WEED CITY COUNCIL

    REGULAR MEETING

  MARCH 23, 2000

 

The City Council of the City of Weed held a regular meeting on Thursday, March 23, 2000, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. 

Mayor Neva Barnett called the meeting to order and led recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.  Present, in addition to Mayor Barnett, were Council Members Roy Bergfors, Amelia “Mel” Borcalli, Joel Obuchon, and Vince Tallerico.  Also present were City Administrator Earl Wilson, Police Sergeant Bill Lachenmyer, Fire Chief Darin Quigley, Public Works Director Craig Sharp, and City Clerk Deborah Salvestrin. 

          PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR

Mayor Barnett invited comments from the audience on specific agenda items or any item of interest that is within the Council’s jurisdiction noting that no action could be taken by the Council except to set the matter presented for the next regular Council meeting.  There were none. 

COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS

            Council Member Borcalli reported on the status of the Adopt a Street program noting that the logo has been sent to a sign company to obtain an estimate. 

            Mayor Barnett asked that interested Council and staff plan for a photograph to be taken at the first Council meeting in May to be used in the time capsule that will be placed in the Siskiyou County Courthouse for 50 years. 

            Mayor Barnett also announced that the League of California Cities is urging counties and cities and individuals to get a message to the Governor to support $5,000,000 to be distributed as gas taxes every year for street and road work.  Council concurred and asked the staff to draft the letter to the Governor. 

PUBLIC HEARING:  BOARD OF APPEALS –
UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS

A.  Notice of Substandard or Dangerous Condition, 212 Pine Street:  Appeal of Notice ordering demolition submitted by Terry Shumlai

            Mayor Barnett reviewed that this matter was first considered last fall but was re-noticed due to technicalities in the notice to the property owners.  Mayor Barnett added that the appellant, Mr. Shumlai, phoned her to ask that the item be continued because he is unable to attend due to transportation problems. 

            City Administrator Wilson noted he also received a call from Mr. Shumlai and suggested the Council has the options of going ahead with the hearing, or opening the hearing and hear testimony of anyone present and continue the item. 

            Council agreed to open the hearing to hear the report from the Building Inspector, and continue to the next meeting. 

Mayor Barnett reviewed the procedures for the conduct of public hearings, and then declared the present as the time and place for the scheduled hearing.  Mayor Barnett asked for and received verification that proper notice had been given in accordance with the law, and then declared the hearing open at 7:12 p.m.

            Building Inspector Smith reviewed that the substandard conditions have existed since 1993, and no attempt to improve the property has been made since the Council’s meeting last September. 

Mayor Barnett asked for comments and/or questions in opposition to the demolition order.  There were none. 

            Mayor Barnett asked for comments and/or questions in support of the demolition order.  There were none. 

            There being no comments from the Council, Mayor Barnett moved to continue the hearing to the next meeting at which time action will be taken with or without Mr. Shumlai’s presence.  Council Member Obuchon seconded the motion.

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, Obuchon, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            None

REGULAR AGENDA

            Mayor Barnett received a request that item H be considered earlier in the published agenda to accommodate the speaker.  Council Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Bergfors, to amend the order of the published agenda to consider item H after item B.

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, Obuchon, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            None

A. Transient Occupancy Tax Funding disbursements

            Mayor Barnett thanked the applicants for revising their funding requests pursuant to Council request in light of the expected funding level. 

            Council Member Bergfors reviewed that $53,742 is available for distribution, and presented a proposal.  Council Members then discussed and adjusted various amounts. 

            Jim Gubetta representing the Weed Museum questioned whether the Museum could use the funding for parking rather than lighting improvements, and Council agreed the funding could be used for both.

            Aldo Rossetto representing the Weed Cemetery asked the Council to reconsider the funding for the tractor.   Council agreed to add the funding for the tractor. 

            Charles Byrd speaking on behalf of both the Cemetery and the Museum reminded the Council of the efforts that brought the cemeteries from a state of shambles, and of those that established the Museum. 

            Scott Durbin representing the Centennial Committee supported the Museum and its importance through the Centennial celebration.  Dr. Durbin also questioned how the cemeteries generate Transient Occupancy Tax. 

