HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 1984-01-16 8
City Council , Regular Meeting
Police Dept. & Council Chambers
Redding, California
January 16, 1984 7:00 P.M.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Minute Clerk Rupp.
The invocation was offered by Pastor Jim Sturges of the Lake Boulevard
Church of the Nazarene.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gard with the following Council
Members present: Demsher, Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Also present were City Attorney Hays, Public Works Director Arness, Plan-
ning and Community Development Director Perry, Director of Electric
Lindley, Electrical Engineer Coleman, Associate Civil Engineer Hastings,
Director of Finance Downing, Senior Associate Planner Keaney, Executive
Assistant Masingale, Transportation Coordinator Duryee, City Clerk Nichols,
Deputy City Clerk Strohmayer, and Minute Clerk Rupp.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The following matters were considered inclusively under the Consent
Calendar:
Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting of January 3, 1984
Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Registers
(B-130-110)
Recommend that Accounts Payable Register No. 14, check numbers 95437
through 95614 inclusive, in the amount of $500,234.86, be approved and
paid, and Payroll Register No. 14, check numbers 185303 through 185880
inclusive, in the amount of $469,351.79, for the period December 18,
1983, through December 31 , 1983 , be approved. Total : $969,586.65
Treasurer' s Report - December 31 , 1983
(B-130-150)
Total Treasurer' s Accountability - $14,094,144.37
Claims for Damage and Personal Injury - 1st Hearing
Harold Pistole - Claim for Damages filed 12/23/83
Recommend Payment in the Amount of $173.88
(C-090-020)
John H. Shields - Claim for Damages filed 1/3/84
Recommend Denial
(C-090-020)
Wendy Stone - Claim for Damages filed 1/3/84
Recommend Denial and Referral to Insurance Carrier
(C-090-020)
Michael Fitzpatrick, Attorney on Behalf of Melvin & Igna Heyerly
Claim for Damages filed 1/3/84
Recommend Denial and Referral to Insurance Carrier
(C-090-020)
Robert M. Barwick - Claim for Damages filed 1/3/84
Recommend Payment in the Amount of $190.94
(C-090-020)
Paul Galea - Claim for Damages filed 1/5/84
Recomment Denial and Referral to Insurance Carrier
(C-090-020)
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Ronda Atwell - Claim for Damages filed 1/5/84
Recommend Referral to Insurance Carrier and Set for Second Hearing,
February 21 , 1984
(C-090-020)
Linda Walden - Claim for Personal Injury filed 1/5/84
Recommend Denial and Referral to Insurance Carrier
(C-090-050)
Kenneth D. Henley - Claim for Damages filed 1/6/84
Recommend Payment in the Amount of $911 .75
(C-090-020)
Bob Beale - Claim for Damages filed 1/9/84
Recommend Denial
(C-090-020)
Set Public Hearing - Rezoning Application RZ-26-83, by Terrance Rust
et al
(L-010-230)
Planning Director recommends that a public hearing be set for 7:30
P.M. , February 6, 1984, to consider Rezoning Application RZ-26-84, by
Terrance Rust et al .
Resolution - Lot Line Adjustment LS-64-83 , by Claude Duffy and Roger
Kletke
(L-010-150)
Planning Director Perry recommends that Resolution No. 84-6 be
adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding
waiving the requirement of a parcel map for Lot Split Application No.
LS-64-83.
Resolution - Lot Line Adjustment LS-82-83 , by Willard Butt
(L-010-150)
Planning Director Perry recommends that Resolution No. 84-7 be
adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding
waiving the requirement of a parcel map for Lot Split Application No.
LS-82-83.
Resolution - Lot Line Adjustment LS-87-83 , by Gus Vasilakis and Donna
Kettenring
(L-010-150)
Planning Director Perry recommends that Resolution No. 84-8 be
adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding
waiving the requirement of a parcel map for Lot Split Application No.
LS-87-83.
Resolution - Establishing Parking Limits at Redding Municipal Airport
(P-030-230 and A-090-100)
Public Works Director recommends that Resolution No. 84-9 be adopted,
a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding amending the
Traffic Control Map by modifying overnight parking limitations at the
Redding Municipal Airport.
