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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 1999-11-02 249 City Council, Regular Meeting Council Chambers 1313 California Street Redding, California November 2, 1999, 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mr. Clay McClain. The Invocation was offered by Reverend Bill Roscoe of the Good News Rescue Mission. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Anderson with the following Council Members present: Cibula, Kight, Pohlmeyer, and McGeorge. 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, Support Services Director Kersten, Administrative Services Director Bachman, Manager of Energy Services Keener, City Treasurer Clark, Planning Manager Hamilton, City Clerk Strohmayer, Assistant City Clerk Moscatello, and Executive Secretary Miller. CONSENT CALENDAR The following matters were considered inclusively under the Consent Calendar: Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting of October 19, 1999 Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Register (A-050-100-500) It is recommended that Accounts Payable Register No. 8, check numbers 272676 through 273012 inclusive,in the amount of$2,334,800.52,for the period October 19 through October 29, 1999, be approved and paid, and Payroll Register No. 8, check numbers 465679 through 466016 inclusive, and electronic deposit transaction numbers 67648 through 68182, in the amount of$1,517,351.80, for the period October 3 through October 16, 1999, be approved. TOTAL: $3,852,152.32 Treasurer's Report - September 1999 (A-050-100-600) Total Treasurer's Accountability - $109,142,658.32 Total City of Redding Funds, Funds Held in Trust, and Funds of Related Entities - $160,102,975.41 ACR133 and Cash Reconciliation Report - September 1999 (F-205-095-650) It is the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager that the ACR 133 Report and the Proof of Cash Reconciliation for September 1999 be accepted. Property Status Report (C-070) It is the recommendation of the Assistant City Manager that City Council accept the Property Status Report as of October 1999, which includes the following: (1) Surplus City Property; (2) Leases/Renewal of Leases of City Land; (3) Offers to sell land to the City; and(4) City- initiated purchases of land. 11/02/99 250 Report re Section 108 Loan Application for the Yuba Street Streetscape Project (G-100-070, R-030-145-350) Deputy City Manager Starman reported that a public hearing will be held by the Community Development Advisory Committee on November 9, 1999, to consider amending the Community Development Block Grant Action Plan in order to facilitate a Section 108 loan application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the use of funds for the Yuba Street Streetscape Project. A second public hearing is to be held on November 15, 1999, by the City Council to consider adopting a resolution authorizing the submission of the amendment and the Section 108 loan application to HUD. This was an information item. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Kight, McGeorge, Pohlmeyer, and Anderson Noes: Council Members -None Absent: Council Members -None Abstain: Council Members - Cibula Resolution - re Application for HOME Investment Partnership Program (G-100-075-200) It is the recommendation ofthe Deputy City Manager that Resolution No. 99-140 be adopted, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding authorizing the City Manager to file an application for federal fiscal year 1999 funding under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program in the amount of$1,000,000 with the California State Department of Housing and Community Development. Letters of Agreement with Serco Management Services re the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Contract Tower (A-090-100, F-200-850) It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that Council approve four letters of agreement with Serco Management Services, operated under the authority of the FAA, for operation of the FAA Contract Tower entitled: 1) Airport Emergency Service; 2) Operation of Airport Light Systems; 3) Land and Hold Short Operation; and 4) Loading Ramps, Aircraft Parking Area and Non-Movement Areas, effective November 3, 1999. Analysis Report re Credit Card Program (A-050-100-600) It is the recommendation of the City Treasurer that Council accept the Credit Card Usage Report dated October 20, 1999, including an overview of 1998-1999 credit card revenue, transaction volume, credit card usage analysis and mitigated cost estimates associated with credit card usage. Resolution - Authorizing 1915 Bond Act Foreclosure on Certain Delinquent Assessments (A-170) It is the recommendation of the City Treasurer that Resolution No. 99-141 be adopted, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding ordering the judicial foreclosure of delinquent bond assessments pursuant to the Improvement Bond Act of 1915, and ordering that the tax collector be credited with those assessments. Resolution - Amending the Employee Benefit Policies for Unrepresented Employees (P-100-050-100) It is the recommendation of the Administrative Services Director that Resolution No. 99-142 be adopted, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding making minor clarifying amendments and establishing new City of Redding employee benefit policies for Unrepresented Employees, effective November 14, 1999. 