            Virgil Rossetto, representing the Weed Cemetery, informed the Council there are three Civil War Veterans buried there, and added that many visitors come through town wanting to see where their relatives are buried, and some even spend the night visiting other things around here.  Mr. Rossetto also stated that there are nine acres to mow but the Association cannot afford an expensive tractor.

            Council Member Bergfors moved, seconded by Council Member Borcalli, to approve funding as adjusted as follows:

            Beta Sigma Phi for landscaping                                                               $ 1,000

            Centennial Committee for advertising & promotion                             $ 2,850

            Siskiyou Community Center for public education campaign            $10,000

            Siskiyou County EDC for Enterprise Zone Administration                    $10,000

            Weed Chamber of Commerce                                                                 $12,250

                        Tree Maintenance                                                  $ 1,500

                        Cabin &Grounds Maintenance                          $    750

                        Arch Maintenance                                                  $    500

                        Repair welcome signs & new signs               $ 1,000

                        Trash receptacles                                                    $ 1,000

                        Ambassador                                                              $ 4,500

                        Seasonal banners                                                    $ 1,500

                        S.R.D.A.                                                                     $ 1,500

            Weed Historic Lumber Town Museum                                                         $12,100

                        Docents                                                                     $ 8,100

                        Lighting/Parking improvements                                  $ 4,000

            Weed Revitalization Committee                                                             $ 2,500

                        Seed packets                                                                      $    500

                        Repair holiday lights and decorations               $ 1,000

                        Lighting for holiday decorations                           $ 1,000

            Winema Cemetery Association                                                               $ 3,705

                        Improvements                                                         $ 1,900

                        Lawn tractor                                                                        $ 1,805

            Total                                                                                                               $54,405

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, Obuchon, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            None

            Mayor Barnett reported receiving a request to be excused submitted by Joel Obuchon who has a work related obligation.  Council Member Tallerico moved to excuse Council Member Obuchon, seconded by Council Member Borcalli.

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, Obuchon, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            None

            Council Member Obuchon left the dais and the Chambers at 7:32 p.m.

B. Request for adjustment of water billing due to undetected leak submitted by Clardies Hilliard

            City Administrator Wilson reported receipt of request for adjustment due to excessive charges caused by a water leak at a house on Crestmore Avenue. 

            Clardies Hilliard came before the Council in support of his request.  Mr. Hilliard stated he had a water leak that he noticed because the amount of the bill had doubled, and after finding it and repairing it, an overage came on the second billing too.

Mayor Barnett briefly reviewed the issue addressed in City Administrator Wilson’s staff report that the City’s Rules and Regulations do not provide provision for adjustments for water leaks.  Mayor Barnett added that Council has set the precedent of granting adjustments anyway and suggested that the policy should be reviewed and revised.  At Council request, staff agreed to place the matter on a future agenda. 

Council Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, to adjust Mr. Hilliard’s account by $20.67 for February and $5.45 for March.

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            Council Member Obuchon

H. Community Development Block Grant Program:  Proposed agreement for grant administration submitted by Great Northern Corporation

            City Administrator Wilson reviewed that the City recently received an economic development block grant, and in the past the City has had agreements with Great Northern Corporation.  Mr. Wilson stated the City is interested in continuing this arrangement, and that the State is now permitting “sub-recipient agreements” under specific conditions such as rural areas where qualified contractors are limited.  Mr. Wilson added that use of sub-recipient agreements allow entities to waive the formal request for proposal process in sole source situations where competitive bidding is not reasonable. 

            Paul Wagner, Executive Director of Great Northern Corporation, came before the Council in support of the proposed agreement.  Mr. Wagner stated that the sub-recipient agreement is similar to the agreements formerly used including Federal overlays, bonding requirements, and compliance with Office of Management and Budgets accounting principles.  Mr. Wagner also noted that Housing and Urban Development recommends the form of the agreement. 

            Mr. Wagner distributed a list showing businesses that have been assisted through previous grant programs. 

City Administrator Wilson stated that the City Attorney has not yet reviewed the agreement, and recommended Council approval and eventual execution if the Attorney approves it. 

            Council Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, to approve the Sub-recipient Agreement Between the City of Weed and Great Northern Corporation for Economic Development Grant #99-EDBG-674 subject to the approval of the City Attorney.

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            Council Member Obuchon

C.  Centennial Committee:  Verbal report on status and activities

            Bob Winston came before the Council to report that the Committee continues to seek public input and volunteers willing to become involved.  Mr. Winston agreed to report to the Council periodically. 

