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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - unsigned - 1989-03-28 City Council, Adjourned Regular Meeting City Hall Conference Room Redding, California March 28, 1989 7:30 p.m. The Adjourned Regular Meeting was called to order by Mayor Johannessen with the following Council Members present: Buffum, Carter, Dahl, and Fulton. Also present were City Manager Christofferson, Assistant City Manager McMurry, City Attorney Hays, Planning and Community Development Director Perry, Director of Public Works Galusha, Director of Finance Downing, Director of Recreation and Parks Riley, Associate Civil Engineer Mathis, Senior Planner Keaney, Director of Information Systems Kelley, Senior Associate Planner King, Senior Assistant Planner Hanson, and Secretary to the City Council Moscatello. URGENCY ITEM (C-050-050) City Attorney Hays asked Council to consider an urgency item regarding whether or not the Jazz Festival should be considered in the same category as conventions with respect to the fee for use of the Convention Center. MOTION: Made by Council Member Carter, seconded by Council Member Fulton, to consider Convention Center fees and the Jazz Festival as an urgency item. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes CONVENTION CENTER FEES - Jazz Festival (C-050-050) City Manager Christofferson stated that Dr. Chet Moore, on behalf of the Jazz Festival, has asked if the Jazz Festival could be considered in the same category as conventions with respect to the fees for use of the Convention Center. Mr. Christofferson noted that regulations governing fees do not allow latitude for interpretation, and the Jazz Festival must be treated like a stage production. He pointed out that every hotel room in town is booked for the period of the Jazz Festival, and in this respect, the effect is the same as that of a convention. Mr. Christofferson pointed out that the differential structure on fees was set up to encourage conventions (booking of rooms) by providing a lower rate structure. He conveyed that adequate time was not available to refer the matter to the Tourism and Convention Commission for consideration. Dr. Chet Moore stated that it is a matter of interpreting the definition of a convention. Dr. Moore said that the Jazz Festival would like to be considered as a convention, because the Festival fills hotel rooms. Council Member Buffum asked how many hotel rooms are filled. Dr. Moore reported that all the hotel rooms on Hilltop Drive are filled and there are a few rooms in the Downtown area left. Council Member Fulton noted that it is a reasonable request, but it is also a matter of not setting a precedent. Council Member Buffum pointed out that the idea behind the differential fee was to support those events that book the hotel rooms, and if that is done, the effect has been accomplished. Mayor Johannessen asked the City Attorney if there are any problems. City Attorney Hays stated that others may make the same claim; however, if the hotels are filled, then that criteria would meet whatever intent Council makes. Council Member Dahl pointed out that it would be a pleasure to make that interpretation. MOTION: Made by Council Member Carter, seconded by Council Member Buffum, to consider the Jazz Festival in the same category as a convention with regard to Convention Center fees, and refer the issue to the Tourism and Convention Commission. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes Dr. Moore stated that the Jazz Festival appreciates the support the City has shown the Festival. He explained that the proceeds go back to the youth in the community. SACRAMENTO RIVER TRAIL PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE (P-050-460-700) Planning and Community Development Director Perry recalled that the bids for the Sacramento River Trail Pedestrian Bridge came in higher than the engineer's estimate, and Council asked for further consideration. Mr. Perry reported that staff has studied several alternatives. Those alternatives include (a) constructing a three-span steel-truss bridge, (b) extending the trail to Keswick Dam and using the top of the Dam to link the two sides of the River, and (c) awarding the bid for the stressed ribbon bridge and using additional grant funds to make up the shortfall. Mr. Perry stated that Charles Redfield, the project engineer, has estimated the costs for the steel truss bridge to be similar in cost to the stressed ribbon bridge. Mr. Redfield has also indicated that the bids for the stressed ribbon bridge are good and competitive bids. Mr. Perry stated that it will cost approximately $454,000 to extend the trail up to Keswick Dam Road. He explained that this cost does not include any improvements the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) may require to cross the dam, widening Keswick Dam road, or obtaining right-of-way across