Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 1998-12-15 328 City Council, Regular Meeting Council Chambers 1313 California Street Redding, California December 15, 1998, 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mr. Clay McClain. The Invocation was offered by Pastor Benjamin Pent of Westside Church. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Kehoe with the following Council Members present: Anderson, McGeorge, Cibula, Kight, and Kehoe. Also present were City Manager Warren, Assistant City Manager Perry, Deputy City Manager Starman, City Attorney Wingate, Director of Public Works August, Director of Development Services Swanson, Director of Electric Utility Feider, Fire Chief Wagner, City Treasurer Linville, Support Services Director Kersten, Administrative Services Director Bachman, Director of Community Services Gorman, Housing Manager Flory, Senior Planner Hanson, Assistant City Attorney Tranberg, Associate Planner Thompson, Personnel Analyst Sciarra, Purchasing Officer Roberts, City Clerk Strohmayer, Assistant City Clerk Moscatello, and Executive Secretary Miller. RESOLUTION - Commending Retiring City Treasurer (A-050-100) MOTION: Made by Council Member Anderson, seconded by Council Member Cibula, that Resolution No. 98-171 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding commending City Treasurer Peggie R. Linville for her outstanding service and contributions to the City of Redding. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Anderson, Cibula, Kight, McGeorge and Kehoe Noes: Council Members -None Absent: Council Members -None Abstain: Council Members - None Resolution No. 98-171 is on file in the office of the City Clerk. CONSENT CALENDAR The following matters were considered inclusively under the Consent Calendar: Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting of December 1, 1998 Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Register (A-050-100-500) It is recommended that Accounts Payable Register No. 11, check numbers 263941 through 264231 inclusive, in the amount of $3,366,006.80, for the period December 1 through December 10, 1998, be approved and paid, and Payroll Register No. 11, check numbers 456204 through 456646 inclusive, and electronic deposit transaction numbers 55758 through 56216, in the amount of$1,429,593.06, for the period November 15 through November 28, 1998, be approved. TOTAL: $4,795,599.86 Award of Bid - Bid Schedule No. 3230, GVW Cab and Chassis Refuse Truck (B-050-100, S-020-100) It is the recommendation of the Assistant City Manager that Bid Schedule No. 3230, one 12/15/98 329 17,600-pound GVW cab and chassis refuse truck, be awarded to Allstate Volvo & GMC of Redding, California, in the amount of$68,106.97. Resolution - Set Public Hearing re Abandonment Application A-12-98, Country Heights Subdivision, Units 9 and 16, by Paul Edgren (A-010-040) It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that Resolution No. 98-172 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding declaring its intention to abandon a .2-acre portion of a dedicated open space easement located to the rear of three single-family residential lots on Shadow Brook Lane and Misty Glen Drive adjacent to Unit 16 of the Country Heights Subdivision(A-12-98), and that a public hearing be set for January 19, 1999. Code Enforcement Status Report (C-110-100) It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that City Council accept the Code Enforcement Status Report for the program's second year ending November 1998. Approval of Hangar and Tie-Down License Agreements for Use at Redding Airports (A-070-080, A-090-100, A-090-020) It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that City Council approve the hangar and tie-down license agreements as standard agreements for aircraft storage at the City's two airports and delegate authority for execution of the agreements to the Airports Manager. The major changes are: • Addition of insurance requirements • Expansion of permitted aircraft maintenance within hangars • Change from a rental or lease to a license agreement • More direct language as it applies to hangar structural or electrical alterations • Miscellaneous updated language throughout Resolution -re Adoption of a Net Energy Metering Solar and Wind Turbine Energy Systems Tariff (E-090-100, E-120-200, E-120-270) It is the recommendation of the Electric Utility Director that City Council adopt Resolution No. 98-173, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding adopting a net energy metering solar and wind turbine energy systems tariff pertaining to the City of Redding municipal utilities schedule of rates, effective January 1, 1999, as mandated by Assembly Bill 1755. Update on Electric Industry Deregulation and the California Independent System Operator Activities (E-120-900, E-090-058-300) It is the recommendation of the Electric Utility Director that City Council accept an updated report relating to Independent System Operator (ISO) activities. Under Council Resolution No. 97-203, the City Manager or Electric Utility Director or their designees were authorized to enter into and sign enabling agreements on behalf of the City of Redding. Staff anticipates completion of the negotiations and execution of a short-term enabling agreement for Scheduling Coordinator Services with Western before the end of December 1998. Recommendation - re Use of City Property in Connection with Myers Raft Rental Concession (L-010-100, C-050-100) It is the recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council extend permission granted to Myers Raft Rental to cross City river-front property for the purposes of operating a summer raft rental business and find that the previous four use conditions are adequate. 