D. City Council Meeting Schedule:  Review and discussion of Ordinance drafted to amend Municipal Code §2.04.010.  The Council is considering a change in meeting times from 7:00 p.m. on the second Thursday to 9:00 a.m. on the second Thursday, and from 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday to 6:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday. 

            Council Member Tallerico moved, seconded by Borcalli, that the reading in full of the body of Ordinance No. 350-2000 be waived, said ordinance being introduced for first reading by title only.

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            Council Member Obuchon

            Mayor Barnett stated that the principal of Weed High School supports the change to a day-time meeting so that he can get students to observe government in action. 

Council Member Tallerico read the title of Ordinance No. 350-2000 and moved introduction for first reading, seconded by Council Member Borcalli, said ordinance being in the words and figures following:

ORDINANCE NO  350-2000

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEED

AMENDING SECTION 2.04.010, ENTITLED REGULAR MEETINGS,

OF THE WEED MUNICIPAL CODE

TO CHANGE COUNCIL MEETING TIMES

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEED DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1.  Section 2.04.010 of the Weed Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

            2.04.010  Regular meetings.  The city council shall hold regular meetings on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.  The meeting on the second Thursday of the month shall commence at 9:00 a.m., and the meeting on the fourth Thursday shall commence at the hour of 6:00 p.m., provided however, that in the months of November and December, the regular meeting shall be held only on the second Thursday of said months.  Such meetings may be adjourned from time to time.  Meetings shall be at the city hall, unless notice of a different location for same shall be stated in the agenda for the meeting, in which case the scheduling of regular meetings may be changed by resolution of the city council. 

Section 2.  This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after its passage.

Section 3.  This ordinance shall be printed in the Weed Press within fifteen (15) days after its passage.

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            Council Member Obuchon

E. Proposed Resolution quitclaiming property to Brian Palmer

            City Administrator Wilson reviewed that several years ago the City vacated excess right of way as part of a subdivision, and since that time, the property owner has requested a lot line adjustment.  Mr. Wilson stated that although the City vacated the right of way in accordance with the State Streets and Highways Code, the title company is requesting an additional resolution authorizing the conveyance of the vacated property. 

Council Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Bergfors, that the reading in full of the body of Resolution No. 04-2000 be waived, said resolution being introduced and adopted by title only.

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            Council Member Obuchon

Council Member Borcalli read the title of Resolution No. 04-2000 and moved adoption, seconded by Council Member Bergfors, said resolution being in the words and figures following:

RESOLUTION NO. 04-2000

                     A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF WEED

APPROVING THE VACATION OF RIGHT OF WAY TO BRIAN PALMER

WHEREAS, certain right of way was relinquished to the City of Weed by the State of California in 1984, and is described as Assessor’s Parcel No. 060-251-160 measuring 99.99 feet wide by 180.44 feet long; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Weed, by way of Resolution No. 21-99 adopted on April 8, 1999, expressed intention to vacate the right of way extending westward from Highway 97 opposite Alamo Avenue; and

WHEREAS, the City Council elected to conduct the vacation proceedings under Division 9, Part 3 of the California Streets and Highways Code.;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the California State Streets and Highways Code a public hearing was scheduled for May 13, 1999, at 7:00 p.m., notice of the hearing was published, and the property was posted; and

WHEREAS, at said hearing testimony in favor of, and in opposition to, the vacation was received by the City Council;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Weed hereby authorizes conveyance of that certain real property described in Exhibit “A”, attached hereto, to Brian and Debra L. Palmer.

            Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            Council Member Obuchon

F. Community Development Block Grant Program:  Proposed appointment to the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Committee

            Mayor Barnett reported that the recent death of Elmer Zimmerman has left a vacancy on the City’s CDBG Loan Committee.

            Council Member Bergfors moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, that staff advertise for individuals to submit letters of interest in appointment. 

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            Council Member Obuchon

G. Ordinance No. 349-2000:  Proposed second reading and adoption of an Ordinance of the City Of Weed Amending Title 2, Administration And Personnel, of the Weed Municipal Code Establishing a Personnel System

Council Member Bergfors moved, seconded by Council Member Borcalli, that the reading in full of the body of Ordinance No. 349-2000 be waived, said ordinance being read and adopted by title only.

