HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 1998-02-03 20
City Council, Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
1313 California Street
Redding, California
February 3, 1998 7:00 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was led by Jeff Garis, Boy Scout Troop #37.
The invocation was offered by Pastor Bob Pierce, North Valley Baptist Church.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Murray with the following Council Members present:
Anderson, Kehoe, McGeorge, and Murray.
Also present were City Manager Warren, Assistant City Manager Perry, City Attorney Wingate,
Development Services Director Swanson, Public Works Director Russell, Deputy City Manager
Starman, Administrative Services Director Bachman, Support Services Director Kersten, Finance
Officer Strong, Planning Manager Keaney, Electric Utility Director Feider, Community Services
Director Gorman,Police Chief Blankenship,Fire Chief Wagner,Battalion Chief Eckard, Management
Analyst Neimer, City Treasurer Linville, Parks & Facilities Manager Masingale, Electric Group
Manager Russell, Solid Waste Supervisor Carvalho, Senior Planner Hanson, City Clerk Strohmayer,
Assistant City Clerk Moscatello, and Executive Secretary Lack.
Mayor Murray introduced Boy Scout Troop No. 37 and Troop No. 122 who were in attendance.
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 14, for the period January 20, 1998, through
January 30, 1998, check numbers 255437 through 255845 inclusive, in the amount of$3,472,351.19,
and Payroll Register 15, check numbers 45346 through 45795 inclusive, and electronic deposit--
check numbers 445857 through 446292 inclusive, totaling $1,316,774.30, for the period January 11,
1998, through January 24, 1998, be approved.
TOTAL: $4,789,125.49.
Treasurer's Report - December, 1997
(A-050-100-600)
Total Treasurer's Accountability $93,805,200.54
Total City of Redding Funds, Funds Held in Trust
and Funds of Related Entities $190,577,244.05
ACR133 Report and Cash Reconciliation
(F-205-095-650)
It is the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager that the ACR133 Report and Cash
Reconciliation as of December 31, 1997, be accepted.
Ordinance No, 2205 - re Redding Municipal Code Chapter 18.47, Floodplain
(L-010-050 & L-010-500-050)
It is recommended that Ordinance No. 2205 be adopted, an ordinance of the City Council of the City
of Redding amending portions of Redding Municipal Code Chapter 18.47, "FP" Floodplain
Combining District.
Ordinance No. 2206 - re Redding Municipal Code Title 17, Subdivisions
(L-010-500-050 & S-100)
It is recommended that Ordinance No. 2206 be adopted, an ordinance of the City Council of the City
of Redding amending portions of Redding Municipal Code Title 17, Subdivisions.
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Ordinance No. 2207 - re Redding Municipal Code Section 2.17.100
(F-010 &L-040-300)
It is recommended that Ordinance No. 2207 be adopted, an ordinance of the City Council of the City
of Redding repealing section 2.17.100 of the Redding Municipal Code relating to voluntary
expenditure ceilings in General Municipal Elections.
Property Status Report
(C-070)
It is the recommendation of the Assistant City Manager that the City Council accept the Property
Status Report as of January 26, 1998, which includes the following: (1) Surplus City Property; (2)
Leases/Renewal of Leases of City Land; (3)Offers to sell land to the City; (4) City-initiated purchases
of land; and (5) Summary of 1997 closed escrows.
Agreement - Jim& I Aviators, Inc.
(C-070-100 & A-090-100)
It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that the City Council approve the
agreement with Jim&I Aviators, Inc., for lease of a portion of the Evergreen Facility and tie-down
spaces located at the Redding Municipal Airport for the purpose of operating and conducting a flight-
instruction business effective February 4, 1998, through July 4, 1998, in the amount of$500 per
month.
Agreement - Aero Engravers
(C-070-100 & A-090-100)
It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that the City Council approve the
attached lease agreement with Aero Engravers for lease of 1,430 square feet of the Evergreen Facility
located at the Redding Municipal Airport for the purpose of operating and conducting aircraft
instrument panel design, modifications, and restorations effective February 4, 1998, through January
31, 2001, at the initial rate of$675 per month.
