purchase of twelve (12) new marked police vehicles through the Department of General Services of the State of California, in the approximate amount of $318,648. I Environmental Review - Proposed Goodwater Avenue improvements and Clover Creek storm drain improvements . (S-060-150-165/S-070-1 OO/S-l 0 1-025) . It is the recommendation of the Assistant City Manager that the City Council direct staff to proceed with the environmental review for construction of the proposed Goodwater Avenue improvements and Clover Creek storm drain improvements, and that Council recognize the possibility that the necessary rights-of-way for the storm drain may have to be acquired through eminent domain at the developer's expense. 02/20/2001 51 MOTION: Made by Council Member Kight seconded by Council Member Pohlmeyer that all the foregoing items on the Consent Calendar be approved and adopted as recommended. V oting was as follows: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstain: Council Members - Cibula, Kight, Pohlmeyer, Stegall, and McGeorge Council Members - None Council Members - None Council Members - None I Resolution Numbers 2001-27, 2001-28, 2001-29, 2001-30, 2001-31, 2001-32, and Ordinance No. 2283 are on file in the office of the City Clerk. LIBRARY COMMITTEE - Status Report and Recommendations (L-050) Council Member Cibula explained that while he has an interest in property near the Library's present location, the City Attorney has advised that a conflict of interest does not exist in discussion and voting on library issues unless discussion relates to siting of the new library in that location; should that occur, he will recuse himself. I City Manager Warren provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated February 14, 2001, incorporated herein by reference, regarding status of a new library. Mr. Warren explained that The California Reading and Literacy Improvements and Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act is providing $350 million in statewide funding for construction or renovation oflibraries. This bond act has presented the City and County with an opportunity to build a long-awaited new library, and will provide for 65% of total eligible costs to make the facility fully operationaL Mr. Warren described the criteria and priorities set by the State Library Board for awarding the grant monies, and cautioned that statewide competition for these limited funds will be keen. He advised that the two proposed sites identified as possible locations for the new library are the Civic Center Campus and the Downtown Mall; because location with relationship to schools is one ofthe priorities set by the State Library Board, Mr. Warren believed these sites would earn the most points in the scoring process. However, during the Shasta County Board of Supervisor's meeting today, they unanimously selected the Civic Center Campus as the location. Mr. Warren explained that there will be three opportunities to apply for grants, with deadlines of March 2002, December 2002, and September 2003, for the first, second and third phases respectively, but stressed the importance of applying in the first phase - reiterating that cities and counties throughout the state will be competing for these funds. He related that projections indicate that a 70,000- to 80,000-square foot library will cost between $16 and $20 million, and a new citizens' committee, "New Library Now!" (NLN) has been formed and has taken on the challenge to raise necessary matching funds. Mr. Warren reiterated his belief that this is the right time and the best opportunity the City and County will have to build a new library, and provide economic development benefits to the community. I It is the recommendation of staff to proceed, in cooperation with Shasta County, by making commitments for the expenditure of $300,000 in pre-application funds to submit a grant proposal to the California Reading and Literacy Improvements and Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act, and increase the City's annual contribution by $250,000 for operation of the library, contingent on the NLN citizens' committee raising the necessary matching funds and capital money for the new library. Kathy Jenkins, President of Renaissance Redding, thanked Council for its consideration of this very important project. Ms. Jenkins stressed the need for a new library, and the availability of grant monies which has provided an opportunity to act now. She also expressed support to locate the library in the downtown area. Charlie Menoher, Shasta County Superintendent of Schools, voiced his support for a new library, and applauded the criteria which spoke to a cooperative effort with public schools in Shasta County. 02/2012001 52 In response to Fran Jenkins, Mr. Warren indicated that an exact location within the Civic Center Campus has not yet been identified, but should Council concur with the decision of the Board of Supervisors and select the Civic Center as the most suitable site, it would be placed somewhere at the west end of the Campus. Brian Van Voris, Chair of NLN Committee and Vice President of Friends of the Library, favored locating the library on the Civic Center Campus, opining that its location better satisfied the 'partnerships with schools' grant criteria, and citing previous studies which concluded that the Downtown Mall was not suitable. Kathy Jordan, Charlene Mu, Earl Huyck, and Laurie Fowler expressed their support for a new library at either location. I Carolyn Chambers, Director of the Shasta County Library supported a new library on the Civic Center Campus because the location provides enough surrounding area to include landscaping and aesthetic amenities which will encourage outdoor library activities. Arch Pugh, spoke in favor of a new library, and pointed out that the primary objective is a new library, and its placement is secondary. Dugan Barr, Emily Przybyla, Ann Hubert, Janice Powell and James Theimer favored placement of the library in the Downtown Mall, citing downtown revitalization issues, its close proximity to the Intermodal Facility, and greater economic benefits. Council Member Stegall requested more information and a cost analysis of the proposed sites for Council's review