Federal property. It is the recommendation of the Planning Director that the bid be awarded to the low bidder, and additional funds for the bridge be secured from Proposition 70 funds, Roberti Z'Berg grant funds, and Park Development funds for a total of $246,932. He conveyed that they can stagger the contract work over two fiscal years. Paul Capner, representing the United States Bureau of Reclamation, submitted drawings and specifications for Keswick Dam. He reaffirmed the Bureau's support for the trail; however, he noted that there are serious problems with using Keswick Dam as part of the trail system. Mr. Capner stated that the Dam and the trail are not compatible, and the Bureau recommends that option not be pursued. Council Member Fulton pointed out that there is a lot of potential liability if the Dam is used for the river trail crossing. Council Member Dahl pointed out that everyone is disappointed that the bids came in so high. He emphasized that it is a beneficial project; however, his concern is using Park Development funds and thus taking funds from the softball project. Council Member Dahl asked if the Proposition 70 funds and Roberti Z'Berg funds are assured. Senior Assistant Planner Hanson explained that both funds are State grants, and it is only a matter of deciding how the City is going to use them. Mr. Perry noted that only $52,000 in Park Development funds will be used, and the softball complex will not be bid until next Spring. City Manager Christofferson pointed out that with all the new development, the Park Development fund will be growing. Council Member Carter expressed concern about the stressed ribbon bridge design. He noted that it would be the first of its type to be built in the United States, and there may be change orders and unforeseen costs which may bring the cost up to $1 million. He asked staff if the $700,000 cost can be guaranteed. Associate Civil Engineer Mathis explained the bridge design and stated that there is a possibility, not a probability, that costs could escalate. He said there are no guarantees. Council Member Fulton said there could be unforeseeable problems. He pointed out that the bridge designed by PACE Engineering has been built before, and costs are fairly well assured. Mr. Mathis conveyed that the stressed ribbon bridge has been built in Europe. He explained that this type of bridge construction is not complex, it is reasonably simple, however, the design is complex. Mr. Mathis indicated that the plans have been reviewed by a number of professionals and came through with flying colors. Council Member Dahl pointed out that cost overruns can occur on other types of bridges. General discussion was held on bridge designs and the geography of the area. Mr. Capner stated that the geologicals on the construction of Keswick Dam are available for staff's use. Council Member Carter asked if a steel truss bridge can be located upstream at a narrower location. Mr. Mathis stated that a bridge constructed closer to the dam would be affected by large releases. Council Member Fulton stated that this is a cost we cannot afford. The City is involved in a number of projects, and regardless of those costs, the cost of the bridge is too high. Mayor Johannessen pointed out that the funds are designated and cannot be used for anything else. Mr. Perry conveyed that $390,000 is designated funding for this project, State grants in the amount of $194,000 are available, and Park Development funds in the amount of $52,000 would be needed. Mr. Perry explained that his reasoning for awarding the bid is that it costs approximately $90,000 to build a neighborhood park, and the trail has been a high impact project on the community. Council Member Dahl stated that Tom Mlcoch contacted him today and indicated that the bridge is a sound project, and he suggested staging the construction. Council Member Dahl conveyed that joining the trail with the bridge will have a big impact on the community. Dick Riis, 940 Lincoln, conveyed that he was on the Recreation and Parks Commission in 1974 when this project was started. Mr. Riis reviewed the background on the project and asked Council how they could consider anything but using Keswick Dam to connect the trail. He conveyed that money is tight, even though this money has constraints. He urged Council to look at this option and see what alternatives can be worked out with the Bureau. Mr. Riis indicated that a pedestrian bridge linking the Convention Center with Benton Ranch would be a better place for a bridge. Mayor Johannessen suggested that Council take a closer look at using Keswick Dam. Mr. Perry suggested Council take a field trip to Keswick Dam. He said he cannot see changing the bridge design. Mayor Johannessen stated that it is the consensus of Council to consider this matter after a field trip to Keswick Dam. REGIONAL FIRING RANGE - Preliminary Budget (C-070-010-050) Planning