Agreement - Ascot Aviation, Inc.
(C-070-100 & A-090-100)
It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that the City Council approve the
license and permit for commercial activities agreement for rent of terminal space at Redding
Municipal Airport effective February 4, 1998, through January 31, 1999, in the amount of$338.25
per month.
Award of Bid - Bid Schedule No. 3158, East Redding Substation Project
(B-050-100 & E-090-140-250)
It is the recommendation of the Electric Utility Director that Bid Schedule No. 3158, for the purchase
of a 115/12.47kV distribution power transformer for the East Redding Substation project be awarded
to the evaluated low bidder, Waukesha Electric Systems, in the amount of$496,066.66 (excludes Bid
Group II spare parts).
McConnell Foundation - Grant application for printing costs
(G-100 & P-150-150)
It is the recommendation of the Chief of Police that the City Council approve the submittal of the
grant request in the amount of$12,942 for the cost of printing 5,000 safety handbooks which will be
used in conjunction with the Crime Prevention Unit and Neighborhood Police Unit's projects.
McConnell Foundation - Grant application for purchase of vehicle
(G-100 &P-150-150)
It is the recommendation of the Chief of Police that the City Council approve the submittal of the
grant request in the amount of$28,000 for the purchase of a van which will be used as a multi-
purpose vehicle for crime scene evidence collection, and to be used for two new volunteer-based
programs.
02/03/98
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Resolution - re Ca1PERS Service Credit
(P-100-230)
It is the recommendation of the Human Resources Manager that Resolution No. 98-12 be adopted,
a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding authorizing California Public Employees'
Retirement System Pre-tax Payroll Deduction Plan for service credit purchases (Contribution Code
#14).
Resolution - re Intent to report the value of employer-paid member contribution (EPMC)
(P-100-050-050)
It is the recommendation of the Human Resources Manager that Resolution No. 98-13 be adopted,
a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding of intention to commence reporting the value
of Employer-Paid Member Contributions (EPMC) as compensation for members of Local Union
1934 of International Association of Fire Fighters effective November 1, 1997.
Resolution - re Executive Management Pay-for-Performance Salary Plan
(P-100-320)
It is the recommendation of the Human Resources Manager that Resolution No. 98-14 be adopted,
a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding amending the Executive Management Pay-for-
Performance Salary Plan, effective February 8, 1998, adding the classifications of Support Services
Director,Parks and Facilities Maintenance Manager and Electric Utility Distribution Planner I; delete
General Services Director and Resource Recovery Manager and retitle the classification of Electric
Utility Distribution Planner to Electric Utility Distribution Planner II.
Resolution - re Intent to report the value of Employer-Paid Member Contribution (EPMC)
(P-100-050-100 & P-100-230)
It is the recommendation of the Human Resources Manager that Resolution No. 98-15 be adopted,
a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding of intention to commence reporting the value
of Employer-Paid Member Contribution (EPMC) as compensation for unrepresented Public Safety
Management employees effective July 1, 1997.
Resolution - re PACE Engineering
(B-130-070 & S-020-650)
It is the recommendation of the General Services Administration that Budget Resolution No. 98-16
be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving and adopting the 15th
amendment to City Budget Resolution No. 97-111 to appropriate $23,000 from the Solid Waste Fund
for engineering services related to possible structural problems at the transfer station.
MOTION: Made by Council Member McGeorge, seconded by Council Member Anderson, that all
the foregoing items on the Consent Calendar be approved and adopted as recommended.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Anderson, Kehoe, McGeorge and Murray
Noes: Council Members -None
Absent: Council Members -None
Abstain: Council Members -None
Resolution Nos. 98-12, 98-13, 98-14, 98-15, 98-16 and Ordinance Nos. 2205, 2206, and 2207 are
on file in the office of the City Clerk.
