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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - unsigned - 1995-11-21 City Council, Regular Meeting City Council Chambers 1313 California Street Redding, California November 21, 1995 7:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Council Member P. Anderson. The Invocation was offered by Associate Pastor John Desplancke, Salvation Army. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kehoe with the following Council Members present: P. Anderson, R. Anderson, McGeorge, Murray and Kehoe. Also present were City Manager Warren, Assistant City Manager Perry, City Attorney Wingate, Director of Administrative Services Starman, Director of Public Works Galusha, Fire Chief Wagner, Acting Planning Director Keaney, Director of Electric Utility Lindley, Human Resources Manager Sciarra, Director of Information Systems Kelley, Electric Utility Rates & Economics Analyst Graves, Management Assistant to the City Manager Bachman, City Clerk Strohmayer, Assistant City Clerk Moscatello and Secretary to the City Council Rudolph. CONSENT CALENDAR The following matters were considered inclusively under the Consent Calendar: Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Register (A-050-100-500) It is recommended that Accounts Payable Register No. 9, for the period November 2, 1995, through November 16, 1995, check numbers 226204 through 226840 inclusive, in the amount of $5,309,599.00, and Payroll Register No. 10, check numbers 408740 through 409458 inclusive, and electronic deposit transaction numbers 26550 through 26771, totaling $1,254,344.82, for the period October 22, 1995, through November 4, 1995, be approved. TOTAL: $6,563,943.82 Ordinance No. 2139 - re Rezoning Application RZ-7-95, by Al Shufelberger and the City of Redding (4059, 4061, 4063, 4161, 4191, 4231, 4301, 4315, and 4375 Eastside Road) (L-010-230) It is recommended that Ordinance No. 2139 be adopted, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Redding amending Section 18.06.020 of the Redding Municipal Code relating to the rezoning of certain real property in the City of Redding to "C-3" Heavy Commercial/Light Industrial District and "C-3-FP" Heavy Commercial/Light Industrial District with Floodplain Combining District (RZ-7-95). Ordinance No. 2140 - Amending Redding Municipal Code Section 2.52.070, Changing the Time of Planning Commission Meetings to 2:00 p.m. (B-050-300) It is recommended that Ordinance No. 2140 be adopted, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Redding amending Redding Municipal Code Section 2.52.070 to change the time of the Planning Commission meetings to 2:00 p.m. Storm Drain Utility Update (S-060) It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council accept the Report to City Council dated November 14, 1995, incorporated herein by reference, which provides an update regarding the Storm Drain Utility. Resolution - Amending Exhibits to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Redding Employees Organization of Service Employees International Union (REO/SEIU): Clerical, Technical and Professional Employees' Unit Resolution - Amending Exhibits to MOU with REO/SEIU: Supervisory Employees' Unit Resolution - Amending Exhibits to MOU with REO/SEIU: Confidential Employees' Unit (P-100-320) It is the recommendation of the Director of Administrative Services that Resolution No. 95-253 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding amending Exhibits A-3 and B-3 to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Redding and the Redding Employees Organization of the Service Employees International Union (REO/SEIU): Clerical, Technical, and Professional Employees' Unit, effective November 19, 1995, adding the classifications of Reprographics Technician I, II, and III, Computer Network Specialist, Computer Equipment Technician, and Computer Network Administrator, and deleting the classifications of Museum Store Coordinator, Cable Access Studio Technician, Exhibits Coordinator, Offset Press Operator, Secretary to the Electric Utility Commission, Museum Development Officer, Museum Preparator, and Science Museum Curator, and changing the salary range of the Geographic Information Systems Coordinator. It is also recommended that Resolution No. 95-254 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding amending Exhibits A-3 and A-4 to the MOU between the City of Redding and REO/SEIU: Supervisory Employees' Unit, effective November 19, 1995, and June 30, 1996, adding the classification of Reprographics Supervisor and deleting the classification of Print Shop Supervisor. It is further recommended that Resolution No. 95-255 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding amending Exhibits A-3 and A-4 to the MOU between the City of Redding and REO/SEIU: Confidential Employees' Unit, effective November 19, 1995, and June 30, 1996, deleting the classification of Airports Specialist. Resolution - re Appropriating Funds re Extension of Builder's Risk Insurance for Combustion Turbine Project * (B-130-070 & E-120-150) It is the recommendation of the Director of Administrative Services that the City Council approve the extension of the Zurich Insurance Company builders risk insurance policy for the Combustion Turbine Project to May 30, 1996, at a cost of $45,279 and that Resolution No. 95-256 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving and adopting the 18th amendment to City Budget Resolution