12/15/98 330 Contract with Aircon Energy for Retrofit of Convention Center Energy Systems (C-050-050) It is the recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council authorize the Mayor to execute the negotiated contract with Aircon Energy for the energy systems retrofit of the Convention Center at a total cost of$516,737, and authorize the Finance Department to arrange financing for the project. Annual Renewal of Group Health Insurance Contracts (P-100-150) It is the recommendation of the Administrative Services Director that City Council authorize staff to enter into agreements with American National Insurance for stop-loss coverage in the estimated amount of$201,359, with Blue Cross for PPO services in the amount of$100,000, and with Managed Benefits Administrators for third-party administration in the amount of $138,216 for calendar year 1999, as recommended by the Epler Company. Renewal of Contract with Vision Service Plan (P-100-150-160) It is the recommendation of the Administrative Services Director that City Council approve a contract extension with Vision Service Plan (VSP) for an additional two years at a cost of $1.69 per month per employee, or about $15,000 annually. Government Code Requirements re Commissions. Boards. and Committees (B-080) It is the recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council accept a list of appointments of all ongoing boards, commissions, and committees appointed by the City Council as meeting the provisions of Government Code Section 54972. Disclosure of Financial Interest in Redevelopment Project Areas (R-030-010-070) It is the recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council accept the current Financial Disclosure Statement from City Council/Redevelopment Agency Member David L. McGeorge, pursuant to Section 33130(a) of the California Health and Safety Code. Resolution - re Summary Vacation of a Portion of a Storm Drain Easement at 3683 Cherrywood Drive (A-010-040) It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that Resolution No. 98-174 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding summarily vacating the westerly three-foot portion of a public service easement for storm drain purposes located along the westerly ten feet of lot 10, Somerset Estates Subdivision, Unit 3, at 3683 Cherrywood Drive (A-4-98). Recommendation - re Redesignation of a Portion of State Highway 299 (S-050-100, S-070-230) It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that the City Manager be authorized to send a letter to Caltrans and State Senator Johannessen supporting the redesignation of State Route 299 from Eureka Way to Interstate 5 as the extension of State Route 44. Status Report -Floodplain Improvement Revisions for Spring Valley Subdivision Tentative Map (S-100-705-800, S-060-150-135) It is the recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council accept the report regarding required floodplain improvement revisions to the Spring Valley Subdivision tentative map. A development moratorium will be imposed for several months, during which time the developer will apply to the City for a development agreement to further extend the life of the tentative map. 12/15/98 331 MOTION: Made by Council Member Kight, 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, Cibula, Kight, McGeorge and Kehoe Noes: Council Members -None Absent: Council Members -None Abstain: Council Members -None Resolution Nos. 98-172, 98-173, and 98-174 are on file in the office of the City Clerk. RESIGNATION OF TOM SPADE FROM THE REDDING PLANNING COMMISSION (B-080-300) It is recommended that City Council accept the resignation of Tom Spade from the Redding Planning Commission. MOTION: Made by Council Member McGeorge, seconded by Council Member Anderson, to accept the resignation of Tom Spade from the Redding Planning Commission. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes STATUS REPORT ON MAJOR CITY PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS (A-050-080) City Manager Warren stated that this evening's program update focuses on two major projects: (1) Turtle Bay Pedestrian Bridge and (2) Redding Municipal Airport Renovation. Deputy City Manager Starman provided an update on the Turtle Bay Pedestrian Bridge Project. He related that negotiations are ongoing with the Turtle Bay organization, the McConnell Foundation, and Harrison & Associates, an independent consultant retained by the City to review the designs. Noting that the Turtle Bay Museums and McConnell Foundation believe they can build the project for less money than the City and provide better coordination with the contractor,Mr. Starman indicated that the City could take the lead role of grant research. Mr. Starman reported that should Turtle Bay take the project lead, the City would own