BENTON LANDFILL
(C-070 & S-020-300)
Community Services Advisory Commission (CSAC) Chairman Quibell highlighted the letter dated
January 14, 1998, incorporated herein by reference, regarding the CSAC's recommended uses for the
Benton Landfill area.
Dr. Quibell explained that at the October 7, 1997, City Council meeting, discussion regarding uses
for the Benton Landfill area was referred to the Community Services Advisory Commission. At that
time, Council requested that the Commission(1) look at the highest and best use of the property; (2)
develop a land use plan for the property; (3) hear presentations on what can occur on landfills and
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the effect of such uses on the City's closure plan; and (4) look at keeping an interim use to a short-
term lease to allow more intensive uses to occur in the future.
The Commission made three recommendations, as follows:
- The site be retained as open space until such time as development is economically feasible.
The Commission recommends that the site be considered as a large community park site in
the future.
- Temporary uses such as a golf driving range be considered.
- Obtain public input from West Redding neighborhoods when the issue is reconsidered in the
future.
Dr. Quibell said that he hopes this Commission has helped to clarify the issues pertaining to the
Benton Landfill to help the Council members in their decision-making process.
Council Member Kehoe asked if the recommendation from the Commission pertains to the entire
Benton Landfill area or the 70 acres mentioned. Dr. Quibell stated that the entire area is
recommended because of the topography of the land.
Sam Nelson, 3671 Sunwood Drive, suggested that Council plan to use the Benton Landfill area for
a park, including baseball and soccer fields. Mr. Nelson noted that there are not enough fields for
youth sports programs.
It was the consensus of City Council to forward the Community Services Advisory Commission's
recommendations with the analysis by Clayton E. Coles of Lawrence & Associates titled Postclosure
Uses for the City of Redding Benton Landfill to the City's General Plan Task Force for review and
consideration.
PUBLIC HEARING- re Tentative Subdivision Map S-2-91, Oak Meadows Estates, by Shasta View
Investments
(S-100-535-700)
The hour of 7:00 p.m. having arrived, Mayor Murray opened the public hearing regarding
Development Agreement for Tentative Subdivision Map S-2-91, Oak Meadows Estates by Shasta
View Investments.
The following documents are on file in the office of the City Clerk:
Affidavit of Mailing -Notice of Public Hearing
Affidavit of Publication -Notice of Public Hearing
City Clerk Strohmayer advised that no protests were received.
Development Services Director Swanson stated that subsequent to scheduling the Development
Agreement for Oak Meadows Estates for a public hearing with the City Council, three appeals of the
Oak Meadows Estates tentative map were received by the Planning Commission. The appeals are
based on whether the developer has the authority to process a tentative map while it is in bankruptcy
court proceedings.
Mayor Murray determined that there was no one present wishing to speak on the matter and closed
the public hearing.
It was the consensus of City Council to reschedule the public hearing after bankruptcy court decisions
are completed.
MARKET STREET LANDSCAPE PROJECT
(C-070)
Senior Planner Hanson provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated January 29, 1998,
incorporated herein by reference, regarding Redding West Rotary's offer to assist the City in
developing landscaping improvements in the six median islands at the Market Street/Cypress Avenue
intersection near South City Park.
02/03/98
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Mr. Hanson introduced Gene Nichols, Vice President of Redding West Rotary, who conveyed that
the Redding West Rotary proposes to construct two water features and landscaping, including mature
Evergreen trees, in the largest of six islands. In addition, the Rotary wishes to plant several trees in
the hillside next to Lulu's Restaurant to the north of the island.
Mr. Hanson stated that the Rotary's gift has the potential to reduce the City's investment in
landscaping by$35,000 and their proposal enhances landscaping on the island beyond what the City
has budgeted. He conveyed that annual maintenance for the proposed water features will cost $900.
Mr. Hanson stated that this is an excellent example of a government and private sector partnership.
Council Member Anderson expressed his support with the proposal.
In response to Council Member Kehoe's question regarding timeline to start the improvements, Mr.
Nichols stated that March is a good time to begin planting, and if that time period passes, the Rotary
may have to wait until Fall.