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            Council Member Obuchon

Council Member Bergfors read the title of Ordinance No. 349-2000 and moved adoption, seconded by Council Member Borcalli, said ordinance being in the words and figures following:

ORDINANCE NO 349-2000

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEED

AMENDING TITLE 2, ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL

OF THE WEED MUNICIPAL CODE

ESTABLISHING A PERSONNEL SYSTEM

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEED DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1.  Section 2.12.100 of the Weed Municipal Code is hereby amended to delete “or employee” after “department head” in the first sentence.  Said first sentence shall read as follows:  “It shall be the duty of the city administrator to recommend to the council the appointment, removal, promotion, demotion of any department head.”;

            Section 2.  Chapter 2.36 of the Weed Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

            Section 3.  Chapter 2.36 is hereby added to the Weed Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 2.36

PERSONNEL SYSTEM

Sections:

            2.36.010            Adoption of personnel system

            2.36.020            Definitions

            2.36.030            Administration

            2.36.040            Competitive service

            2.36.050            Adoption and amendment of rules

            2.36.060            Appointments

            2.36.070            Probationary period

            2.36.080        Status of present employees

            2.36.090            Demotion, dismissal, reduction in pay, suspension, reprimand

            2.36.100        Right of appeal

            2.36.110        Lay-off and re-employment

            2.36.120            Political activity

            2.36.130            Contracts for special service

            2.36.140            Severability  

2.36.010  Adoption of personnel system.  In order to establish an equitable and uniform system for dealing with personnel matters, and to comply with applicable laws relating to the administration of the personnel process, the following personnel system is hereby adopted.

2.36.020  Definitions.  The terms used to administer the personnel system shall be defined in the personnel rules.

2.36.030  Administration.  The city administrator shall administer the city personnel system and may delegate any of the powers and duties to a personnel director or may delegate the appointing authority granted by the city council to any other officer or employee of the city or may recommend that such powers and duties be performed under contract as provided in section 2.36.130 of this chapter.  The city administrator shall:

A.      Act as the appointing authority for the city.

B.       Administer all the provisions of this ordinance and of the personnel rules not specifically reserved to the city council.

C.     Prepare and recommend to the city council personnel rules and revisions and amendments to such rules.

D.     Prepare or cause to be prepared a position classification plan, including class specifications, and revisions of the plan.

E.      Have the authority to discipline employees in accordance with this title and the personnel rules of the city.

F.      Provide for the publishing or posting of notices of tests for positions in the competitive service; and receiving of applications therefore; the conducting and grading of tests; the certification of a list of all persons eligible for appointment to the appropriate position in the competitive service; and performing any other duty that may be required to administer the personnel system.

2.36.040  Competitive service.  The provisions of the ordinance shall apply to all officers, positions and employments in the service of the city, except:

A.      Elective officers.

B.       The city administrator and any assistants to the city administrator.

C.     The city attorney and any assistant or deputy city attorneys.

D.     The city clerk and any assistant or deputy city clerks.

E.      Members of appointive boards, commissions, and committees.

F.      The following department heads:

1.     chief of police

2.     director of finance

3.     director of public works

4.     fire chief

G.     Volunteer personnel, such as volunteer fire fighters.

H.     All council appointed city officers.

I.        Emergency employees who are hired to meet the immediate requirements of any emergency condition, such as extraordinary fire, flood, or earthquake that threatens life or property.

J.       Employees, other than those listed elsewhere in this section, which are not regularly employed in permanent positions.  “Regularly employed in permanent positions” means an employee hired for an indefinite term into a budgeted position, who is regularly scheduled to work no less than one thousand and forty (1040) hours per year, and has successfully completed the probationary period and been retained as provided in this ordinance and the personnel rules.

K.     Any position primarily funded under a state or federal employment program.

L.      Employees not included in the competitive service under this section shall serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority.

2.36.050  Adoption and amendment of rules.  Personnel rules shall be adopted by resolution of the city council.  The rules may establish regulations governing the personnel system, including:

A.      Preparation, installation, revision, and maintenance of a position classification plan covering all positions in the competitive service, including employment standards and qualifications for each class.

B.       Appropriate announcement of the selection process and acceptance of applications for employment.

C.     Preparation and conduct of tests and the establishment and use of resulting employment lists containing names of persons eligible for appointment.