and be responsible for maintenance of the bridge. He concluded that if a decision is reached, the item will be brought back for Council's consideration in January. Development Services Director Swanson provided an update on the renovation of Redding Municipal Airport, which is anticipated to be completed this month. He reported that $43,000 remains in the contingency account and no general fund money was utilized. He related that public response has been favorable, especially with regard to the baggage claim area enclosure and relocation of the gift shop to the terminal's south end. In cooperation with the Art in Public Places Committee, a variety of art works will be incorporated. The terminal rededication ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 29, 1999, at 4:00 p.m. PROPOSAL TO STREAMLINE PURCHASING PROCEDURES BY INCREASING STAFF LEVEL AUTHORITY (B-050-100, A-050-320, B-050-100-700) Support Services Director Kersten provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated December 1, 1998, regarding staff's recommendation to streamline purchasing procedures and approve expansion of staff level authority. The current system provides that purchases with a value greater than $25,000 be awarded by the City Council after a formal written bid process, purchases between $5,000 and $25,000 be awarded by the Purchasing Officer with the approval of the department director also after completion of a competitive process, and purchases between$750 and $5,000 be awarded after at least three verbal or written quotes are obtained. For purchases less than $750, departments are encouraged to receive at least three competitive quotes; however, Purchasing does not monitor compliance with this requirement. Disposal of useable personal property is administered by the Purchasing Officer 12/15/98 332 through a competitive process such as a bid or auction. Staff level authority recommendations are as follows: a. Allow the Purchasing Officer, with additional authorization from the head of the department for whom the purchase is being made and either the Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager, or the Director of Support Services, to make awards after consideration of the one percent local preference to the lowest responsible bidders for all product purchases over $25,000. b. Allow the Purchasing Officer, with additional authorization from the head of the department for whom the purchase is being made and either the Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager, or Director of Support Services, to make awards to the service provider representing the best value for the City, when the value of such contract is greater than $25,000 but less than $75,000. Public construction projects between $25,000 and $75,000 would still require City Manager approval. c. Allow the Purchasing Officer to reject product and service bids if the bids received are in excess of the budgetary funds available for the purchase, and allow the Purchasing Officer to either rebid or commence open-market negotiations to award a purchase order or contract to the vendor that can provide the product or service to the City's satisfaction within budgetary amounts. d. Allow the Purchasing Officer, with additional authorization from the head of the department for whom the purchase is being made and either the Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager, or Director of Support Services, to award purchase orders or contracts for the procurement of products and services at prices established by other governmental entities or associations of governmental entities when such prices have been secured in such a manner as to ensure the best value available to the City. e. Relative to the disposal of personal property, authorize the Purchasing Officer to bypass competitive bidding of city surplus supplies and equipment if such supplies and equipment are being sold to other public agencies or nonprofit agencies providing valuable community services in Redding when the agencies are willing to pay a fair market price as determined by the Purchasing Officer. It is the recommendation of the Support Services Director that City Council increase staff level authority and direct the City Attorney to prepare the required ordinance. Staff would closely monitor the effectiveness of the new processes and procedures and report back to the City Council in one year. In response to Council Member Anderson, Mr. Kersten stated that a purchasing authority limit of$75,000 for procurement of items at the staff level would be adequate. He answered that such authority is often granted to the purchasing agent as a city grows, and this step would be consistent with what other cities are doing. Council Member Cibula asked what lid should be placed on staff purchasing authority, and Mr. Kersten estimated that $250,000 would cover the majority of purchases. Purchasing Officer Roberts explained that while it is dependent on what is budgeted by Council, the City had less than a half-dozen bids exceeding $100,000 in the last year. In response to Council Member Kight, Mr. Kersten stated that streamlining purchase procedures would save departments considerable time by eliminating preparation of staff reports and expediting purchases. He concluded that more exact figures would be available after a one-year trial period. Council Member Kight expressed confidence in staff and the idea of expanding staff level authority. 