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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 2001-09-04 184 City Council, :Regular Meeting Civic Center Council Chambers 777 Cypress Avenue, Redding, California September 4,2001, 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Council Member Cibula. I The Invocation was offered by Retired Pastor Royal Blue of North Valley Baptist Church of Redding. 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, City Attorney Wingate, Development Services Director Hamilton, City Clerk Strohmayer, Assistant City Clerk Sherman, and Executive Secretary Stribley. PRESENT A TION - CalTrans "Excellence in Transportation" A wards (A-050-060) Thorn Niesen, District Director for CalTrans, presented the "Excellence in Transportation" awards for the Downtown Redding Rehabilitation Project (Rotary Fountain) located at Cypress Avenue and Highway 273 (Market Street) to Mayor McGeorge on behalf of the City of Redding; to Chair Kight on behalf of the Redding Redevelopment Agency; and to Jim Stoll on behalf of the Redding West Rotary Club. Mr. Niesen also presented individual awards to Dale Simpson and Jim Stoll of the Redding West Rotary Club and Terry Hanson, Manager of Community Projects for the City of Redding Community Services Department, in recognition of their efforts on the project. He also thanked the many individuals who contributed in various ways to the project. City Manager Warren added that the cooperative spirit of Thorn Niesen, Russ Webb, and CalTrans helped to realize the vision of the Downtown Rehabilitation Project. I CONSENT CALENDAR The following matters were considered inclusively under the Consent Calendar: Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting of August 21,2001, and Special Meetings of July 23,2001, and August 21,2001. Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Register (A-050-100-500) It is recommended that Accounts Payable Register No. 04, check numbers 292405 through 292792 inclusive, in the amount of $4,640,245.38, for the period of August 21, 2001, through August 31, 2001; and Payroll Register No. 04, electronic deposit transaction numbers 95493 through 96117 and check numbers 483280 through 483621 inclusive, in the amount of$I,713,146.41, for the period of August 4,2001, through August 18,2001; and Wire Transfers for the period of August 20, 2001, through August 31, 2001, in the amount of$8,893,812.93, be approved. TOTAL $15,247,204.72 Treasurer's Report for the Month of July 2001 (A-050-100-600) Total Treasurer's Accountability I $138,429,785.03 Total City of Redding Funds, Funds Held in Trust, and Funds of Related Entities $178,476,953.31 ACR133 Report and Cash Reconciliation (F -205-095-650) It is the recommendation of the Administrative Services Director that the ACR133 Report and the Proof of Cash Reconciliation for July 2001 be accepted. 09/04/2001 185 Ordinance No. 2286 - Amending Redding Municipal Code Sections 17 .12.090 (expiration of tentative parcel map) and 17.24.020 (filing/extension of final subdivision map) (L-O 1 0-500-050/S-1 OO/S-1 01) It is recommended that Ordinance No. 2286 be adopted, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Redding amending Redding Municipal Code Sections 17.12.090 and 17.24.020, City of Redding Subdivision Ordinance, allowing an extension of the approval of a tentative parcel map and tentative subdivision map for a period of up to five (5) years. I Ordinance No. 2287 - Conditional Waiver ofImpact Fees for Industrial Uses (F-205-600) It is recommended that Ordinance No. 2287 be adopted, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Redding amending Redding Municipal Code Section 16.20.175, Conditional Waiver of Impact Fees for Industrial Users, authorizing the conditional waiver of development fees relative to the Industrial Development Incentive Policy as set forth in City Council Policy No. 804. Lease Agreement-Benton Hangar Association at Benton Airpark (C-070-100/A-090-020) It is the recommendation of the Support Services Director that the City Council approve the Ground Lease Agreement with the Benton Hangar Association (Association) for construction of a hangar and taxilane on property located at Benton Airpark in the amount of $231.66 per month for the first 18 months increased by 3 % each year thereafter for the 30-1/2 year term, expiring in 2032, at which time all improvements will revert to the Airports Fund. I Lease Agreement - Facilities Lease with Woods, Barth & Associates at 3740 Flight Avenue at Redding Municipal Airport (C-070-1 00/A-090-1 00) It is the recommendation of the Support Services Director that the City Council approve the Facilities Lease Agreement with Woods, Barth and Associates for the Airport-owned building located at the Redding Municipal Airport Business Park (3740 Flight Avenue) for a five-year term commencing September 1, 2001, through August 31, 2006, with an option to extend the agreement on a year-to-year basis thereafter. The rental fee will be $800 per month for the first 18 months in consideration of certain improvements to be performed by the lessee. The rental fee will