D.     Certification and appointment of persons from employment lists, and the making of provisional appointments.

E.      Establishment of probationary testing periods.

F.      Evaluation of employees during the probationary testing period and thereafter.

G.     Transfer, promotion, demotio0n, reinstatement, disciplinary action and layoff of employees in the competitive service.

H.     Separation of employees from the city service.

I.        The establishment and maintenance of adequate personnel records for purpose of accounting and legal requirements.

J.       The establishment of any necessary appeal procedures.

2.36.060  Appointments.  Appointments to vacant positions in the competitive service shall be made in accordance with the personnel rules.  Appointments and promotions shall be based on merit and fitness to the ascertained so far a practicable by competitive examination.  Examinations may be used and conducted to aid the selection of qualified employees and shall consist of selection techniques which will test fairly the qualifications of candidates such as achievement and aptitude tests, written tests, personal interview, performance tests, physical agility tests, evaluation of daily work performance, work samples or any combination of these or other tests.  The probationary period shall be considered an extension of the examination process.  Physical, medical and psychological tests may be given as part of any examination.

In any examination the City Administrator or his/her designee may include, in addition to competitive tests, a qualifying test or tests, and set minimum standards therefore.

The appointing authority of employees in the competitive service is the city administrator.  The city administrator may delegate the appointing authority to any other officer or employee of the city.

2.36.070  Probationary period.  All regular appointments, including promotional appointments, shall be for a probationary period of not less than one year.  The appointing authority may extend such probationary period up to six additional months.  The probationary period shall commence from the date of appointment.  In the event of illness or injury requiring absence from work the number of days absent shall be added to the length of the probationary period.  During the probationary period, the employee may be rejected at any time without the right of appeal, hearing or any grievance procedure.

If the service of the probationary employee has been satisfactory to the appointing authority, then the appointing authority shall file with the Personnel Officer a statement in writing to such effect and stating that the retention of such employee in the service is desired.  If such a statement is not filed, the employee will be deemed to be unsatisfactory and his employment terminated at the expiration of the probationary period.  Where a statement of satisfactory service has not been filed, the personnel officer shall serve notice of the termination on the terminated employee after the expiration of the selection period.

An employee rejected during the probationary period from a opposition to which he has been promoted shall be reinstated to a position in the class from which he was promoted unless he is discharged from the City service as provided in the personnel rules.  If no vacancy exists in such position, he shall be placed on a re-employment list as provided in the personnel rules.

2.36.080  Status of present employees.  Any person holding a position included in the competitive service who, on the effective date of this ordinance, shall have served continuously in such position, or in some other position in the competitive service, for a period equal to the probationary period prescribed in the rules for his class, shall assume regular status in the competitive service in the position held on such effective date without qualifying test, and shall thereafter be subject in all respects to the provisions of this ordinance and the personnel rules.

Any other persons holding positions in the competitive service shall be regarded as probationers who are serving out the balance of their probationary periods as prescribed in the rules before obtaining regular status.  The probationary period shall be computed from the date of appointment or employment.

2.36.090  Demotion, dismissal, reduction in pay, suspension, reprimand.  The city administrator or any appointing power shall have the authority to demote, discharge, reprimand, reduce in pay, or suspend, any regular employee for cause in accordance with procedures included in the personnel rules.

2.36.100  Right of appeal.  Any employee in the competitive service shall have the right to appeal a demotion, reduction in pay, suspension, or discharge for disciplinary or medical reasons, except in those instances where the right of appeal is specifically prohibited by this ordinance or the rules adopted hereunder.

All appeals shall be processed in accordance with the requirements and procedures as set forth in the personnel rules adopted pursuant to this ordinance.

2.36.110  Lay-off and re-employment.  Lay-off and re-employment actions shall follow the process outlined in the personnel rules.

2.36.120  Political activity.  The political activities of city employees shall conform to pertinent provisions of state law and any local provisions adopted pursuant to state law.

2.36.130  Contracts for special service.  The city administrator shall consider and make recommendations to the city council regarding the extent to which the city should contract for the performance of technical services in connection with the establishment or operation of the personnel system.  The city council may contract with any qualified person or public or private agency for the performance of all or any of the following responsibilities and duties imposed by this ordinance:

A.     The preparation of personnel rules and subsequent revisions and amendments thereof.

B.      The preparation of a position classification plan, and subsequent revisions and amendments thereof.

C.     The preparation, conduct and grading of competitive tests.

D.     The conduct of employee training programs.

E.      Special and technical services of advisory or informational character on matters relating to personnel administration.

