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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 1996-09-17I 235 Redding City Council, Regular Meeting City Council Chambers 1313 California Street Redding, California September 17, 1996 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was led by Council Member R. Anderson. The invocation was offered by Pastor Lonnie Johnson, Living Hope Compassion Ministry. The meeting was called to order by Mayor McGeorge with the following City Council Members present: P. Anderson, R. Anderson, Kehoe, Murray and McGeorge. Also present were City Manager Warren, Assistant City Manager Perry, City Attorney Wingate, Public Works Director Galusha, Police Chief Blankenship, Development Services Director Swanson, Administrative Services Director Starman, Finance Officer Strong, Public Works Operations Manager Russell, Human Resources Manager Bachman, Senior Planner Hanson, Housing Supervisor Garrity, City Clerk Strohmayer, and Secretary to the City Council Rudolph. RESOLUTION - Commending Director of Electric Utility Sam Lindley for 20 Years of Dedicated Service to the City of Redding (A-050-125) MOTION: Made by Council Member R. Anderson, seconded by Council Member P. Anderson, that Resolution No. 96-170 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding commending Director of Electric Utility, L. Samuel Lindley, for 20 years of dedicated service to the City. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - P. Anderson, R. Anderson, Kehoe, Murray and McGeorge Noes: Council Members -None Absent: Council Members - None Resolution No. 96-170 is on file in the office of the City Clerk. PRESENTATION BY SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF REDDING - re Adoption of Enterprise Park Soccer Fields (P-050-460-700 & G-100) Senior Planner Hanson related that staff was approached several weeks ago by the Soroptimist International of Redding about adopting the soccer fields in Enterprise Community Park and providing funding in the amount of$41,000 over the next three to five years for improvements. Kathie Sanchez,President of the Soroptimist International of Redding, stated that this is the 50th year the Soroptimist International of Redding has been a club in Redding. She explained that the club has done numerous things to improve services within the community over the years. She indicated that the Soroptimist International of Redding is excited about adopting the soccer fields in Enterprise Community Park and providing areas for all ages to enjoy. She related that the club is prepared to provide funding in an amount not to exceed $41,000 for improvements to the soccer fields. Cheryl Pennell, Chair of the Soccer Fields Committee, stated that soccer is a growing sport. She indicated that these improvements will allow more revenue and teams to be brought to the Redding area. Mayor McGeorge expressed appreciation to the Soroptimist International of Redding for its very generous offer. Kathie Sanchez understood that, based on conversations with Mr. Hanson, there were certain things which needed to be done in order for the soccer fields to be ready for spring 1997. She related that if the City Council is prepared to allow the Soroptimist International of Redding to adopt the soccer fields, the club is prepared to present a check this evening in the amount of$8,204.63. 09/17/96 236 MOTION: Made by Council Member Murray, seconded by Council Member R. Anderson, to accept the Soroptimist International of Redding's offer to adopt the soccer fields in Enterprise Community Park and to provide financial assistance in an amount not to exceed $41,000, and accept the initial check in the amount of$8,204.63. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes Council Member R. Anderson noted that the Soroptimist International of Redding has been instrumental in many projects, i.e., the Senior Citizens Facility. CONSENT CALENDAR Approval of Minutes - Special Meeting of June 28, 1996 Adjourned Special Meeting of July 2, 1996 Regular Meeting of July 2, 1996 Regular Meeting of July 16, 1996 Special Meeting of July 25, 1996 Special Meeting of August 6, 1996 Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Register (A-050-100-500) It is recommended that Accounts Payable Register No. 5, for the period September 3, 1996, through September 12, 1996, check numbers 236777 through 237202 inclusive, in the amount of $3,932,161.64, and Payroll Register No. 5, for the period August 25, 1996, through September 7, 1996, check numbers 424310 through 424920 inclusive, and electronic deposit transaction numbers 31898 through 32202, totaling $1,267,888.62, be approved. TOTAL: $5,200,050.26 Ordinance No. 2159- re Disestablishing the Parking and Business Improvement Area and Repealing Redding Municipal Code Chapter 6.18 (M-010-200-050) It is recommended that Ordinance No. 2159 be adopted, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Redding disestablishing the Parking and Business Improvement Area established in Section 6.18.150 of the Redding Municipal Code and repealing Redding Municipal Code Chapter 6.18. Resolution - Extend Market Fest Activities to September 26, 1996 (P-050 & A-110-100) It