WEED CITY COUNCIL

                                                 REGULAR MEETING

                                                   APRIL 13, 2000

 

The City Council of the City of Weed held a regular meeting on Thursday, April 13, 2000, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. 

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

RECOGNITIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS

          City Administrator Wilson announced the City’s web site address.

            Council Member Bergfors announced his resignation from the City Council effective May 1 because he has sold his business and is moving to North Carolina.  Mr. Bergfors thanked the citizens and his fellow Council members for their help and cooperation during his years here. 

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 Bergfors reviewed attendance at the League of Siskiyou Cities’ quarterly dinner meeting on April 12 noting the presentation on the County-wide push to get fiber optic hubs through Pacific Bell.

            Mayor Barnett reported on attendance at a workshop in Redding sponsored by the League of California Cities. 

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

Mayor Barnett reviewed the procedures for the conduct of public hearings, and then declared the present as the time and place for the scheduled hearings. 

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

            City Administrator Wilson reviewed that the Council, at the last meeting, opened the hearing and continued it to this date because Mr. Shumlai was unable to attend that hearing. 

            Mayor Barnett stated that the Building Inspector has served notice on the property of substandard condition relating to various items including inadequate sanitation, structural hazards, nuisance, hazardous electrical wiring, hazardous plumbing, faulty weather protection, fire hazard, and hazardous or unsanitary premises over the past several years beginning in 1993.  Mayor Barnett asked if there is any new information, and Dave Smith, City Building Inspector, stated there is nothing new. 

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 7:18 p.m.

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

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

            Mayor Barnett asked for Council comments and or questions.

            Council Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Bergfors, to uphold the demolition order. 

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

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

            Mayor Barnett declared this hearing closed at 7:19 p.m.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

A.  Proposed zoning ordinance text amendment to permit off-site advertising signs subject to specific conditions

            City Administrator Wilson reviewed that the Planning Commission recognized the City has a cumbersome process for obtaining advertising sign permits and appointed a committee of its members to review the ordinance and make recommendation for amendment.  Mr. Wilson noted that although this process is ongoing, a couple of individuals came before the Planning Commission to request faster action with respect to off-site advertising.  Mr. Wilson stated that the Commission subsequently drafted an ordinance and recommended Council action, and the proposed ordinance was scheduled for public hearing before the Council. 

            City Administrator Wilson reported that the proposed ordinance authorizes off-site signs along Interstate 5 in commercial and industrial zones, and subject to Cal-Trans regulations.  Mr. Wilson then reviewed a slide presentation that showed the billboards currently located near Highway 97 at Big Springs Road that approximate 14’ wide by 22’ high, or 300 square feet, and showed the Cal-Trans authorized freeway advertising. 

            Mayor Barnett noted that the Planning Commission’s proposed ordinance allows signs to 1,000 square feet, and briefly reviewed the Sign Committee’s review process, its mission statement, and the Federal Scenic Byway program. 

City Administrator Wilson explained that the process will include the hearing for public input, and the Council’s options of continuing the hearing, closing it, deliberation, introduction of the ordinance as proposed or modified, and referral to the Planning Commission and/or staff for additional work. 

Mayor Barnett asked for and received verification that proper notice had been given in accordance with the law, declared the hearing open at 7:40 p.m., and then asked for comments and/or questions in support of the zoning ordinance amendment. 

Steve Anderson, who resides on Audubon Road in Mt. Shasta and owns Anderson Metal Building Products and Weed Mini Storage in Weed, came before the Council to review the proposed signs he will place on his property near the central Weed exit.  Mr. Anderson explained that over 17,000 vehicles travel I-5 every day, and listed his personal experience with advertising.  Mr. Anderson suggested that Council consider changing the proposed ordinance to permit signs only in industrial zones instead of commercial and industrial as written. 

John Lovett, who resides in Redding and is a sign consultant, stated that over the years he has attended many similar hearings and the issues of proliferation and size are common.  Mr. Lovett explained size as it relates to distance from the freeway, and also explained difference in destination and drive-by communities, and the various types of advertising required by each. 

Kim Greene, who resides on Oregon Street and is the President of the Chamber of Commerce, reported that the Chamber’s Board of Directors supports the idea of off-site advertising as presented by Mr. Anderson. 

John Oliver, who resides on Edgewood Road and is co-owner of the Weed Mercantile, stated his support for the proposal noting that the City of Weed needs to grow, and in order to do that, the City needs business. 

