Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 1997-07-01 160 City Council, Regular Meeting Council Chambers 1313 California Street Redding, California July 1, 1997 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Development Services Director Swanson. The Invocation was offered by Dr. Ernie Johnson of the First Baptist Church The meeting was called to order by Mayor Patricia Anderson with the following Council Members present: R. Anderson, Kehoe, McGeorge, Murray and Mayor P. Anderson. Also present were City Manager Warren, Assistant City Manager Perry, Deputy City Manager Starman, City Attorney Wingate, Public Works Operations Manager Russell, Director of Development Services Swanson, Electric Utility Rates & Economics Analyst Graves, Community Services Director Gorman, Police Chief Blankenship, Fire Chief Wagner, Human Resources Manager Bachman, Assistant City Clerk Moscatello, City Clerk Strohmayer and Executive Secretary Sherman. 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. 25, for the period June 17, 1997, through June 30, 1997, check numbers 248841 through 249433 inclusive, in the amount of$5,789,597.68, and Payroll Register No. 25, check numbers 437111 through 437762 inclusive, and electronic deposit transaction numbers 39076 through 39460, totaling $1,407,438.69, for the period June 1, 1997, through June 14, 1997, be accepted. TOTAL: $7,197,036.37 Treasurer's Report - May 1997 (A-050-100-600) Total Treasurer's Accountability - $ 91,840,075.00 Total City of Redding Funds, Funds Held in Trust, and Funds of Related Entities - $ 234,505,632.67 ACR133 and Cash Reconciliation Report - May 1997 (F-205-095-650) It is the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager that the ACRI 33 Report and the Proof of Cash Reconciliation for May 1997, be accepted. Ordinance No. 2182 - Amending Redding Municipal Code Section 11.04.040, Abandoned Vehicles (A-010-140 & P-150-150) It is recommended that Ordinance No. 2182 be adopted, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Redding amending section 11.04.040 of the Redding Municipal Code relating to removal of abandoned vehicles. Resolution - re Sale, Possession, and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at Library Park During Downtown MarketFest (A-110-000, A-110-100, P-050-300) It is the recommendation of the City Manager that Council adopt Resolution No. 97-112, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving the request of Viva Downtown to allow the sale, consumption and possession of intoxicating beverages on public property in and adjacent to Library Park in conjunction with MarketFest. 07/01/97 161 Property Status Report (C-070) It is the recommendation of the Assistant City Manager that the Report to City Council dated June 20, 1997, incorporated herein by reference, regarding the following areas be accepted: 1) Surplus City property; 2)Leases of City land; 3)Offers to sell land to the City; and 4) City-initiated purchases of land. Sale of Public Parking Lot No. 3 (C-070-200 & P-030) It is the recommendation of the Assistant City Manager that the City Council defer the sale of Parking Lot No. 3 due to the impact on parking availability downtown with projects currently in progress, and to reevaluate the option to sell or retain the lot for public parking at the end of one year. Electric Utility Status Report - Quarter Ending June 30, 1997 (A-050-125) It is the recommendation of the Assistant City Manager that the City Council accept the Electric Utility's Status Report for the quarter ending June 30, 1997. Request to Exchange City-Owned Land (C-070-200 & C-070-100) It is the recommendation of the Assistant City Manager that the City Council declare a strip of City- owned land 30 feet wide by 494 feet long, located between Churn Creek and Canby Roads, as surplus; and approve exchange of the property(subject to the Planning Commission's determination of consistency with the Redding General Plan) for a parcel of land owned by Jaxon Baker measuring 84 feet wide by 494 feet long located between Canby and Churn Creek Roads, adjacent to Browning Street, to allow continuous City ownership north of the new Browning Street. Potential Grant Applications Under the CALFED Bay-Delta Program for Ecosystem Restoration Projects and Programs (G-100) It is the recommendation of the Assistant City Manger that the City Council authorize staff to submit proposals for grant funds to the Bay-Delta Restoration Program for Proposals for Ecosystem Restoration Projects and Programs in order to develop a database that can be used for future projects; enhance fishery restoration and community education on the river; and reduce the City's cost if it becomes necessary to remediate the Benton Drive Burn Dump. It is further recommended that staff be authorized to seek funding from the Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) member service agreement to help prepare the proposals and obtain consultant service to complete the proposals. Consultant Agreement with R.W. Beck for Electric Utility Cost of Service& Rate Design Study (E-090-100) It is the recommendation of the Assistant City Manager that the City Council authorize the Mayor to execute the Consulting and Professional Services contract with R.W. Beck, Inc., to conduct a Cost of Service and Rate Design Study which will provide information to Council regarding several issues related to the electric utility deregulation process. The amount of the contract will not exceed $68,400, and will provide a seven-days-notice