and Community Development Director Perry submitted a preliminary budget for the preparation of environmental documents for the proposed Regional Firing Range on the Hunt Ranch property. Mr. Perry conveyed that staff will be preparing the Environmental Impact Report, and the County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors will conduct public hearings on the environmental determination, zone change, and use permit, if required. Mr. Perry stated that $20,000 in the Planning Department's budget was set aside for preparation of the EIR. It is the recommendation of the Planning Director that the budget request for $21,500 be approved with the understanding that some planning projects assigned to staff will likely be delayed pending completion of the EIR for the firing range. MOTION: Made by Council Member Buffum, seconded by Council Member Dahl, approving a budget in the amount of $21,500 for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Report for the regional firing range. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - Work Program (C-050-025) Planning and Community Development Director Perry submitted the work program for the new City administration building. Mr. Perry indicated that the first step is to define the size of the administration and public safety buildings, establish a working budget, and review the present contract status. Council Member Dahl noted that the initial concept included State, County, and Federal buildings, but there seems to be no indication of interest from the County. Mr. Perry agreed and conveyed that the County is consolidating its offices by the Courthouse. He pointed out that the State already has seven acres on Parkview they can build on, and a Federal building would depend on other powers that be. Mr. Perry conveyed that staff is proceeding with the relocation of the corporation yard, and the Environmental Impact Report on the softball complex is complete. Mayor Johannessen stated that staff should proceed accordingly. RESOLUTION - United States Bureau of Reclamation Central Valley Project Water Marketing Program Draft Environmental Impact Statement (F-200-200-050 & W-030-550-720) Assistant City Manager McMurry stated that the United States Bureau of Reclamation issued a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) concerning its intention to sell an additional 1.5 million acre feet of water from the Central Valley Project. Mr. McMurry noted that the proposal has concerned many Redding businesses, industries, government and environmental protection organizations and agencies. The Shasta County Board of Supervisors created an interagency task force to examine the DEIS. Mr. McMurry reported that there is a clear consensus that the DEIS does not adequately address the economic, social, cultural or environmental impacts on Shasta County interests, and the DEIS clearly needs to be withdrawn and reconsidered. It is the recommendation of the Assistant City Manager that Council adopt a Resolution endorsing the Statement of the Board of Supervisors regarding the Central Valley Water Project Marketing Program. MOTION: Made by Council Member Dahl, seconded by Council Member Fulton, that Resolution No. 89-99 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding in the matter of the Bureau of Reclamation's Central Valley Project Water Marketing Program Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Buffum, Carter, Dahl, Fulton and Johannessen Noes: Council Members - None Absent: Council Members - None Resolution No. 89-99 is on file in the office of the City Clerk. TOURISM AND CONVENTION COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS (B-080-540) Mayor Johannessen recommended that Patricia Schroll and Karla Dayton be appointed to the Tourism and Convention Commission for four-year terms expiring January 1, 1993. MOTION: Made by Council Member Carter, seconded by Council Member Fulton, appointing Patricia Schroll and Karla Dayton to the Tourism and Convention Commission for four-year terms expiring January 1, 1993. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes RECESS At the hour of 8:45 p.m., Mayor Johannessen stated that the meeting will be recessed. At the hour of 9:04 p.m., Mayor Johannessen state that the meeting will be reconvened to regular session. CLOSED SESSION (P-100-320) Mayor Johannessen stated that pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6, Council will adjourn to closed session to discuss personnel matters. At the hour of 9:05 p.m., Mayor Johannessen declared the meeting adjourned. At the hour of 10:10 p.m., Mayor Johannessen reconvened the meeting to regular session. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at the hour of 10:10 p.m., Mayor Johannessen declared the meeting adjourned. APPROVED: __________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: __________________________________ City Clerk 3/28/89