Resolution - Establishing an On-Street Handicapped Parking Space on
Sacramento Street
(P-030-250-050)
Public Works Director recommends that Resolution No. 84-10 be adopted,
a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding establishing
an on-street handicapped parking space on the north side of Sacramento
Street between Court and Oregon Streets.
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Resolution - Establishing Stop Signs on White River Drive at Redwood
Boulevard
(T-080-720)
Public Works Director recommends that Resolution No. 84-11 be adopted,
a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding authorizing
the installation of traffic control devices at the intersection of
White River Drive and Redwood Boulevard.
Resolution - Designating a List of Roadways as Through Roadways
(T-080-720)
Public Works Director recommends that Resolution No. 84-12 be adopted,
a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding amending the
Traffic Control map by the installation at various locations of
several traffic control devices and by reclassification of roadways.
Declaration of Vacancy - Civic Arts Commission
(B-080-100)
City Attorney recommends that Council declare a vacancy on the Civic
Arts Commission and proceed to fill that vacancy due to the fact that
Cecil 0. Johnson no longer meets the residency requirements necessary
to serve on the Commission.
A reement - re Sewer Easement with Scott and Mary Lou Thompson
W-010-575)
City Attorney recommends that an agreement be approved between the
City of Redding and Scott and Mary Lou Thompson, requiring that the
Thompson' s as well as their successors in interest, be responsible for
problems associated with the sewer line underneath the addition they
wish to make to their house.
MOTION: Made by Council Member Kirkpatrick, seconded by Council Member
Demsher, that all the foregoing items on the Consent Calendar be approved
and adopted as recommended.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Demsher, Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Resolution Numbers 84-6, 84-7, 84-8, 84-9, 84-10, 84-11 , and 84-12, are on
file in the office of the City Clerk.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Letters Objecting to Duplex Zoning on El Camino Drive - re Rezoning
Application RZ-23-83, Westwood Manor Subdivision
(L-01O-230)
Letters were received objecting to the R-3 zoning proposed on El
Camino Drive from the following residents: James E. Morrison, Russ
Benson and family, Warren and Tara Swanson, Bobby and Margie Sluder,
Gerald and Jana Isaac, and Sharon Lance. A petition was also received
which contained approximately 20 signatures, objecting to the rezon-
ing.
Mayor Gard noted that these objections would be considered when the
ordinance regarding Rezoning Application RZ-23-83 is considered later
on in this meeting.
CEDARS ROAD SEWER ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1983-6
(A-170-100-078)
Special Bond Counsel Sperry submitted the following documents for filing
and adoption re Cedars Road Sewer Assessment District No. 1983-6:
Petitions
Certificate re Petitions
1/16/84
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Resolution - Accepting Petitions
MOTION: Made by Councilman Kirkpatrick, seconded by Councilman Demsher
that Resolution No. 84-13 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of
the City of Redding accepting petitions re Cedars Road Sewer Assessment
District No. 1983-6.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Demsher, Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Resolution No. 84-13 is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
Boundary Map
Resolution - Approving Boundary Map
MOTION: Made by Councilman Kirkpatrick, seconded by Councilman Demsher
that Resolution No. 84-14 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of
the City of Redding approving the boundary map re Cedars Road Sewer Assess-
ment District No. 1983-6.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Demsher, Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Resolution No. 84-14 is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
Resolution - Approving Agreement for Legal Services
MOTION: Made by Councilman Kirkpatrick, seconded by Councilman Demsher
that Resolution No. 84-15 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of
the City of Redding approving agreement for legal services re Cedars Road
Sewer Assessment District No. 1983-6.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Demsher, Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Resolution No. 84-15 is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
Resolution - of Intention
MOTION: Made by Councilman Kirkpatrick, seconded by Councilman Demsher
that Resolution No. 84-16 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of
the City of Redding of intention to order improvements re Cedars Road Sewer
Assessment District No. 1983-6.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Demsher, Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Resolution No. 84-16 is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
Engineers Report
Resolution - Accepting Report and Setting Hearing
MOTION: Made by Councilman Kirkpatrick, seconded by Councilman Demsher
that Resolution No. 84-17 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of
the City of Redding accepting report and setting the hearing for 7:30 P.M. ,
February 21 , 1984, re Cedars Road Sewer Assessment District No. 1983-6.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Demsher, Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Resolution No. 84-17 is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
1/16/84
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Notice of Improvement
Resolution - Calling for Bids
MOTION: Made by Councilman Kirkpatrick, seconded by Councilman Demsher
that Resolution No. 84-18 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of
the City of Redding calling for construction bids re Cedars Road Sewer
Assessment District No. 1983-6.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Demsher, Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Resolution No. 84-18 is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
Notice Inviting Sealed Bids
LAKE KESWICK SEWER ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1982-6
(A-170-100-330)
Special Bond Counsel Sperry advised that he has had several conversations
with Mr. Steve Swendiman, the Shasta County Supervisor who represents the
Lake Keswick area. Mr. Sperry stated that Mr. Swendiman has advised that
some of his constituents in this area have expressed some concerns about
the assessment district. He said since Mr. Swendiman will not be in
attendance at tomorrow' s Board of Supervisors meeting, the resolution
granting jurisdiction to the City will not be considered as originally
planned, but will be scheduled when Mr. Swendiman will be in attendance.