cancellation clause. Update Report re Gas Aggregation Program (E-090-058) It is the recommendation of the Assistant City Manager that the City Council authorize staff to work with National Gas and Electric(NGE)to develop a business plan and financial analysis for the City's natural gas aggregation program, investigate the potential value of the program to the City and its utility customers, and prepare a report to Council for further consideration. • Opposition to Assembly Bill AB972 (Torlakson) re Funding of Local Agency Formation Commissions (L-040-300 & B-080-650-375) It is the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager that the City Council authorize the Mayor to send a letter to Assemblyman Torlakson opposing Assembly Bill AB972 which requires cities and special districts to each pay one-third of the cost associated with Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCO's). Currently, LAFCO's are funded through County Government. 07/01/97 162 Resolution - Adopting Appropriation Limit for Fiscal Year Ending 1997-98 (A-050-135 & B-130-070) It is the recommendation of the Deputy City Manger that Council adopt Resolution No. 97-113, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding establishing the appropriation limit for fiscal year 1997-98 for the City of Redding to be $95,904,521. Resolution - Releasing Abatement Proceedings on Property at 837-845 Fell Street (A-030-070) It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 97-114, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding discontinuing and releasing the proceedings of abatement initiated pursuant to Resolution No. 97-09, under Chapter 9.36 of the Redding Municipal Code, on certain real property in the City of Redding located at 837- 845 Fell Street, owned by Todd and Diane Milanese. Resolution -Releasing Abatement Proceedings on Property at 2215 Grape Avenue (A-030-070) It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 97-115, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding discontinuing and releasing the proceedings of abatement initiated pursuant to Resolution No. 97-46, under Chapter 9.36 of the Redding Municipal Code, on certain real property in the City of Redding located at 2215 Grape Avenue, owned by Jerry L. and Jacki E. Wyrick. Annual Funding and Lease Agreements with Shasta County Arts Council (C-070-100 & B-130-030 & C-050-500) It is the recommendation of the Community Services Director that the City Council approve the Funding and Lease Agreements with the Shasta County Arts Council for the period July 1, 1997, through June 30, 1998, and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreements. The Funding Agreement provision for support and printing amounts to approximately $29,000 annually, and the Lease Agreement provides that the City maintains the Old City Hall Arts Center facility, including furnishing janitorial and utility services, at an estimated cost of$32,600 annually. Annual Promotion Agreement with Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (B-130-030-700) It is the recommendation of the Community Services Director that the City Council approve the funding agreement with the Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association which assists the Association in its efforts to promote outdoor recreation in the seven-county Shasta Cascade Region and Redding for a term of July 1, 1997, through June 30, 1998. The funding agreement provides a staff person to serve as the General Manager of the Association, an in-kind contribution with a value, including benefits, of approximately $51,000, and an additional $7,000 for travel expenses. Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Application with the Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance (G-100-070 & P-150-150) It is the recommendation of the Police Chief that the City Council approve the application to seek funding through available federal block grant funds in the amount of $117,627 from the U.S. Department of Justice. Approval of the grant application will allow the Police Department to fund two years salary for a computer technician who will maintain the automated systems at the Police Department. Resolution-Approving Cost-of-Living Increases and Amendments to Executive Management Pay- for-Performance Salary Plan for Unrepresented Employees (P-100-320) It is the recommendation of the Human Resources Manager that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 97-116, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding amending the Executive Management Pay-For-Performance Salary Plan, the Non-Exempt Employee Schedule of Classifications and Hourly Wage Rates, and the Schedule of Part-Time Employee Classifications and Wage Rates/Ranges for Unrepresented Employees, effective June 29, 1997. The resolution provides a 3%cost-of-living adjustment for unrepresented employees, and adds the classifications of Electric Utility Supervising Arborist and Code Enforcement Supervisor. 