is the recommendation of the City Manager that Resolution No. 96-171 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding amending Resolution No. 96-132 to approve the request of Viva Downtown for a one-week extension of its permit to allow the sale, consumption, and possession of intoxicating beverages on public property in and adjacent to Library Park in conjunction with the Downtown Market Fest, through September 26, 1996. Final Report- Economic Development Corporation's Sales& Marketing Program Final Report for Fiscal Year 1995-96 (B-080-150) It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council accept the Report to City Council dated September 11, 1996, incorporated herein by reference, containing the Economic Development Corporation's Sales and Marketing Program Final Report of Activity for Fiscal Year 1995-96. Resolution- Appropriating Funds and Establishing Position for Police Officer in Elementary Schools * (B-130-070 & A-050-270 & P-150-150) It is the recommendation of the Administrative Services Director that Resolution No. 96-172 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving and adopting the 9th amendment to City Budget Resolution No. 96-130 (1) establishing one new police officer position; and (2) appropriating $64,000 for the police officer. Annual Wings and Wheels Weekend (A-090-100) It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that the City Council approve IASCO Flight Center's request, in conjunction with the Northern California Drag Race Association, to conduct Wings and Wheels Weekend at the Redding Municipal Airport on October 19 and 20, 1996, contingent upon review by the City Attorney and Risk Manager as to proof of adequate insurance. 09/17/96 237 Lease Amendment - Glenn Hawes at Redding Municipal Airport (C-070-100 & A-090-100) It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that the City Council approve the modification of the lease with Glenn Hawes for farm land at Redding Municipal Airport, specifically reducing the amount of acreage to 230 acres. Resolution - Authorizing Submission of Grant Application for Municipal Airport Terminal Remodeling Project (G-100-070 & A-090-100) It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that Resolution No. 96-183 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding authorizing the filing of a Federal Grant Application for entitlement Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant monies to accomplish capital projects at Redding Municipal Airport, specifically the remodel of the Redding Municipal Airport Terminal building, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the application and all subsequent documentation to obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant monies. Resolution Setting Public Hearing - Intent to Abandon Street Right-of-Way on Akard Avenue between Cypress Avenue and Parkview Avenue (A-010-100) It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that Resolution No. 96-173 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding declaring its intention to vacate that portion of the Akard Avenue right-of-way lying between Cypress Avenue and Parkview Avenue (A- 6-96) and setting a public hearing for 7:00 p.m., October 15, 1996. Development Services Department's Monthly Activity Report (A-050-250) It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that the City Council accept the Development Services Department's Monthly Activity Report through August 1996 for the following work areas: (1) Zoning, Subdivision, and General Plan Amendments; (2) Building and Population; (3) Housing Assistance and Rehabilitation; and (4) General Plan Update. Resolution - Appropriating CDBG Revolving Loan Funds for New Emergency Repair Program * (B-130-070 & G-100-030-041 & G-100-080-100) It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that Resolution No. 96-174 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving and adopting the 10th amendment to City Budget Resolution No. 96-130 appropriating $20,000 for the Emergency Repair Program. Resolution- Appropriating Funds for Purchase of Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Vehicle and Three Mobile Radios * (B-130-070 & P-150-150) It is the recommendation of the Police Chief that Resolution No. 96-175 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving and adopting the 7th amendment to City Budget Resolution No. 96-130 appropriating$41,500 for the purchase of a vehicle and mobile radios for the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program. Resolution - Proclaiming October 1996 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (A-050-060-600 & P-150-150) It is the recommendation of the Police Chief that Resolution No. 96-176 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding proclaimingOctober1996 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Resolution - Appropriating Grant Funds for County-wide Imaging System to Combat Domestic Violence and Accepting Grant Monies * (B-130-070 & P-150-150 & G-100-070) It is the recommendation of the Police Chief that Resolution No. 96-177 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving and adopting the 8th amendment to City Budget Resolution No. 96-130(1)appropriating$170,835 for the Community Policing to Combat Domestic Violence Program and (2) authorizing the receipt of$170,835 in related grant monies. 