2.36.140  Severability.  If any part of this chapter is found to be unenforceable, the other parts shall remain in force insofar as they can be given meaning and effect."

Section 4.  This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after its passage.

Section 5.  This ordinance shall be printed in the Weed Press within fifteen (15) days after its passage.

            Upon roll call, the vote was: 

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            Council Member Obuchon

I. Proposed ordinance amendment:  lot mergers

            City Administrator Wilson recommended amendment of the zoning ordinance to include authority to merge and or make lot line adjustments.  Mr. Wilson noted that current ordinance does not speak to mergers, and is very brief with regard to adjustments.  Mr. Wilson stated an ordinance has been drafted for Council review and action if appropriate. 

Council Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Mayor Barnett, that the reading in full of the body of Ordinance No. 351-2000 be waived, said ordinance being introduced for first reading by title only.

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            Council Member Obuchon

            Council Member Borcalli read the title of Ordinance No. 351-2000 and moved introduction for first reading, seconded by Council Member Bergfors, said ordinance being in the words and figures following:

ORDINANCE NO 351-2000

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEED

AMENDING TITLE 17, SUBDIVISIONS,

OF THE WEED MUNICIPAL CODE

ADDING CHAPTERS REGULATING MERGER OF CONTIGUOUS PARCELS,

AND LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEED DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1.  Chapter 25 is hereby added to Title 17 of the Weed Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 17.25

MERGER OF CONTIGUOUS PARCELS

Sections:

17.25.010            Authority for merger of contiguous parcels

17.25.020            Owner-initiated merger of contiguous lots or parcels

17.25.030            City-initiated merger of contiguous lots or parcels

17.25.040            Form of petition

17.25.050            Findings

17.25.060            Recordation of instrument evidencing the merger

17.25.070            Failure to conform to procedures—Application may be avoided

17.25.080            Merger application processing fee

17.25.010  Authority for merger of contiguous parcels.  Two or more, but less than five contiguous parcels or lots of subdivided real property which have been created under the provisions of the Subdivision Map Act of the California Government Code or any prior law regulating the division of land, or a city ordinance enacted pursuant thereto, or which were not subject to those provisions at the time of their creation, may be merged without a reversion to acreage and an associated parcel map, under the authority of Section 66499.20 ¾ of the Subdivision Map Act of the California Government Code.

17.25.020  Owner-initiated merger of contiguous lots or parcels.  The owner(s) of any two or more, but less than five, contiguous lots or parcels may request a merger of said lots or parcels upon the submittal of an application of all the owners of record of the real property in question requesting such merger, and by filing with the city administrator an application for owner-initiated merger and waiver of parcel map, on a form provided by the City.  All owners must have an interest in each of the parcels sought to be merged.  The petition and application shall be processed and the request approved, denied and/or appealed in accordance with the provisions of Section 17.25.040 of this Code.

17.25.030  City-initiated merger of contiguous lots or parcels.   he city administrator shall require the owner to initiate the process to merge into a single lot or parcel any two or more, but less than five, contiguous lots or parcels of land which are held by the same owner, prior to any land use approval, or the issuance of any building permits on said lots or parcels if no land use approval is required, when any one or more of the following conditions apply:

A.  Any one or more of the contiguous lots or parcels held by the same owner does not conform to the minimum parcel size and/or dimensional standards set forth for the zoning district in which such lots or parcels are located.

B.  One or more of the parcels or lots is developed, or will be developed, with a single primary structure, that is also partially sited on a contiguous lot or parcel under the same ownership.

C.  One or more of the parcels or lots is developed, or will be developed, with a primary use or structure that will be partially or wholly sited on a contiguous lot or parcel under the same ownership.

D.  Merger is required by the city as a condition of any land use approval or for the issuance of any permit.

17.25.040  Form of application.  The application cited in §17.25.020 shall contain the following information:

A.  Evidence of title (e.g. grant deeds and title report) to all of the parcels of real property involved in the merger.

B.  Written consent of all the owners of interest(s) in all of the parcels of real property involved in the merger.  The consent shall be notarized.