07/01/97 i 163 Resolution - Approving Amendments to Memorandums of Understanding with SEIU-Clerical, Technical and Professional Employees; Supervisory Employees, and Confidential Employees (P-100-040-124, 125 and 126) It is the recommendation of the Human Resources Manager that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 97-117, approving the provisions of the Memorandums of Understanding entered into between the City of Redding and the Redding Employees Organization (REO) of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Clerical, Technical and Professional Employees' unit and the Supervisory/Confidential Employees' unit effective June 29, 1997, through January 1, 2001. Award of Bid - Bid Schedule No. 3111, Hill 900 Water System Improvements & Buenaventura Boulevard 16-inch Water Main (B-050-020) It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that Bid Schedule No. 3111 (Job No. 2077), for Hill 900 Water System Improvements and the Buenaventura Boulevard 16-inch Water Main be awarded to N&T Digmore Construction Company of Redding in the amount of$145,451.50, with an additional $15,000 to cover engineering and inspections fees, and an additional $25,000 to provide a construction contingency fund, for a total amount of$185,451.50 Notice of Completion - Bid Schedule No. 3070, Highway 273 Water Main Relocations @ Market/Tehama Streets and California/Gold Streets Intersections (B-050-020 & W-030-725) It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that Bid Schedule No. 3070 (Job No. 2080), Highway 273 Water Main Relocations at Market/Tehama Streets and California/Gold Streets intersections, be accepted as satisfactorily completed and that the City Clerk be authorized to file a Notice of Completion. The final contract amount is $85,390. Resolution - Summarily Vacating a Portion of Buenaventura Boulevard Easement (A-010-100) It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 97-118, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding summarily vacating a 12-foot portion of the 120-foot wide Buenaventura Boulevard Easement near its intersection with Eureka Way,just south of Sunset Plaza, but retaining the underlying public service easement for all public utilities. Public Works Quarterly Report- Third Quarter 1997 (A-050-300) It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that the Public Works Department Planning report for third quarter 1997, be accepted. Award of Bid - Bid Schedule No. 3114, Paving Transfer Station Composting Area (B-050-020 & S-020-650) It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that Bid Schedule No. 3114 (Job No. 9245- 71),Paving of Transfer Station Composting Area be awarded to J.F. Shea Company in the amount of $317,275.30, with an additional $5,000 to cover the cost of contract administration, and an additional $30,000 to provide a construction contingency fund, for a total amount of$353,275.30. MOTION: Made by Council Member R. Anderson, seconded by Council Member Murray, that all the foregoing items on the Consent Calendar be approved and adopted as recommended. Voting was as follows: AYES: Council Members -R. Anderson, Kehoe, Murray, McGeorge& P. Anderson NOES: Council Members -None ABSTAIN: Council Members -None ABSENT: Council Members -None Resolution Nos. 97-112, 97-113, 97-114, 97-115, 97-116, 97-117, and 97-118 are on file in the Office of the City Clerk. • 07/01/97 164 CUSTOMER CHOICE RE ELECTRIC UTILITY INTERIM SURCHARGE (E-090-100) Assistant City Manger Perry explained that staff has been exploring various ways to help large electric utility user customers deal with increases to their electric utility bills resulting from implementation of the 23% surcharge. Mr. Perry related that during meetings between staff and some of the top electric utility user customers, the idea of a"customer choice" plan was.discussed. Mr. Perry stated that the "customer choice" package plan will: 1) Allow a company that signs up for City electric utility service through the year 2010, to spread the cost increase over 12 years rather than seven years; and 2) If a company signs up for City electric utility service through 2010, they may spread the first year's increase over a five year period. Mr. Perry explained that large electric utility user customers have been especially hard hit by the increase because their annual electric utility costs exceed $60,000, and because annual budgets were developed which did not include the surcharge increase. Mr. Perry stressed that these customers will not be paying any less than required, nor will they receive forgiveness from the interim surcharge; this plan will simply allow them to spread the cost increase over a longer period of time. It is recommended that the City Council direct staff to develop a"customer choice" policy and model agreement for consideration. Council Member R. Anderson asked if staff anticipates building an interest factor into the plan. Mr. Perry responded that the plan will include an interest factor which will cover the value of money for the loss of buying power, and staff will ensure that the interest gained keeps pace with what would have been paid without implementation of the"customer choice" plan. Council Members Kehoe and Murray expressed concern that this plan will extend the surcharge past the 2005 when deregulation takes effect. Mr. Perry explained that under the"customer choice" plan, the surcharge will not be extended; the customer will be paying less annually, but they will continue to pay to the year 2010 (five years after deregulation takes effect) in order to make up the difference. In response to Council Member Kehoe, Mr. Perry stated that the cost of deferment is not known at this time. Council Member Kehoe questioned how the City will be indemnified should a business on the "customer choice" plan close, and how many accounts are being considered for this plan. Mr. Perry responded that a promissory note will be secured as part of the agreement, and presently there are approximately 100 electric utility accounts which exceed $60,000 annually. Council Member Murray