12/15/98 333 Council Member Cibula declared that while he is in favor of approval, the current process allows the opportunity to rethink purchases. He also indicated that there should be a lid placed on staff level authority purchase amounts, but opined that staff deserves the opportunity to test this process. Council Member Anderson stated that staff level authority in the amount of$100,000 seems reasonable. MOTION: Made by Council Member Anderson, seconded by Council Member Kight, to approve increasing staff level purchase authority as outlined above in items (a) through (e) in an amount up to $100,000, direct the City Attorney to prepare the required ordinance, and monitor the effectiveness of the new processes and procedures and report back to Council in one year. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes RESOLUTION - re Establishing a Value Basis for In-Lieu Park Fees and Amending the Current In-Lieu Park Fee Schedule (F-205-600) This item was moved to the Regular Agenda at the request of Council Member Anderson, who explained that when Council recently approved a total fee package increase, he was not aware the total would amount to $800 for a single family residence. He opined that the City should slow fee increases. Development Services Director Swanson provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated December 2, 1998. He conveyed that at its meeting of November 18, 1997, the City Council conducted a public hearing and adopted Resolution 97-202 amending its Schedule of Fees and Services Charges to include development impact fees and development processing fees, with an 8.5 percent increase in in-lieu park fees effective January 1, 1999. However, the City's Subdivision Ordinance requires that in-lieu park fees be based upon fair market value of the amount of land which would otherwise be required for park dedication and that the value be established by the City Council through adoption of a resolution finding the fees consistent with the various land values. For this reason, the fee increases approved at that meeting were not included on the schedule of fees and service charges. Therefore, the subject resolution is to establish fair market value for residential lands and amend the current schedule of fees to be paid in lieu of park and recreational land dedications. This fee schedule will be incorporated into the schedule of fees and service charges. It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that City Council adopt Resolution No. 98-175 establishing land values for the listed types of residential land and amend the current fee schedule to that agreed upon previously. The in-lieu park fees scheduled to go into effect will be consistent with the Subdivision Ordinance requirement to establish the fee based on land values established by Council resolution. Council Member McGeorge stated that although no one likes to see fee increases, the schedule was previously approved by the fee committee. MOTION: Made by Council Member McGeorge, seconded by Council Member Kight, to adopt Resolution No. 98-175, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding establishing fair market values for various types of residential lands - and the resultant in-lieu fees-to be used as a basis for fees to be paid in lieu of park and recreational land dedications, and approve the amended fee schedule as noted. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Cibula, Kight, and McGeorge Noes: Council Members - Anderson and Kehoe Absent: Council Members - None Abstain: Council Members -None Resolution No. 98-175 is on file in the office of the City Clerk. 12/15/98 334 AWARD OF BID - Bid Schedule No. 3234 (Job No. 8650-63), South Market Street/Cypress Avenue Landscape Median Project (B-050-020, S-070-200-400) It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that Bid Schedule No. 3234 (Job No. 8650-63), South Market Street/Cypress Avenue Landscape Median Project, be awarded to DB Landscape in the amount of$89,900, and an additional $15,500 be approved to cover the cost of engineering and inspection fees, and $15,500 be approved to provide a construction contingency fund, for a total of$120,900. This item was moved to the Regular Agenda at the request of Council Member Pat Kight secondary to a protest filed by John Chase of Lifescapes Company, who requested the opportunity to address Council. John Chase, P.O. Box 708, Palo Cedro, stated that Lifescapes Company filed two protests with regard to the bidding process for this landscaping project. The first protest was in relation to the bid documents used by DB Landscape. He said that the documents were illegible because the word "sample" was written across the front in large letters and that a bid on this form would be disallowed on a Caltrans or federal project. He further indicated that DB Landscape's low bid of$87,000 is not responsive since the project cannot be completed at that price, and surmised that such situations have resulted in fiascoes in the past. He pointed out that the references given by DB Landscape included projects which were not completed due to