C.  An exhibit, drawn to a standard engineering scale, delineating the existing parcel boundaries and the location of any existing structures and easements; and delineating the boundaries of the parcel after the merger.

D.  Evidence of any variances, encroachment permits, or other evidence of entitlement to deviation from existing zoning law requirements.

E.  Evidence of legal and physical access to the parcel and evidence that access to adjoining lots and parcels will not be eliminated or restricted by the merger.

F.  Evidence that all property taxes are current for all of the affected parcels.

G.  After receipt of the application, applicant may be required to provide such other pertinent information as may be determined by the city administrator and/or the city engineer to be needed for the proper processing of the application.  Such additional information may include, but is not limited to the following: topographic data, data relative to drainage conditions or flood hazards, relative location of public facilities and improvements, information relative to the potential environmental impact of the merger, record survey, etc.

17.25.050  Findings.  The real property described in §17.25.030 of this Code may only be merged when the city administrator finds that:

A.  The lots to be merged are, at the time of merger, under common ownership and all owners have an interest in the real property to be merged have consented to the merger, in writing;

B.  The parcel(s) or lot(s) to be created by the merger meet or exceed the minimum dimensions and area as to size established by the zoning district in which said lots or parcels are located, or a variance thereto has been granted;

C.  The lot or parcel to be created by the merger has legal and physical access, and access to adjoining lots or parcels will not be eliminated or restricted by the merger;

D.  All property taxes are current for all affected parcels.  Any delinquent property taxes have been paid on all affected lots/parcels that are the subject of the merger;

E.  It clearly appears from the record, as determined by the city administrator, that any easements of record affecting the lots or parcels to be merged, or for adjoining lots or parcels, will not be restricted or eliminated by the merger.  Alternatively, where it appears from the record, as determined by the city administrator, that any such easement may be restricted or eliminated, a written, notarized, statement of noninterference has been received from the easement holder. 

F.  No new lot lines will be created through the merger.

17.25.060  Recordation of instrument evidencing the merger.  Upon the granting of a merger by the city administrator, a notice of merger shall be prepared by the city administrator.  The notice of merger shall specify the names of the record owner or owners and describe the real property.  The notice of merger shall be filed with the city clerk, who shall be responsible for recording the document with the county recorder of the county of Siskiyou.

17.25.070  Failure to conform to procedures—Application may be avoided.  Failure by the applicant to conform to any of the procedures or time limits set forth herein may result in the voiding of the merger application.

17.25.080  Merger application processing fee.  Applicant may be charged a reasonable fee, in an amount not to exceed the costs as determined by resolution of the city council, for processing the merger application.”

            Section 2.  Chapter 26 is hereby added to Title 17 of the Weed Municipal Code to read as follows:

“Chapter 17.26

LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT

Sections:

17.26.010            Definition

17.26.020            Authority for Lot Line Adjustment

17.26.030            Application

17.26.040            Findings

17.26.050            Recordation of instrument evidencing the adjustment

17.26.060            Failure to conform to procedures—Application may be voided

17.26.070            Adjustment application processing fee

17.26.010  Definition  A lot line adjustment is any division of land exempt from the requirements of the Subdivision Map Act of the California Government Code, in which no more parcels are created by the division than originally existed prior to the adjustment.

            17.26.020  Authority for lot line adjustment.  Two or more existing adjacent parcels or lots of subdivided real property which have been created under the provisions of the Subdivision Map Act of the California Government Code or any prior law regulating the division of land, or a city ordinance enacted pursuant thereto, or which were not subject to those provisions at the time of their creation, may have their lot lines adjusted without an associated parcel map, under the authority of §66412(d) of the Subdivision Map Act of the California Government Code.

            17.26.030  Application.  An application shall be submitted in writing, on a form provided by the city that shall contain the following information:

A.  Evidence of title (I.e. grant deeds and title report) to all of the parcels of real property involved in the adjustment.

            B.  Written consent of all the owners of interest(s) in all of the parcels of real property involved in the adjustment.  The consent shall be notarized.

            C.  An exhibit, drawn to a standard engineering scale, delineating the existing parcels boundaries and the location of any existing structures and easements; and delineating the boundaries of the parcel after the adjustment.

