WEED
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER
28, 2000
The
City Council of the City of Weed held a regular special meeting on Thursday,
September 28, 2000, at. 6:00 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 Amelia “Mel” Borcalli, Brian Ramsey, and Vince Tallerico. Also present were City Administrator Earl Wilson, Acting City Attorney Ken Armstrong, Finance Director M. Kelly McKinnis, Police Sergeant Bill Lachenmyer, Public Works Director Craig Sharp, and City Clerk Deborah Salvestrin.
It was reported that Council Member Obuchon is out of the City, and the Council agreed that his absence would not be excused. Mayor Barnett stated that being a Council member is an important responsibility and a commitment that forces all members to make sacrifices.
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 Tallerico reported his attendance at a
Siskiyou County Solid Waste Committee meeting and noted that the Black Butte
Landfill has another year until it will need to be closed, and a transfer
station will be put in its place. The
Weed Landfill is closed and capped and awaiting inspection. Yreka’s landfill has an estimated two to
three years until closure, and Tulelake’s landfill is closed.
Mayor Barnett reported attendance at a recent jazz
festival held at the Palace Theatre and asked staff to prepare a proclamation
for the Jazz Fusion Band that played there.
A.
Refuse (garbage/trash) Removal: Council
will receive public comment on the proposed increase in
monthly rates for garbage collection service.
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 6:15 p.m.
City Administrator Wilson
reported that a review of operating expenses indicates a revenue shortfall and
staff has calculated the need for a 5.71 percent increase to cover the
shortfall. Mr. Wilson noted this increase
translates to 43 cents for residential customers.
City Administrator Wilson
also reported that the Garbage Committee of the Council reviewed the
possibility of using new, wheeled garbage cans that can be dumped by the
garbage contractor either manually, or in a fully automated service. There would be an additional cost of
approximately $1.00 to pay for these cans over a 5-year period.
Mayor Barnett asked for comments and/or questions
in support of the rate increase and/or new wheeled carts.
Paul Clemens, owner and operator of C & D Waste
Removal, the City’s current waste hauler, displayed a sample of he proposed
wheeled carts, and showed its ease of use. Mr. Clemens noted that the Council
has currently granted a three-year contract and the cost of the carts increases
to $1.69 in order to have them paid off in the 3-year contract period.
Council Member Tallerico questioned whether the
increase would drop after the carts are paid off, and Mr. Clemens responded
that the majority of the fee may disappear however a rental fee would probably
apply similar to what is being charged for the bins used by commercial
customers.
Christy Mallory, Walnut Street, supported the cost
increase to pay for garbage service and added that the lids on the carts may
blow open in Weed’s winds.
Calvin Vanderhoof, Cypress Avenue, agreed with the
cost increase.
Scott Durbin, Oregon Street, supported the cost
increase and urged the Council to approve the wheeled carts as a step toward
keeping garbage cans from blowing around in the wind, and to help keep dogs
from getting into cans and spreading trash around.
Mayor Barnett asked for comments and/or questions
in opposition to the rate increase.
City Clerk Salvestrin read a letter from Jim
Gubetta, Woodridge Court, opposing the increase because the general
governmental costs charged to the solid waste fund do not comply with
Proposition 4 requirements.
Mayor
Barnett closed the hearing at 6:29 p.m.
A. Refuse (garbage and trash) Removal: Council will consider Committee recommendations regarding
amendments to the agreement with C & D Waste Removal, Inc.
City
Administrator Wilson reported that the Council’s Committee on garbage
recommended revisions to refuse collection including the aforementioned rate
increases, and other level of service agreement amendments including the
wheeled carts, curb-side service, pickup of street cans, and annual spring
clean up assistance.
Council Members discussed these issues, and then Council Member Tallerico moved, seconded by Council Member Borcalli, to select the wheeled cart option with the associated increase.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli,
Ramsey, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Obuchon
Staff
is directed to prepare the appropriate ordinance amendments.