increase to $1,500 per month for six months through August 31,2003, and to $1,890 per month beginning September 1,2003, for one year and thereafter increase by 3% annually. Award of Request for Proposal- Schedule No. 3486 - Lease of Digital Photocopier Machines (B-050-1 00/ A-070-090) It is the recommendation of the Support Services Director that the City Council authorize the Purchasing Officer to award a five-year lease contract to Xerox Incorporated expiring September 2006, for 39 copiers (22 to include digital print boards and drivers) in the amount of approximately $6,743 per month, with a base charge of $.031886 per copy for the first 210,000 copies and $.01177 per copy for overages, including taxes, maintenance, and supplies excluding paper and staples. Lease Agreement - IBM for upgrade AS/400 M-620 to the iSeries 820 (B-050-100/A-070-090) It is the recommendation of the Support Services Director that the City Council approve the three-year lease agreement expiring in 2004 with IBM to upgrade the AS/400 M-620 computer system to the iSeries 820 computer system in the amount of$6,084.91 per month. I Electric Utility's Monthly Financial Report for July 2001 (B-130-070) It is the recommendation of the Electric Utility Director that the City Council approve the Electric Utility's Monthly Financial Report for July 2001. Retail power sales revenue is 4.1 %, or $267,454 above projections and wholesale power sales to date are 23.3o/~ or $1,299,388 below projections. Operating revenue after energy costs is 64%, or $2,591,466 below projections. The total cost of electricity through July 2001 is $1,555,207 or 18.9% above projections. The Utility's earnings before interest, depreciation, and amortization were just over $550,000. The current outstanding balance for the Debt Reduction Program is $72.4 million. 09/04/2001 186 Award of Bid - Bid Schedule No. 3480, Furnishing Electric Line Clearance Services (Tree Trimming) (B-050-100) It is the recommendation of the Electric Utility Director that Bid Schedule No. 3480, Furnishing Electric Line Clearance Services (Tree Trimming), be awarded to Utility Tree Service, Inc. (UTS), in the amount of$213,561 for electric line clearance services for Fiscal Year 2001-02 to meet State regulations and standards. Monthly Financial Report - re General Fund (B-130-070) It is the recommendation of the Administrative Services Director that the City Council accept the General Fund's Monthly Financial Report for July 2001. Total revenue to date is ($3.4 million) $491,106 (16.8%) above staffs original cash flow projection. Expenditures to date, excluding encumbrances, total $3,456,294 or$1,535,515 (30.8%) below staffs original cash flow projection. Encumbrances total $2,360,796. I Resolution - Authorizing Destruction of Certain Records (A-050-055-750) It is the recommendation of the City Clerk that Resolution No. 2001-133 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding authorizing the destruction of certain records which have met retention requirements. Resolution - Accepting Streets; and Accepting Improvements - Mt. Shasta Mall Expansion Project (M -01 0-400/S-070- 23 O/L-O 1 0- 390) It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that Resolution No. 2001-134 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding accepting the extension of Old Alturas Road between Canby Road and Chum Creek Road located in the area of Mt. Shasta Mall for maintenance and operation. It is further recommended that the improvements for the Mt. Shasta Mall expansion project performed by Roebbelen Contracting, Inc., be accepted as satisfactorily complete, finalizing this aspect of the Owner Participation Agreement between the City of Redding, the Redding Redevelopment Agency, and the owners of the Mt. Shasta Mall. I MOTION: Made by Council Member Kight, seconded by Council Member Stegall, that all the foregoing items on the Consent Calendar be approved and adopted as recommended. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes Resolution Numbers 2001-133 and 2001-134 and Ordinance Numbers 2286 and 2287 are on file in the Office of the City Clerk. FLUORIDATION OF CITY'S WATER SUPPLY (W-030) City Manager Warren provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated August 27, 2001, incorporated herein by reference, regarding fluoridation. Mr. Warren recalled that Assembly Bill 733-Fluoridation of Public Water Systems was signed into law by Governor Wilson on October 9,1995, and requires public water systems with more than 10,000 surface connections (the City of Redding has over 25,000) to fluoridate their water supply. He added that the Bill is not enforceable "until funds sufficient to pay capital and associated costs for the system have become available from any source other than ratepayers, shareholders, local taxpayers, or bondholders." I Mr. Warren explained that the Department of Health Services (DHS) was directed to seek sources of funding to assist local jurisdictions with this effort, but to date, has not supplied funding for this activity. Further, it has been determined that jurisdictions implementing fluoridation did so by absorbing all or at least part of the cost. Mr. Warren continued that fluoride is a naturally occurring element present at some level in almost all water and currently exists in Redding's water supply naturally, but considerably below the recommended levels of 0.7 - 1.2 parts per million. He pointed out that according to DHS, less than 1 % ofthe City's water is actually ingested. 