            D.  A legal description of the parcels after the adjustment.

            E.  Evidence of any variances, encroachment permits, or other evidence of entitlement to deviation from existing zoning law requirements.

            F.  Evidence of legal and physical access to the parcels and evidence that access to adjoining lots and parcels will not be eliminated or restricted by the adjustment.

            G.  Evidence that all property taxes are current for all of the affected parcels.

            H.  After receipt of the application, applicant may be required to provide such other pertinent information as may be determined by the city administrator and/or the city engineer to be needed for the proper processing of the application.  Such additional information may include, but is not limited to the following: topographic data, data relative to drainage conditions or flood hazards, relative location of public facilities and improvements, information relative to the potential environmental impact of the adjustment, record survey, etc.

            17.26.040  Findings.  The real properties described in §17.26.030 of this Code may only have lot lines adjusted when the city administrator finds that:

            A.  The lots with the line(s) to be adjusted are, at the time of the adjustment, have all owners with an interest in the real property consenting to the adjustment, in writing;

            B.  All the parcel(s) or lot(s) to be created by the adjustment meet or exceed the minimum dimensions and area as to size established by the zoning district in which said lots or parcels are located, or a variance thereto has been granted;

            C.  No new lot or lots are created through the adjustment.

            D.  All the lot or parcel to be created by the adjustment has legal and physical access, and access to adjoining lots or parcels will not be eliminated or restricted by the adjustment;

            E.  All property taxes are current for all affected parcels.  Any delinquent property taxes have been paid on all affected lots/parcels which are the subject of the adjustment; and

            F.  It clearly appears from the record, as determined by the city administrator, that any easements of record affecting the lots or parcels to be adjusted, or for adjoining lots or parcels, will not be restricted or eliminated by the adjustment.  Alternatively, where it appears from the record, as determined by the city administrator, that any such easement may be restricted or eliminated, a written, notarized, statement of noninterference has been received from the easement holder;

            17.26.050  Recordation of instrument evidencing the adjustment.  Upon the granting of an adjustment by the city administrator, a notice of lot line adjustment shall be prepared by the city administrator.  Applicant shall cause to be prepared a description thereon which is in conformance with the lot line adjustment.  The applicant shall be responsible for the accuracy of the legal description appearing on such document. The notice of lot line adjustment shall specify the names of the record owner or owners and describe the real property.  The notice of lot line adjustment shall be filed with the city clerk, who shall be responsible for recording the document with the county recorder of the county of Siskiyou

            17.26.060  Failure to conform to procedures—Application may be voided.  Failure by the applicant to conform to any of the procedures or time limits set forth herein may result in the voiding of the adjustment application.

            17.26.070  Adjustment application processing fee.  Applicant may be charged a reasonable fee, in an amount not to exceed the costs as determined by resolution of the city council, for processing the lot line adjustment application.”

Section 3.  This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after its passage.

Section 4.  This ordinance shall be printed in the Weed Press within fifteen (15) days after its passage.

            Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            Council Member Obuchon

STAFF REPORTS

            Fire Chief Quigley reported doing an inspection on the City’s engine that is currently being repaired due to an accident, and the old engine is back and is being put back together. 

            Public Works Director Sharp stated a tentative date for the Spring Clean Up is May 13/14 but he is working with the County on details and then the Council will be advised. 

            Sergeant Lachenmyer reported the Police Department is applying for a technology equipment grant to purchase computer equipment to augment the CAD system. 

            City Administrator Wilson reported a gas franchise ordinance is in the drafting stage, and that Finance Director McKinnis’ absence is due to illness. 

ADJOURNMENT

A. Closed Session:  Government Code §54956.9 (b)(3)(A):  CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION -- Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 54956.9:  one potential case 

            Council Member Bergfors moved adjournment to closed session, and Council Member Tallerico seconded the motion. 

            City Administrator Wilson reported that City Attorney King is unable to attend the meeting due to a commitment out of the County, but is awaiting a conference call for the purpose of the closed session. 

            Council adjourned to closed session at 8:10 p.m., and returned to open session at 8:22 p.m.

            City Administrator Wilson reported that action was taken and will be announced at the next meeting. 

B.  Sine Die. 

            Council Member Bergfors moved adjournment, seconded by Council Member Tallerico.

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:            Council Member Obuchon

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:23 P.M. SINE DIE.