WEED CITY COUNCIL

                                                 REGULAR MEETING

                                                DECEMBER 14, 2000

 

 

The City Council of the City of Weed held a regular meeting on Thursday, December 14, 2000, at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. 

 

Mayor Amelia “Mel” Borcalli called the meeting to order and led recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.  Present, in addition to Mayor Borcalli, were Council Members Neva Barnett, Brian Ramsey, and Chuck Sutton.  Also present were City Administrator Earl Wilson, City Attorney Allen King, Finance Director M. Kelly McKinnis, Police Chief Martin Nicholas, Fire Chief Darin Quigley, Public Works Director Craig Sharp, and City Clerk Deborah Salvestrin. 

 

                                             PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR

 

Mayor Borcalli 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 Barnett reported attendance at a Community Center meeting at which time Jeremy Thorn reviewed the research survey.  Ms. Barnett noted the Committee’s next order of business is to finalize the project before a ballot initiative can go forward. 

 

Council Member Ramsey reported attendance at the Siskiyou League of Cities’ Board f Directors meeting and noted there was no vote on the McCloud issue because the attorney opinion had not been received. 

 

Mayor Borcalli reported attendance at a Centennial Committee meeting, and asked that the next agenda include a resolution for Council to consider the acceptance of the planned Centennial Plaza to be constructed at City Hall. 

 

REGULAR AGENDA

 

A.  The Siskiyou Study:  Presentation by the Siskiyou Sociological Economic Study and Modeling Initiative Committee for a Socio-Economic Study for Siskiyou County that will provide a sound basis for community, city, and county planning efforts in our changing environment.

 

City Administrator Wilson reported receipt of request from a County committee desiring to make a presentation to the Council regarding a study of the character of Siskiyou County’s economies and cultures from which a computer model will be developed to be used in future planning efforts.  Mr. Wilson introduced Marcia Armstrong, Executive Director of Siskiyou County Farm Bureau and Siskiyou County Cattlemen’s Association, and Chairman of the Siskiyou Study Committee. 

 

Ms. Armstrong came before the Council to review the history of the Committee and the study costs and process, and the ways in which the results can be used for future land planning and grant writing and noting it is especially important with regard to federal land policy.  Frank Tallerico, committee member, stated this committee is entirely made up of volunteers, and nobody is receiving monetary consideration.  Mr. Tallerico gave examples of changes in the school districts that took place during his tenure as superintendent of schools.  Ms. Armstrong and Mr. Tallerico stated that the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors has agreed to fund a portion of the Study and asked the Council for support, either monetary, or in the form of a letter. 

 

Council briefly discussed funding and then Member Ramsey moved, motion seconded by Mayor Borcalli, to direct staff to draft a letter of support for the project and to consider possible funding opportunities during the budgetary process later in the Spring. 

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, and Sutton

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         Council Member Tallerico

 

B.  Siskiyou Arts Council:  Presentation/request for funding by Linda Dellarocca, Executive Director

 

City Administrator Wilson reported receipt of request to appear before the Council submitted by the Siskiyou Arts Council, and then introduced Linda Dellarocca, the Executive Director. 

 

Council Member Tallerico arrived at 10:05 a.m., apologized for being tardy, and assumed his seat on the dais. 

 

Ms. Dellarocca appeared before the Council to discuss the history of the Siskiyou Arts Council, its founding, its purpose, function, and funding, and asked the Council to consider support.  Ms. Dellarocca indicated that with future grant applications, funds can be used as local match, and other types of support are also looked upon favorably. 

 

Council Member Barnett moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, to direct staff to draft a letter of support of the Siskiyou Arts Council, and to consider possible funding opportunities during the budgetary process later in the spring. 

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

 

C.  Police Department:  Council will consider request for approval of project for use of California Law Enforcement Equipment Program (CLEEP) monies

 

City Administrator Wilson reviewed that the California Law Enforcement Equipment Program (CLEEP) has made grants available to law enforcement agencies and the City’s award is $101,020.  Mr. Wilson reminded the Council that two previous requests for funding have been approved by Council but all expenditures of the CLEEP monies would require Council authorization.

 

Police Chief Nicholas requested approval of the expenditure of $4,167.77 for the purchase of two computers and one LCD monitor which will be used in Dispatch with the software previously approved by the Council. 

 

Council Member Barnett moved to appropriate $4,167.77 of the CLEEP monies as requested for the purchase of computer hardware.  Council Member Tallerico seconded the motion. 

