WEED CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 22, 2001

 

 

The City Council of the City of Weed held a regular meeting on Thursday, March 22, 2001, at 6:00 p.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, Chuck Sutton, and Vince Tallerico.  Also present were City Administrator Earl Wilson, City Attorney James Pierce, Finance Director M. Kelly McKinnis, Police Chief Martin Nicholas, Fire Chief Darin Quigley, Public Works Director Craig Sharp, and City Clerk Deborah Salvestrin. 

 

III  PRESENTATION

 

A.  Police Department:  New badges to commemorate centennial year

 

Mayor Borcalli reported that police badges were selected and purchased to commemorate the City’s centennial and will be presented to the personnel in a little ceremony.  Police Department employees lined up in front of the dais and Mayor Borcalli, assisted by Police Chief Nicholas, pinned the new badges on each member of the Department. 

 

 

IV.  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. 

 

Larry Stensaas came before the Council to review his project that he proposed approximately 1.5 years ago.  Mr. Stensaas asked the City to look into the opportunity of disposing some of the sewer effluent from the Weed pond through a gravity system to his property for irrigation purposes.  Mr. Stensaas reminded the Council that he owns approximately 400 acres that lies adjacent to the Weed pond and about 65 acres is located such that a gravity fed drip irrigation system could irrigate the land, with no cost to the City for pumping the effluent.  Mr. Stensaas stated that it has taken the past year to complete arrangements with the Caldwells for an easement for part of the piping system.  Mr. Stensaas asked the Council’s interest in continuing work toward an agreement for the disposal of the water noting that he does not want to engage engineers and purchase materials if the Council is not interested in pursuing this project. 

 

Council agreed to place the item on the next agenda for discussion and possible action. 

 

 

V.  COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS

 

Council Member Sutton reported being approached by citizens interested in changing the City’s ordinance to permit sales of fireworks in City limits, and asked the matter be placed for discussion on the next agenda.  Mr. Sutton suggested the sales could benefit youth groups for school booster clubs as a fundraiser, and Council agreed. 

 

Council Member Barnett asked the next agenda provide for discussion and possible action for the location of the cougar statue.  Council agreed. 

 

Mayor Borcalli reported receipt of a note from the Chamber of Commerce belatedly thanking the Public Works Department crew for its work with the holiday decorations, and another note from the Siskiyou County Economic Development Council thanking the City for the recent donation of the computers. 

 

Mayor Borcalli also reported on the success of the brick cleaning activities in preparation of the plaza construction, and expressed special thanks to recent crews from Crystal Geyser, to the Catholic Youth Group, and to Community Service Officer Tracey Hart who have each spent time cleaning bricks to be used in the plaza. 

 

Mayor Borcalli reported receiving complaints about the cinders that made for hazardous walking on the North Davis Avenue sidewalk, and thanked the Public Works Department for cleaning it once she reported the complaint. 

 

Mayor Borcalli noted the recent removal of the columns in front of City Hall in preparation for the rehabilitation project. 

 

 

VI.  REGULAR AGENDA

 

A.  Public Works Department:  Consideration of bids received for Shastina Drive State Transportation Implementation Program (STIP) project.  The City Council reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids, and to make the award that is in the best interest of the City. 

 

City Administrator Wilson reviewed the City receipt of the bids for the project, and that the bids were reported at the last meeting.  Mr. Wilson added that the City’s engineer has reviewed the seven bids and the low bidder was found to have met all bid requirements.  Mr. Wilson recommended accepting the bids and awarding the contract to Hayes & Son, Inc. 

 

Council members questioned start dates.  Bob Hammar, the City’s consulting engineer with Omni Means Inc., replied that if the contract is awarded, the pre-construction meeting is tentatively set for next week however weather will play the largest part in the start date. 

 

Council Member Tallerico moved, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, to accept the bids and award the contract to Hayes & Son, Inc. in the amount of $1,320,853.95. 

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

NOES:          None

ABSENT:       None

 

 

B.  Public Works Department:  Consideration of professional services agreement with OMNI-MEANS for engineering services – STIP project on College Avenue – design through construction.

 

City Administrator Wilson reported this item is removed from the agenda because action was taken at the time of the last meeting and it was found that no action is needed at this time. 

 

 

C.  Public Works Department:  Consideration of professional services agreement with OMNI-MEANS for engineering services – STIP project on Shastina Drive – construction inspection.

 

City Administrator Wilson reviewed that this contract is being presented to cover another stage of the proposed Shastina Drive project funded by State Transportation Improvement Program monies.  Mr. Wilson stated this contract is for the inspection of the construction, and recommended approval. 

 

City Council members requested and received assurance that funding is included under the project funding. 

 

Council Member Barnett moved, seconded by Council Member Tallerico, approval of the proposed agreement with Omni-Means for construction inspection of the Shastina Drive project and to authorize the City Administrator to sign the agreement for the City. 

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

NOES:          None

ABSENT:       None

 

 

D.  Consideration of a resolution 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 Boles Creek Project, proposed to alleviate downtown flooding problems, has been discussed for the past couple of years because funding was awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) but not in an amount sufficient to finish the project.  Mr. Wilson reported the availability of additional funding through the Department of Water Resources, and the application has been prepared for submission. 

 

City Finance Director McKinnis noted that the grant application requires a partner and the Weed Lake Shastina Kiwanis club has agreed to be the partner as some club members have expertise in the area of stream restoration. 

 

Council members questioned the project area, and Public Works Director Sharp responded the project is on the south fork of Boles Creek just above the Bill Ackerman’s Les Schwab tire center and continues downstream to Grove Street.  Council members questioned funding for green ways, and staff replied if projected costs remain constant, there should be funds for that and volunteer-type organizations will be asked to become involved. 