Marty Spiegel, who resides in Mt. Shasta and works in Weed, told the Council of declining school enrollments that she feels could be turned around with the attraction of business

Jim Henry, who resides on Willow Brook Lane, Redding, and who will construct the proposed truck stop project, stressed the importance of off-site signs, noting he was advised that his business would suffer a 50 percent reduction without the freeway-oriented advertising he is proposing. 

Vaune Dillmann, who resides on N. Old Stage Road and owns businesses on Main Street, asked the Council to keep small business in mind noting that often the large business conglomerates like those on the south end have the money to dominate available signs. 

Mayor Barnett asked for comments in opposition to the proposed ordinance for off-site signs.

Candace Dillingham, who resides on Sugar Pine Road, reviewed the sign committee’s goals and how it coincides with the City’s vision statement.  Ms. Dillingham reviewed the sign committee’s progress toward revision of the sign ordinance and summarized what it has learned regarding sign types and markets.  Ms. Dillingham noted that billboards rarely advertise businesses within the community it is located in due to costs.  Ms. Dillingham asked the Council to consider tourism and monies available for those activities some of which are simply not compatible with billboards.

Scott Durbin, who resides on Oregon Street and owns a business on Main Street, stated from his backyard he could view four possible billboard sites.  Mr. Durbin noted his business is very successful using word of mouth rather than formal advertising.  Dr. Durbin urged the Council to carefully consider any ordinance stating that if the ordinance specifies a certain build out of signs, that number of signs will be constructed.  Dr. Durbin asked the Council to refer the ordinance to a committee to develop options that will limit any possible proliferation of signs. 

Ed Silva, who resides on Woodridge Court and owns a business on Shastina Drive, stated that billboards one after the other don’t contribute to the looks of a town, and don’t invite tourism.  Mr. Silva cited the example of the billboards in South Yreka. 

There being no further comments in opposition, Mayor Barnett asked for rebuttal.  Steve Anderson asked the Council to look for a win-win situation that is in the interest of businesses and homeowners. 

Marty Spiegel said that signs to attract visitors to the community could bring new residents and business owners and could bring pride back to the community and enhance the area. 

Scott Durbin asked the Council to study the ramifications of the ordinance amendment, and asked that if the interests of the homeowners and the businesses cannot be found to be compatible, the Council should remember that the residents of Weed are the ones who vote for them. 

There being no further comments, Mayor Barnett declared the hearing closed at 8:38 p.m., and asked for Council comments noting that the matter before the Council is the draft in the agenda package that permits signs to 1,000 square feet on lands zoned for commercial and industrial. 

Council Member Tallerico stated that he favors advertisement for local business only, and would not vote for a sign that advertises business out of the city.

Mayor Barnett noted that City Attorney King is absent because he has a work commitment out of the City and he is needed to answer Council Member Tallerico’s question and others. 

Council Member Borcalli read a statement that attempted to clarify statements that are being made around town regarding numbers of signs that will be installed, and the sizes of those.  Ms. Borcalli noted that Council could control sign and distance, and zoning, and the goal of the City is to attract business. 

Council Member Obuchon stated he does not want to see lots of signs, but that the Council can amend the proposed ordinance to find something viable, and expressed interest in finding something to serve the interests of the downtown people. 

Council Member Bergfors expressed support for the small business owner, and briefly discussed the existing on-site sign regulations that seem to have no limits as compared to the proposed limitations for off-site signs.  Mr. Bergfors said signs work and cited the example of the CalTrans sign just south of Mt. Shasta City that announces traffic related conditions adding that he experienced a 50 percent downturn in business after its installation. 

            Mayor Barnett reviewed the importance of the Council’s job of looking at the future of the City, and also that there are 21 local businesses currently advertised in the CalTrans signs located on the freeway. 

            Mayor Barnett reiterated the various questions that have arisen such as legality of prohibiting out of city advertising, and limitations on distance from business, and suggested establishing a committee comprised of two Council Members, the Sign Committee of the Planning Commission, the City Administrator and City Attorney that will make recommendations to the Council at the next meeting.  Council concurred, and Mayor Barnett and Council Member Borcalli volunteered to sit on the Committee with Council Member Obuchon as alternate.  Mayor Barnett noted that Planning Commissioners Acquistapace, Baltar, and Dillingham comprise the Sign Committee of the Planning Commission. 

            The Council agreed to table this item to the next meeting to permit the committee to report to Council. 

            Council Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Obuchon, to adjourn for a 10-minute recess. 

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

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

            Council adjourned at 9:08 p.m., and returned at 9:16 p.m.

B.  Sewer revenue program:  proposed adjustment of monthly rates for sewer collection service.

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 9:17 p.m.