Mr. Sperry submitted the following documents for filing and adoption:
Petitions
Certificate re Petitions
Resolution - Accepting Petition
MOTION: Made by Councilman Demsher, seconded by Councilman Kirkpatrick,
that Resolution No. 84-19 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of
the City of Redding accepting petitions re Lake Keswick Sewer Assessment
District No. 1982-6.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Demsher, Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Resolution No. 84-19 is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
Boundary Map
Resolution - Approving Boundary Map
MOTION: Made by Councilman Demsher, seconded by Councilman Kirkpatrick,
that Resolution No. 84-20 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of
the City of Redding approving the boundary map re Lake Keswick Sewer
Assessment District No. 1982-6.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Demsher, Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Resolution No. 84-20 is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
Resolution - Approving Agreement for Engineering Services
MOTION: Made by Councilman Demsher, seconded by Councilman Kirkpatrick,
that Resolution No. 84-21 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of
1/16/84
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the City of Redding approving agreement for engineering services re Lake
Keswick Sewer Assessment District No. 1982-6.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Demsher, Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Resolution No. 84-21 is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
Resolution - Approving Agreement for Legal Services
MOTION: Made by Councilman Demsher, seconded by Councilman Kirkpatrick,
that Resolution No. 84-22 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of
the City of Redding approving agreement for legal services re Lake Keswick
Sewer Assessment District No. 1982-6.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Demsher, Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Resolution No. 84-22 is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
Resolution - Requesting Jurisdiction from the County of Shasta
MOTION: Made by Councilman Demsher, seconded by Councilman Kirkpatrick,
that Resolution No. 84-23 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of
the City of Redding requesting jurisdiction from the County of Shasta re
Lake Keswick Sewer Assessment District No. 1982-6.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Demsher, Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Resolution No. 84-23 is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
ORDINANCE - re Rezoning Application RZ-23-83, Westwood Manor Subdivision
(L-010-230)
City Attorney Hays noted that Ordinance 1673, Rezoning Application
RZ-23-83, is before Council for second reading and adoption; however, since
there was some difference of opinion at the public hearing, it would be
possible to amend the original ordinance and re-offer it for first reading
if Council so desired.
Councilman Kirkpatrick stated that at the last Council meeting, he offered
Ordinance No. 1673 for first reading which included an R-2 (duplex) zoning
on six lots on El Camino Drive. He advised that since that time, he has
received several calls from residents objecting to the R-2 zoning and
asking that the six lots in question be zoned R-1 to conform with the
existing development on El Camino. Mr. Kirkpatrick felt the residents had
some very good points and he recommended that they put their objections in
writing to the City Council .
Councilman Kirkpatrick re-introduced Ordinance No. 1673 in its amended form
eliminating the R-2 zoning, and including the six lots on El Camino Drive
in the R-1 zoning category, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of
Redding amending Section 18.06.020 of the Redding Municipal Code relating
to the rezoning of certain real property in the City of Redding (RZ-23-83) .
ORDINANCE - re Rezoning Application RZ-25-83, 451 Hilltop Drive
(L-010-230)
Councilman Pugh abstained from voting on this matter.
MOTION: Made by Councilman Kirkpatrick, seconded by Councilman Demsher
that full reading of Ordinance No. 1674 be waived and the City Attorney be
instructed to read the title. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes with Councilman
Pugh abstaining
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MOTION: Made by Councilman Demsher, seconded by Councilman Fulton that
Ordinance No. 1674 be adopted, an ordinance of the City Council of the City
of Redding amending Section 18.06.020 of the Redding Municipal Code relat-
ing to the rezoning of certain real property in the City of Redding
(RZ-25-83) .