MOTION: Made by Council Member Anderson, seconded by Council Member McGeorge, to accept
with gratitude, Redding West Rotary's offer to construct the landscape improvements at Market
Street and Cypress Avenue.
The Vote: Unanimous Ayes
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT -Request by Signature Northwest and White Hawk Estates
(A-170-120)—g 75
City Manager Warren noted that this assessment district was considered under the new criteria
adopted by Council.
Council Member Anderson abstained from discussion and voting on this matter.
Deputy City Manager Starman provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated January 23,
1998, incorporated herein by reference, regarding the Assessment District formation request by
Signature Northwest and White Hawk Estates.
The purpose of the district is to reimburse Signature Northwest and White Hawk Estates for a
portion of the cost to build Teton Drive.
The Assessment District Loan Committee met on January 21, 1998, to review the proposed district,
project, costs, and entities involved. The Loan Committee reviewed the request in relation to the
City's Assessment District Policy, and recommended that the City proceed with assessment district
formation and bond financing subject to the following conditions:
1. 100% of the property owners within the district shall approve the formation.
2. The City shall retain an assessment engineer, the cost of which shall be reimbursed to
the City from bond proceeds or by the developer if assessment district formation is
abandoned.
3. Since appraisals were contracted and paid for by banks that funded loans based on the
results of the appraisals, the City could waive the requirement for a City-engaged
appraiser. However, the project proponent indicated that he has since made
substantial improvements; therefore, the City shall either contract with the original
appraiser for an update on the original work product or retain an appraiser to develop
new appraisals.
4. A fee of 1.8% shall be paid to the City for administrative and formation costs.
5. A letter of credit with a term of two years shall be required on all developer-owned
parcels with a value-to-lien ratio of less than 6 to 1.
6. The reserve fund of the proposed assessment bond financing shall be established at the
amount of maximum annual debt service, and the developer shall purchase a
certificate of deposit in the name of the City in the amount of the difference between
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the bond reserve and 10% of the bond issue. The certificate of deposit shall be
renewed and held by the City Treasurer until the established bond reserve, plus
interest earnings, has increased to $42,500.
7. The debt issued for the proposed assessment district shall not exceed $425,000.
8. If value-to-lien ratios of less than 4:1 result from the cost allocation of the assessment
engineer, the recommendation of the Assessment District Loan Committee shall
become invalid.
It is the recommendation of staff and the Assessment District Loan Committee that Council direct
staff to proceed with both the formation of the proposed assessment district and the development of
the documents necessary to issue bonds subject to the above-stated conditions.
In response to Council Member Kehoe's request for a description of the public good and how it will
be realized if this district is formed, Mr. Starman stated that the proposal will encourage quality
development in the community and foster economic development by helping developers complete
public improvements. Mr. Starman added that the public benefit is the creation and use of a new
access road and encouraging quality housing within the community.
City Manager Warren noted that staff time associated with this assessment district is paid in advance
through the assessment district proceeds, therefore, there is no cost to the public.
Council Member Kehoe questioned if the development could proceed without the construction of
Teton Drive. Mr. Starman indicated that construction of Teton Drive was a condition of the
development and the road has already been constructed. Mr. Starman explained that approving this
project would enable the developer to spread the cost of Teton Drive to the appropriate lots and
people who will benefit.
Mayor Murray expressed concern regarding what information the loan committee had when making
their decision and if the appraisals match what the bulk parcels would be. Mr. Starman noted that
the loan committee had the same information that Council is reviewing tonight.
Mayor Murray asserted that the assessments will not be made against lots, rather against larger
parcels that are ultimately subdivided into lots. Mr. Starman clarified that each parcel will be spread
by the assessment district engineer on a per parcel basis. Mayor Murray expressed concern that the
remaining parcel does not have an allocation, and therefore, it could become landlocked.
City Attorney Wingate explained that it is the responsibility of the engineer to spread the assessment
across the entire district in a fair ratio.
In response to Mayor Murray's concern regarding the appraisals, Mr. Starman confirmed that the
appraisals were done for lots and bulk parcels.