and consideration prior to making a commitment at this time. Mr. Warren indicated that it will be difficult, but staff will provide Council with the site comparison/cost analysis at the next meeting. Management Analyst II/Grant Coordinator Cherpeski cautioned against delays regarding site selection but indicated that this issue could be held over to the next Council meeting. He emphasized the importance of applying in the first phase of grant proposals, March 2002, because should the proposal be unsuccessful, it can be "rolled over" to the second phase with appropriate adjustments and, in this way, the City maximizes it chances for success. I In response to Council Member Pohlmeyer, Mr. Cherpeski responded that most of the grant funding monies are awarded in the first and second phases, with the third phase awarding only residual amounts. He added, however, that the State Library Board is locked into grant proposal deadline amounts. Council Member Kight expressed concern in committing an additional $250,000 annually to the library's operation and maintenance costs because these funds were not included in the ten-year plan. He also questioned the administrative structure of the library and emphasized the importance of developing a governance plan. Mr. Kight cautioned against being too optimistic - pointing out the many variables, contingencies, and the large sum of money which must be raised. Council Member Cibula also cited the issue of increased commitment to the library's funding, but felt it was a worthwhile investment. He opined that site selection was a bit premature at this time, emphasizing his sensitivity to maintaining the parks in this area and suggested more investigation on the downtown area as a possible site. Mr. Cibula recommended moving forward with those components of the project which are feasible, and requested staff to return to Council with a hard cost analysis of the proposed sites. I Council Member Pohlmeyer acknowledged the importance and need for a new library and the positive effects it will have on the entire community, but opined that the cost of the project may stretch available resources, in light of the many major projects the City has committed to in recent months. He pointed to the Civic Center Campus as being the site of choice by the Library Review Committee after a IS-month study. Mr. Pohlmeyer concurred with Mr. Warren that this grant may be the best opportunity the City and County will have for a new library, and recommended that staff move forward as quickly as possible, and urged Council to accept the site choice made by the Board of Supervisors. 02/20/200 I 53 Mayor McGeorge expressed support for the project but questioned the need for a three-story building of 80,000 square feet. He favored the Civic Center Campus as the best site, but acknowledged some of the benefits in the Downtown area such as proximity to the Intermodal Facility and foot traffic in the area. He emphasized cutting costs where possible due to the energy crisis which may adversely affect fund-raising efforts. I MOTION: Made by Council Member Stegall, seconded by Council Member Cibula approving, in cooperation with the County of Shasta: (1) expending $300,000 in matching funds for the pre application process for a State Library Bond Act grant to construct/renovate the Shasta County Library, Redding branch; (2) the City's annual contribution of an additional $250,000 for operation of the library; (3) directing staff to prepare a report regarding cost analyses relative to site selection (the Downtown Redding Mall and Civic Center Campus locations); (4) submitting a proposal to Council regarding the governance structure for the library prior to November 30, 2001; and (5) that the City shall parallel Shasta County's deadline date of November 30,2001, for a report from the "New Library Now" (NLN) citizens' committee regarding fund-raising efforts. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes. MID-YEAR BUDGET REPORT and RESOLUTION - Providing Budget Adjustments (B-130-070) Administrative Services Director Bachman provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated February 15, 2001, incorporated herein by reference, regarding the Mid-Year Budget Report for the first half of fiscal year 2000/2001. Mr. Bachman explained that the report focuses on the General Fund, but also includes a brief review of revenues and expenditures for the City's enterprise funds. I Total revenue to date for the General Fund is $19,787,395, which is $2,088,944, or 11.8% above staff s original cash flow projection. General Fund appropriations through December 31, 2000, total $44,702,001, an increase of $4,497,481, or 11.5% since adoption of the budget on June 21, 1999. The increase can be attribut~d to Council-approved supplemental appropriations, and administrative supplemental appropriations such as grant funds, "carry- overs" and "reappropriations" associated with encumbrances and capital projects from fiscal year 1999-2000. Mr. Bachman related that the Finance Division now projects that the General Fund will end fiscal year 2000-01 with a cash reserve of approximately $5.3 million, or 13.3 % of projected expenditures, and it is not projected to fall below 6.8% during the ten-year forecast. Mr. Bachman pointed out that the $2.4 million supplemental appropriation, made necessary to cover expenses for the group health fund for fiscal years 1999-00 and 2000-01, is an area of major concern. While staff remains hopeful that this upward trend will level out in the near future, it is expected that the City's group health rates will increase at least 20% in the coming fiscal year. Staff is working with a professional actuary and its group health consultant to perform a comprehensive analysis and develop some recommendations to ensure long-term stability of the fund. It is the recommendation of staff that the City Council accept the Mid-Year Budget Report for July through December 2000, and that a resolution be adopted adjusting the budget as recommended. I Council Member Pohlmeyer asked when Council would receive a report regarding the City's group self-insurance fund. Mr. Bachman explained that a meeting with representatives from the insurance group is scheduled for the first week in March, and he anticipated completion of the report by the end of the month. In response to Council Member Pohlmeyer, Mr. Bachman related that the employee-fitness program is well underway, however, it is too early to project the impact the program will have on insurance rates; he added, however, that he believes it will pay dividends. 