lack of funds and that several items were not to standard. Mr. Chase requested that the City check these references more closely and require that DB Landscape show the job can be done for the stated price. He concluded that several contractors are frustrated with inconsistencies in the City's bidding process. In response to Mayor Kehoe's request for legal guidance, City Attorney Wingate advised that the issue is whether DB Landscape had a bidding advantage over the other companies. In analyzing the bid documents, he concluded that there were no discrepancies which gave DB Landscape an unfair advantage. He acknowledged while it may be true Caltrans does not allow bids to be submitted on sample forms, the City has no such provision, and it is recommended the first protest be denied. With regard to whether the bid is responsive, should DB Landscape not comply with the contract specifications, Mr. Wingate indicated the project bond will be called and the City will coordinate completion of the job. He concluded that his office has no information that this contractor has been irresponsible. Public Works Director August recalled that the City contracted with DB Landscape on the RABA station, and although it was necessary for the City to take over the project because the general contractor was not paying the subcontractors, the work was done well and staff was pleased. He further disclosed that DB Landscape was the low bidder at the time the bid was originally sent out several months ago and therefore knew the project well. Mr. August reported that references were investigated and deemed adequate, and staff recommends going forward with DB Landscape for the project. Council Member McGeorge clarified that the bond secures the project for the full amount and guarantees completion of the project. In response to Council Member Kight, Mr. August agreed that DB Landscape's estimate for traffic control seems low, but he asserted that Caltrans' standards will be followed and proper procedures used. Council Member Kight related concern that the bid was far below the engineer's estimate and other bids, and questioned whether the project could be completed on time. Mr. August assured that the contractor's record indicates the ability to finish the job. He reported that the City will hold to the timeline, and liquidated damages will be assessed should the project not be completed on time. 12/15/98 335 Council Member Cibula expressed concern with the legibility of the bid itself, and Mr. August recounted that staff had no difficulty understanding the document. In response to Council Member Anderson, Mr. August replied that no information is available on DB Landscape's performance when awarded a bid far below an engineer's estimate. Council Member Kight suggested tightening up the City's bidding process. Mr. August informed that staff has spoken to the Builders Exchange and will tighten up the specifications and require contractors to get forms from the City. Mr. Chase cautioned that it is indicated DB Landscape will do the majority of the work in forty working days, an extremely short time, and have no subcontractors listed. Council Member McGeorge reiterated that the City has adequate bonding on the project which guarantees its completion and the cost reflects a considerable savings. MOTION: Made by Council Member McGeorge, seconded by Council Member Anderson, to award Bid Schedule No. 3234, South Market Street/Cypress Avenue Landscape Median Project, to DB Landscape in the amount of$89,900, with $15,000 to cover engineering costs and inspection fees and $15,500 to provide a construction contingency allowance, for a total of$120,900, and to disallow the protest by Lifescapes. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Comments to the Mayor (A-050-060) Fran Jenkins, 2652 Sharon Street, noted that Mayor Kehoe's election to the Board of Supervisors will create a win/win situation for the City and County. Ms. Jenkins said she wanted to personally thank Mayor Kehoe for his service to the community, and although she did not always agree with his decisions, she never doubted his integrity. Ms. Jenkins stated that it will be difficult for Council to replace Mayor Kehoe. CLOSED SESSION At the hour of 7:58 p.m., Mayor Kehoe announced that Council will adjourn to closed session to discuss the following: Closed session pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(a) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Finley, et al. v. City of Redding, et al., Shasta County Superior Court No. 133663 (L-100) Closed session pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR Agency Negotiator: Randy Bachman Employee Organization: Local Union 1245 of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers AFL-CIO - Maintenance Employees (P-100-050-070) Closed session pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR Agency Negotiator: Randy Bachman Employee Organization: Redding Police Managers Association (P-100-050-128) At the hour of 9:45 p.m., Mayor Kehoe reconvened the meeting to regular session. No action was taken. 12/15/98 336 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at the hour of 9:46 p.m., Mayor Kehoe declared the meeting adjourned. APPROVED ayor ATTEST 2A7z&eee.;- City Clerk Ierk 12/15/98