No. 95-153 appropriating $45,280 to pay for the extension of the builders risk insurance for the Combustion Turbine Project. Development Services Monthly Activity Report (A-050-250) It is the recommendation of the Acting Planning Director that the Development Services Monthly Activity Report through October 1995 for the following areas be accepted: (1) Annexations; (2) Zoning, Subdivision, and General Plan Amendments; (3) Building and Population; (4) Housing Assistance and Rehabilitation; and (5) General Plan Update. Resolution - Releasing Abatement Proceedings on Property Located at 11517 La Costa Court, Owned by Joseph J. Nadecker and Klara S. Nadecker (A-030-070) It is the recommendation of the Acting Planning Director that Resolution No. 95-257 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding releasing the proceedings of abatement under Chapter 9.36 of the Redding Municipal Code on certain real property in the City of Redding located at 11517 La Costa Court, formerly owned by James D. Green and Beverly G. Green, now owned by Joseph J. Nadecker and Klara S. Nadecker, Assessor's Parcel No. 073-370-36. Resolution - Authorizing Purchase of Automated Refuse Containers (B-050-100 & S-020-100) It is the recommendation of the Director of General Services that Resolution No. 95-258 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding authorizing the purchase of 1030 automated refuse containers, in the amount of $15,907.32, through the City of Manteca's contract with Toter, Inc. Funds for this purchase are available in the 1995-96 budget. Resolution - Appropriating Funds for Oversizing of Waterline, Buenaventura Boulevard Extension * (B-130-070 & W-030-725) It is the recommendation of the Director of Public Works that Resolution No. 95-259 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving and adopting the 17th amendment to City Budget Resolution No. 95-153 appropriating $82,620 of water funds for the oversizing on the Buenaventura extension project so that payment can be made to the contractor. Funds for this payment are available in the 1995-96 budget. Resolution - Appropriating Funds for Reconstruction and Signalization of Placer and Buenaventura Blvd. (Bid Schedule No. 2941) * (B-130-070 & B-050-020 & T-080-700 & G-100-070-100) It is the recommendation of the Director of Public Works that Resolution No. 95-260 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving and adopting the 16th amendment to City Budget Resolution No. 95-153 appropriating $46,000 of ISTEA funds, previously approved by the City Council but not appropriated, for work on the Buenaventura Extension Project. Resolution - Approving Parade Route and Street Closures for Christmas Parade and Authorizing Co-Sponsorship (P-010-050 & P-030-250) It is the recommendation of the Director of Public Works that the City Council approve the Redding Trade Club's request for the City to co- sponsor the Christmas Parade and that Resolution No. 95-261 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding pertaining to the Redding Trade Club Christmas Parade to be held December 2, 1995, and authorizing street closure along parade route from 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Notice of Completion - 1995-96 Asphalt Overlay Program, Bid Schedule No. 2952 (B-050-020 & S-070-200) It is the recommendation of the Director of Public Works that Bid Schedule No. 2952 (Job No. 9941), 1995-96 Asphalt Overlay Program, awarded to W. Jaxon Baker, be accepted as satisfactorily completed, and the City Clerk be authorized to file a Notice of Completion. The final contract price is $660,055.82. Resolution - Authorizing Use of Surplus Funds re College Highland Assessment District No. 1989-4 (A-170-120-115) It is the recommendation of the Director of Public Works that Resolution No. 95-262 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding declaring $17,600.87 of College Highland Assessment District No. 1989-4's funds as surplus and directing disposition thereof. Resolution - Authorizing Use of Surplus Funds re Shasta View Drive Extension Assessment District, 1990-2 and 2B (A-170-120-840) It is the recommendation of the Director of Public Works that Resolution No. 95-263 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding declaring $13,867.39 of Shasta View Drive Extension Assessment District, 1990-2 and 2B Series A Bonds and $3,784.82 of Series B Bonds as surplus and directing disposition thereof. Resolution - Summarily Vacating a Portion of Old Alturas Road (A-010-100) It is the recommendation of the City Attorney that Resolution No. 95-264 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding summarily vacating a portion of Old Alturas Road as depicted in Exhibit A. MOTION: Made by Council Member P. Anderson, seconded by Council Member McGeorge, that all the foregoing items on the Consent Calendar be approved and adopted as recommended. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - P. Anderson, R. Anderson, McGeorge, Murray & Kehoe Noes: Council Members - None Absent: Council Members - None Resolution Nos. 95-253, 95-254, 95-255, 95-256, 95-257, 95-258, 95-259, 95-260, 95-261, 95-262, 95-263 and 95-264 are on file in the Office of the City Clerk. - - - - - - - - - - CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - re General Plan Amendment Application GPA-2- 94, by Hilltop Bluffs (Southwest corner of Hilltop Drive and Palisades Avenue) (G-030-010) The hour of 7:00 p.m. having arrived, Mayor Kehoe opened the continued public hearing regarding General Plan Amendment Application GPA-2-94. The following documents are on file in the office of the City Clerk: Affidavit of Posting - Continued Public Hearing Staff recommendation dated November 17, 1995 City Clerk Strohmayer advised that no protests were received. Acting Planning Director Keaney related that a letter was received from the applicant requesting that the public hearing be continued to December 19, 1995, as well as a letter from the opposition's attorney, Dan Frost, requesting that the General Plan Amendment be denied due to an impasse between the two parties. Mr. Keaney related, however, Mr. Frost revealed, in a recent conversation, that he is not opposed to a continuance. In Addition, Mr. Frost called today indicating that his calendar had changed and he would now be available for either the December 5th or December 19th meetings. Mr. Keaney explained that the basic decision is whether or not the City Council wants to make a decision in light of the impasse between the two parties. He indicated that staff does not object to a continuation, but if the matter is likely to be referred back to the Commission, it might as well occur now. Eihnard Diaz, representing the applicant, and Dan Frost, representing the opponent, both stated they had no objection to the matter being referred back to the Planning Commission. Mayor Kehoe determined that there were no additional individuals present wishing to speak on the matter and closed the public hearing. MOTION: Made by Council Member R. Anderson, seconded by Council Member P. Anderson, to refer General Plan Amendment Application GPA-2-94, by Hilltop Bluffs, to the Planning Commission. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - re Proposed Electric Utility Rate Adjustment (E-090-100 & E-120-150) The hour of 7:00 p.m. having arrived, Mayor Kehoe opened the continued public hearing regarding the proposed electric utility rate adjustment. Affidavit of Posting - Continued Public Hearing Staff recommendation dated November 15, 1995 City Clerk Strohmayer advised that no protests were received. City Manager Warren reviewed the Report to City Council dated November 15, 1995, incorporated herein by reference, which addressed questions and concerns raised by the City Council at its meeting of November 7, 1995, regarding the necessity for an electric utility rate adjustment. Relative to the combustion turbine project at Redding Power Plant, Electric Utility Director Lindley reported that testing has been completed on the NOx emission system, both water injection in the turbine and ammonia injection in the selective catalytic reduction systems, and the City can meet the outcome NOx emission requirements of 9 parts per million (PPM), and, in fact, can reduce emissions below that. As required by both the County and the State, final testing and acceptance is expected to begin the first part of January 1996, at which time the first two units are anticipated to be ready for commercial operation. Mr. Warren recommended that the City Council approve the following: 1) A 4 percent rate adjustment effective November 1, 1995; 2) Reduce the Electric Utility Department's budget by at least $1 million for fiscal year 1996 with discussion on the Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) and the Demand-Side Management (DSM) Project Manager; 3) Direct staff to prepare the fiscal year 1997 budget with at least $800,000 in reductions; 4) Direct staff to continue working on the PacifiCorp agreement for consideration at the December 5, 1995, City Council meeting; and 5) Direct the City Manager to develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) and solicit proposals for a management audit of the Electric Utility. Jim Price, 19092 Nathan Way, cited the problems the City encountered with the Peaking Power Project. He stressed that a thorough audit of the Electric Utility Department should be conducted prior to adopting any electric utility rate adjustment. Clint Bailey, 665 State Street, requested that the City Council establish a program to assist low-income residents and residents on Social Security. He indicated that while the City of Susanville's rates are a little higher, there has not been a rate increase since 1988. Additionally, he noted that PG&E offers a 15 percent discount to those customers with incomes under $16,100. Ed Kowalewski, 3731 Poinsetta Avenue, stated that residents are concerned with seeing Redding grow and new businesses locating to the area; however, he believed it is counter productive to have utility rate increases each year. He believed that the Electric Department should be examined to determine any inefficiencies which might exist. He did not favor a rate increase at this time given the fact that many residents are living on fixed incomes and are already having difficulty paying their utility bills. Charles Johnson, 4340 Emily Way, echoed Mr. Kowalewski's concerns. He stressed that residents on fixed incomes cannot stand the continual utility rate increases. Frank Strazzarino, Executive Director of the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Chamber recognizes the difficult choices facing the City Council, as well as the fact that many of the issues being addressed originated prior to the current City Council being seated. He applauded the proposed reductions, however, he urged the City Council to consider the impacts of reducing participation in the NCPA and not filling the DSM Project Manager position. He stated that while a four percent increase is less objectionable, any increase will pose a significant impact on the bottom line of local businesses. He related that the Chamber supports the following: 1) The management audit which was ordered, but recommended a fresh independent firm be selected. He offered to have a Chamber representative serve on the selection panel; 2) Improved financial reporting requested at the November 7, 1995, meeting. 