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Demsher, Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Ordinance No. 1674 is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
CONTRACT WITH WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION - for Electric Service
(E-120-900)
Electric Director Lindley requested Council consideration of the replace-
ment contract for electric service between the Western Area Power Adminis-
tration and the City of Redding. He advised that the contract which
replaces the City's existing contract for electric service with Western,
was submitted to Council as an information item at the last City Council
meeting.
It is the recommendation of staff that Council approve the new contract
with Western Area Power Administration for electric service to the City of
Redding.
MOTION: Made by Councilman Demsher, seconded by Councilman Kirkpatrick
approving Contract No. DE-MS65-83WP 59008, with Western Area Power Adminis-
tration for electric service to the City of Redding and authorizing the
Mayor to sign the contract documents. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes
CONTRACT WITH WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION - for Construction of
Transmission Facilities for the Whiskeytown Power Project and Energy
Purchase from the Project
(E-120-070-825)
Electric Director Lindley requested Council consideration of the contract
between the City of Redding and the Western Area Power Administration for
the construction of transmission facilities for the Whiskeytown Power
Project and energy purchase from the project by Western. He advised that
the subject contract was submitted to Council for information at its last
regular meeting and provides for a 40-year term of agreement for transmis-
sion and a 10-year term of agreement for the sale of surplus power to
Western.
It is the recommendation of staff that Council approve the contract.
MOTION: Made by Councilman Kirkpatrick, seconded by Councilman Demsher
approving the contract with Western Area Power Administration for the
construction of transmission facilities for the Whiskeytown Power Project
and the sale of surplus project energy to Western, and authorizing the
Mayor to sign the contract documents. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes
CONTRACT WITH BROWN-BOVERI CORP. - Authorization to Proceed with
Whiskeytown Power Project
0-050-020 and E-120-070-825)
Electric Director Lindley advised that on May 28, 1981 , the City Council
awarded a "turnkey" contract to the Brown-Boveri Corporation (BBC) for the
Whiskeytown Power Project which included:
ITEM I - Design, manufacture, and furnish all equipment.
ITEM II - Design, engineer, and construct the project.
ITEM III - Preparation of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) Application for the License.
1/16/84
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He noted that Council authorized BBC to proceed with Item III , while Items
I and II were subject to future authorization to proceed.
Mr. Lindley stated that the Electric Department has completed its eval-
uation of the project and feels it would be beneficial to the City to
III proceed with the construction of the Whiskeytown Power Project. Charts and
graphs were shown on the Vu Graph indicating the results of the economic
evaluation of the project which was prepared by the Electric Department.
It is the recommendation of the Electric Director that Council authorize
BBC to proceed with Items I and II of the contract for the final design and
construction of the Whiskeytown Project.
In response to a question from Councilman Fulton, Mr. Lindley advised that,
based on the long-term financing of the project, the effect on electric
utility rates will be minimal . He said the long-term financing defers the
up-front costs and spreads it over a long term. He added that a rate
increase will not be necessary for this project.
Mayor Gard noted that the effect of long-term financing acts to protect the
rate structure and added that the alternative would be to buy peaking power
from PGandE or another wholesaler at a much higher rate.
Mr. Lindley said there will be debt service from the project; however,
considering the cost of purchasing power from outside utilities at a far
greater rate, the effect is an overall reduction for the rate payer.
Councilman Demsher emphasized that this is a relative matter and the City
is certainly in a more favorable position to have its own source of power.
III Councilman Pugh pointed out that rate increases in the future are inevi-
table and the key is the relative cost of power. He said with this project
the City is able to minimize the costs and hopefully avoid the necessity of
buying wholesale electric-ty.
Councilman Pugh thanked the Electric Department staff and the City Attorney
for the many hours of hard work that went into this contract. Mayor Gard
concurred and emphasized hat this is a very favorable contract.
Mr. Lindley advised that here are members of the Brown-Boveri Corporation
in the audience to address Council if there are any questions. Mr. Lindley
thanked Council for its perseverance on the project and noted that the
project began in 1976 and will be on line roughly ten years after its
initiation.