Council
Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, to direct staff to
draft the necessary documents to amend the refuse collection agreement to
accommodate the street can pick up and spring clean up.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli,
Ramsey, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Obuchon
B. Refuse (garbage and trash) Removal: Council will consider adoption of resolution
amending Resolution No. 12-81 which establishes the maximum rates or charges
that may be charged for collection of garbage, rubbish, and waste matter within
the City of Weed
Council
Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, that the reading
in full of the body of Resolution No. 21-2000 be waived, said resolution being
introduced and adopted by title only.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli,
Ramsey, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Obuchon
Council
Member Borcalli read the title of Resolution No.21-2000 and moved adoption,
seconded by Council Member Tallerico, said resolution being in the words and
figures following:
RESOLUTION NO. 21-2000
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AMENDING
RESOLUTION No. 1-81 which establishes the
Maximum rates or
charges that may be charged
For collection of
garbage, rubbish, and
Waste matter within
the city of weed
WHEREAS, Section 8.08.050 and Section 8.08.170 of the Weed
Municipal Code provide for the establishment of rates that may be charged for
the collection of garbage, refuse and waste matter within the City of Weed; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, upon the
recommendation of the refuse collection contractor, C & D Waste Removal,
has determined certain specific rates should be charged for regular and special
collection services in the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has
determined that certain standards related to the collection of waste materials
are required to facilitate the collection of said materials.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by
the City Council of the City of Weed that effective the first day of December
2000, the collection rates for regular and special services shall be as set
forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and made a part hereof.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any
collection rates in conflict with those set forth in this resolution are
revoked on the effective date set forth above.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certain
standards related to the collection of waste materials shall be established as
set forth in Exhibit B, attached hereto and made a part hereof.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the
collection rates for regular and special services shall be adjusted effective
July 1st of each year commensurate with the consumer price index
(CPI) based on the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose Index for All Urban Consumers
published by the U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
UPON
ROLL CALL, THE VOTE WAS:
AYES: Council
Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council
Member Obuchon
C. City Hall
building improvement/rehabilitation:
Council will consider the status report and discuss staff’s direction to
proceed
Bob
Peel came before the City Council to present options for the rehabilitation of
the exterior of City Hall. Bob
displayed a conceptual study sheet showing brick beneath concrete board lap
siding, a “belly band” above the windows, and stucco across the top. Mr. Peel displayed samples of the proposed
brick and concrete board, and discussed the virtues of these building
materials. Mr. Peels cost breakdown and
materials list totaled $86,603.00 and did not include all the labor costs.
After
some discussion as to financing the project, it was determined that some monies
existed in the fund resulting from the sale of the former “Sprouse” building,
and additional monies in the form of revenues from that sale are expected over
the coming year. Finance Director
McKinnis explained the Council could approve a loan from the CDBG Miscellaneous
Income fund toward the cost of the building rehabilitation with the
understanding that the loan would be repaid from the Sprouse income.
Council
Member Tallerico moved, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, to start the
proposed renovation project with expenditures up to $64,000 and approved a loan
from the CDBG Miscellaneous Income fund with the understanding that the loan
funds would be repaid as the Sprouse proceeds are realized.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli,
Ramsey, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Obuchon
City
Administrator Wilson reviewed that subsequent to City Attorney King’s announced
resignation, information was sought from the Library of the League of
California Cities concerning agreements and proposals for attorney services.
Council
members discussed various items to include in an advertisement for a request
for proposal including qualifications, background interests, working hours, and
accountability.
Direction
was given to staff to draft a request and circulate it appropriately with a
November 3 deadline.
E. Police Department: Council will consider request for approval of project for use of
California Law Enforcement Equipment Program (CLEEP) monies
City
Administrator Wilson reported that the California Law Enforcement Equipment
Program (CLEEP) has made grants available to law enforcement agencies and the
City’s award is $101,020.