 

Council Member Tallerico moved, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, that the reading in full of the body of Resolution No. 06-2001 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 Tallerico read the title of Resolution No. 06-2001 and moved adoption, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, said resolution being in the words and figures following:

 

RESOLUTION NO.  06-2001

 

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 City of Weed has proposed to cosponsor a grant application with the Weed-Lake Shastina Kiwanis; and

WHEREAS, we have concluded the project proposed for funding with the grant funds would be environmentally beneficial; 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 the Weed-Lake Shastina Kiwanis 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, and

·         the 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, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico

NOES:          None

ABSENT:       None

 

 

E.  Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program:  Consideration of Reuse Plan for all Program Income Generated by CDBG Assisted Activities. 

 

City Administrator Wilson reviewed the State Department of Housing and Community Development requirement for a Re-use Plan associated with the Community Development Block Grant Program.  Mr. Wilson added that the purpose of the Plan is to establish policies and procedures for the administration and utilization of program and miscellaneous income received as a result of activities funded under the United States' Housing and Urban Development Community Block Grant Program.  Examples of such income are payments of principle and interest on housing and rehabilitation loans and/or infrastructure loans created under these plans. 

 

Mr. Wilson reported that the proposed Plan before the Council updates the current Plan that calls for the majority of funds to be put into a pool referred to as Revolving Loan funds and reserved for housing rehabilitation, infrastructure improvements to public facilities, and the administration of these programs.  

 

Council Member Ramsey moved adoption of the City of Weed Reuse Plan for All Program Income Generated by CDBG Assisted Activities.  Council member Sutton seconded the motion. 

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

NOES:          None

ABSENT:       None

 

 

VII.  STAFF REPORTS

 

Police Sergeant Gene Toms gave a brief report on the Community Service programs that currently include code enforcements for vehicle and nuisance abatements, bicycle registration and fingerprinting of juveniles, record destruction, and violator registration.  Sergeant Toms added that the Community Service office will expand its duties now to such things as animal control, maintenance of evidence, and DARE program responsibilities

 

Council members stated concerns as to the propriety of non-sworn individuals maintaining police department evidence, and discussion ensued.  City Attorney Pierce questioned City policy for the jurisdiction of this type of procedural decision, and Police Chief Nicholas confirmed that his department has the authority for that type of policy change. 

 

City Attorney Pierce reported that the City often receives invitations to take part in “friend of the court” type actions, and requested Council direction to join, on behalf of the City, those that he deems are in the best interest of the City.  Mr. Pierce briefly reviewed two that he recommends joining -- San Remo Hotel v. City and County of San Francisco, and Cargill v. the Metropolitan Los Angeles Water District.  Council concurred.  City Administrator Wilson explained that two types of requests come to cities requesting they be joined, one is no cost to the city, and sometimes cities are asked to participate in the costs of the suit, and these two do not cost the City. 

 

City Administrator Wilson reported the Tourism Town Hall meeting has just started at Silva’s Restaurant, and encouraged attendance at the conclusion of the City Council meeting. 

 

 

VIII.  ADJOURNMENT

 

A.  Closed Session:  Conference with labor negotiator (Agency negotiator is the Council-appointed negotiating team; Employee organization is the Miscellaneous Bargaining Unit, and the otherwise un-represented employees)

 

Council Member Ramsey moved adjournment to the published closed session, and Council Member Sutton seconded the motion.

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

NOES:          None

ABSENT:       None

 

Council adjourned to closed session at 7:11 p.m., and returned to open general session at 7:45 p.m.

 

City Attorney Pierce reported that the City Council met in closed session to conference with labor negotiators.  The Council received information and direction from staff and the negotiating team concerning two separate issues.  The Council took action to approve a pay increase of four percent for the six month term beginning January 1, 2001, for the Miscellaneous bargaining unit and otherwise un-represented employees.  The Council also received information and direction from staff and the negotiating team concerning status of negotiations for a long-term agreement for the period after June 30 for the Miscellaneous bargaining unit and otherwise un-represented employees and no action was taken. 

 

Council Member Tallerico moved, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, that the reading in full of the body of Resolution No. 07-2001 be waived, said resolution being introduced and adopted by title only.

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

NOES:          None

ABSENT:       None

 

City Attorney Pierce read the title of Resolution No. 07-2001.  Council Member Barnett moved adoption, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, said resolution being in the words and figures following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 07-2001

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF WEED,

CALIFORNIA, APPROVING BENEFITS FOR

MISCELLANEOUS UNIT AND OTHERWISE UN-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES

 

BE IT RESOLVED that the Miscellaneous Unit is granted the following: 

1.                             Wages:  All Unit, and otherwise un-represented employees shall receive a four (4) percent salary increase effective on January 1, 2001. 

2.                             Health & Welfare:  The employer will pay the October 2000 health insurance premium increase.  There will be no insurance premium increases passed on to Unit, and otherwise un-represented employees (maintenance of benefits). 

3.                             Terms and Conditions:  All existing terms and conditions of employment are incorporated into this agreement by reference. 

4.                             Term:  This is a six (6) month Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) with the Unit employees effective January 1, 2001 through June 30, 2001.  During the term of the M.O.U., the parties will meet and confer in good faith to negotiate a comprehensive successor agreement. 

 

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

NOES:          None

ABSENT:       None

 

B.  Sine Die

 

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

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

NOES:          None

ABSENT:       None

 

MEETING ADJOURNED SINE DIE AT 7:46 P.M.