stated that he is opposed to the entire concept. He pointed out that under this scenario, the City of Redding qualifies as a large user customer of electric utility and will be able to take advantage of the"customer choice" plan. No assistance is being offered, however, to the small business owner/user and the residential user to help them deal with the surcharge increase. Mr. Murray felt the proposal was unacceptable because it suggests a double standard. Without benefit of a financial analysis, he is not convinced this will work. City Manager Warren stated that the spirit of the "customer choice" plan is to secure large-user companies into long-term agreements to remain City utility customers to the year 2010 by offering them an option. Mr. Warren added that if Council wishes, the City of Redding can be excluded from participation in the plan. Mayor P. Anderson stated she believes it will be profitable for the City to retain large-user customers by agreement through 2010, and is willing to pursue the "customer choice" package plan with the advice of the financial advisor and after review by the bond underwriter. Council Member R. Anderson opined that large companies are the ones best able to pay the increase, and stated his opposition of providing preferential treatment to big business. MOTION: Made by Council Member Murray, seconded by Council Member R. Anderson to defer consideration of the"Customer Choice" package plan until additional information is available from the financial advisor, the bond underwriter and the Electric Utility Director, and that this matter be considered with all other rate issues in October 1997. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes. 07/01/97 • • 165 GENERAL FUND MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT - May 1997 (B-130-070) Deputy City Manager Starman highlighted the Report to City Council dated June 20, 1997, incorporated herein by reference, regarding the General Fund Monthly Financial Report for May 1997. Total revenue to date($ 30.1 million)is slightly below (0.8 percent) staffs original cash flow estimate. Expenditures to date (excluding encumbrances) total $30,895,232 or $1,909,559 (5.9 percent) below staff's original cash flow projection. MOTION: Made by Council Member R. Anderson, seconded by Council Member Murray, accepting the General Fund Monthly Financial Report for May 1997. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes. ELECTRIC UTILITY MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT - May 1997 (B-130-070) Deputy City Manager Starman provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated June 25, 1997, incorporated herein by reference, regarding the Electric Utility Monthly Financial Report for May 1997. It is the recommendation of staff that the report be accepted a presented. In response to Council Member McGeorge, Assistant City Manager Perry stated that staff will include information in the monthly report illustrating the progress the City is making on reduction of the $200 million utility debt immediately. MOTION: Made by Council Member Kehoe, seconded by Council Member R. Anderson accepting the Electric Utility Monthly Financial Report for May 1997. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes. ANALYSIS & AWARD OF BID SCHEDULE NO. 3105. PURCHASE OF THREE FIRE ENGINES (B-050-100 & P-150-700) Mayor P. Anderson stated that a letter of rebuttal to the analysis and award of bid recommendation was received from Redding Freightliner whose bid was determined to be non-responsive. Ms. Anderson stated that after reviewing the letter, she had some concerns, and believed this item should be addressed by the City Council. Fire Chief Wagner reviewed the Report to Council dated June 26, 1997, incorporated herein by reference, regarding the analysis and award of bid recommendation for Bid Schedule No. 3105, purchase of three fire engines for the Redding Fire Department. Mr. Wagner explained that staff developed detailed bid specifications in order to purchase the best equipment possible for the City. Mr. Wagner related that five bids were received, and after a thorough review by staff, Golden State Fire Apparatus(the second low bidder)was selected for recommendation to Council for the award of bid. Mr. Wagner added that the bid submitted by Redding Freightliner was determined non- responsive due to non-compliance in 27 items. Mr. Wagner cited, as examples, that Redding Freightliner's bid made no reference to a Sigtronics Headset System necessary for hearing protection, and the lack of traffic windows on the engine is unacceptable because it drastically reduces visibility to the rear during a response. It is the recommendation of staff that Council award the bid to Golden State Fire Apparatus, the second low bidder, at a cost of$673,110.65, including the 90% pre-payment option, and use the savings of$3,799.87 toward the purchase of needed equipment for the new fire engines. Council Member Murray stated that after receipt of Redding Freightliner's rebuttal letter, he shared the concerns of Mayor P. Anderson, and personally reviewed all the bids item-by-item. Mr. Murray related that Redding Freightliner was out of compliance on more than twenty items, and while he prefers to deal with local vendors when possible, Redding Freightliner's bid was non-responsive and should not be considered. Bill Wright of Golden State Fire Apparatus related that his company offers a good quality product and will provide quality service to the City. Council Member Kehoe expressed concern at the amount of time being spent on non-responsive bids. Mr. Kehoe stated that when a vendor submits a bid which is determined to be non-responsive bid, they should not be considered further by staff or Council. 