MOTION: Made by Councilman Demsher, seconded by Councilman Kirkpatrick
authorizing the Brown-Boveri Corporation to proceed with Items I and II of
Contract 9199, Bid Schedullle No. 1287, for the final design and construction
of the Whiskeytown Project, and authorizing the Mayor to sign the contract
documents. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes
In response to a remark by Mayor Gard, Mr. Lindley said he would arrange
for a ground-breaking ceremony at the appropriate time.
TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP S-24-83 - Keswick Estates Subdivision
III (S-100-375)
Council was advised that the Planning Commission has granted permission to
subdivide property located generally at the east end of Keswick Dam Road,
into 16 lots described as Tentative Subdivision Map S-24-83. A map of the
area was shown on the Vu Graph and Council was given a copy of the condi-
tions of approval . This was an information item.
TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP S-25-83 - Castle Hill Subdivision
(S-100-072)
Council was advised that the Planning Commission has granted permission to
subdivide property located generally southeast of the intersection of
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Quartz Hill and Keswick Dam Road, into 180 lots described as Tentative
Subdivision Map S-25-83. A map of the area was shown on the Vu Graph and
Council was given a copy of the conditions of approval . This was an
information item.
CABLE TV SURVEY
(T-040-050)
Planning and Community Development Director Perry submitted for Council ' s
information, the results of the Cable TV Survey conducted last October.
This report included the survey prepared by Viacom.
No action was required on this matter.
RESOLUTION - re Lot Line Adjustment LS-92-83, by Glen Hawk and J & K Baker
Enterprises
(L-010-150)
Councilman Demsher abstained from voting on this matter.
MOTION: Made by Councilman Kirkpatrick, seconded by Councilman Fulton that
Resolution No. 84-24 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the
City of Redding waiving the requirement of a parcel map for Lot Split
Application No. LS-92-83.
Voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members - Fulton, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Gard
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Abstain: Council Members - Demsher
Resolution No. 84-24 is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
VICTOR AVENUE - Prohibition of Parking
(S-050-100-900 and P-030-250)
Public Works Director Arness reviewed his memorandum to Council dated
January 12, 1984, which is incorporated herein by reference. He advised
that the Traffic and Parking Commission held a public meeting to obtain
comments on the staff-proposed parking prohibition on Victor Avenue from
Cypress Avenue to Mistletoe Lane. He noted that Mr. Odegard, property
owner of apartments south of Mistletoe, was the only property owner who
attended the meeting. Mr. Arness said four alternatives were reviewed:
1 . Leave Victor as a two lane roadway.
2. Prohibit on-street parking.
3. Prohibit on-street parking but grant property owner's a variance
to allow parking in the front yard set back.
4. Widen street section to allow for on-street parking.
Mr. Arness advised that, after review of the alternatives and input from
Mr. Odegard, the Commission felt that Alternative No. 4 offered the best
solution. They felt that the property owners should be notified that the
City is proceeding with the five lane concept of Victor, and that parking
will someday be prohibited. Mr. Arness said the Commission felt that, in
the area of the four fourplexes south of Mistletoe, the property owners
should be given the opportunity to expand the street section to allow for
parking. He noted that this project would be totally at the property
owners' expense and that Mr. Odegard was in complete accord with this
recommendation.
It is the recommendation of the Traffic and Parking Commission that no
immediate change be made in the parking prohibition at this time, but
acknowledges that the City has a responsibility to maintain capacity and
safety on Victor which will require the prohibition of on-street parking.
In response to an inquiry from Mayor Gard, Mr. Arness advised that he will
advise the owners of the four fourplexes south of Mistletoe that the
assessment district form of financing is available to them if they wish to
expand the street section to allow for on-street parking.
1/16/84
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No action was taken on this matter.
ORDINANCE - Establishing "Commercial Vehicles for Hire" Prohibition on
Redwood Boulevard
(S-070-150)
Public Works Director Arness advised that the Traffic and Parking Commis-
sion considered a staff recommendation to prohibit commercial vehicles on
residential sections along Redwood Boulevard, White River Drive, and
Beltline Road.
It is the recommendation of the Commission that commercial vehicles be
prohibited on Beltline Road south of Caterpillar Road and on Redwood
Boulevard and White River Drive. An ordinance has been prepared for first
reading.