09/17/96 238 Award of Bid - Bid Schedule No. 3035, Security Services at Various Locations (B-050-100 & C-050) It is the recommendation of the General Services Director that Bid Schedule No. 3035, security services at various locations, be awarded to North State Security, in the amount of$76,667.16 for the period October 1, 1996, through June 30, 1997. Agreement-re Redding Area Water Supply Management Study with Shasta County Water Agency (W-030-420) It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that the City Council authorize an expenditure of up to $30,000 to the Shasta County Water Agency toward the completion of the Redding Area Water Supply Management Study and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement with the Shasta County Water Agency for said study. Resolution - Approving Cooperative Agreement with Caltrans Resolution- Approving Maintenance Agreement with Caltrans Resolution - Appropriating Funds from the Capital Construction Tax Fund for Wyndham Lane to Sacramento River Bridge Rehabilitation Project * (B-130-070 & S-050-100 & S-070-100) It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 96-178, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving entering into Cooperative Agreement No. 02-105 EA-260961, District Agreement No. 02-0005,with Caltrans for roadway rehabilitation from Wyndham Lane to the Sacramento River Bridge. It is recommended that Resolution No. 96-179 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving entering into an agreement with Caltrans for maintenance within State Highway right-of-way (State Route 273). It is further recommended that Resolution No. 96-180 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving and adopting the 11th amendment to City Budget Resolution No. 96-130 appropriating$15,000 for the Rehabilitation Project Wyndham Lane to Sacramento Bridge. Notice of Completion - Bid Schedule No. 3018, Regent Avenue/Placer Street Drainage Improvements (B-050-020 & S-060) It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that Bid Schedule No. 3018, Regent Avenue/Placer Street drainage improvements, awarded to River City Construction, be accepted as satisfactorily completed and the City Clerk authorized to file a Notice of Completion. The final contract price is $131,336.85. MOTION: Made by Council Member Kehoe, seconded by Council Member R. Anderson, 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, Kehoe, Murray and McGeorge Noes: Council Members - None Absent: Council Members - None Resolution Nos. 96-171, 96-172, 96-173, 96-174, 96-175, 96-176, 96-177, 96-178, 96-179, 96-180, 96-183 and Ordinance No. 2159 are on file in the office of the City Clerk. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - re Proposed Water Rate Increases and Addition of Tiered Pricing for Water Conservation (W-030-400) The hour of 7:00 p.m. having arrived, Mayor McGeorge opened the continued public hearing regarding the proposed water rate increases and addition of a tiered pricing structure for water conservation. The following documents are on file in the office of the City Clerk: Affidavit of Posting -Notice of Continued Public Hearing Staff recommendation dated September 9, 1996 09/17/96 239 City Clerk Strohmayer advised that no protests were received. Public Works Director Galusha provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated September 9, 1996, incorporated herein by reference, concerning the proposed water rate increases and tiered water rates for conservation. He also discussed his handout entitled "What is the impact of the proposed rate increase to our customers?" He recalled that the City Council, at its meeting of September 3, 1996, requested staff to prepare a rate alternative which would basically split the increase between the fixed charge and the commodity charge (Alternative No. 1). He stated that staff has also prepared an additional alternative which only increases the fixed charge and prorates the commodity charge based on meter size (Alternative No. 2). He explained that increasing the fixed charge and leaving the commodity charge will provide a more stable income. He noted that this would increase rates as follows: residential units or small businesses - $0.46; commercial retail accounts - $1.15; and industrial or institutional accounts - $7.33. Mr. Galusha explained that staff's recommendation for tiered water conservation pricing at the last meeting was based on finding a solution that met the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) • requirements and had minimum impact on the City's customers. He stated that the month of August was chosen because it is the highest usage month. A water conservation tier amount based on usage in August should minimize the impact of the USBR requirement on our customers. He indicated that staff feels this method will satisfy the USBR requirement, and customers could modify their usage and, therefore, would not be penalized. The $0.10 surcharge was recommended because staff felt