Police
Sergeant Bill Lachenmyer came before the Council to discuss the proposed use of
some of the funding. Sergeant
Lachenmyer noted that all expenditures of the CLEEP monies will require Council
authorization, and requested approval at this time of the expenditure of
$20,310.39 for the purchase of software and bar coding equipment
Council
Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, to approve the expenditure
of $20,310.39 from the California Law Enforcement Equipment Program monies as
proposed.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli,
Ramsey, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Obuchon
F. Employee health and welfare insurance: Council will consider adoption of
resolutions to participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
Medical and Hospital Care Act.
City
Administrator Wilson reported that during the past week the City has received
notification of a pending increase in the group health insurance costs totaling
over 40 percent. Mr. Wilson reviewed
the current bargaining unit agreement under which the City pays up to $620 per
employee and added that the proposed increase will require an additional $152
per month to be paid by the employee.
Staff collected information on various plan options and discussed these
with the bargaining units. The
bargaining units have concurred that the plans offered by the Public Employees
Retirement System (PERS) offer a preferable alternative to the existing Blue
Cross plan. City Administrator Wilson
noted that the Council’s labor negotiation committee has met to discuss this
issue in detail and recommends the PERS plan.
Council
Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, that the reading
in full of the body of Resolution No. 22-2000 be waived, said resolution being
introduced and adopted by title only.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli,
Ramsey, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Obuchon
Council
Member Borcalli read the title of Resolution No. 22-2000 and moved adoption,
seconded by Council Member Tallerico, said resolution being in the words and
figures following:
RESOLUTION
NO. 22-2000
A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEED
WHEREAS, Government Code §22850 provides the
benefits of the Public Employees’ Medical and Hospital Care Act to employees of
local agencies contracting with the Public Employees’ Retirement System, on
proper application by a local agency; and
WHEREAS, Government Code §22857 provides that a
contracting agency may fix the amount of the employer’s contribution for
employees and the employer’s contribution for annuitants at different amounts
provided that the monthly contribution for annuitants shall be annually
increased by an amount not less than five percent of the monthly contribution
for employees, until such time as the amounts are equal; and
WHEREAS, the City of Weed,
hereinafter referred to as Public Agency is a local agency contracting with the
Public Employees’ Retirement System; and
WHEREAS, the Public Agency desires
to obtain for its employees and annuitants the benefit of the Act and to accept
the liabilities and obligations of an employer under the Act and Regulations;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council
of the City of Weed that the Public Agency elect, and it does hereby elect, to
be subject to the provisions of the Act; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the employer’s
contribution for each employee shall be the amount necessary to pay the full
cost of his enrollment, including the enrollment of his family members in a
health benefits plan up to a maximum of sixteen dollars per month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the employer’s
contribution for each annuitant shall be the amount necessary to pay the cost
of his enrollment, including the enrollment of his family members, in a health
benefits plan up to a maximum of one dollar per month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the
employer’s contribution for each annuitant shall be increased annually by five
percent of the monthly contribution for employees, until such time as the
contributions are equal; and that the contributions for employees and
annuitants shall be in addition to those amounts contributed by the Public
Agency for administrative fees and to the Contingency Reserve Fund; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City
Council appoint and direct, and does hereby appoint and direct, the city
administrator to file with the Board of Administration of the Public Employees’
Retirement System a verified copy of this resolution, and to perform on behalf
of said Public Agency all functions required of it under the Act and
Regulations of the Board of Administration; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the
coverage under the Act be effective November 1, 2000.
UPON ROLL CALL, THE VOTE WAS:
AYES: Council
Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council
Member Obuchon
City
Administrator Wilson explained that adoption of a second and similar resolution
is necessary to allow Council members to participate in the plans.