09/0412001 187 Mr. Warren recalled thatthe City' s Water Utility Division was required to submit capital cost estimates to DHS for installation of fluoridation treatment facilities by July 1, 1996. DHS approved the cost estimates and the City was ranked 76 out of 167 water systems on the list to receive fluoridation priority funding. He pointed out that 69% of the population of the United States is supplied fluoride through their water systems, with that percentage falling to 30% in California. I Mr. Warren also recalled that in August 2000, the Water Utility Division updated the capital cost estimates of providing fluoridation via treatment plants and ground water wells at $870,000.00, with annual maintenance and operation costs estimated at just under $400,000 per year. However, initial design and engineering will be necessary to determine actual current costs. Mr. Warren reported that recently, the Shasta Oral Health Task Force (SOHTF) made a firm commitment of a $765,000 grant from the California Fluoridation 2000 Work Group; a $200,000 grant from the Sierra Health Foundation; and a $100,000 grant from the Shasta County Public Health Department, for a total of $1,065,000. SOHTF also made a commitment to assist the City with additional resources in order to offset first year maintenance and operation costs. However, early estimates suggest that the average residential user will experience rate increases of $1.40 to $1.50 per month to cover ongoing costs. I Mr. Warren summarized the information regarding fluoridation received thus far, with proponents pointing to benefits in oral health, especially for children; while opponents pointed to the effects of adding a chemical to the water system, and government intrusion. He added that according to health care officials, fluoride will provide greater dental health benefits than any other single preventive measure, which is significant considering statistics which indicate that Shasta County has a 50% higher dental decay rate than other California counties. He noted the following letters were received in support of fluoridation from Oral Health Task Force; John Diperry, President, Mercy Medical Center; John W. Kizziar, President, Northern California Dental Society; Hal Chilton, Chief Executive Officer, Redding Medical Center; Dr. Raymond John, Principal, Bishop Quinn; Vickie Kimbrough, President, California Dental Hygienists Association; John Roth, Executive Director, California Dental Association; Roxanne Burke, Chairperson, Health Improvement Partnership of Shasta County; Carole Treadway, Administrator, Golden Umbrella CHW; Larry E. Wright; Frank 1. Strazzarino, Jr. President, Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce; and Carla Alexander, Chairperson, Shasta County Children's Policy Council; and letters in opposition to fluoridation were received from Andree Nippe and Mrs. Mueller. Mr. Warren pointed out that the City's water system is aging and will be costly to repair and maintain requiring stafftime and possible rate increases including the rate increase necessary for fluoridation. City Manager Warren recommended that the City Council appoint a committee to gather more facts about fluoridation and provide a recommendation to the City Council at a later date. I Dean Germano, Executive Director of Shasta Community Health Center, and Marta McKenzie, Shasta County Department of Public Health, provided a slide presentation with information in support of fluoridation. They explained that poor dental hygiene and tooth decay has been a public health epidemic in Shasta County since 1994, and oral disease is often a precursor to other diseases. They pointed to a study conducted last year in which 740 6th grade children were evaluated and results indicated that 53% had at least one cavity. The following persons spoke in support of fluoridation citing the County's poor oral dental health and hygiene record; fluoridation as the most effective single preventive measure; improved quality oflife for seniors; a reduction in missed school and work days due to dental problems; the difficulty in obtaining and administering fluoride supplements; and a savings to taxpayers through less community care assistance: Vickie Kimbrough, Franklin Pierce, Bill Roscoe, Verlund Spencer, Christine Austin, Carol Buelher, Andrew Deckert, Dennis McFall, Donnell Ewert, and Charles Menoher. Those speaking in opposition to fluoride citing medical problems associated with fluoridation; a prescription drug such as fluoride dispensed in a city water supply; numerous 09/04/2001 188 side effects; adverse effects for individuals taking prescription medications for other health problems; and fluoride ingestion should be a matter of choice: Tim Kersten, Trudi Prait, Torri