City Administrator Wilson reported that Sam Smith, engineer with PACE Civil, Inc. has prepared the proposed plan that was discussed in detail by committee of the Council, and set for public hearing. 

            Mayor Barnett declared the hearing open at 9:18 p.m. and asked for comments and/or questions.

            Jim Gubetta, who resides on Woodridge Court, stated the City has collected fees over and above those needed for sewer maintenance and operation, and they were to be set aside for system improvements.  Mr. Gubetta stated he believes the City is in violation of Government Code §6601, and also of the reporting requirements of Government Code §66006, and claimed the City has not followed State law in the fee assessments of administrative costs for sewer charges.  Mr. Gubetta suggested that a balance sheet of gifted, waived, deferred, and outstanding fees would be helpful to decrease any presently proposed increase.  Mr. Gubetta stated that the charges for multi-family units versus those for single-family residential are not fair and equal. 

There being no further public input, Mayor Member Barnett closed the hearing at 9:22 p.m. and asked for Council comments or questions. 

Council Member Bergfors stated that the revenue program is a requirement of the grant funds that the City received, and the proposed rates are consistent with rates charged in other communities. 

Sam Smith, came before the Council to reiterate that the rate structure is required by the grant programs used, and was based on information supplied him by City staff using funds needed for operational maintenance, debt service, and a small reserve for replacement.  Mr. Smith added that the rates are also based on quantity of flow and quality of effluent going into the system.  Mr. Smith noted that there is no perfect guideline as to how to treat apartments, and a survey of other cities revealed that some cities treat apartments as 100 percent of the household equivalent, and some use a lesser percentage.  Mr. Smith also stated that the proposed structure provides uniformity and consistency over the current structure that is complicated and cumbersome. 

Council heard that staff would prepare the appropriate resolution setting the fees for action at a future meeting. 

REGULAR AGENDA

            Mayor Barnett recommended the amendment of the order of the published agenda due to the late hour to accommodate persons in the audience who want to speak to them. 

            Council Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, to amend the order of the agenda as requested to take items C. and H. ahead of items A. and B.

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

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

C.  Ordinance No. 350-2000 -- City Council Meetings:  Proposed second reading and adoption of 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 (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)

            City Administrator Wilson reported receipt of a letter from William Jaynes, Court Executive Officer, asking postponement of the ordinance adoption due to conflict between Court use of the Chambers and proposed City use. 

            Mr. Jaynes came before the Council stating that he was unaware of the proposed change of the meeting date that could conflict with the current Court use of the Chambers. 

            Mayor Barnett noted that the lease expired in June 1999, and efforts to renegotiate have not met with activity in the renewal direction, however if County staff is willing to work with the City, Council can table action on the ordinance. 

            Council Member Obuchon moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, to postpone action until the County and City representatives can meet. 

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

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

H.  Nor-Cal Electric Authority:  Consideration of Resolution of the City Council of the City of Weed Authorizing the City to Become a Program Participant in Nor-Cal Electric Authority and a Participating City in Jefferson Public Power Authority, and Authorizing Certain other Matters relating Thereto

City Administrator Wilson reviewed past Council actions related to this subject wherein the City agreed to become a party of the Nor-Cal Electric Authority joint powers agreement (JPA) to acquire and operate the electrical distribution system currently owned by PacifiCorp.  Mr. Wilson added that subsequent to that action, the Courts have found that counties can become a party of a JPA for the purpose of acquisition but not operation therefore another JPA was necessitated, and the agreements and resolution to approve the arrangement have been forwarded to the City. 

Larry Bacon, City Attorney for the City of Yreka, came before the Council to discuss the new JPA known as the Jefferson Public Power Authority.  Mr. Bacon noted that the second JPA is comprised solely of cities with Dunsmuir and Yreka being the initiating cities, and that Dusty Veale from Yreka has been appointed Chairman, and Ivan Young from Dunsmuir was also appointed to the board. 

Mayor Barnett asked for and received confirmation that the City of Weed has no financial obligation. 

Council Member Bergfors asked about proposed rate increases, and Mr. Bacon replied that there is a rate freeze to March 2002, and then six percent is possible for the next two years, and that the City-operated JPA will be setting rates. 

Council questioned deadlines, and Mr. Bacon stated that April 30 is the deadline for voting members.  Council noted that the agreements would have to be reviewed and approved by the City Administrator 

Council Member Bergfors moved, seconded by Council Member Borcalli, that the reading in full of the body of Resolution No. 05-2000 be waived, said resolution being introduced and adopted by title only.