11/02/99 251 Resolution - Amending the Memorandum of Understanding for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Unit, Local Union 1292 (P-100-050-124, P-100-050-126) It is the recommendation of the Administrative Services Director that Resolution No. 99-143 be adopted, a Resolution ofthe City Council of the City of Redding amending the non-exempt employee schedule of classifications and hourly wage rates for the SEIU-Clerical,Technical, and Professional Unit, and the exempt (Pay-for-Performance) employee schedule of classifications and salary ranges for the SEIU - Supervisory/Confidential Unit, effective October 17, 1999, providing a comprehensive reorganization of the Information Systems Division and making appropriate changes in the Solid Waste Division. Internal Loan for the Civic Center Project (B-130-070, C-050-025) It is the recommendation of the Administrative Services Director that City Council approve an internal loan of $1,500,000 from the Risk Management Fund and $500,000 from the Customer Service Fund to the financing plan for the Civic Center Project, to be repaid at the pooled cash rate of interest. The loans are structured to be repaid in 30 years; however, the liabilities may be paid earlier as excess cash becomes available. Acceptance of Final Map - Crown Estates Unit 2 Subdivision (S-12-90), South of Girvan Road at the South End of Pit Road (S-100-117) It is the recommendation of the Director of Public Works that City Council accept the Final Map for Crown Estates Unit 2 Subdivision, developed by J.F. Shea Company,Inc., authorize the Mayor to sign the subdivision agreement and instruct the City Clerk to file the Map with the Shasta County Recorder. Acceptance of Final Map - Land Park Unit 1 Subdivision (S-8-93), South End of Keswick Dam Road on Buenaventura Boulevard (S-101-006) It is the recommendation of the Director of Public Works that City Council accept the Final Map for Land Park Unit 1 Subdivision,developed by Mountain Properties,Inc.,authorize the Mayor to sign the subdivision agreement and instruct the City Clerk to file the Map with the Shasta County Recorder. Negotiation of Contract for Preparation of the Water Master Plan 2000 (W-030-300) It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director that Council authorize staff to negotiate a contract with CH2M Hill for preparation of the Water Master Plan 2000 Project, the top-ranked firm as the result of a Request for Proposal. The estimated cost submitted by CH2M Hill falls within the budgeted range of$367,000 in Fiscal Year 1999-2000. The complete contract will be presented to the City Council for approval. MOTION: Made by Council Member Kight, seconded by Council Member Cibula, that all the foregoing items on the Consent Calendar be approved and adopted as recommended with the exception of those items approved by a separate vote as indicated above. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Cibula, Kight, McGeorge, Pohlmeyer, and Anderson Noes: Council Members -None Absent: Council Members -None Abstain: Council Members - None Resolution Nos. 99-140, 99-141, 99-142, and 99-143 are on file in the office of the City Clerk. 11/02/99 252 PUBLIC HEARING- re General Plan Amendment Application GPA-1-98(A), by Redding Rancheria, 5160 Sunnyhill Lane (G-030-010) The hour of 7:00 p.m. having arrived,Mayor Anderson opened the public hearing re GPA-1- 98(A). 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 Planning Commission recommendation dated September 21, 1999 City Clerk Strohmayer advised that no written protests were received. Development Services Director Swanson introduced Planning Manager Hamilton, who provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated October 21, 1999, incorporated herein by reference, regarding GPA-1-98(A), by Redding Rancheria, requesting to reclassify 2.1 acres at 5160 Sunnyhill Lane from"Office"to"Highway Commercial."The change would allow development of a 100-unit hotel overlooking the Sacramento River immediately south of the Texaco station at South Bonnyview Road and Bechelli Lane. Mr. Hamilton related that the project's location adjacent to the Interstate 5 interchange, its proximity to other highway commercial uses, and the recent infrastructure and circulation improvements at the interchange and adjacent intersections make the location well-suited for the proposed designation. He indicated that interstate travelers will have convenient access to upscale hotel accommodations at the southerly gateway to the City. Mr. Hamilton stated that a draft mitigated negative declaration was prepared which requires the project to develop in a manner sensitive to the aesthetics and visual impacts on the traveling public and residents, and optimize the privacy of adjoining residents. It is the recommendation of the Development Services Director that Council approve the mitigated Negative Declaration re GPA-1-98(A), and adopt a resolution amending the General Plan of the City of Redding on 2.1 acres at 5160 Sunnyhill Lane to "Highway Commercial." Joe Murphy,President ofthe Redding Rancheria Economic Development Corporation,stated their goal is to ensure a quality project that will help to increase the local economic base. In response to Mayor Anderson, Mr. Murphy said that the tribe does not intend to pursue application for tribal jurisdiction on this property. Patricia Graeff, 4806 Sunnyhill Lane, said that she and her neighbors are pleased with the proposed development and support the project. Mayor Anderson determined there was no one else present wishing to address this matter and closed the public hearing. MOTION: Made by Council Member Kight, seconded by Council Member Pohlmeyer, that the mitigated Negative Declaration re General Plan Amendment Application GPA-1-98(A) be approved, and that Resolution No. 99-144 be adopted, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding amending the General Plan of the City on 2.1 acres at 5160 Sunnyhill Lane to "Highway Commercial"by adopting General Plan Amendment 1-98(A). Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Cibula, Kight, McGeorge, Pohlmeyer, and Anderson Noes: Council Members -None 11/02/99 253 Absent: Council Members -None Abstain: Council Members -None Resolution No. 99-144 is on file in the office of the City Clerk. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF PROPOSED STILLWATER BUSINESS PARK (A-150-258) Assistant City Manager Perry provided an overview of the Report to City Council regarding preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Stillwater Business Park. He related that environmental review is necessary to proceed with annexation, and the Economic Development Corporation(EDC)has requested the City's assistance in obtaining the study. The EDC has also commissioned a separate development cost analysis. Mr. Perry stated that the project creates the potential for environmental change when compared to the existing general plan designation, and either the EDC or the City will be required to document what has been done to protect the environment. He advised that the study will serve to expedite development once funding and buyers or tenants are secured. Mr. Perry said it was recently learned that the City can apply for funding in the amount of $50,000 to offset costs of an EIR should the Economic Development Administration(EDA) receive timber impact area hardship funding from Congress. The EDC has earmarked the $10,000 matching fund requirement for this, and if the funding legislation is approved, staff will return with a resolution to apply for a planning grant from the EDA. Mr. Perry noted that Economic Development Director Zauher met with the residents and invited them to participate in the process, and they are identifying people to work with the EDC and staff on review of the project. It is recommended that staff be authorized to obtain and process an EIR on the proposed Stillwater Industrial Project at an approximate cost of$100,000, consisting of$25,000 from the SHASTEC Redevelopment Project and $75,000 from the General Fund. Steven Miller, 9173 Stillwater Road, said that the proposed annexation area was originally published as consisting of 480 acres but has now grown to 586 acres and public notice has not been given within the expanded area. Mr. Miller expressed concern that a potential conflict of interest exists with respect to a member ofthe Shasta County Board of Supervisors who approved proceeding with the annexation process. He opined that an EIR should not be undertaken on, what he perceived as, property unlawfully annexed. In response to Mayor Anderson, City Attorney Wingate indicated he was not aware of a change in the boundary map, and he noted that moving forward with preparation of an EIR is the next step in complying with the annexation process. Mr.Perry explained that it was necessary to include additional property in the annexation area to avoid creating an island of unannexed land within the city limits. He said the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) has the option to add or subtract property from the proposed area of annexation. In response to Council Member Kight, Mr. Perry advised that the EIR is a necessary precursor to annexation, and the study will include a number of topics and land use issues. Council Member Kight asserted that the Stillwater Business Park is an important project for the community and performing an EIR is the next appropriate step. He requested that staff complete the EIR in one year. MOTION: Made by Council Member Kight, seconded by Council Member Pohlmeyer,that staff be authorized to obtain and process an environmental impact report on the proposed Stillwater Industrial Project at an approximate cost of$100,000 and return with a funding proposal after the Request for Proposals have been received. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes 11/02/99 254 ANIMAL REGULATION SERVICES (A-130) Deputy City Manager Starman provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated October 25, 1999, relating to a proposed plan to provide animal regulation and shelter services subsequent to the termination of the City's contract with the Haven Humane Society (Haven), and comply with the extended holding periods for stray dogs and cats after June 30, 2000, mandated per Senate Bill 1785. Mr. Starman said that staff has outlined a plan which calls for the City to work with Haven to create a new corporation for the provision of animal regulation and shelter services while allowing Haven to terminate its animal regulation program and focus on its core mission, the relief of animal suffering and prevention of animal cruelty. This proposal would alleviate