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

 

D.  Police Department -- Parking restrictions   – Amending Traffic Resolution No. 65-74 Establishing Certain Traffic Regulations Throughout The City (No-parking on Black Butte and Shastina Drives, portions thereof)

 

City Administrator Wilson reported the South Weed area has been studied for traffic movement and concerns and one of the recommendations made was to restrict on-street parking in specific areas.  Mr. Wilson added that the completion of the truck plaza is expected to alleviate some on-street truck parking however Police Chief Nicholas recommends adoption of the parking restrictions through resolution that was drafted by City staff. 

 

Council Member Barnett moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, that the reading in full of the body of Resolution No. 25-2000 be waived, said resolution being introduced and adopted by title only.

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

 

Council Member Barnett read the title of Resolution No. 25-2000 and moved adoption, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, said resolution being in the words and figures following:

RESOLUTION NO. 25-2000

                                             A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

                                       AMENDING TRAFFIC RESOLUTION NO. 65-74

              ESTABLISHING CERTAIN TRAFFIC REGULATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY

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

Section 1.  Section 23.32 and 23.33 are hereby added to "Section 23.  No Parking Areas" of the Traffic Resolution which establishing certain traffic regulations throughout the City to read as follows:

"Section 23.32           On Black Butte Drive, a no parking zone is established on Black Butte Drive from the intersection of Vista Drive north to Kellogg Drive”. 

"Section 23.33           On Shastina Drive, a no parking zone is established on Shastina Drive from the intersection of Vista Drive north to Black Butte Drive.  "

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico    

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

 

Michael Feil came before the Council to ask the scheduled completion date for the sign posting and the curb painting.  Public Works Director Sharp reported the work is weather dependent and probably will not be completed until late spring when the temperatures are appropriate for both the painting and the sign post installation. 

 

E.  Public Works Department – Sewer Services:  Consideration of request for seasonal sewer cost reduction (December through April) submitted by Michael Feil, Friendly RV Park

 

City Administrator Wilson reported receipt of request submitted by Michael Feil for a reduction in the monthly sewer charges during the period December through April.  Mr. Wilson stated that City ordinances do not currently provide for temporary disconnections. 

 

Michael Feil came before the Council to explain that his business was not operating for a number of years prior to his purchase and therefore he is struggling to re-establish a clientele.  Mr. Feil asked for the reduction to help him control his sewer costs over the winter months when business is low. 

 

Council Member Tallerico asked Mr. Feil if he would be willing to enter into a deferral arrangement whereby costs are reduced during the winter months and the reduction is repaid during the summer months. 

 

City Attorney King suggested that the Municipal and Government Codes could be searched to see if they permit such deferrals.  Mr. King added that such deferral agreements would be consistent and available to other business and/or property owners who request the same. 

 

Council Member Barnett recommended staff look into equality based deferral agreements as discussed, and the other Council Members concurred with this solution. 

 

F.  Police Department:  Supervision of Security Program – College of the Siskiyous

 

City Administrator Wilson reported the College of the Siskiyous has been meeting with City representatives to draft a proposal for campus security programs. 

 

Chief Nicholas reported that the College’s Board of Trustees, on Tuesday, approved the concept wherein the City would provide supervision to college students in the Administration of Justice program performing security services during college activities.  Mr. Nicholas added that a College staff member provides current supervision but with the City in the oversight position, training can be standardized and regulated.  Chief Nicholas noted that the College would pay the City to provide specified services. 

 

City Attorney King cautioned the Council about possible liability associated with supervision of individuals who are potentially under trained.  Mr. King explained that individuals are being placed in a position of authority indicated by uniforms and/or badges, and problems could arise in how these people respond to actions of their peers. 

 

Chief Nicholas clarified that the College individuals would not be reacting to crimes, but would rather be reporting to their Police Department supervisors. 

 

Chief Nicholas stated that he will be meeting with College representatives to iron out a written agreement and the liability issue will be included in discussions.  Chief Nicholas added that the College currently carries insurance for its existing security program. 

 

Finance Director McKinnis offered to inquire of the City’s liability carrier regarding insurance issues. 

 

Chief Nicholas suggested that the program is similar to one in use by the Fire Department where students are used in certain capacities.  Fire Chief Quigley added that the fire students are required to obtain a specific certification level prior to assuming duties.

 

Council Member Tallerico moved to continue action to a future meeting after which the City Administrator and the Chief of Police have met with College officials to bring the required information back to the Council.  Council Member Ramsey seconded the motion. 

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

 

G.  Public Works Department – Building Inspection:  Consideration of authorization for staff negotiations with the County of Siskiyou

 

City Administrator Wilson reported the staff is considering meeting with the County to develop an agreement for building inspection services, and asked the Council for authorization to proceed with negotiations. 

 

Council Member Barnett moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, authorizing the staff to formally request negotiations with the County for an agreement for building inspection services. 