3) Enhancement of written communication to provide information on a more timely basis; and 4) Completion of a survey to assist in the communication process between the Electric Utility and the business community. He requested clarification as to whether the proposed four percent increase, effective November 1, 1995, would lock the City into a 13.8 percent increase in 1997. Wally St. Clair, Manager of J. C. Penney, stressed that in his particular situation, the proposed rate increase cannot be passed on to the consumer, as prices are established by the corporate office, via a national pricing structure. He stated that in today's economy, businesses need to remain competitive, and, therefore, cannot pass the additional expenses on to the consumer. He stressed that the store has state-of-the-art equipment and it is not possible to reduce kilowatt consumption any further. In today's business environment, with expenses already at a minimum, any rate increase will impact the store's bottom line profit, ultimately requiring the reduction of personnel. He noted that one other area which can be reduced is contributions made to local non-profit organizations, i.e., sober graduation, etc. He requested that the City continue to work with the community to find a palatable situation that will take care of the City's needs, while understanding the needs of business. Fran Jenkins, 2652 Sharon Avenue, complimented the City Manager on his report which answered the questions posed at the November 7, 1995, meeting. She requested that the City Council keep the rate adjustment as low as possible. She believed that the public hearing showed the community the City Council's desire to have better oversight over the Electric Utility. Mayor Kehoe determined that there were no other individuals present wishing to address the City Council on this issue and closed the public hearing. Mr. Warren explained that the proposed budget reductions equate to approximately 15 percent of the Electric Utility's budget. He clarified that the proposed four percent rate adjustment would be effective November 1, 1995. He noted, however, that because the City's HR429 line item has been reduced to zero this fiscal year, the four percent rate adjustment will essentially result in an overall rate increase of two percent. He stated that this two percent rate increase for an average residential user will equate to approximately $1.50 per month. Council Member P. Anderson requested that the Scope of Work for the management audit also include a financial analysis. She asked that the financial analysis include a review of the following: 1) Revenues and expenditures; 2) Evaluation of existing bonds; 3) Determination whether existing bonds should be refinanced; and 4) Should unexpended bond funds be used to payoff existing debt. Council Member R. Anderson stated that under one of the noted scenarios, if the PacifiCorp agreement is not consummated, the 1997 projected rate is 13.8 percent. He indicated that he would not support this type of increase and requested that staff begin to develop an alternative plan. He explained that the consultant selected to perform the management audit should know that he is working directly for the City Council, with the City Manager responsible for the day-to-day overview of the audit. Additionally, when the Request for Proposals is issued, copies of previous audits should be required. He related that it is important that the audit provide constructive criticism which identifies areas of improvement, thereby, ultimately restoring the public's confidence in the Electric Utility. Council Member Murray supported the proposed four percent rate adjustment. He stressed that any reductions made to the Electric Utility's budget should not ultimately result in costs which exceed the proposed savings. In response to Council Member Murray, Mr. Lindley assured the City Council that the proposed budget reductions would not impact the City's ability to meet either Federal or State safety training requirements. Additionally, he noted that the proposed reductions to maintenance will only affect the City's ability to perform maintenance beyond that which is regularly scheduled. Also, he stated that the reduction in overtime could potentially impact some businesses, as the department will not have the same level of flexibility to schedule work which would have normally been completed during the weekend hours. Council Member Murray believed this evening's testimony reinforced the fact that a DSM Project Manager is necessary. He expressed his disappointment with the fact that the position is still vacant. He opined that the City Council should direct staff to fill the DSM Project Manager position. Additionally, he expressed concern regarding the proposed reduction in NCPA participation. Due to the rapid changes occurring within the electric industry, he recommended that the City maintain its current