this was a minimum amount that would be acceptable to the USBR to promote water conservation. Mr. Galusha indicated that there are questions which the City Council needs to address: (1) Should water conservation pricing be for all customers or only residential and institutional? and (2) Should the usage amount for water conservation pricing be set at the point where 95 percent of our customers do not exceed this point during the month of August? Or, should it be set at some other percentage or based on another month or combination of months? He stated that after the City Council's input, staff will return to the City Council within 90 days to formalize a proposal for a tiered pricing structure for water conservation. It is the recommendation of staff that the City Council adopt a resolution increasing the fixed monthly service charge by prorating the increase based on the capacity of the meter in household equivalents for two years and raise the backflow testing fee from $2.50 to $3.00. Council Member Murray noted that other utilities are segregating commodity charges from fixed charges. Given the fact that staff will be coming back in 90 days with a recommendation relative to a tiered water conservation pricing structure, he recommended that staff look into the possibility of structuring the water rates differently and segregating the commodity charges from the fixed charges. This would allow customers to see their fixed charge, as opposed to the commodity charge. He believed this would better position the City for future water supply negotiations. Mayor McGeorge determined that there was no one present wishing to address the City Council and closed the public hearing. Council Member Kehoe questioned why the backflow testing charge was not being increased in the second year, as the entity should be self-supporting. Mr. Galusha responded that without tracking the costs in the first year, staff is not certain an increase in the second year will be necessary. For parity purposes, Council Member Kehoe recommended that the tiered pricing scenarios be run for the entire water utility customer base. Council Member P. Anderson noted that the Bella Vista Water District imposes a surcharge in the summer for exceeding a certain usage. When preparing the recommendations for the City Council's consideration regarding the tiered water conservation pricing structure, she recommended that the City contact other districts for comparison purposes. Council Member Murray noted that most complaints received are regarding the water connection fee, not the actual price of the water itself. 09/17/96 240 City Manager Warren noted that the proposed increase would place the City's Water Utility in the black for the next five years without any additional increases. Based on information which is known today, he believed the City was in a very good position because of the City Council's and staffs good management. He noted that other utilities are considering double digit increases. MOTION: Made by Council Member R. Anderson, seconded by Council Member P. Anderson, that Resolution No. 96-181 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding adopting new water utility rates and charges for service to customers within the Corporate Limits of the City of Redding and the Buckeye Service Area effective October 1, 1996. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - P. Anderson, R. Anderson, Kehoe, Murray and McGeorge Noes: Council Members - None Absent: Council Members - None Resolution No. 96-181 is on file in the office of the City Clerk. PUBLIC HEARING - 1995 Grantee Performance Report for the Community Development Block Grant • (G-100-030-040) The hour of 7:00 p.m. having arrived, Mayor McGeorge opened the public hearing regarding the 1995 Grantee Performance Report for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The following documents are on file in the office of the City Clerk: Affidavit of Publication -Notice of Public Hearing Staff recommendation dated September 17, 1996 City Clerk Strohmayer advised that no protests were received. Housing Supervisor Garrity highlighted the Report to City Council dated September 17, 1996, incorporated herein by reference, concerning the 1995 CDBG Grantee Performance Report. She related that during the past year, $1,031,676 in CDBG funds were expended for activities which benefited the low- and moderate-income persons within the community. She noted that this included projects which were carried over from the previous year's program. At the conclusion of the public hearing, it is the recommendation of staff that the City Council accept the Grantee Performance Report as presented for submission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Mayor McGeorge determined there was no one present wishing to speak on this matter and closed the public hearing. MOTION: Made by Council Member Kehoe, seconded by Council Member R. Anderson, to accept the 1995 Community Development Block Grant Grantee Performance Report and authorize its submission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE - Designation of Voting Delegate and Voting Alternate (L-040-150) MOTION: Made by Council Member Kehoe, seconded by Council Member R. Anderson, to designate Council Member Murray as the voting delegate at the League of California Cities Annual Conference in Anaheim on October 13-15, 1996, and Assistant City Manager Perry as the voting alternate. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes RESOLUTION - re Shasta Area Safety Communications Agency (SHASCOM) Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement (C-175-825-700) City Manager Warren provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated September 12, 1996, incorporated herein by reference, concerning the Shasta Area Safety Communications Agency (SHASCOM) Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement. He explained that as a result of the City of Anderson's withdrawal from SHASCOM, the SHASCOM Board of Directors undertook a close examination and subsequently proposed modification to the Joint Powers Agreement governing SHASCOM. 09/17/96 241 Mr. Warren noted the following three major changes to the Joint Powers Agreement: (1) There will only be two agencies - the County of Shasta and the City of Redding. He noted that the City of Anderson will be an ex-officio, but will not be a voting member; (2) The Board of Directors will consist of administrative personnel from the County of Shasta and the City of Redding: the County Administrative Officer, the City of Redding City Manager, the Shasta County Sheriff or the Undersheriff, and the Redding Police Chief or the Redding Fire Chief; and (3) The elimination of the Executive Board and the Management Council. He believed these changes would provide for a more efficient SHASCOM operation. Mr. Warren noted that the Shatsa County Board of Supervisors approved the amended and restated Joint Powers Agreement today and recommended that the City Council also approve said agreement. Council Member Murray questioned how the new Board of Directors would report to the elected officials of both entities. Mr. Warren replied that in terms of financial reports, both the County and the City would be required to approve SHASCOM's budget each fiscal year. He indicated that he would also keep the City Council apprised through written communications. MOTION: Made by Council Member Kehoe, seconded by Council Member Murray, that Resolution No. 96-182 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving the Shasta Area Safety Communications Agency(SHASCOM) Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - P. Anderson, R. Anderson, Kehoe, Murray and McGeorge Noes: Council Members -None Absent: Council Members -None Resolution No. 96-182 is on file in the office of the City Clerk. CIVIC CENTER PROJECT FINANCING C - ) & C-050-025) Administrative Services Director Starman provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated September 6, 1996, incorporated herein by reference, concerning the financing for the Civic Center project. He recalled that the City Council, at its August 20, 1996, meeting, authorized the selection of an underwriter, bond counsel, and a financial advisor so the City could proceed with the financing of the Civic Center project. He related that the Civic Center Subcommittee, consisting of City Council Members Murray and R. Anderson, met again to discuss the timing and structure of the Civic Center financing. The Subcommittee has directed staff to move forward with the preparation for the Civic Center financing in order to be in a position to issue the bonds prior to the November election if it is financially advantageous to do so. He explained that the Subcommittee believes that proceeding with the financing prior to the election will enable the City to take advantage of lower interest rates. He related that staff has met with the underwriter, bond counsel, and the City's financial advisor, and has developed the following tentative schedule: October 1, 1996, - financing documents approved in concept by the City Council; October 15, 1996 - pricing of bonds; and October 30, 1996 - closing. He stated that the City Council would have another opportunity to consider this issue at its October 1, 1996, meeting. Mr. Starman explained that staff has discussed the implications of Propositions 62 and 218 with the underwriter, bond counsel, and the City's financial advisor. He related that most believe that Proposition 218 will not have a major impact on the City's bond issue or the bond market in general. He indicted, however, that Proposition 62 is a concern and that the issue will need to be disclosed. He related that to the extent this issue impacts the City's credit rating, it will be more costly to obtain insurance for the bond issue. At this time, it is difficult to estimate what impact Proposition 62 will have on the bond issue. He cited a recent Superior Court case where the courts ruled that there is a three-year statute of limitations on increases. Mr. Starman stated that staff is recommending that funds in the amount of$4 million be advanced from the City's pooled cash and be prorated among all of the City's major funds to assist in the financing of the Civic Center project. He related that the loan would be structured to yield a market rate of interest. Therefore, other City