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

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

Council Member Bergfors read the title of Resolution No. 05-2000 and moved adoption, seconded by Council Member Borcalli, said resolution being in the words and figures following:

RESOLUTION NO.  05-2000

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEED

AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO BECOME A PROGRAM PARTICIPANT IN

NOR-CAL ELECTRIC AUTHORITY AND A PARTICIPATING CITY IN

JEFFERSON PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY, AND

AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO

            WHEREAS the Nor-Cal Electric Authority (“Nor-Cal”) is a public entity duly organized and existing pursuant to the Third Amended Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (the “Nor-Cal Agreement”) among the City of Yreka, the County of Del Norte and such other Program Participants as may from time to time become parties to the Nor-Cal Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof and the provisions of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code of the State of California (the “Law”); and

            WHEREAS, section 17 of the Nor-Cal Agreement provides that any California city or county that is located in whole or in part within the geographic boundaries of the historic electric service area of PacifiCorp may become a Program Participant upon:  1) the filing by such city or county of an executed counterpart of the Nor-Cal Agreement and a Local Access and Support Agreement substantially in the form attached to the Nor-Cal Agreement as Appendix A, together with a certified copy of the resolution of the city council of such city or the board of supervisors of such county approving the Nor-Cal Agreement and the Local Access and Support Agreement and the execution and Delivery of the Nor-Cal Agreement and of the Local Access and Support Agreement; and 2) adoption of a resolution of the Nor-Cal Commission approving the addition of the city or county as a Program Participant; and

            WHEREAS, the Jefferson Public Power Authority (“Jefferson”) is a public entity duly organized and existing pursuant to the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (the “Jefferson Agreement”) among the City of Yreka, the City of Dunsmuir and such other Participating Cities as may from time to time become parties to the Jefferson Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof and the provisions of the Law; and

            WHEREAS, Section 18 of the Jefferson Agreement provides that any California city that is located in whole or in part within the geographic boundaries of the historic electric service area of PacifiCorp and that is a member of Nor-Cal may become a Participating City in Jefferson upon:  1) the filing by such city of an executed counterpart of the Jefferson Agreement, together with a certified copy of the resolution of the city council of such city approving the Jefferson Agreement and the execution and delivery thereof, and 2) adoption of a resolution of the Jefferson Commission approving the addition of such city as a Participating City; and

            WHEREAS, the City of Weed (the “City”) is located in whole or in part within the geographic boundaries of the historic electric service area of PacifiCorp; and

            WHEREAS, the City desires to become a Program Participant in Nor Cal and a Participating City in Jefferson;

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Weed as follows:

            Section 1.  The Nor-Cal Agreement, in the form submitted to this meeting, on file with the Clerk of the City, and made a part hereof as though set forth in full herein, be and the same is hereby approved.  The Mayor of the City is hereby authorized to execute a counterpart of the Nor-Cal Agreement in the form presented to this meeting. 

            Section 2.  The Local Access and Support Agreement, in the form submitted to this meeting, on file with the Clerk of the City, and made a part hereof as though set forth in full herein, be and the same is hereby approved.  The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the Local Access and Support Agreement, or a counterpart thereof, in the form presented to this meeting. 

            Section 3.  The Jefferson Agreement, in the form submitted to this meeting, on file with the Clerk of the City, and made a part hereof as though set forth in full herein, be and the same is hereby approved.  The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a counterpart of the Jefferson Agreement in the form presented to this meeting. 

            Section 4.  The Clerk of the City is hereby Authorized and directed to file the executed counterpart of the Nor-Cal Agreement and the executed Local Access and Support Agreement, together with a certified copy of this Resolution, pursuant to section 17 of the Nor-Cal Agreement.

            Section 5.  The Clerk of the City is hereby authorized and directed to file the executed counterpart of the Jefferson Agreement, together with a copy of this Resolution, pursuant to section 18 of the Jefferson Agreement. 

            Section 6.  This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. 

            Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

A.  Parking enforcement -- Weed Union Elementary School District:  Consideration of proposed agreement

            City Administrator Wilson reported that the Elementary School District has asked the City for enforcement of parking regulations on District property.  Police Chief Nicholas explained that the City has a similar agreement with College of the Siskiyous. 

            Council Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Bergfors, approval of the Parking Regulations agreement with the Weed Union Elementary School District, and authorized the Police Chief to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. 

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

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

B.  Request for adjustment of water billing incurred due to a leak submitted by Jack Killingsworth, 358 Walnut Street

            City Administrator Wilson reported receipt of request for adjustment of a water bill incurred due to a leak. 

            Council Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Obuchon, to continue action.  Mr. Killingsworth was not present to discuss the matter. 