07/01/97 166 MOTION: Made by Council Member Kehoe, seconded by Council Member R. Anderson, that Bid Schedule No. 3105, purchase of three fire engines, be awarded to Golden State Fire Apparatus at a total cost of 673,110.65, including the 90% pre-payment option, and that the $3,799.87 savings be applied toward the purchase of needed equipment for the new fire engines. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes. ORDINANCE- Amending Redding Municipal Code Chapter 10.18 re Prohibited Activities in Public Areas/Loitering (P-150-150) Police Chief Blankenship explained that in an effort to reduce loitering and panhandling in the City, the Police Department is proposing a revision to the Redding Municipal Code which will enhance the Police Department's ability to deal with individuals and groups who loiter for unlawful purposes. Mr. Blankenship stated that the proposed ordinance will clarify an existing section of the Redding Municipal Code regarding the duty to disperse on public property and thoroughfares on the order of a police officer, and adds a new section to the Redding Municipal Code which will restrict individuals from loitering on public property or thoroughfares to obstruct pedestrians or to obstruct the entrance to any building or business. It will also prevent individuals from loitering in public parks to harass people or consume alcohol. It is the recommendation of staff that the City Council adopt the proposed ordinance which will provide the Police Department with an opportunity to reduce the number of violations of law which occur as a direct result of loitering by individuals and groups, and the consumption of alcohol in public areas. Council Member R. Anderson offered Ordinance No. 2183 for first reading, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Redding Amending and Renaming Chapter 10.18 of the Redding Municipal Code. MOTION: Made by Council Member R. Anderson, seconded by Council Member Kehoe, that the full reading of Ordinance No. 2183 be waived, and that the City Attorney be instructed to read the full title. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes. ORDINANCE - Amending Redding Municipal Code re Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages in Public Areas (A-110-070) Police Chief Blankenship explained that in an effort to effectively deal with problems related to public consumption of alcohol in the City,the Police Department is proposing an amendment to the Redding Municipal Code by adding Chapter 10.25 which will restrict the public consumption of alcoholic beverages on publicly-owned property and on private property adjacent to public property. Mr. Blankenship related that there are many public areas being utilized by individuals for the purpose of congregating and consuming alcohol; this leads to numerous problems within these areas including unlawful loitering, vandalism, sanitation problems, disturbances, assaults and other criminal activity. Mr. Blankenship stated that the proposed ordinance will prevent the consumption of alcohol and possession of open alcohol containers on public property and thoroughfares or other places open for pedestrian travel, or within 50 feet of public property and thoroughfares while on private property open to public view without the expressed permission of the owner. Mr. Blankenship continued that this ordinance does not apply to a person granted a permit to have alcoholic beverages in a City park or other public place provided they are in compliance with the terms of the permit. It is the recommendation of staff that the City Council adopt the proposed ordinance which will allow the Police Department to effectively deal with the criminal activity generated by individuals who congregate in public places to consume alcohol. Council Member Kehoe offered Ordinance No. 2184 for first reading, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Redding revising the Redding Municipal Code by (1) adding Chapter 10.25, Alcoholic Beverages in Public Areas; and (2) Deleting Section 6.38.062 and 6.38.063 from Chapter 6.38 (Redding Downtown Mall). MOTION: Made by Council Member Kehoe, seconded by Council Member McGeorge, that the full reading of Ordinance No. 2184 be waived, and that the City Attorney be instructed to read the full title. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes 07/01/97 167 CLOSED SESSION (C-070-010 & P-100-050-050) Mayor P. Anderson stated that the City Council will adjourn to a Closed Session to discuss the following: a. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: Lots 10, 11 and 12, Redding Airport Business Park Negotiating parties: Jerry Swanson and Len Wingate Under negotiation: Negotiations will concern price and terms of payment b. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency negotiator: Randy Bachman Employee organization: Local Union 1934 of International Association of Fire Fighters - AFL-CIO At the hour of 7:50 p.m., Mayor P. Anderson adjourned the regular meeting to closed session. At the hour of 8:25 p.m., Mayor P. Anderson reconvened the meeting to regular session. No action taken. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at the hour of 8:25 p.m., Mayor P. Anderson declared the meeting adjourned. APPROVED: Mayor Patricia Anderson ATTEST: dzys4ce:€ City Clerk • 07/01/97