funds would not be required to subsidize the project as a result of the loan. 09/17/96 242 Mr. Starman indicated that in order to provide the $16 million needed for the Civic Center project, the bond issue will be "sized" to provide approximately $11 million in construction proceeds. He related that if the City decides to fund a portion of the Civic Center via an internal loan, the figure could be reduced accordingly. He noted that remaining funds for the project will consist of approximately$2 million from the Redding Redevelopment Agency and $3 million from existing City resources. He explained that as the City liquidates other assets, the proceeds will be used to prepay a portion of the debt. It is the recommendation of both the Civic Center Subcommittee and staff that the City Council proceed with the sale of bonds to finance the Civic Center project in the time line noted above. It is further recommended that the City Council authorize an internal loan of$4 million for the Civic Center which would be prorated among all of the City's major funds. Council Member Murray believed that the Subcommittee recommendation was to go forward with the document preparation according to the time line noted, as the documents would be good whenever the City decided to proceed with the bond sale, and that a discussion would occur at an October meeting as to whether or not to proceed with the sale of bonds. Council Member R. Anderson related that the Subcommittee did not take a position relative to internal borrowing. He asked from which funds the money would be borrowed from and the associated impacts. City Manager Warren explained that the internal borrowing would come from all funds. He reiterated that the interest rate would be the same as the City would receive if the funds were invested. He stressed the importance of the City remaining whole. Council Member P. Anderson asked how the internal borrowing would be repaid, the length of the loan, and any risks associated with internal borrowing. In response to Council Member Kehoe, Mr. Starman noted that it would cost approximately $300,000 to issue the bonds, provided they go to sale. He related that if the bonds are not sold, legally the City would not be required to compensate the bond counsel, as there is no contract in place. Technically, he stated that out of pocket expenses would be approximately $30,000, plus staff time, if the bonds were not sold. He noted that the life of appraisals is only about six months. In response to Council Member R. Anderson, Mr. Starman noted that the cost of the appraisals is a given, regardless, if the bonds are sold. Council Member Kehoe did not recommend proceeding with the sale of the bonds until the results of the November election are known. Mayor McGeorge concurred that the bonds should not be sold until the Proposition 62 issue is resolved. He stated that he is not prepared to sacrifice service and employees for the Civic Center if Proposition 62's worst case scenario were to occur. Mr. Warren stated that he and the City Attorney have been discussing the issue of Proposition 62 and the advice they have been receiving appears to support moving ahead with the election and attempting to resolve the issue of Proposition 62. Council Member P. Anderson requested an analysis of the interest rate differences and the cost differences over the term of the bonds. Mr. Starman replied that under a worst case scenario a change of approximately 50 basis points could be seen between now and January or February. MOTION: Made by Council Member P. Anderson, seconded by Council Member R. Anderson, to direct staff to proceed with preparing the necessary bond documentation for the Civic Center Project and discuss the issue of whether to proceed with the bond sale in October. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes 09/17/96 243 REQUEST BY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - Waiver of Fees for Construction of Single-Family Residence (F-205-600) Development Services Director Swanson provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated September 11, 1996, incorporated herein by reference. He related that a letter had been received from the Habitat for Humanity requesting the City to waive $7,500 in fees for the construction of a new home in the Redding city limits which will then be purchased by an eligible low-income household. He noted that the City Council, at its June 18, 1996, meeting, authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement allocating $10,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)funds to be used for the acquisition of one single-family residential lot, which was the total amount that Habitat for Humanity eventually paid for the property. Mr. Swanson explained that it has not been the policy of the City to waive fees for nonprofit organizations. He stated that the causes espoused by the various organizations are laudable, but the City Council has chosen not to put itself in the position of deciding which organizations will receive waivers. It is the recommendation of staff that the City Council deny the waiver of the fees associated with the construction of a single-family residence. Mayor McGeorge noted that there was no one present representing Habitat for Humanity wishing to speak on the matter. MOTION: Made by Council Member R. Anderson, seconded by Council Member Kehoe, to deny Habitat for Humanity's request to waive $7,500 in fees associated with the construction of a single- family residence. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes ELECTRIC UTILITY RATE ADJUSTMENT (E-090-100) Assistant City Manager Perry summarized the Report to City Council dated September 6, 1996, incorporated herein by reference. He stated that, given the impending receipt of the Electric Utility audit, staff is requesting the City Council to defer consideration of the electric utility rate adjustment and the introduction of new rates until the second regular City Council meeting in January 1997. City Manager Warren concurred with the recommendation to defer consideration of the electric utility rates. He stated that the City Council would be hearing a presentation from the consultants who prepared the Electric Utility audit on October 9, 1996, at 7:00 a.m. He noted that the audit will address many difficult issues, i.e., rates, rate unbundling, management, etc. He suggested that following the presentation on October 9, 1996, that the City Council appoint a citizen committee to look at the report and provide a recommendation back to the City Council in 30 to 45 days. He recommended that the City Council allow him to develop a list of 10 to 15 names for appointment to this committee. He indicated that Electric Utility personnel would also assist with this very difficult issue. Council Member Kehoe requested that each City Council Member have an opportunity to make one or two appointments to this Committee for the Mayor's consideration. MOTION: Made by Council Member Murray, seconded by Council Member P. Anderson, to postpone consideration of an electric utility rate adjustment and introduction of new rates until January 1997. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes It was the consensus of the City Council that each City Council Member nominate an individual for possible appointment to a citizen committee to review the electric utility audit and provide recommendations to the City Council and requested the City Manager to nominate an additional seven individuals for inclusion in this committee. 09/17/96 244 LETTER FROM U.S. FOREST SERVICE - re Appreciation to Interim Airports Director (A-050-030) Mayor McGeorge read a letter received from Charlie McDonald of the United States Forest Service expressing appreciation to Interim Airports Director Dinger for outstanding professionalism and service during a recent deployment in Redding. This was an informational item only. PUBLIC COMMENT (C-050-025) Fran Jenkins, 2625 Sharon Street, asked Administrative Services Director Starman which Civic Center Committee Members had been asked about the bond issue. Mr. Starman clarified that staff had not met with members of the Civic Center Committee, but was operating under the parameters produced by the Committee which dictated a 5 percent reserve requirement. Ms. Jenkins reminded the City Council that the Civic Center Committee had recommended that Akard Avenue not be closed until the traffic signal upgrades at Athens Avenue and Park Marina Drive had been completed to allow for left turns. She recalled that when the report was presented to the City Council, the City Council agreed to contact the committee if any major changes were made to the Committee's report. Assistant City Manager Perry explained that staff decided it was advisable to determine whether Akard Avenue could be closed prior to proceeding with the building layout. He noted that if Akard Avenue cannot be closed, it will require that the building be moved. Council Member Murray clarified that this is just a procedural step and no action would be taken which is contrary to the Committee's recommendation. Ms. Jenkins noted that Associate Planner DeMallie did not have knowledge of the Civic Center Committee's recommendation. She questioned how much consideration had been given to the Committee's enormous amount of work. City Attorney Wingate stated that the abandonment would not result in the actual closure of the street. City Manager Warren related that staff would include in the next Civic Center Committee newsletter further information on this matter. He apologized for the confusion. CLOSED SESSION - Labor Negotiations (P-100-050-070) Mayor McGeorge stated that the City Council would adjourn to closed session pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6 to discuss the following: Conference with Labor Negotiator: Agency Negotiator: Randy Bachman; Employee Organization: Local Union 1245 of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers AFL-CIO - Maintenance Employees. At the hour of 8:07 p.m., Mayor McGeorge adjourned the meeting to closed session. At the hour of 8:19 p.m., Mayor McGeorge reconvened the meeting to regular session. No action was taken. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at the hour of 8:19 p.m., Mayor McGeorge adjourned the meeting. APP: :VED: / . �.� /.,// dr.fig‘_ ayor ATTEST: City Clerk 09/17/96