Mr. Starman emphasized that the bonds are not general obligation bonds, therefore, if the district
became financially troubled, the City is under no obligation to service the debt. City Manager Warren
reiterated that because the value to lien ratio is approximately 10 to 1, the City will be in first position
behind property taxes.
Council Member Kehoe questioned if this proposal would give Signature Northwest and White Hawk
Estates advantage over other developers. Mr. Starman responded that other developers also have
access to this program. Council Member Kehoe questioned the value of the economic development.
According to Mr. Warren, a dollar amount would be difficult to establish, however, by assisting the
development community with tax exempt bonds, the developers are able to complete projects.
Therefore, he said more homes are sold, more people move to the community, and sales tax is
generated.
In response to Mayor Murray's request for the number of 1915 Assessment Districts in the Redding
community, City Treasurer Linville reported that there are twenty-five active districts.
02/03/98
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MOTION: Made by Council Member Kehoe, seconded by Council Member McGeorge, to approve
the recommendations of the Assessment District Loan Committee and instructed staff to proceed with
assessment district formation and bond issuance to reimburse a portion of the cost of Teton Drive.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members -Kehoe, McGeorge, and Murray
Noes: Council Members -None
Abstain: Council Members - Anderson
MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT - re Electric Utility
(B-130-070)
Deputy City Manager Starman provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated January 26,
1998, incorporated herein by reference, regarding the Electric Utility's Monthly Financial Report for
• December, 1997.
It is the recommendation of staff that the report be accepted as presented.
MOTION: Made by Council Member McGeorge, seconded by Council Member Anderson, to accept
the Electric Utility's Monthly Financial Report for December, 1997, as presented.
The Vote: Unanimous Ayes
FIRE STATION NO. 2
(C-070-200 & C-050-275-020)
Assistant City Manager Perry provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated January 23,
1998, incorporated herein by reference, regarding the possible sale of Fire Station No. 2.
Mr. Perry recalled that City Council received an inquiry as to whether or not Fire Station No. 2 was
available for sale. Mr. Perry informed Council that the corner parcel in question is approximately
67,500 square feet on which a 4,550-square-foot fire station exists. In response, the City Council
directed staff to obtain an appraisal of the property, estimate the cost of a replacement station and
return to the Council with a recommendation.
Mr. Perry advised that an appraisal was received by John Birmingham, MAI. Mr. Birmingham
estimated the fair market value of the property to be $550,000, and he identified that the highest and
best private use would be a restaurant, a service station/convenience store, or retail-oriented use.
Fire Chief Wagner estimated the cost of a replacement station to be between $562,000 and $702,500.
Mr. Perry noted that the difference between the cost of the replacement station and the value the City
would receive for the property is different. If Council decides to sell the property, staff recommends
that a value be placed on the property in an amount sufficient to capture the cost of building a new
station. Mr. Perry noted that the higher cost would be the conventional bid approach whereby a set
of plans are designed and the project is bid. A lower cost may be achieved by using a design/build
approach. Both alternatives are subject to prevailing wage.
It is the recommendation of staff to either not sell the property or only sell the property if an offer is
received in excess of$750,000 with annual increases to allow for inflation. The City would require
one year to relocate the station.
Council Member Anderson inquired whether or not a site had been chosen. Mr. Perry indicated that
there is a good site west of Buenaventura Boulevard and north of Starlight Drive. In response to
Council Member Anderson's inquiry regarding offers to purchase the property, Mr. Perry stated that
Cross Petroleum and Paul Edgren have expressed an interest.
Mayor Murray noted that he is not ready to concede that a fire station should cost $700,000. He
suggested that the City identify the site and he suspected that since the appraisal came in at $200,000
less than what is being proposed, there would not be a buyer. Mayor Murray added that he is not
prepared to pay $750,000 for a new fire station.
Council Member Kehoe questioned if the $750,000 includes landscaping, furniture and moving
expenses. Mr. Perry concurred.
