Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 2003-02-04 20 City Council, Regular Meeting Civic Center Council Chambers 777 Cypress Avenue, Redding, California February 4,2003, 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Council Member Stegall. The Invocation was offered by Reverend Bill Johnson, Bethel Assembly of God Church. I The meeting was called to order by Mayor Cibula with the following Council Members present: Kight, Mathena, Pohlmeyer, and Stegall. Also present were City Manager Warren, Assistant City Manager Perry, Deputy City Manager Starman, City Attorney Fuller, Development Services Director Hamilton, Electric Utility Director Feider, Administrative Services Pirector Bachman, Support Services Director Kersten, Community Services Director Niemer, City Clerk Strohmayer, and Executive Secretary Stribley. PRESENTATION - John Reginato and Mark Woodward (B-080-600-100) Mayor Cibula presented engraved wooden clocks to John Reginato and Mark Woodward in appreciation for their service on the Community Development Advisory Committee. He noted that Mr. Reginato was appointed to the Committee in 1997; and, in addition to his service on the Committee, he is also a strong advocate for revitalization of some ofthe City's aging neighborhoods. Mayor Cibula stated that Mr. Woodward was appointed to the Committee in 1998 and served as Chair and Vice-Chair during his tenure. He noted that Mr. Woodward is very active in service clubs and community volunteer work and is a 1995 graduate of Leadership Redding. On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Cibula thanked John and Mark for their service to the community. I Approval of Minutes - Regular meeting of January 21,2003. Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Registers (A-050-100-500) It is recommended that Accounts Payable Register No. 14, check numbers 803682 through 804044 inclusive, in the amount of $3,030,829.52, for the period of January 21, 2003, through January 31, 2003; Wire Transfers for the period of January 16, 2003, through January 31, 2003, in the amount of$3,150,746.81; and Payroll Register No. 15, electronic deposit transaction numbers 119887 through 120559 and check numbers 502346 through 502608 inclusive, in the amount of$2, 147,527.83, for the period of January 5, 2003, through January 18, 2003, be approved. TOTAL: $8,329,104.16 Treasurer's Report - December 2002 (A-050-100-600) Total Treasurer's Accountability $117,921,377.54 I Total City of Redding Funds, Funds Held in Trust, and Funds of Related Entities $165,473,664.97 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 December 2002 be accepted. 2/4/2003 21 Resolution - Approving a grant application to the California Department of Water Resources for the Clover Creek Preserve Project (0-100-170/S-060-150-165/R-030-200-600) It is the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager that Resolution No. 2003-12 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving the application for grant funds for the Flood Protection Corridor Program (FPCP) under the Costa Machado Water Act of2000 through the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) for the Clover Creek Preserve Project in the approximate amount of $5 million. I Resolution - Declaring March 10 - 14, 2003, as Arbor Week and March 14, 2003, as Community Tree Planting Day, and recognizing Tree Line U.S.A. Utility Award & Tree City U.S.A. Award (P-OS9 220 613) I ~it..o..so -(!)td) -",00 It is the recommendation of the Support Services Director that Resolution No. 2003-13 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding declaring March 10 through 14,2003, as Arbor Week, March 14,2003, as Community Tree Planting Day (Arbor Day), and recognizing the awards to the City of Redding of Tree Line U.S.A. Utility Award for the 22nd consecutive year and Tree City U.S.A. Award for the ninth consecutive year. Consulting and Professional Services Agreement - Mead & Hunt, Inc. for the Airport Marketing and Strategic Business Plan for the Redding Municipal Airport (A-090-100) It is the recommendation ofthe Supports Services Director that the City Council approve the Agreement with Mead & Hunt to provide an Airport Marketing and Strategic Business Plan for the Redding Municipal Airport in the amount of $79,982 to be completed by May 30, 2003. The Plan will identify travel patterns, route analysis, and a strategy to bring additional air service to the City. I Encroachment Agreement - Sherry Parham Muncrief (A-070-045 & P-050) It is the recommendation of the Community Services Director that the City Council authorize the mayor to execute an encroachment agreement with Sherry Parham Muncrief for the continued use of a 500-square foot portion of Indian Hill Park located in her backyard adjacent to Starlight Boulevard for a term of 30-years. Resolution - Authorizing a grant