the need for a City-operated animal regulation program, and the City would build a publicly- owned animal shelter facility on City-owned property near the Clear Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant on Eastside Road. If the new facility cannot be completed by June 30, 2000, Haven will negotiate a contract extension to continue to provide animal regulation and shelter services until the new facility is completed and the new corporation is operational. If the new facility is not completed by June 30, 2000,Haven will adjust its operating hours and/or make other necessary changes to comply with the Hayden Law. Mr. Starman stated that County staff and the City of Anderson have indicated an interest in developing a joint-use facility;however,they would not be interested in contracting for animal regulation services. He estimated preliminary costs of approximately $1 million, or $1.5 million for a joint-use facility, not including utilities, offsite improvements, property acquisition, and other fees. He said that actual costs may be as high as $2 million. It is the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager that City Council approve the outlined plan in concept and authorize staff to proceed with the project. In response to Council Member Cibula, Mr. Starman indicated that although the cost estimates are rough,the figures are fairly accurate and include operating equipment. He said that discussion is continuing with the County. Council Member Pohlmeyer asked questions regarding the City's contract with Haven and the organizational structure of the new corporation. Mr. Starman explained that the City loaned Haven$350,000 to build their shelter and there is some discrepancy as to the balance of that loan; however, staff is currently reviewing the status of the loan and will report back to Council with the findings. Mr. Starman advised that a major distinction of the new plan is that the City will have access to its own facility. Greg Kucera, 8107 Montgomery Circle, opined that if the City can spend millions on a new city hall, it should be easy to justify building a facility for homeless animals. Frances Jenkins, 2652 Sharon Avenue, congratulated the City and County for working together on a solution to a problem that affects everyone. Council Member Kight stated this is a step in the right direction. MOTION: Made by Council Member Kight, seconded by Council Member McGeorge,that the following plan be approved to provide animal regulation services after June 30, 2000, and to comply with extended holding periods for stray dogs and cats per Senate Bill 1785: - Staff will work with the Haven to create a new corporation to provide animal regulation and shelter services for the City - The City will build a publicly-owned animal shelter facility on City-owned property near the Clear Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant on Eastside Road 11/02/99 255 - If the animal shelter facility is not operational by June 30, 2000, Haven will negotiate a contract extension with the City to continue providing animal regulation and shelter services until the new facility is completed - If the animal shelter facility is not operational by June 30, 2000, Haven will adjust its operating hours and make other changes necessary to comply with the Hayden Law The Vote: Unanimous Ayes MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT - Electric Utility (B-130-070) Electric Utility Director Feider provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated October 25, 1999, incorporated herein by reference, regarding the Electric Utility's Monthly Financial Report for September 1999. Retail power sales revenue through September 1999 was affected by implementation of the Customer Information System and is about 3.7%below projections. Wholesale power sales to date are $1,968,731, or 24.3 percent above projections. Total operating revenue is 22.0 percent, or $543,498 below plan. Mr. Feider advised that the total cost of electricity through September 1999 is 4.7 percent, or $748,675, above plan. The Utility's earnings before interest, depreciation, and amortization were 10.6 percent above plan. The current outstanding balance for the Debt Reduction Program is $124 million. Mr. Feider advised that a recent interest rate increase has created favorable conditions to defease a portion of 1992A direct generation debt, and conditions will continue to be monitored for an opportunity to refinance a portion of the 1993A bonds that remain outstanding. It is the recommendation of staff that the Electric Utility Monthly Financial Report for September 1999 be accepted as presented, and that staff be authorized to defease a portion of the 1992A generation debt. MOTION: Made by Council Member McGeorge, seconded by Council Member Kight, to accept the Electric Utility's Monthly Financial Report for September 1999 and the Industry Activities Update as presented, and authorize staff to defease a portion of the 1992A generation debt. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes TRINITY RIVER MAINSTEM FISHERY RESTORATION ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (E-120-070) Electric Utility Director Feider provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated October 25, 1999, relating to the Trinity River Mainstem Fishery Restoration Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (Trinity EIS), which provides recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior on the restoration of fishery resources of the Trinity River. The Trinity EIS was distributed by the U.S. Department of Interior on October 22, 1999, and includes recommendations of extensive river channel mechanical restoration, watershed enhancements for erosion control, ongoing limiting of fish harvest levels, and increased stream releases from Trinity Reservoir. Mr. Feider advised that increased releases into the Trinity River will directly reduce the amount of water diverted to the Sacramento Valley portion of the Central Valley Project (CVP), passing on increased purchased power costs to the City in the amount of as much as $1 million per year. He said that reducing the amount of water available from Trinity Reservoir would adversely affect the northern part of the City where water is supplied through the Buckeye Water Treatment Plant. 11/02/99 256 Mr. Feider stated that several CVP power customers have formulated an alternative Trinity Flow Plan calling for increased flows compared to current average levels but by lesser amounts than the Trinity EIS, and increased efforts toward the mechanical stream and watershed improvement projects that have the greatest benefit to fisheries restoration. It is the recommendation of the Electric Utility Director that Council approve continued participation in the Trinity EIS process through Northern California Power Agency(NCPA) membership and authorize staff to take the following actions: 1. Request material used in the EIS to determine recommended flow levels for downstream releases; 2. Request a 60-day extension to the existing 45-day review and comment period; 3. Provide oral comment on behalf of the City and NCPA at the hearing scheduled for November 16, 1999: 4. Prepare a letter for the Mayor's signature commenting on the Trinity EIS and incorporating the power alternative river release plan should it be deemed appropriate. MOTION: Made by Council Member Kight, seconded by Council Member McGeorge, to approve continued participation in the Trinity EIS process through Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) membership; and authorizing staff to request material used in the EIS to determine recommended flow levels for downstream releases, to request a 60-day extension to the existing 45-day review and comment period, to provide oral comment on behalf of the City and NCPA at the hearing scheduled for November 16, 1999, and to prepare a letter for the Mayor's signature commenting on the Trinity EIS. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes RESOLUTION -Authorizing Supplemental Appropriation for an Agreement with California State University Chico Research Foundation re Urban Wildland Threat Assessment (P-150-070) Fire Chief Wagner provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated October 27, 1999, relating to a proposal to obtain an urban wildland threat assessment in the City of Redding through the California State University Chico Research Foundation. Chief Wagner stated that taking an aggressive approach toward vegetation management in open space areas would reduce the potential for major loss due to wildland fire as experienced in the city during the past several months. He said with completion of the study, a proposal can be made to Council for a comprehensive plan regarding future acquisition and management of both public and private open space areas. Chief Wagner noted that staff is researching the possibility of obtaining grant funds to implement the recommendations resulting from the study. It is the recommendation of the Fire Chief that a resolution be adopted granting the Fire Department a supplemental budget appropriation of$32,604 to complete an urban wildland threat assessment for the City of Redding and the City Manager be authorized to sign an agreement with California State University Chico Research Foundation for completion of the project. Chief Wagner related that a demonstration project to reduce vegetation will be conducted on approximately 50 acres of City property near Oasis Road with the assistance of a local contractor whose only compensation is the value of the biomass material to be removed. Chief Wagner reported that the project area will demonstrate the value of this study to the community. Mayor Anderson expressed concern with regard to identifying funding for implementation of the consultant's recommendations. ChiefWagner responded that staffis currently researching grant possibilities and they will return to Council with an implementation plan. He said that staff can begin to eliminate the wildland fire threat in the most cost effective manner once areas of concern are identified and prioritized. ChiefWagner related that the Fire Department lacks in-house expertise in the fields of urban forestry and fire modeling and does not have 11/02/99 257 the appropriate computer software. Through this process, staff will learn how to update the program for future use. Council Member Pohlmeyer indicated that the Chief's proposal is a great idea; however, he said he cannot support the proposal until means for funding the recommendations are identified. He questioned whether steps could be taken within the department to begin working on areas of concern. Chief Wagner explained that a key portion of the assessment