Councilman Kirkpatrick offered Ordinance No. 1675 for first reading, an
ordinance of the City Council of the City of Redding amending Chapter 11 .21
of the Redding Municipal Code by repealing Section 11 .2.1 .010 and substitut-
ing a new Section 11 .21 .010, pertaining to commercial vehicle restrictions.
ASTROLOGY SURVEY REVIEW
(L-070-100 and C-110-100)
Councilman Pugh abstained from discussion and voting on this matter and
excused himself from the meeting at this time.
City Attorney Hays submitted a summary of the results of a survey under-
taken regarding other cities ' regulations pertaining to astrology and
related matters. He advised that 432 cities through the State of Cali-
fornia were contacted and 252 have responded. He said 138 cities prohi-
bited said practices, 88 cities regulated the practice through licensing
procedures, 23 cities had no ordinance regulating such activities , and the
remaining cities could not be categorized.
Mr. Hays indicated that Mr. Dave Peters , a representative from the Cali-
fornia State Department of Justice is present to make a presentation to
Council and a videotape by David Horowitz will be shown. Mr. Hays
explained that the California Government Code does give cities the author-
ity to regulate the practice of astrology for compensation.
David Peters, from the State Department of Justice, briefed the Council on
some of the problems related to fortune telling in the State of California.
He indicated that many of the victims of fortune tellers are the elderly,
people who are in poor health, and individuals who are in such a psycholog-
ical state that they cannot resist the pitch. Mr. Peters reviewed some
cases where people have been swindled out of large sums of money, in some
cases, over $100,000. He felt that astrology for compensation also
possesses some of the same potential problems.
Councilman Fulton commented that he did not feel astrology is the same as
fortune telling. Mr. Peters responded that the potential is there for
fraud but added that this is not to say that everyone engaging in that
activity is trying to defraud the public.
Minta Reichel stated she is the one who asked for a business license -as an
astrologer. She said astrology is based on the planets positions as they
relate to the earth, and that she has no knowledge of fortune telling or
other similar activities. Mrs. Reichel pointed out the possibility of
fraud in any profession and stressed that she is not one of the bunco
artists as described in the film. She said people who know astrology and
are proud of their profession can be just as honest as anyone else. She
emphasized that people have been using astrology for centuries to plant
crops, and pointed out the increase in crimes, fires, hospital emergencies,
etc. during a full moon. Mrs. Reichel felt astrology is a science that
should be brought out of the closet and researched.
1/16/84
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City Attorney Hays advised Council that it would be appropriate at this
time to indicate whether or not Council wishes to change the existing
ordinance which prohibits astrology for compensation. He pointed out that
this City' s ordinance is not unique in the State of California and is
authorized by State law.
Mayor Gard felt astrology does have the potential for abuse. She added
that there are no provisions for determining competence, and that public
protection is primary. She said Council Members have given this matter
thoughtful consideration and weighed the pros and cons.
Councilman Demsher said he sees no need for changing the existing ordi-
nance. He feels astrology is more a philosophy than a science and doesn't
see the need to have an exchange of money.
Councilman Kirkpatrick concurred but emphasized that this is not aimed at
any individual but is based on the potential for problems.
MOTION: Made by Councilman Kirkpatrick, seconded by Councilman Fulton that
no change be made in the existing ordinance which prohibits astrology for
compensation. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes with Councilman Pugh abstaining
SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS
City Attorney Hays advised that the following claims have been settled by
the City' s insurance carrier:
Richard A. Beserra, Attorney on behalf of G. F. Wentland
Claim for Personal Injury filed 7/14/83
Settled in the amount of $4,500
(C-090-050)
California Automobile Association on behalf of Fields Jewelry, Inc.
Claim for Damages filed 6/2.3/83
Settled in the amount of $476.55
(C-090-020)
These were information items and no action was required by Council .
ROUTINE REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Civil Aeronautics Board:
(F-200-078)
Order Requesting Proposals re Essential Air Transportation for
Palmdale/Lancaster/Inyokern, CA
Alcoholic Beverage License Applications:
(A-110-140)
Nut Ranch (Howard & Marilyn Cotton)
1411 Yuba Street
Big Red's Barbecue & Liquor To Go
2550 Bechelli Lane
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, at the hour of 8:05 P.M. , Mayor Gard
declared the meeting adjourned.
APPROVED:
ayor4;4 , I/
l., e
ATTEST:
City Clerk
1/16/84