WEED CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 26, 2001
The City Council of the City of Weed held a regular meeting on Thursday, April 26, 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.
RECOGNITIONS,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor
Borcalli proclaimed the month of
May, in the year 2001, “Veteran Appreciation Month” urging all local
employers, organized labor, Veteran organizations, and other government leaders
to support this worthy campaign to increase employment opportunities for the
men and women who have faithfully served our nation.
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, resident of Salt Lake City, appeared before the Council to remind the
Council that he asked several times recently to have direction and input
regarding disposal of water from the Weed City ponds. Dr. Stensaas stated he is a petroleum geologist and has made a
detailed analysis of his property in comparison to the Zwanziger property where
the water is discharged to now. Dr.
Stensaas proposes to take water under gravity and dispose of it on his property,
and previously asked the Council to approve a pilot study to show that all of
the water that the City has to contend with can be disposed of. Dr. Stensaas noted that he received a letter
from the City Attorney asking for a detailed engineering report but if the City
is not interested in supporting the project, the costs involved will be
excessive.
Mayor
Borcalli asked to have the matter placed on the next agenda. City Attorney Pierce informed the Council
that Manuel Baldenegro, State Regional Water Quality Control representative,
and Craig Sharp met to discuss the physical and hydrological aspects of the
project, and the engineering and feasibility study requested is important to
the decision of whether the City wants to go forward. Mr. Pierce added that the City is interested in the substantial
savings that can be realized through this project, however there are potential
sticky problems with existing water rights and legal contract issues associated
with them.
Dr. Stensaas noted that he has signed an easement agreement with the neighboring property owner to permit the water to gravity flow over that property but if he doesn’t get a written agreement from the City of Weed to proceed on the matter, the agreement expires in June. Dr. Stensaas explained the agreement provides that he have pipe in the ground to be used for the percolation test but several thousand dollars worth of pipe in the ground without agreement from the City would be pointless. Dr. Stensaas asked the City whether it has interest in cooperating in the project.
City Attorney Pierce suggested there may be practical reasons to consider the project, and recommended the Council set the matter on the next agenda. Council concurred.
Brian Hoffman, representing the Siskiyou County Economic Development Council, came before the Council to encourage the elected officials attendance at a leadership forum to be held in Yreka.
Mr. Hoffman noted that this forum is to instruct elected officials on the workings of economic development and focuses on formation of a working relationship between the officials and developers to make it a win/win situation.
John Diehm, representing the Weed Press, came before the Council to introduce Ken Dailey who will be taking his place as correspondent for the Weed Press.
Rob Menzies, representing Menzies Native Nursery,
came before the Council to report the successful move of the ‘Snoopy” tree on
the south lawn to make way for the proposed plaza that will be constructed
there. Mr. Menzies also noted that the
pruning of the trees is taking place, and a tree planting for Tree City USA
will take place next week. Mr. Menzies
then presented the 2000 Tree City USA awards including a flag, and sticker, and
plaque emblem. Mr. Menzies noted this
is our sixth year of award for Tree City USA success. Mayor Borcalli thanked Mr. Menzies for all his efforts on behalf
of the City adding that we wouldn’t be a Tree City if it weren’t for Rob’s
efforts. Mr. Menzies stated he has
significant help from City Public Works Director Craig Sharp and City Finance
Director Kelly McKinnis.
V. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council Member Tallerico expressed disappointment in
the change of the Carnevale dates and Mayor Borcalli sympathized stating it was
a very difficult decision but the only choice so the community could have a
carnival.
Council Member Barnett complimented staff on the work
done in preparation for the installation of the Cougar sculpture at the end of
Main Street. Council Member Barnett
also reported she has had complaints from residents regarding the removal of
the stop sign on Vista at Black Butte Drives.
Police Chief Martin Nicholas reported that subsequent to resolution of
the City, the stop signs on Vista Drive at Black Butte Drive were removed to
allow through traffic on Vista Drive.
Chief Nicholas reminded the Council that this was a recommendation
resulting from the Traffic Study done there.
Council Member Barnett asked to have the matter on the next agenda so it
can be discussed.
Mayor Borcalli offered congratulations to the
Elementary School for the Centennial program it sponsored, and noted that
backboards were produced that commemorated the City progress and they will be
distributed to local businesses to display so they can be more widely enjoyed
and appreciated.
Mayor Borcalli reported recognition of the City’s
Police Dispatchers with Certificates of Appreciation and noted all were invited
to a luncheon in Yreka.
Mayor Borcalli thanked Craig Pennett, a local
resident for watering, weeding, and general clean up of the sidewalk and street
plantings on Main Street and noted that Craig’s work is strictly volunteer and
done just for the joy of doing it.
Mayor Borcalli then reminded those who have adopted
streets that now is the time to look at their streets to see if work needs to
be done. Mayor Borcalli added that the
Community Service Program has been instituted to enforce the nuisance laws on
private property, and asked City staff to pay special attention to the City
property so we can set a good example.