application to the State Department of Boating and Waterways for improvements near the Convention Center/Turtle Bay boat ramp (G-l 00-170 & P-050-650) It is the recommendation of the Community Services Director that Resolution No. 2003-14 be adopted, a resolution ofthe City Council of the City of Redding approving application for grant funds to the California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) under the Boating Trails Program in the amount of $94,500 for restroom and canoe/raft access improvements near the Convention Center and Turtle Bay Exploration Park boat ramp. If successful, the City will be required to match funds in the amount of$40,000 for design and inspection expenses. I Consulting Agreement - Chuck Byard; and Resolution - Appropriating funds to provide technical services in the Police Department (B-130-070 & P-150-150) It is the recommendation of the Chief of Police that the City Council authorize execution of an agreement with Chuck Byard to provide technical support services in an amount not-to- exceed $50,000 for a one-year term. It is further recommended that Resolution No. 2003-15 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving and adopting the 80th amendment to City Budget Resolution No. 2001-104 appropriating $32,500 to provide consulting services for fiscal year 2002-03. Grant Extension - Office of Traffic Safety for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) Enforcement, Education, and Prevention (DEEP) Program (G-100-170 & P-150-150) It is the recommendation of the Chief of Police that the City Council accept the DUI (Driving Under the Influence) Enforcement, Education, and Prevention (DEEP) Program grant extension to September 30,2004, from the California Department of Justice through the Office of Traffic Safety in the amount of$50,000. 2/4/2003 22 MOTION: Mad~ by Council Member Kight, seconded by Council Member Pohlmeyer, that all the foregoing items on the Consent Calendar be approved and adopted as recommended. The Vote: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Council Members - Kight, Mathena, Pohlmeyer, Stegall, and Cibula Council Members - None Council Members - None Council Members - None Resolution Nos. 2003-12, 2003-13,2003-14, and 2003-15 are on file in the Office of the City Clerk. UPDATE ON MAJOR PROJECTS - Development of Browning Street (A-050-080) Deputy City Manager Starman recalled that mid-year 2002, the Redding Redevelopment Agency (Agency) appropriated $2 million to extend Browning Street east of Hilltop Drive to Canby Road and provide an important circulation element in a busy commercial area. I Mr. Starman advised that necessary environmental documentation is in place and most ofthe right-of-ways needed for construction are secured or in final stages of negotiation. He stated that final design of the project is nearing completion and staff is moni~oring coordination of the Browning Street Extension and the Browning Street Traffic Signal Projects. The bid process is anticipated to begin in late March for both projects and completion is expected by the end of the calendar year. No action was required on this informational item. ZUCKER REPORT IMPLEMENT A nON PLAN (A-050-122) Deputy City Manager Starman recalled that Zucker Systems was retained by the City in 2001 to provide an objective review of its development-related processes and provide recommendations for improved service to the public. In March 2002, the City Council I accepted the Zucker Report (Customer Servicefor Development-related Processes), directed staff to develop timelines, procedural steps, and costs to implement the Report recommendations and that an Ad Hoc committee be formed to provide a comprehensive implementation plan. He added that the City Council also directed that he serve as "ombudsman" to review and oversee development project issues in order to facilitate resolution. In his role as ombudsman, Mr. Starman observed that 70% of all complaints lodged against City staff were not substantiated and review of these incidents revealed that staffhad, in fact, often gone the "extra mile" to provide excellent service. However, some minor complaints did merit attention and eventually produced procedural changes to better serve the public. He thanked the members of the Implementation Committee: Council Member Stegall, Development Services Director Hamilton, Assistant Development Services Director Nagel, Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce President Frank Strazzarino, Shasta Builders' Exchange Executive Director Kent Dagg, Ms. Shelly Kibler of Kibler Architects, and Mr. Gus McEntire of McEntire Landscaping for their hard work and dedication to the process. Mr. Starman cautioned that some recommendations come with significant costs attached and suggested that those items be discussed at the next biennial budget review. He also