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

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

C.  Ordinance No 351-2000 -- lot line adjustments and mergers:  Proposed second reading and adoption of 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

            City Administrator Wilson reviewed that this ordinance was introduced for first reading at the last regular Council meeting.

Council Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Obuchon, that the reading in full of the body of Ordinance No. 351-2000 be waived, said ordinance being adopted by title only.

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

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

Council Member Borcalli read the title of Ordinance No. 351-2000 and moved adoption, seconded by Council Member Obuchon, 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 §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 §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 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 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 avoided

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, Obuchon, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

E.  Gas Franchises:  Consideration of proposed ordinance

No action taken – item was removed from the agenda prior to the time of the meeting, but after the posting of the agenda. 

F.  Grant application to Department of Water Resources – consideration of resolution of the City Council endorsing application for an Urban Streams Restoration Grant and determining appropriate environmental impact document, conditionally accepting grant if offered, and designating contract manager and fiscal agent

City Administrator Wilson reviewed that the City previously received grant funding to mitigate flooding problems on Boles Creek in the downtown area, and since the receipt of the funding it has been determined that additional funding will be required   Mr. Wilson reported that application can be made to the Department of Water Resources and Great Northern Corporation has agreed to be the required non-profit corporation co-sponsor. 

Council Member Bergfors moved, seconded by Council Member Obuchon, that the reading in full of the body of Resolution No. 06-2000 be waived, said resolution being introduced and adopted by title only.

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

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

Council Member Bergfors read the title of Resolution No. 06-2000 and moved adoption, seconded by Council Member Obuchon, said resolution being in the words and figures following:

RESOLUTION NO. 06-2000

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEED

ENDORSING APPLICATION FOR

AN URBAN STREAMS RESTORATION GRANT

AND DETERMINING APPROPRIATE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT DOCUMENT, CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTING GRANT IF OFFERED, AND

DESIGNATING CONTRACT MANAGER AND FISCAL AGENT

WHEREAS, the California Department of Water Resources, Division of Local Assistance, Urban Streams Restoration Program has announced the availability of funds for grants; and

WHEREAS, said grants are intended to help solve flooding and erosion problems in a way that provides environmental enhancement; and

WHEREAS, the Great Northern Corporation, a local Siskiyou county non-profit community action agency, has proposed to cosponsor a grant application with the City of Weed; and

WHEREAS, the project meets all California Environmental Quality Act requirements, and we have adopted a finding of no significant impact; and

WHEREAS, we consider the prospects of receiving such a grant to be reasonably likely.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Weed approves the joint application with Great Northern Corporation for an Urban Streams Restoration Program grant; and

FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that if offered such a grant, we authorize the City Administrator, or the Finance Director in the absence of the City Administrator, to accept the grant and sign any city council approved contract for administration of the grant funds, Project Engineer to develop a work plan for the project, and the Finance Director to submit invoices to the Department of Water Resources for activities carried out under the work plan for the grant contract. 

            Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

G.  Spring Clean Up:  consideration authorization/appropriation for May 12 & 13, 2000

            City Administrator Wilson reported that Spring Clean Up has been scheduled to coincide with the County’s Spring Clean Up Weekend, and that C & D has agreed to do the pick ups on Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13, at a cost of up to $1,500.  City Administrator Wilson noted that the County’s Spring Clean Up Weekend allows individuals free dumping of yard wastes, but the City-wide pick up will require dumping of commercial trucks. 

            Council Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, appropriation of $1,500 from the Council’s health and welfare insurance line item for the Spring Clean Up costs. 

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

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

                                                 CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Barnett stated that all items listed under the consent agenda are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion, and there will be no separate discussion of the items unless members of the audience or Council request specific items be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion prior to the time the Council votes. 

Mayor Barnett asked if there are items to be removed from the consent agenda.  There were none. 

Council Member Tallerico moved, seconded by Council Member Bergfors, approval of the consent agenda as published including the minutes of March 9, 2000, payment of Claims #26560 – 26568, #26570 – 26572, #26602 – 26614, #26670 – 26683, #26686 – 26712, #26714 – 26724, in the amount of $262,540.45, and Financial Status Report for Month Ending March, 2000. 

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

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

STAFF REPORTS

Fire Chief Quigley reported the completion of repairs to the City’s fire engine, and its expected return to City service. 

Public Works Director Sharp reported that Cox & Cox Construction is back in town to complete its work on the Sewer Project. 

Finance Director McKinnis and Public Works Director Wilson reported attendance at an economic development conference in Concord. 

ADJOURNMENT

            Council Member Tallerico moved adjournment, motion seconded by Council Member Obuchon.

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

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

MEETING ADJOURNED SINE DIE AT 9:58 P.M