02/20/2001 54 MOTION: Made by Council Member Cibula, seconded by Council Member Pohlmeyer, accepting the Mid- Year Budget Report, and adopting Resolution No. 2001-34, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding appropriating $2,512,000; increasing revenue estimates by $275,000 for various funds; and converting 3/4 time ComputerlNetwork Technician position to full-time for Fiscal Year 2000-01. The Vote: Ayes: Noes: Abstain: Absent: Council Members: Cibula, Kight, Pohlmeyer, Stegall and McGeorge Council Members: None Council Members: None Council Members: None I Resolution No. 2001-34 is on file in the Office of the City Clerk RESOLUTION - Appropriating funds for emergency generators atClear Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant and City Corporation Yard and STATE ENERGY COMMISSION GRANT APPLICATION (B-050-100 /W -0 I 0-450/B-130-070) Assistant City Manager Perry reviewed the Report to City Council dated February 14,2001, incorporated herein by reference, regarding the proposed acquisition of two emergency generators for the Clear Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Corporation Yard. He related that in order to meet peak electric demand, expected to substantially increase by Summer 200 I, and avoid a long lead time, staff is proposing to obtain the generators as a sole source purchase due to the limited number of generators available nationally. The Corporation Yard and Clear Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant are two locations where emergency generators could be used during peak load times to take pressure off the City's electrical supply, help meet customer demands, improve the City's ability to respond to the statewide crisis, and provide enough energy to be sold to other utilities. Mr. Perry advised that the cost to augment the generators at both locations, purchase related equipment, and install concrete pads and fuel tanks, is approximately $550,000, with funding coming from the Water, Wastewater, and Electric Utilities. Because the normal bid process takes anywhere from eight to 19 months, and the lead time is expected to increase along with demand for the generators, staff obtained quotes from four providers - with only two indicating they can supply the generators before July I to head off the Summer energy season. I It is the recommendation of staff that Council adopt the resolution appropriating funds, waive the formal bid process for purchase of the generators, and authorize staff to apply for a State Energy Commission grant if/when available, and prepare bids for installation of the concrete pads and fuel tanks. In response to Council Members Cibula and Stegall, Electric Utility Director Feider explained that the bid process will push acquisition into the Summer months when the need is critical, and operation to Fall 2001. Mr. Feider added that the Governor of California has requested municipally-owned utilities to generate as much power as possible prior to summer. He stressed that the time line is critical, and while he does not predict rolling black outs, the generators will help shed load and free up more power to sell into the market. Sally Riley, representing the Contractors Industry Force Account Council (CIF AC), objected to staff's recommendation to waive the formal bid process, pointing out that the City's informal bid limit is $100,000, and asserting that there are local suppliers of these generators who would like an opportunity to bid this project. Assistant City Attorney Tranberg advised that the Redding Municipal Code provides City Council with the latitude to waive the formal bid process when it does not encompass public works. I In response to Council Member Cibula, Mr. Perry reiterated that staff researched the field of suppliers, and found no local vendors for the generators. 02/20/2001 55 Council Members Cibula and Stegall pointed out that waiving the formal bid process is not taken lightly, but in view of the fact that there is an energy crisis which is predicted to worsen by Summer, the City must act quickly to acquire the generators and begin producing more power. They requested that staff work with Ms. Riley and investigate the possibility oflocal vendors supplying the generators. I MOTION: Made by Council Member Kight, seconded by Council Member Pohlmeyer authorizing staff to apply for a grant from the State Energy Commission if/when available; approving waiving of the formal bid process to procure two emergency generators and associated electrical equipment for the Clear Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Corporation Yard; directing staff to meet with Sally Riley of Contractors Industry Force Account Council (CIF AC) to investigate the possibility oflocal suppliers for said generators; o directing staff to prepare bids for construction of concrete pads and installation of fuel tanks for the generators, and adopting Resolution No. 2001-33, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding appropriating $401,500 for purchase of said generators and related equipment. The Vote: Ayes: Noes: Abstain: Absent: Council Members: Cibula, Kight, Pohlmeyer, Stegall and McGeorge Council Members: None Council Members: None Council Members: None Resolution No. 2001-33 is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. PUBLIC COMMENT (P-l 00-1 00) Isaac Lowe, and Lawrence Johnson, requested that Council consider observing the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday on the third Monday in January each year by closing City Hall. I Council Members Stegall and Cibula requested that Administrative Services Director Bachman review the issue and return to Council with a recommendation. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at the hour of 9:47p.m., Mayor McGeorge declared the meeting adjourned. APPROVED M~~ ' Mayor ~ . ATTEST: I ti'~d ~ City Clerk / 02/20/2001