is the inventory and mapping of open space priorities, and the department lacks the resources to carry out those steps. He said that his goal is to begin work in some of the high priority areas prior to the next fire season,but he would like to discuss program expenses through the budget process. Chief Wagner added that the Department currently budgets$20,000 per year for weed abatement activities. Council Member Pohlmeyer suggested that coordinating efforts with Shasta County and the City of Anderson for participation in the study would be beneficial and cost-efficient for all parties. Council Member Pohlmeyer recommended that staffreturn in two weeks with further information regarding funding and the possibility of utilizing in-house resources. In response to Council Member McGeorge, Chief Wagner indicated that grant resources are available for this type of program, and a completed report would make the grants more accessible. He added that the study will be a valuable tool for firefighters. Council Member Kight suggested contracting for the type of service being performed in the demonstration project area where the contractor's compensation is in the form of retaining the recyclable waste products that are removed. Chief Wagner stated that they are also considering using inmate crews and youth diversion programs to perform the labor, and the use of new technologies may be accompanied by grant funds. Council Member McGeorge noted that the opportunity to obtain grants may be enhanced in view of the recent fire tragedies. Mayor Anderson advised that he would vote against funding the study because funds to implement its recommendations have not been identified. He said it may be more cost effective to perform and implement the study in-house. Council Member Cibula was impressed with the usefulness of the report and suggested that staff return with the requested information in two weeks. MOTION: Made by Council Member McGeorge, seconded by Council Member Kight,that Resolution No. 99-145 be adopted, a Resolution of the City of Redding approving and adopting the tenth amendment to City Budget Resolution No. 99-93 appropriating $32,604 for an urban wildland fire threat assessment for the City of Redding for Fiscal Year 1999- 2000, subject to approval of the contract by Council; and directing staff to provide information to Council regarding(1)the participation of Shasta Lake, Anderson and Shasta County in the study, (2)utilizing in-house resources, (3)how the plan will be funded and(4) the availability of grant funding. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Cibula, Kight, and McGeorge Noes: Council Members - Anderson and Pohlmeyer • Absent: Council Members - None Abstain: Council Members - None Resolution No. 99-145 is on file in the office of the City Clerk. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT - General Fund (B-130-070) Administrative Services Director Bachman highlighted the Report to City Council dated 11/02/99 258 October 22, 1999, incorporated herein by reference,concerning the General Fund's Monthly Financial Report for September 1999. Total revenue to date is$10.1 million, or$1,917,347 higher (23.3 percent) than staff's revised cash flow projection. Expenditures to date total $10,214,450, or $1,037,130 (9.3 percent) below staff's original cash flow projection. It is the recommendation of staff that the City Council accept the Monthly Financial Report for September 1999. MOTION: Made by Council Member Kight, seconded by Council Member McGeorge, to accept the General Fund's Monthly Financial Report for September 1999. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (P-150-070) Steve Jolly, representing Wheelabrator, opined that $30,000 is a small price to pay for the benefits that will be achieved from obtaining the Urban Wildland Fire Threat Assessment. He noted that reducing overgrowth in open space areas is aesthetically pleasing. He warned that a fire on the west side of the city would be devastating,and the cost to fight those fires would be higher than the cost of the study. Mr. Jolly indicated that Wheelabrator is willing to do the demonstration project at no cost this time,but they cannot be expected to provide this service for no cost in the future. He expressed the willingness of Wheelabrator to help the City achieve its fire safety goals. Vi Klaseen, 2295 Oak Ridge Drive, cautioned that the City should plan ahead with regard to fire prevention, and this study would be useful. She noted that it may positively affect insurance rates. Steve Eckard, 4012 Calliope Court, indicated that there is a significant fire hazard in the greenbelt areas, and this study is designed to factor in wildlife preservation and erosion control, as well as identify fuel loads and fire threats. He pointed out that the demonstration project area is comprised of fairly level ground and will, therefore, be inexpensive to clear. However, many of the City's greenbelt areas are comprised of steep terrain which will be difficult to clear and the cost will consequently increase. R.C.Keefer, 1400 Olive Avenue,opined that people should use common sense to identify fire hazards around their homes and a costly study is unnecessary. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at the hour of 8:40 p.m., Mayor Anderson declared the meeting adjourned. APPROVED ayor ATTEST City Clerk 11/02/99