Prait, Bessie Jo Tillman, Gordon Gen, and Andrea Nippe. Darrell Chase, Redding resident, expressed confusion as to what information to believe; however, he recalled that a vote of the people in 1962 soundly rejected fluoridated water. Council Member Pohlmeyer asked if dedicating time to prepare a detailed cost estimate will jeopardize the available grants. City Manager Warren advised that the City has until June of2002 to utilize the $765,000 grant, and he believed implementation could be accomplished within 60 days. In response to Council Member Pohlmeyer, City Manager Warren advised the annual ongoing costs will be recovered on a dollar-for-dollar basis in the form of a rate increase to consumers. I Council Member Cibula asked if the $100,000 grant from the Shasta County Public Health Department is time sensitive and ifthose funds can be utilized for engineering studies. Ms. McKenzie stated that the grant must be used by 2002, although it is possible the funds can be brought forward through a request to the County and used immediately for engineering studies. Council Member Kight supported fluoridation and believed the overall public good outweighed evidence to the contrary. Because of the wealth of information produced by those attending the meeting he saw no benefit to forming a committee. Council Member Stegall also supported water fluoridation and felt the benefits to the community were significant. Council Member Cibula also expressed approval of fluoridation citing the substantial amount of evidence in support of adding fluoride to the water. He commented that the City had a unique opportunity to move forward because of the availability of grant funds. Mayor McGeorge indicated that the amount of information received, both pro and con on this issue, is overwhelming, and believed the decision should be voted on by the citizens of Redding. While he was aware that opportunities for grant monies may be lost, he would not let that factor influence his decision. I MOTION: Made by Council Member Kight, seconded by Council Member Stegall, approving, in concept, fluoridation of the City of Redding water system, accepting grants, and directing staff to return with updated fund estimates. The Vote: A YES: Council Members -Cibula, Pohlmeyer, Stegall, and Kight NOES: Council Members -McGeorge ABSENT: Council Members - None ABSTAIN: Council Members - None City Manager Warren advised that staff will work with Shasta County and the $100,000 grant will be used for preliminary engineering to refine cost estimates and a report will be brought back to Council as soon as possible. At that time, Council will vote on the implementation of a rate increase in order to move ahead with fluoridation. In response to Council Member Cibula, Mr. Warren indicated that the estimates in the Report to Council are on the high side and staff will work to refine the costs. UPDATE ON CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS - Boat Ramps Renovation (A-050-080 & P-050-650) Community Services Projects Manager Hanson presented an oral update and slide presentation regarding the proposed boat ramp renovations as part of the Regional River Parkway Plan encompassing 25 miles of the Sacramento River. He summarized various amenities, such as fishery restoration, produced through a partnership between the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, the City of Redding, Shasta County, and others as part of the Regional River Parkway. The new and restored amenities by other agencies were the impetus to complete restoration of the three facilities under the purview ofthe City of Redding, the Lake Redding facility, the Redding I 09/04/2001 189 Convention Center launching facility, and the South Bonnyview launching facility, located between Keswick Dam and the City of Anderson. He stated that a grant from the Department of Boating and Waterways in the amount of $700,000 and $300,000 from the State of California were approved for the restoration projects. He noted that funding is provided through the Department of Boating and Waterways, Wildlife Conservation Board, and Federal Sport Fishing and Restoration Act, and the City of Redding is responsible for only 5% of the $1 million in improvement costs for the boating facility restorations. Mr. Hanson emphasized the importance of river recreation for the City of Redding and through a slide presentation pointed out the need for the restoration at each of the facilities. I Mr. Hanson stated that the Lake Redding facility, located in Caldwell Park, was built in 1964. The proposed restoration will include lengthening and widening the boat ramp, replacement of the boating floats, replacement of the restroom which will be enlarged and comply with American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, additional landscaping, and repair of the parking lot. The River Trail will also be relocated outside the parking lot area. The project will cost approximately $700,000 and it is anticipated that the work will be completed in the next 12 months. Mr. Hanson continued that the second project is the Redding Convention Center launching facility