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MOTION: Made by Council Member Kehoe, seconded by Council Member McGeorge, to sell the
property only if an offer is received in excess of$750,000, with annual increases to allow for inflation;
and subject to the City having one year after sale to relocate the station.
The Vote: Unanimous Ayes
AWARD OF BID - Bid Schedule No. 3155, Janitorial Services
(B-050-100 & A-070-020)
Support Services Director Kersten highlighted the Report to City Council dated January 29, 1998,
incorporated herein by reference, regarding janitorial services at various locations.
Mr. Kersten reported that the Shasta County Opportunity Center (SCOC) has been providing
janitorial services for the City since 1992, and they have done a satisfactory job.
Instead of recommending an extension to the current contract with SCOS, staff decided it was in the
City's best interest to test the market place and go out to competitive bid.
The City received three responsive bids. The low bid was from Five Star•Cleaning Service at $16,737
per month, who is currently providing cleaning service to the Electric Department on Heather Lane.
The second low bid was from the Shasta County Opportunity Center at $17,851 per month, and the
third bid was from Sani-Clean at $19,060 per month.
Mr. Kersten explained that the low bid would save approximately $1,100 per month; however, the
Shasta County Opportunity Center has made some very compelling arguments regarding the public
benefit in contracting with an organization that provides employment for developmentally disabled
individuals. Mr. Kersten recommended that Council award the bid to SCOC based on the added
value and public benefit of hiring the developmentally disabled.
City Manager Warren explained that the money these individuals earn offset their Social Security
disability benefits. Consequently, the Federal(SSI) tax dollars saved for a 12-month period for these
fourteen individuals employed under the City's contract is $31,500.
Mr. Warren explained that the "public good" was not included in the criteria for evaluating the bids
and staff is seeking direction from Council to determine if this criteria should be included.
Mr. Warren clarified that state law encourages companies to hire people with disabilities and
specifically encourages non-profit and public entities to do so. He provided two additional
recommendations for Council's consideration: 1) reject all proposals and rebid to include the public
good evaluation criteria, and 2) reject all proposals and direct staff to negotiate for renewal of the
current contract with the current provider.
Council Member McGeorge expressed concern that businesses will become frustrated with the City
if it changes the RFP.
Jerome Woods, Redding, owner of Five Star Cleaning, conveyed that if selected, his company will
provide employment to individuals who are currently on welfare and work programs such as GAIN.
Council Member Anderson stated that the benefit of"public good" should have been part of the
evaluation criteria.
Noting that preparing an RFP requires a lot of work, Council Member Anderson said he is concerned
about asking businesses to go through the RFP process again. He also questioned how the public
good would be quantified. He expressed support to reject all bids and negotiate with SCOC.
Council Member Kehoe expressed support for City Manager Warren's alternative number one to
reject all proposals and rebid to include the additional"public good" evaluation criteria.
Mayor Murray said he is sensitive to the issue with the Shasta County Opportunity Center; however,
if the City is going to go out to bid, the City should contract with the lowest, responsive bidder.
02/03/98
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Tom Morehouse, Shasta County Opportunity Center (SCOC) expressed support for negotiating the
current contract to retain SCOC for janitorial service.
In response to Council Member Anderson's question regarding what will happen to the individuals
if SCOC is not awarded the contract, Mr. Morehouse noted that SCOC will assist them with finding
additional employment and services.
Council Member McGeorge recommended that staff be directed to reject all proposals and rebid to
include the "public good" evaluation criteria.
MOTION: Made by Council Member McGeorge, seconded by Council Member Kehoe, directing
staff to reject all proposals and rebid janitorial services at various locations and include "public good"
evaluation criteria.
The Vote: Unanimous Ayes
ORDINANCE - Amending Redding Municipal Code Section 6.32.150, Vehicles for Hire
(T-100-500)
Chief of Police Blankenship provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated January 20,
1998, incorporated herein by reference, concerning Redding Municipal Code Section 6.32.150,
regarding fares for vehicles for hire.