VI. REGULAR AGENDA
A. Centennial Committee: Council will consider request for approval to close Park Street between Tebbe and Main Streets, also known as the parking lot between City Hall and Jim’s Place, during the Centennial celebration on September 8 and 9, 2001.
City Administrator Wilson reported receipt of request for approval of a street closure for an upcoming Centennial event scheduled for the second weekend in September.
John Oliver, member of the Centennial Committee, came before the Council to explain the plan for the Centennial celebration weekend including some of the proposed events, and how the booths and other activities will be situated. Mr. Oliver asked the Council to approve the closure of the north end of Main Street from the railroad tracks to the Alamo Avenue intersection.
Council Members discussed the traffic patterns, access to the Post Office and neighboring residents, and other security and public safety details. Police Chief Nicholas stated that at the current time, his Department doesn’t have any problem with the proposed closures.
Council Member Ramsey moved, seconded by Council Member Barnett, to authorize the closure of Main Street as requested with Police Chief Nicholas authorized to adjust the closures as necessary.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
B. Finance Department: Council will consider the second reading and
adoption of an ordinance amending Chapter 14.08 of the Municipal Code of the
City of Weed Relating to Sewer Service
City
Administrator Wilson reviewed that the introduction and first reading of this
ordinance took place at the last meeting and revises sewer service rates
pursuant to sewer grant requirements.
Mr. Wilson added that upon adoption of the ordinance, a resolution
setting the specific rates would be presented to Council for action
Council
Member Sutton moved, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, that the reading in
full of the body of Ordinance No. 355-2001 be waived, said ordinance
being read and then adopted by title only.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Council
Member Sutton read the title of Ordinance No. 355-2001 and moved adoption, seconded
by Council Member Ramsey, said ordinance being in the words and figures
following:
ORDINANCE
NO. 355-2001
AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEED
AMENDING
CHAPTER 14.08 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE
The City Council of the
City of Weed does ordain as follows:
Section
1. Chapter 14.08 of the City of Weed
Municipal Code relating to "Sewer Service" is hereby amended to add
Section 14.08.250, reading as follows:
“14.08.250. RATES AND
CHARGES, RULES AND REGULATIONS--SET BY COUNCIL RESOLUTION. The rates and charges for sewer service
rendered by the city, and rules and regulations relating to the conditions
under which such sewer service shall be provided by the city, shall be fixed and established from time to time by
resolution of the council.”
Section
2. This ordinance shall take effect and
be in force thirty (30) days after its passage.
Section 3. This
ordinance shall be printed in the Weed Press within fifteen (15) days after its
passage.
UPON
ROLL CALL THE VOTE WAS:
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
C. Police
Department - Citizens’ Option for Public Safety (COPS)
allocation: Amendment of approved
program with regard to the type and number of employees. Council will consider approval of reduction
of part-time positions and increase of full-time positions.
City
Administrator Wilson reviewed that the Council previously approved the COPS
allocation for the Community Service Program, and that action authorized
part-time positions, however, it has now been determined that full-time
positions will better serve the City because the Police Department is having
difficulty finding individuals interested in the part-time positions. City Administrator Wilson recommended the
eight part-time positions be reduced to four and two full-time positions be
created.
Police
Chief Nicholas added that some of the programs planned are time intensive, and
the full-time positions will be more efficient to carry out those
programs.
Council
Member Barnett asked for and received confirmation that the grant bears the
added costs for the full-time employees, and there is no cost to the City.
Council
Member Ramsey moved, seconded by Council Member Sutton, to authorize the
revision of the Community Service Officer staffing level as recommended.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
D. Fire Department – National Fire Protection
Action (NFPA) 1710 Standards: Council
will consider the League of California Cities’ request for opposition to the
standards.
City
Administrator Wilson reviewed policy changes proposed by the National Fire
Protection Association and the recommendation from the League of California
Cities to oppose those changes. City
Administrator Wilson added that one of the proposed changes does not currently
affect the City but does affect issues of local government. Mr. Wilson explained the change would set a
required response time along with a number of personnel that must respond.
Fire
Chief Quigley agreed that change in standard 1710 does not affect the City
however it is bad policy affecting all the career departments in the country
because it requires a minimum of four persons on an engine at all times. Chief Quigley stated this will have a severe
financial impact, and recommended Council send a letter in opposition.
Council
Member Tallerico moved, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, to send a letter in
opposition to the standards change.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
E. Finance Department: Council will consider receipt and acceptance
of annual financial audit.
City
Administrator Wilson reported the annual financial report for the year ending
June 30, 2000, was distributed for Council review, and recommended accepting
the report.
Finance
Director Kelly McKinnis thanked all staff members for cooperation during the
audit process, and added this is a very extensive audit and no findings were
made in the grant side, which will reflect well on the City with the State and
Federal officials.