which was also built in the late 1960s. He related that plans include renovations of the parking lot, the restroom will be improved to comply with ADA standards, and the ramp and boating floats will be replaced, in addition to landscaping. He noted that a complete restoration of the facility is not under consideration because the lease with the Rodeo Association for 12 acres at that location expires in 2004, and future land use is unknown at this time. He added that it is possible there will be a future crossing of some type over the water. He advised that the City is responsible for 6% of the cost of restoration to this facility. He concluded that the third facility renovation, South Bonnyview, will include amenities for rafts and kayaks. I Council Member Cibula urged that the Lake Redding boat facility improvements include trees to provide shade in the parking lot and surrounding area. He complimented Mr. Hanson and staff for their efforts. No action was required on this informational item. REQUEST TO CONSIDER URGENCY ITEM - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b )(2): (L-lOO) City Attorney Wingate related that subsequent to the posting of the September 4, 2001, agenda, it became known that it is necessary to hold a closed session regarding existing litigation in the case of City of Redding v. URS Greiner. He indicated that a 4/5 vote by the Council is necessary to consider the item. MOTION: Made by Council Member Kight, seconded by Council Member Pohlmeyer, to place the following matter on the agenda: Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: City of Redding v. URS Greiner, Shasta County Superior Court Case No. 137656. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes. I PUBLIC COMMENT (E-060/P-150-150) Pat Sansom, a Redding resident, expressed concern regarding the City of Redding Crime- Free Multi-Housing Program (Program) and indicated she had previously spoken with City Manager Warren about the Program in August. Ms. Sansom alleges that the Program promotes illegal searches by the Police Department under the guise of conducting safety checks. She indicated that information provided her by her landlord stated that the inspections would be conducted by the Fire Department, the Building Department, and the Police Department. However, only the Police Department inspected her home. Ms. Sansom believes that law enforcement entering her home without authority is a violation of her 4th Amendment rights. She related she video taped the incident. Ms. Sansom also alleged numerous incidents of racial discrimination in Redding schools. According to Ms. Sansom, school district officials unfairly suspended or punished children of color, and were reluctant to meet with her to discuss the issue. 09/04/2001 190 Ms. Sansom also requested that the "No Room for Racism" signs placed at various locations within the City be removed because she considered them hypocritical and ineffective. She proposed that a hate crime commission be initiated. Mayor McGeorge advised Ms. Sansom that action could not be taken on public comment issues. However, he directed staff to agendize this item for a future meeting. Council Member Cibula asked staff for more information regarding the Program and its inner workings. Margo King, a Redding landlord, applauded the Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program (Program). She believed the Program focused on landlord compliance of safety measures on their property to benefit tenants. I Council Member Stegall commented that she felt the Program was a good one, however, she acknowledged that a person's history and heritage can influence their perception in certain circumstances. Dave Crane, a Redding landlord, indicated he had completed the Program and expressed support, concurring with Ms. King that landlords were the focus of the Program, not tenants. Steve Bennett, a Redding resident, supported Ms. Sansom's concern with the Program. He stated that this item should have been placed on the agenda for discussion and action by the City Council. Pastor Charles Clark, a Redding resident, expressed support of Ms. Sansom citing a lack of sensitivity in the community and the difficulties minorities experienced in Redding. Faye Nichols, a resident of Redding and a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), offered support to Ms. Sansom and expressed concern regarding the Program agreements and the problems in the schools. CLOSED SESSION At the hour of9:37 p.m., Mayor McGeorge adjourned the meeting to closed session. I Closed session pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(a): CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION City of Redding v. URS Greiner Shasta County Superior Court Case No. 137656. (L-I00) At the hour of 10:00 p.m., Mayor McGeorge adjourned the meeting to regular session. He advised that the City Council authorized the City Attorney to negotiate a settlement agreement with URS Greiner. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at the hour of 10:00 p.m., Mayor McGeorge declared the meeting adjourned. APPROVED ~#*~ I ATTEST: e~,~~ City Clerk 09/04/2001