Chief Blankenship recommended that Council adopt an ordinance prohibiting a taxi driver from
demanding the full fare from each member of a group of two or more traveling to approximately the
same destination. Chief Blankenship explained that the local cab companies have been notified of this
proposed ordinance amendment and do not oppose the revision.
Council Member McGeorge offered Ordinance No. 2208 for first reading, an ordinance of the City
Council of the City of Redding amending Redding Municipal Code Section 6.32.150, prohibiting
drivers of vehicles for hire from charging full fares to multiple parties.
MOTION: Made by Council Member McGeorge, seconded by Council Member Anderson, that the
full reading of Ordinance No. 2208 be waived and the City Attorney be instructed to read the
ordinance by title only. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes
SENATE BILL 45 FUNDING
(G-100-170 & S-050-100)
Public Works Director Russell highlighted the Report to City Council dated January 26, 1998,
incorporated herein by reference, in regard to the allocation of Senate Bill 45 funding for traffic
improvement projects.
Mr. Russell reported that City staff, along with the City of Anderson and the City of Shasta Lake, has
been working with Shasta County to develop a method of allocating the new SB45 funds. The
amount of funding the Shasta County Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPA) will
receive for the next eight years is approximately $55 million dollars. Of this amount, $1.6 million is
reserved for Transportation Enhancement Act projects with the remaining for capital traffic
improvements within Shasta County. Redding will receive funding in the amount of approximately
$34.9 million over an eight-year period.
Mr. Russell explained that the City has four questions to resolve: 1) Which State projects does the
City want to sponsor? 2) What is the priority of City projects as they relate to funding, RTPA
ranking, and State projects? 3) How does the City want to spend the 3.5 million entitlement? and
4)Does the City want to add more funds to the SB45 funds to complete more of the projects on the
list?
In terms of congestion, Cypress/Hilltop and north of the Downtown Mall are Redding's most traffic-
congested areas, therefore, the widening of Cypress and reconfiguring the streets downtown would
be high priority. In terms of safety, staff believes the SR299/SR44 to I-5 ramp improvements are
important.
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It is the recommendation of staff that the following projects be recommended to the RTPA for the
Regional Transportation Improvement Plan: Cypress Bridge Widening, SR299/SR44 to I-5 Ramps,
Downtown Improvements, and Parkview Bridge.
City Manager Warren thanked Assistant City Manager Perry, Public Works Director Russell and
staff for an excellent job in working and negotiating with the other cities.
Council Member Anderson suggested that Parkview Bridge be constructed with four lanes instead
of two due to the capacity in which it will be used. While Mr. Russell agreed, he said funding and
environmental issues would need to be explored.
In response to Council Member Kehoe,Mr. Russell indicated that the project list was developed and
scored by a technical advisory committee from the Cities of Redding, Anderson, Shasta Lake, and
the County of Shasta. Mr. Russell assured that the decision was based on the foremost interest of
the community.
Assistant City Manager Perry stated that under the SB45 program, the City has the right to expand
or contract the scope of work for a project as long as it doesn't change the primary project. Council
Member Kehoe expressed concern that changing the priorities based on the scoring methodology may
have been a problematic oversight and could present an element of uncertainty. Mr. Perry noted that
only Redding and Caltrans had multiple projects and, because of the timelines, staff decided to bring
the revised priority list to Council at this time.
In response to Council Member McGeorge's question regarding how the Caltrans and Redding
projects inter-relate,Mr. Perry explained that during the time the downtown plan was being prepared
Caltrans was performing some work in the area. As a result of the downtown plan, Caltrans deferred
actions north of the downtown mall until the funding plan was developed. In response to Council
Member McGeorge, Mr. Russell stated that work to be completed on north and south Market Streets
by the City is in addition to construction performed by Caltrans, and is estimated to cost ten million
dollars.