Council
Member Barnett moved, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, to accept the annual
financial report prepared by Aiello, Goodrich, & Teuscher for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2000, and directed the Council Audit Committee to review
the report and respond to the management letter.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
F. City Council: Council will consider resolution requesting Klamath Basin Water
Allocation
City
Administrator Wilson reviewed that due to Federal regulation, the Klamath Basin
is not receiving the water it has enjoyed for agricultural purposes for many
decades and because of this, the agricultural economy of Siskiyou County is in
serious trouble. Mr. Wilson added that
the League of Siskiyou Cities has received a report from the City of Tulelake
regarding the economic impact. City Administrator
Wilson likened it to the impact Weed suffered years ago when International
Paper closed its Weed facility. Mr.
Wilson stated the League of Siskiyou Cities recommended each individual city
adopt a resolution of support and request for revision of the regulations
governing the water allocation.
Council Member Tallerico moved, seconded by Council
Member Ramsey, that the reading in full of the body of Resolution No. 09-2001 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. 09-2001 and moved adoption,
seconded by Council Member Ramsey, said resolution being in the words and
figures following:
RESOLUTION NO. 09-2001
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEED
REQUESTING RECONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED WATER
ALLOCATIONS
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Reclamation is charged with
the oversight and administration of the Klamath Project and water flows within
the Klamath Basin; and
WHEREAS, in administering the flows that will be
available to Upper Klamath Lake, Klamath River, Klamath Project water users,
and the Tulelake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, the Bureau of
Reclamation proposes to allocate water flows only for the protection of the
Klamath Lake sucker fish and the salmon populations in the Klamath River with
no allocation proposed for Klamath Project farmers, including the lease land
farm program and Tulelake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge; and
WHEREAS, drought conditions currently exist in the
Klamath Basin resulting in a reduction in availability of water flows for
legitimate and historic uses; and
WHEREAS, prior operation of the Klamath Project by
the Bureau of Reclamation during periods of drought made reasonable allocations
of water flows between all legitimate interests, including farming, with no
demonstrable effect on endangered species; and
WHEREAS, providing no reasonable allocation by the
Bureau of Reclamation to the farmers of the Klamath Basin in Northern
California and Southern Oregon will result in the economic devastation of these
farmers, the local communities that they support, and the counties, including
Siskiyou;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City
Council of the City of Weed that it does hereby request the Bureau of
Reclamation immediately reconsider the proposed water allocations within the
Klamath Basin and to take such action as may be necessary to assure that there
is an equitable division of waters thereby providing a reasonable allocation
for project farmers, including the lease land farm program and the Tulelake and
Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk
is hereby directed to send a copy of this Resolution to the Honorable Gale
Norton, Secretary of the Interior, Congressional Representatives, and other
agencies impacted by the Bureau of Reclamation proposal.
UPON ROLL CALL, THE VOTE WAS:
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
G. Public
Works Department – Shastina Drive Improvement Project: Change Orders #1 and #3
City Administrator Wilson reported the project is 15-20 percent complete at the present time and two items have been discovered which require contract change orders. Mr. Wilson explained the first is to cover additional construction traffic control signs on the south interchange off-ramp as required by CalTrans, and the cost is $5,000, and the second is to provide for the possibility of encountering unforeseen utilities and establishes a maximum budget of $5,000 with actual expenditures to be approved by the Public Works Director.
Council Member Barnett moved, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, approval of Shastina Drive Contract Change Orders #1 and #3 as proposed and recommended.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
VII. STAFF REPORTS
Fire Chief Quigley reviewed the fire at the Alavarado
property on Olive Street that effectively destroyed the garage and, due to
smoke damage, also the house, and thanked Mr. Alvarado for allowing the Fire
Department entry several times in the recent weeks for training purposes with
both the Firefighter Academy and the Volunteer Firefighters.
Chief Quigley announced the paramedic program that
will start at the College in the fall that will have great benefits to the Fire
Department in the form of additional responders, and to the citizens in the
level of service they will receive.
.
Finance Director McKinnis thanked Rob Menzies for his efforts with Tree City USA because it has made a definite difference in our community. Mr. McKinnis also thanked the Siskiyou County Economic Development Council and Chico State staff for coming through with vital information that the City of Weed needs for economic development that can benefit the whole County.
Finance Director McKinnis then gave a brief report on
economic development contacts.
Police Chief Nicholas announced the DARE program
culmination exercise scheduled for May 10 at 6:00 p.m. at the Elementary
School, and invited Council attendance to support this youth activity.
City Attorney James Pierce stated, to follow up on a
previous ordinance discussion, that the police chief has the authority to
establish police department policies.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
A. Closed
Session
Council Member Tallerico moved, seconded by Council
Member Ramsey, to adjourn to closed session to conference with its labor
negotiators with closed session to commence after a 10-minute break.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Council
adjourned to closed session at 7:32 p.m., and returned to open general session
at 7:52 p.m. City Attorney Pierce
reported that the City Council met in closed session pursuant to Government
Code §54957.6 and received information and direction from staff on
behalf of the department directors unit and the employee organizations
unit. No action was taken.
Council
Member Barnett moved adjournment, and Council Member Tallerico seconded the
motion.
AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, Ramsey, Sutton, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MEETING ADJOURNED
SINE DIE AT 7:55 P.M.