level of participation. He believed that the possible benefits received as a result of NCPA's lobbying efforts would more than offset the proposed savings. Council Member McGeorge stressed that the City needs to develop programs to assist residents on fixed incomes. He also stated that the monthly financial reports will allow the City Council to make adjustments throughout the year. Mayor Kehoe stressed that the needs of the City have to be balanced against the capacity of the individual ratepayer to sustain a proposed rate adjustment. In response to Mayor Kehoe, Director of Electric Utility Lindley stated the department's limitations with regard to developing a program to assist low-income resident will be the ability to analyze the data relative to the customer user studies which have been done, develop a time-of-use rate, and get the program in place. Council Member Murray noted that one additional reason for the delay in developing such a program to assist low-income residents is the fact that the Information Systems Division does not have the required personnel to develop the necessary computer programs. Administrative Services Director Starman interjected that the request can be accommodated, it is just a matter of prioritization on the part of the City Council. He emphasized that 200 time-of-use meters will have a serious impact on the meter readers but can be addressed via automation, however, there would be significant upfront costs. Mayor Kehoe stated he is not totally satisfied with the City's cost containment efforts, or the way the City is treating its customer base. Based on the need to convey the message to the City of Redding and its customer base that substantial changes are necessary, he indicated he would oppose the proposed rate adjustment. Council Member R. Anderson related he was compelled to support the proposed rate adjustment due to the fact that the City cannot afford to get into a situation similar to Orange County. At this particular time, he believed the four percent adjustment was necessary in order to meet the bond obligations. It was the consensus of the City Council that the City Manager be directed to use his discretion in making reductions to the Electric Utility budget totaling $1,000,000. Council Member P. Anderson opined that the current City Council has inherited a problem that has to be resolved. She was optimistic that the City would be able to do a better job once the management audit has been conducted. MOTION: Made by Council Member P. Anderson, seconded by Council Member Murray, that Resolution No. 95-266 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving a four percent rate adjustment effective November 1, 1995; directing the City Manager to reduce the Electric Utility Department's current budget by $1,000,000; directing staff to prepare the 1997 through 2005 budgets with at least $800,000 in reductions; directing staff to implement a time-of-use study, establish lifeline rates, and develop a program for low-income residents; directing staff to continue working on the PacifiCorp agreement for the City Council's consideration on December 5, 1995; and directing the City Manager to release the Request for Proposals (RFP), as amended by the City Council, for the management audit of the Electric Utility. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - P. Anderson, R. Anderson, McGeorge, and Murray Noes: Council Members - Kehoe Absent: Council Members - None Resolution No. 95-266 is on file in the office of the City Clerk. It was the consensus of the City Council that staff be directed to: 1) prepare a report for consideration on January 2, 1996, regarding the outcome of the PacifiCorp negotiations and the proposed rate adjustment for next fiscal year which will be utilized for budget preparation purposes; 2) In addition to monthly financial statements, prepare a quarterly report on the status of Electric Utility litigation and changes occurring in the Electric industry; and 3) Change the date of the future public hearings on electric utility rate adjustments from the first meeting in November to the first meeting in October. RESOLUTION - re Voluntary Separation Program (P-100-200) City Manager Warren explained that most businesses have reduced personnel in an effort to lower costs. He stated that Voluntary Separation Programs have been used by both cities and private industry, wherein incentives are offered in order to buy out terms of employment on a voluntary basis. He noted that examples of this include increasing years on retirement, providing vacation buyout, and offering additional monies for voluntary separation. He related that one of the key elements of the program is the fact that the position would either be permanently abolished or, at a minimum, be replaced with a lower classification. He stressed that the program must pay for itself and would only apply to classifications on the City's Executive Management Pay-for-Performance Plan, excluding public safety employees, as outlined in the Report to City Council dated November 8, 1995, incorporated herein by reference. Administrative Services Director Starman related that the purpose of the Voluntary Separation Program is to reduce the number of senior and mid- level management positions in the organization in a responsible and equitable manner to generate long-term efficiencies and savings. Mr. Starman noted some of the principal features of the program as follows: 