In response to Mayor Murray's inquiry on the funding for the railroad crossing, Mr. Russell said the
estimated cost for a two-lane undercrossing is $5.4 million. Mayor Murray also questioned where
the City is placed on the allocation list. Mr. Russell noted that Redding is twenty-fifth on the list for
projects, however, only the top one or two were selected. Mr. Russell added that the City is
continuing to pursue funding at the State level, however, those funds are separate. Nonetheless, he
said the railroad crossing will be completed.
In response to Mayor Murray's question regarding the preliminary work authorized by the Redding
Redevelopment Agency to pursue funds, Mr. Perry stated that an application was filed and the City
is in line. It was noted that the City cannot expand the list for approximately eight years, or until
additional funds are available higher than the amounts projected.
Mayor Murray questioned why the railroad crossing at Bonnyview was not on the list. Mr. Russell
explained that the process changed in mid-stream before SB45 had passed, and the City did not have
confirmation that some of the projects could be included, and the project study report had not been
prepared.
In response to Mayor Murray's question regarding how far financially behind the City is relative to
maintenance of streets, Mr. Russell stated that.it would cost approximately $2 million dollars to bring
City streets up to par. •
Vi Klaseen, 2295 Oakridge, expressed concern that RTPA funds have not been used for public
transit. She opined that the City was rushed into providing the list of project priorities to the RTPA.
Mrs. Klaseen also noted that an intermodal facility is needed on the east side of town. She suggested
that Council make it clear to the RTPA that Council has the option to change its mind on the
priorities list. Mrs. Klaseen stated that RTPA is a powerful body and the City's voice has not been
heard.
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Council Member Kehoe noted that the City's voice has been heard at the RTPA level, however, it
has just been rejected.
MOTION: Made by Council Member Anderson, seconded by Council Member Kehoe, to approve
the recommendation to submit the following projects to the Regional Transportation Planning Agency
for the Regional Transportation Improvement Plan: Cypress Bridge Widening; SR299/SR44 to I-5
Ramps; Downtown Improvements; and Parkview Bridge.
The Vote: Unanimous Ayes
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
(L-040-070)
Mayor Murray stated that representatives from Redding, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Gridley and
Roseville traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with legislators, including Senators Boxer and
Feinstein and Congressman Herger, to discuss tax exempt financing for electric utilities. The Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) recently issued a partial ruling for tax exempt financing which provides a
window of opportunity for three years and applies only to transmission facilities. The ruling will
enable Joint Power Agency Modesto/Santa. Clara/Redding (MSR) to execute about half of the
financing that was contemplated to reduce the City's debt. He explained that when MSR's debt
service declines, the amount of funds placed into the debt sinking fund increases, so the City can
lower rates sooner. He said Senators Boxer and Feinstein indicated they will support the City's
efforts for relief. Mayor Murray cautioned, however, that there is a bill pending to eliminate tax
exempt financing which would increase the City's debt considerably.
Relative to the Western Area Power Agency(WAPA)contracts which expire in the year 2004, Mayor
Murray said the power marketing agency contracts have been renewed in Alaska and the mid-west.
However, the California WAPA renewals are pending. Redding's contract with WAPA represents
about half of the City's power. Both Senators Boxer and Feinstein have agreed to urge Energy
Secretary Pena to more forward with the WAPA contracts.
CLOSED SESSION
(C-070-200)
Mayor Murray stated that Council will adjourn to closed session to discuss the following:
(a) Closed session pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8:
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Property: 2439 Sonoma Street
Negotiating party: Phil Perry
Under negotiation: Letter of Intent
(b) Closed session pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8:
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Property: 2435 Lincoln Street
Negotiating party: Phil Perry
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
At the hour of 9:18 p.m., Mayor Murray adjourned the meeting to closed session.
At the hour of 9:25 p.m., Mayor Murray reconvened the meeting to regular session.
It was the consensus of Council to accept the offer from Mr. Jack McAuliffe to purchase property
at 2435 Lincoln Street for $15,000 cash.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, at the hour of 9:26 p.m., Mayor Murray declared the meeting
adjourned.
APPROVED:
47
ATTEST: Mayor _ •
cd0-04,e_e?
rty Clerk /
•
02/03/98