noted that the Implementation Report recommends appointment of the Economic Development Director to permanently serve as ombudsman to the Development Services Department, but indicated that he is willing to continue in this role until the Economic Development Director I position is filled. Mr. Starman recommended acceptance of the recommendations of the Zucker Report Implementation Committee. Council Member Stegall thanked the private sector Committee members for their service and diligence to complete the Report and Development Services staff for assisting the Committee. MOTION: Made by Council Member Stegall, seconded by Council Member Mathena, accepting the report entitled "Recommendations of the Zucker Report Implementation Committee" dated December 19,2002. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes 2/4/2003 23 ANNEXATION - Anderson Cottonwood Irrigation District's request to annex land within the City to the District (W -030-700-010) City Manager Warren stated that a request was received from the Anderson Cottonwood Irrigation District (ACID) to annex land within the City to the ACID in order to provide water for irrigation purposes to the Gore Ranch located outside the City limits north of Clear Creek Road. I Assistant City Manager Perry, highlighting the Report to City Council dated January 27, 2003, advised that the proposed annexation also includes the Redding Power Plant. He explained that because LAFCO is generally reluctant to support annexations that form islands of service, it is necessary for the ACID to annex some City property into its special district along with the Gore Ranch in order to supply irrigation water. Mr. Perry stated that benefits to the City are protection of local water rights by utilizing ACID surplus water locally, the ability to use ACID water instead of City-treated water to irrigate agricultural land, and possible developplent of future cooperative projects between the ACID and the City. The disadvantages of the annexation would occur only if the ACID attempts to compete with City services such as domestic water or electricity. However, he emphasized the proposal at this time is for irrigation water purposes only. He added there is no property tax exchange agreement and proposed ACID customers such as the Gore Ranch will be on a user-fee basis while property owners within the City limits will bear no additional costs. Mr. Perry recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to support annexation of City property in the area of Clear Creek Road and the Gore Ranch (including the Redding Power Plant) to the Anderson Cottonwood Irrigation District (ACID) to obtain water for irrigation purposes. He added that should parameters ofthe agreement change, the issue will be returned to the City Council for further consideration. I City Manager Warren cautioned that because the ACID is a taxing district, it could propose a tax for its district, but a majority vote by those within the district would be required to impose such a tax. MOTION: Made by Council Member Pohlmeyer, seconded by Council Member Stegall, authorizing the City Manager to support annexation of City property in the area of Clear Creek Road and the Gore Ranch (including the Redding Power Plant) to the Anderson Cottonwood Irrigation District (ACID) to obtain water for irrigation purposes. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes MONTHL Y FINANCIAL REPORT - Electric Utility (B-130-070) Electric Utility Director F eider provided an overview of the Report to Council, dated January 24, 2003, advising that retail revenue is 1.2%, or $411,992 above projections, reflecting current weather conditions. He pointed out that wholesale revenue through December is $3,738,926 or 30.2% below projections, due to the ongoing weakness in wholesale spot- market conditions. Year-to-date operating revenue after energy costs is $782,737 or 4.9% above expectations. The total cost of electricity through December is $3,695,204 or 11.7% below year-to-date projections. I Mr. Feider noted that the Redding Electric Utility (REU) continues to oppose "Standard Market Design" which, as proposed, will be a national rule maker. He stated that REU promotes local and independent utility control to ensure economic and reliability protection for customers, but also believes that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) should make reforms with regard to inefficient monopolies and create a workable approach to standardization. Mr. Feider recommended approval of the Electric Utility's Monthly Financial Report. MOTION: Made by Council Member Kight, seconded by Council Member Pohlmeyer, accepting the Electric Utility's Monthly Financial Report for December 2002. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes 2/4/2003 24 SET PUBLIC HEARING - February 18, 2003, to consider an electric rate adjustment (E-090-100) Mr. Feider recalled that the electric base rate has not been increased in 15 years and in 1996, the City Council decided to withhold rate increases due to imposition of the 23% electric utility surcharge. However, when the City Council ended the 23% electric utility rate surcharge in July 1, 2002, it was acknowledged that there would be a need to raise the underlying base rate that remained static since 1996. He stated that the 6.9% proposed increase includes 2.85% to provide funding for the 1998 State-mandated Public Benefits Program, 1.6% in the customer service charge to provide basic services such as meter reading and billing, and 2.45% to offset inflation on Redding Electric Utility's (REU) ongoing operations. He advised that deregulation and the probable loss of low-cost power over the next few years are also contributory factors of the need for increased rates. I Mr. Feider recommended that the City Council set a public hearing for February 18,2003, to consider a 6.9% electric and cost-of-doing business rate adjustment. Council Member Stegall asked that a cost comparison be provided during the public hearing depicting other communities' electric rates. In response to Council Member Mathena, Mr. Feider explained that of the average $5.63 increase per month per customer (based on 6.9% increase), approximately $2.00 would provide funding for the State-mandated Public Benefits Program. Mayor Cibula requested that staff provide alternative rate increases for the City Council to consider at the public hearing. Richard Johnson, Redding resident, urged the City Council to review cost cutting measures and form a citizens' committee to assist staff in review of the proposed rate increase and the underlying assumptions before implementation of a rate increase. MOTION: Made by Council Member Pohlmeyer, seconded by Council Member Kight, setting a public hearing for February 18, 2003, to consider an electric and cost-of-doing business rate adjustment for the Redding Electric Utility. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes I JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND REDDING JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY At the hour of7:46 p.m., Chair Cibula convened the Special Meeting of the Redding Joint Powers Financing Authority for a joint meeting with the City Council. RESOLUTION - Approving issuance of 1993 Water Refunding Revenue Bonds, 2003 Series A, the Water Utility's portion of the 1993 Solid Waste and Corporation Yard Revenue Bonds, and the EDA Drought Relief Program Loan and related documents (D-050-200-003/R-015-300-950/W -030) Administrative Services Director Bachman provided higWights ofthe Report to City Council dated January 29, 2003, stating that positive interest rates at this time make it feasible to refinance approximately $17 million in Water Utility debt that will save up to $500,000 over the life of the loan. Mr. Bachman recommended approval of a resolution approving issuance of 1993 Water Refunding Revenue Bonds, 2003 Series A, the Water Utility's portion of the 1993 Solid Waste and Corporation Yard Revenue Bonds, and the EDA Drought Relief Program Loan and related documents in an amount not-to-exceed $17 million. I City Manager Warren and Administrative Services Director Bachman acknowledged Finance Director Strong and Financial Management Specialist Sundin for enabling the City to save significant interest costs in its loans. 2/4/2003 25 I MOTION: Made by Council Member Kight, seconded by Council Member Pohlmeyer, adopting Resolution No. 2003-16, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding, approving the form of an Amended and Restated Installment Sale Agreement, an Official Statement, and a Continuing Disclosure Agreement concerning the acquisition of certain municipal water system improvements and authorizing execution and delivery thereof, and approving the issuance by the Redding Joint Powers Financing Authority of a not-to-exceed aggregate principal amount of$17 million Water Refunding Revenue Bonds, 2003 Series A, and related actions and matters. The Vote: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Council Members - Kight, Mathena, Pohlmeyer, Stegall, and Cibula Council Members - None Council Members - None Council Members - None At the hour of7:50 p.m., Chair Cibula adjourned the Special Meeting ofthe Redding Joint Powers Financing Authority. PUBLIC COMMENT (A-050-060 & A-050-220-075) Support Services Director Kersten announced that the City will be providing 500 tree seedlings this year in honor of Arbor Day and on February 14th there will be a ceremony on the south lawn of City Hall commemorating Arbor Day and all are invited. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, atthe hour of7: 5 3 p.m., Mayor Cibula declared the meeting adjourned. I APPROVED ATTEST: ~~ City Clerk ( ~ I 2/4/2003