1) Participation is voluntary; 2) Completely self-funded; 3) Limited to senior and mid-level managers; 4) One week's salary for every year of service; 5) Limited to 15 employees; and 5) One-time offer. Because the participants are not yet known, he related that it is difficult to project the cost and savings in advance. He stated that the program could ultimately result in a one-time cost of $375,000, excluding accrued leave; however, it is anticipated to generate millions of dollars in savings over a ten-year period. Once all the costs are known, he indicated it may be necessary to prepare a budget amendment for consideration at a later date. In response to Council Member Murray, Mr. Starman stressed that if someone volunteers to participate in this program, part of the evaluation process is to determine whether the position can be eliminated, and, if not, can it be filled with a lower classification. If the answer to both of these is no, that individual would not be permitted to participate in the VSP. He emphasized that courts have ruled that public employees have property rights in their job, therefore, there is not an at-will employment situation. Because of this, absent layoffs, it would be difficult to reduce the workforce. In response to Mayor Kehoe, Mr. Warren assured the City Council that all applications will be carefully considered, and if it is determined that the position can be eliminated without any loss to the level of service, or filled at a much lower cost to the City, it will be done. He stated he would come back to the City Council with a report in January outlining the results of the program, as well as the expected savings. City Attorney Wingate clarified that the City would eliminate the position and take all or a portion of the job functions and divide them among remaining personnel. He stressed that the position is actually being eliminated. Under the program, the City is not permitted to hire a new person at a lower salary to refill that same position. MOTION: Made by Council Member R. Anderson, seconded by Council Member P. Anderson, that Resolution No. 95-265 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding adopting a City of Redding Voluntary Separation Program. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - P. Anderson, R. Anderson, McGeorge, Murray and Kehoe Noes: Council Members - None Absent: Council Members - None Resolution No. 95-265 is on file in the office of the City Clerk. PRESENTATION BY GENERAL PLAN CONSULTANTS (G-030) Acting Planning Director Keaney related that the City's General Plan Task Force (GPTF) will host a presentation on community appearance. The featured speaker will be Jim Pepper of the consulting firm J. Laurence Mintier and Associates. The presentation will include slide images and will address a variety of urban form and development issues. Mr. Keaney stated that staff feels it would be beneficial for members of the City Council, Planning Commission, and Downtown Task Force to attend this meeting of the GPTF. He related that the meeting will help to establish a base for further discussions on urban form topics when the various bodies begin to grapple with the development issues to be addressed in the General Plan. It is the recommendation of staff that the City Council schedule a special meeting for December 6, 1995, at 5:30 p.m., in the Sequoia Middle School Library. It was the consensus of the City Council to call a special City Council meeting for December 6, 1995, at 5:30 p.m., in the Sequoia Middle School Library, to hear a presentation on community appearance by the General Plan Task Force. ROUTINE REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS (A-050-125 & E-090-160-500) City Clerk Strohmayer read the letter from Charles M. Schultz, Area Manager of the United States Bureau of Land Management, expressing appreciation to Bruce Russell and the Electric Department staff, and commending lineman Jack Latiolais for his professional assistance and conscientious attitude on the Quartz Hill/Keswick 115/12kV Transmission Loop Project. This was an informational item. PUBLIC COMMENT (E-090-100) Carl Arness wanted to ensure that the management consultant selected for the Electric Utility management audit has access to plans, i.e., Resource Plan, that are applicable to the Electric Utility. He noted that the rate mechanism is compensating, and, if rates are increased too much in one year, it will be compensated for the following year. He also requested that if, during the audit, it is determined that an individual has done exceptional work that it also be recognized. At the hour of 9:20 p.m., Mayor Kehoe declared the meeting recessed. At the hour of 9:30 p.m., Mayor Kehoe reconvened the meeting to regular session. CLOSED SESSION (L-100) Mayor Kehoe stated that the City Council would adjourn to closed session pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(a) to discuss the following: Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: City of Redding v. Shasta Enterprises, and related cross-action, Shasta County Superior Court Consolidated Case Nos. 87226 and 95735. At the hour of 9:30 p.m., Mayor Kehoe adjourned to closed session. At the hour of 10:00 p.m., Mayor Kehoe reconvened the meeting to regular session. No reportable action was taken. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at the hour of 10:00 p.m., Mayor Kehoe declared the meeting adjourned. APPROVED: Mayor Kehoe ATTEST: City Clerk