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

 

H.  Public Works Department – Water Truck:  Consideration of approval of purchase

 

City Administrator Wilson reported receipt of request from the Public Works Department to purchase a water truck in the amount of $26,329.65.  Mr. Wilson added the adopted budget proposed a lease purchase agreement and asked the Council for approval to proceed with negotiation of the agreement. 

 

Council Member Barnett moved, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, to authorize negotiation of a lease purchase agreement to purchase the water truck from Schmitt Equipment Sales, Inc. of Anderson, CA, in the amount of $26,329.65, and, to authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. 

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

 

I.  Public Works Department – Vista Drive:  Consideration of authorization for filing of Notice of Completion

 

City Administrator Wilson reported the completion of the Vista Drive project and recommended the Council accept the project. 

 

Council Member Tallerico moved, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, acceptance of the Vista Drive Improvements Project and Detention Pond, and authorized the filing of the Notice of Completion. 

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

 

J.  City Council:  Meeting Schedule – Council will review and discuss meeting times (Municipal Code §2.04.010)

 

City Administrator Wilson reported that Council Member Sutton has requested this matter be placed on the agenda. 

 

Council Member Sutton stated that his attendance at the morning meetings would be an unfair and undue hardship for his fellow employees because they would have to cover for him, and he asked Council to consider changing the meeting time. 

 

Council Member Tallerico suggested 3:30 in the afternoon, and Council Member Ramsey agreed that would be a better time for him too. 

 

Council Member Barnett moved, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, to direct staff to draft an ordinance amendment to change the commencement time for the first meeting of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

 

                                                 CONSENT AGENDA

 

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

 

Council Member Barnett moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, to approve the consent agenda as published including the approval of minutes of November 9, 13, 21 and 30, 2000, payment of Claims #27556 – 27564, #27596 – 27611, #27613, #27618 – 27686, #27688 – 27700, #27703 – 27740, #27744 - 27777 in the amount of $320,522.51; the acceptance of Financial Status Report for Month Ending November 30, 2000; and the approval of Contract Change Order #7, Vista Drive Street Improvements and Detention Pond, for new contract price of $841,189.31, City Administrator Wilson is authorized to execute the document on behalf of the City.

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

 

ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

 

Mayor Borcalli declared an economic conflict of interest, and stepped from the dais. Mayor Pro-tem Tallerico assumed the chair of the meeting, and Council Member Barnett moved, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, to approve the payment of claim #27612 to D & R Hardware in the amount of $472.40. 

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         Council Member Borcalli

 

Mayor Borcalli returned to the dais and resumed the chair of the meeting. 

 

STAFF REPORTS

 

Public Works Director Sharp reported the California Transportation Commission has approved the College Avenue STIP project.  Mr. Sharp also reported the City Hall rehabilitation project has been stalled due to priorities with other projects and weather. 

 

Finance Director McKinnis reported interviews are being held for the supervisor positions at the truck travel plaza, and the general manager is due to arrive in two weeks.  Mr. McKinnis reviewed recent research done with a large retail facility in mind, and added that discussions with the principals have resumed for both the Church’s Fried Chicken franchise and a Chinese restaurant. 

 

Fire Chief Quigley alerted the Council to the fact that the Murphy house on Venice Street that recently sustained substantial damage due to an attic fire will probably not be reconstructed because the owner did not have insurance and claims not to have the money to rebuild it.  Chief Quigley noted the house might need to be demolished. 

 

City Attorney King noted this is his last meeting and complimented the City Council, both present and past, for its cohesiveness over the past eight years while he was City Attorney, and also thanked the Council for the experience. 

 

City Administrator Wilson expressed the staff’s appreciation for being able to work with Mr. King, and wished him well in his future endeavors. 

 

ADJOURNMENT

A.  Closed Session: 

Council Member Barnett moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, to adjourn to closed session to conference with labor negotiators, and pursuant to Government Code §54957, public employment -- City Attorney.  

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

 

Council adjourned to closed session at 10:59 a.m. and returned to open general session at 11:30 .am. 

 

City Attorney King reported that the City Council met in closed session pursuant to Government Code §54957 and regarding the conference with labor negotiator, no action was taken except to give further direction to the negotiator for the negotiations.  With regard to public employment, the City Council voted to unanimously to offer the position of City Attorney for the City of Weed to James Pierce pursuant to an agreement that had been presented subject to certain amendments that will be undertaken.  Mr. Pierce accepted the position and his duties would commence on January 1, 2001. 

 

B.  Sine Die

Council Member Tallerico moved adjournment, and Council Member Ramsey seconded the motion. 

AYES:              Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         None

 

MEETING ADJOURNED SINE DIE AT 11:31 A.M.