Council
Member Borcalli moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, that the reading
in full of the body of Resolution No. 23-2000 be waived, said resolution being
introduced and adopted by title only.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli,
Ramsey, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Obuchon
Council
Member Borcalli read the title of Resolution No. 23-2000 and moved adoption,
seconded by Council Member Ramsey, said resolution being in the words and
figures following:
RESOLUTION
NO. 23-2000
A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEED
WHEREAS, Government Code §22850.3 provides that a
contracting agency may elect upon proper application to participate under the
Public Employees’ Medical and Hospital Care Act with respect to a recognized
employee organization only; and
WHEREAS, Government Code §22754 (g) defines any
Special District as a contracting agency; and
WHEREAS, Government Code §22857 provides that a
contracting agency may fix the amount of the employer’s contribution for employees
and the employer’s contribution for retired employees and survivors at
different amounts provided that the monthly contribution for retired employees
and survivors shall be annually increased by an amount not less than five
percent of the monthly contribution for employees, until such time as the
amounts are equal; and
WHEREAS, a Special District is
hereby defined as a non-profit, self-governed public agency within the State of
California, and comprised solely of public employees performing a governmental
rather than proprietary function; and
WHEREAS, the City of Weed, hereinafter referred to
as Special District is an entity meeting the above definition; and
WHEREAS, the Special District
desires to obtain for the members of the City Council who are active and
retired employees of the agency, the benefit of the Act and to accept the
liabilities and obligations of an employer under the Act and Regulations; and;
WHEREAS, Government Code §53208.5
(b) prohibits any elective member of a legislative body whose service first
commences on and after January 1, 1995, from receiving health and welfare
benefits greater than the most generous schedule of benefits being received by
any category of non-safety employees; and
WHEREAS, Government Code §53201 (c)
(2) prohibits a local agency that did not provide benefits to former elective
members of a legislative body before January 1, 1994, from providing benefits
after January 1, 1994, unless the members participate on a self-pay basis; and
WHEREAS, Government Code §53201 (c)
(1) provides that a legislative body that provided benefits to former elected
members shall not provide benefits to any person first elected to a term of
office that begins on or after January 1, 1995, unless the member participate
on a self-pay basis or was fully vested prior to January 1, 1995;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council
of the City of Weed that the Special District elect, and it does hereby elect,
to be subject to the provisions of the Act; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the employer’s
contribution for each employee shall be the amount necessary to pay the full
cost of his enrollment, including the enrollment of his family members in a
health benefits plan up to a maximum of sixteen dollars per month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the employer’s
contribution for each retired employee or survivor shall be the amount
necessary to pay the cost of his enrollment, including the enrollment of his
family members, in a health benefits plan up to a maximum of one dollar per
month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the
employer’s contribution for each retired employee shall be increased annually
by five percent of the monthly contribution for employees, until such time as
the contributions are equal; and that the contributions for active and retired
employees an survivors shall be in addition to those amounts contributed by the
Special District for administrative fees and to the Contingency Reserve Fund;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City
Council appoint and direct, and does hereby appoint and direct, the city
administrator to file with the Board of Administration of the Public Employees’
Retirement System a verified copy of this resolution, and to perform on behalf
of said Special District all functions required of it under the Act and
Regulations of the Board of Administration; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the
coverage under the Act be effective November 1, 2000.
UPON
ROLL CALL, THE VOTE WAS:
AYES: Council
Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council
Member Obuchon
G. League of Siskiyou Cities’ Constitution and
Bylaws: Consideration of proposed
amendments
City
Administrator Wilson reviewed the distribution of materials from the League of
Siskiyou Cities to be considered by Council for the League’s quarterly dinner
meeting to be held in early October.
Mr. Wilson briefly discussed the matter the League members will be
voting on, and stated that each Council member attending the dinner will have a
vote.
Public
Works Director Sharp reported that the house on Pine Street would be demolished
in the next two weeks.
Council
members thanked the Public Works Department for recent roadwork done on Clay
and Boles Streets.
City Administrator Wilson reported that the special meeting on the Community Action Plan that was scheduled for September 27 was not held due to other commitments of some Council members and asked for an alternative meeting date. Council selected October 19 at 5:30 p.m., and staff is directed to follow up and notice the meeting as appropriate.
Finance
Director McKinnis announced an open house to be held at Workforce Connection on
October 11, 2000 from 1-4 p.m.
Council
Member Ramsey moved adjournment, and Council Member Borcalli seconded the
motion.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli,
Ramsey, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Obuchon
MEETING
ADJOURNED SINE DIE AT 8:32 P.M.