WEED CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING

MAY 10, 2001

The City Council of the City of Weed held a regular meeting on Thursday, May 10, 2001, at 3:30 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, and Chuck Sutton. 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.

Council Members Brian Ramsey and Vince Tallerico asked to be excused from attendance.

Council Member Barnett moved to excuse the absence of Council Members Ramsey and Tallerico. Council Member Sutton seconded the motion.

AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, and Sutton

NOES: None

ABSENT: Council Members Ramsey and Tallerico

III. 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.

Diane Norcio and Keith Samse, representing Rural Elders at 550 Park Street, came before the Council to introduce their business, review their services, their future plans, and to ask to make a formal presentation on the next agenda. Council agreed. Ms. Norcio noted that their ribbon cutting and open house is tomorrow afternoon, and invited the Council’s participation.

IV. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS

Council Member Barnett reported attendance at a Community Center meeting stating the big news is the Committee has decided to hire a program manager or director to put all aspects of the Center project together from now to the time of groundbreaking.

Mayor Borcalli reported attendance at a Tourism Summit meeting sponsored by the Siskiyou County Visitor’s Bureau, and also participation in the Bucket Brigade in Klamath Falls to support the farmers affected by the Bureau of Reclamation’s decision to withhold irrigation water.

Mayor Borcalli also reported she and City Administrator Wilson will attend a division meeting of the League of California Cities in Redding tomorrow.

Mayor Borcalli announced the Centennial Committee will seek a special cancellation from the United States Postal Service for use on September 9 at the time of the dedication of the Plaza.

V. PUBLIC HEARING(S)

A. Siskiyou County Local Transportation Commission hearing held in accordance with Transportation Development Act §§99401.5 and 99401.6: Unmet Transportation Needs.

Tom Anderson, Transportation Service Manager for Siskiyou County, appeared before the Council to seek input on unmet transportation needs.

Diane Norcio, representing Rural Elders, verified her written correspondence requesting transportation assistance for seniors to Rural Elders from such areas as Lake Shastina and Grenada. Ms. Norcio also stated that transit services such as for shopping and errands is also sorely needed.

There being no further interest in providing input on unmet transportation needs, Mayor Borcalli declared the hearing closed at 3:56 p.m.

B. Aspen Creek Subdivision: Consideration of the Negative Declaration for Subdivision and Conditional Use Permit.

City Administrator Wilson reported this item is still pending before the Planning Commission and therefore recommended opening the hearing, and then continuing it to the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Mayor Borcalli declared the hearing open at 3:59 p.m. and asked for public input. Council Member Barnett read a letter signed by Jonas the Prophet demanding that development in the “sacred land” in the south Weed area cease. The letter specifically mentions the Hidden Meadows subdivision, and other land outside the City limits to the east of the railroad tracks, but not the proposed Aspen Creek subdivision.

Council Member Barnett moved to continue the hearing to the May 24 meeting, and Council Member Sutton seconded the motion.

AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, and Sutton

NOES: None

ABSENT: Council Members Ramsey and Tallerico

VI. REGULAR AGENDA

A. Centennial Committee – Plaza: Council will be asked for direction as to disposition of the gazebo.

Mayor Borcalli stated this item is on the agenda because she received a suggestion to leave the gazebo where it has been moved on the City Hall’s south lawn. Mayor Borcalli noted it was moved to make way for the Plaza construction. After brief discussion Council agreed no action is required.

B. Mt. Shasta Park & Recreation District: Request for funding for “Meals on Wheels” senior nutrition project.

Mike Rodriguez, Director of the Mt. Shasta and Weed Recreation and Park Districts, gave a brief history of the Meals on Wheels program, and requested consideration of funding from the City of Weed for the program. Mr. Rodriguez stated they have seen an increase in the number of homebound seniors that are participating in the program. Mr. Rodriguez noted the funding he is asking for will support the homebound program, and Weed is being asked for $200 per month, or $2400 per year. The City’s of Mt. Shasta and Dunsmuir are being asked for $225 and $250 per month respectively. Mr. Rodriguez added that service clubs currently also participate in funding, as well as other fund raisers, and the City Councils are being asked to help make up the deficit. Mr. Rodriguez also described the future plans for the program as the funding permits.

Council Member Barnett moved to have staff put the matter on the budget meeting agenda for consideration of funding at that time. Council Member Sutton seconded the motion.

AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, and Sutton

NOES: None

ABSENT: Council Members Ramsey and Tallerico

C. Public Works Department: Request submitted by Larry Stensaas for direction from Council as to support of project to study alternate sewage disposal opportunity.

City Administrator Wilson reviewed the Council’s direction to place this matter on the agenda to determine City interest in participation in the Stensaas study project.

Council Member Barnett encouraged the City to proceed in light of the possible cost savings, but noted that the City should not bear any costs with regard to the engineering or environmental work, and should not violate any Zwanziger agreement requirements. Council concurred and directed staff to draft a letter offering City support on the condition that no costs will be borne by the City. City Attorney Pierce agreed to draft a letter or otherwise let Mr. Stensaas know of the City’s support.

D. Finance Department: Council will consider a resolution revising sewer system rates.

City Administrator Wilson reviewed that the matter has previously come before the Council, a Committee was formed, recommendations were made, the public hearing was held, and then ordinance was amended to permit rate adoption by resolution. City Administrator Wilson presented the resolution for Council consideration.

Council Member Barnett moved, seconded by Council Member Sutton, that the reading in full of the body of Resolution No. 10-2001 be waived, said resolution being introduced and adopted by title only.

AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, and Sutton

NOES: None

ABSENT: Council Members Ramsey and Tallerico

Council Member Barnett read the title of Resolution No. 10-2001 and moved adoption, seconded by Council Member Sutton, said resolution being in the words and figures following:

RESOLUTION NO. 10-2001

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

ESTABLISHING RATES OR CHARGES

FOR SEWER SERVICE WITHIN THE CITY OF WEEDError! Reference source not found.

WHEREAS, §14.08.250 of the Weed Municipal Code provides for the establishment of rates that may be charged for sewer service rendered by the City of Weed; and

WHEREAS, the City Council, upon recommendation of the City of Weed Final Revenue Program development by the Managing Engineer, and the City Council appointed Sewer Rate Committee, has determined certain specified rates should be charged for sewer services in the City; and

WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a public hearing on April 13, 2000, to receive public comment on the proposed rates and has considered these comments.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Weed that effective the first day of June 2001, the rates for sewer services shall be as set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and made a part hereof; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any sewer rates in conflict with those set forth in this resolution are revoked on the effective date set forth above; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the collection rates for sewer services shall be adjusted effective July 1 of each year beginning July 1, 2002, 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.

EXHIBIT A

RATES FOR SEWER SERVICE IN THE CITY OF WEED

Rate/ Rate/ Charge/

Account Unit 100 Cubic feet

Bar 30.00
Bakery 20.00
Beauty/Barber Shop 20.00
Church/Government 30.00
College of the Siskiyous 906.88
C.O.S. Dormitory 601.30
Gas Station 5.00 1.31
Hospital, Convalescent 332.00
Laundromat 5.00 1.31
Market, Large 5.00 1.25
Market, Small 5.00 1.09
Medical Office 5.00 1.17
Motel/Hotel 5.00 4.00
Other, Commercial use 20.00
Other, Industrial use 30.00
Park, Mobile Home 5.00 9.50
Park, Recreational Vehicle 5.00 4.20
Residence, Multi Family 5.00 10.50
Residence, Single Family 15.50
Restaurant 5.00 1.96
School, Elementary 295.72
School, High 167.58

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, and Sutton

NOES: None

ABSENT: Council Members Ramsey and Tallerico

E. Police Department – Traffic Rules and Regulations: Council will receive a report concerning the intersection at Vista and Black Butte Drives.

City Administrator Wilson reviewed that Council requested this matter be placed on the agenda for discussion and noted that since the installation of the stop signs, as directed by the City Council in January, there is nothing new to add.

Police Chief Nicholas stated that those interested in public safety are in favor of any additional safety added to an intersection. Chief Nicholas added the traffic study indicated installation of specific traffic controls, when dictated by traffic counts. Other staff and City Council members reported they have reviewed the traffic movement at the intersection, and there doesn’t seem to be a problem.

Council Member Barnett recalled this item was bought before the Council upon a citizen’s complaint, and noted she supports slower traffic at any time because it promotes a community feel.

Council also discussed possible traffic stacking problems with stops signs on Vista.

Police Chief Nicholas added that a four-way stop intersection is the safest intersection, however current traffic counts do not indicate that need.

Council concurs that the stop signs on Black Butte Drive as previously approved by resolution is the appropriate traffic regulation at the current time.

F. Police Department – Security program, College of the Siskiyous: Council will consider an agreement for supervision of the College’s security program.

Police chief Nicholas recalled that at the time of the December meeting, staff submitted to Council the idea of working with the College to proivide supervisory services to the College for the security program, but the matter was continued due to questions of potential City liability. Chief Nicholas stated that since that time, the City Attorney has drafted an agreement between the City and the College, along with a Liability Release for the students in the program. In preliminary review, the College has requested minor changes that the City agrees to, and currently, the College has referred the document to the County Counsel for review and recommendation.

Council questioned proposed personnel for the supervision, and Chief Nicholas responded that the monies collected from the College for the supervision of the program will backfill the salary of the supervisor. It is contemplated, at the present time, that the duties of supervisor for the College Security program will be added to the duties of the supervisor that has the Community Service Program.

Council Member Barnett moved, seconded by Council Member Sutton, to approve the agreement if approved by the College of the Siskiyous, and authorize Chief Nicholas to execute the document on behalf of the City with the understanding that if any major changes are made, the agreement will come back to the Council.

AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, and Sutton

NOES: None

ABSENT: Council Members Ramsey and Tallerico

G. Public Works Department – Spring Clean Up: Council will hear plans for Spring Clean Up 2001.

City Administrator Wilson reported that the County is again making a day available for free dumping of green waste at the County landfill, and suggested that staff recommends a program whereby the waste is left at the curb, and the City contracts with C & D Waste Removal for the pick up. It is estimated the service will cost the City approximately $1,500. City Administrator Wilson noted the funding has been included in the approved budget if the Council would like to go ahead with the program.

Council Members concurred with staff recommendation to offer the green waste removal service. .

VII. 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. City Administrator Wilson requested that item D be removed to allow separate consideration. Council Member Barnett moved to remove item D from the Consent Agenda, and Council Member Sutton seconded the motion.

AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, and Sutton

NOES: None

ABSENT: Council Members Ramsey and Tallerico

Council Member Barnett moved, seconded by Council Member Sutton, to approve the consent agenda as amended to include the approval of minutes of March 8 and April 12, 2001, the approval of Claims #28242 – 28252, #28354 – 28392, #28409 - 28436 in the amount of $90,042.20, and the Financial Status Report for Month Ending April 30, 2001.

AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, and Sutton

NOES: None

ABSENT: Council Members Ramsey and Tallerico

VIII. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

A. Claim #28353 to D & R Hardware in the amount of $510.03

City Attorney Pierce stated that the published agenda must be tabled to the next agenda because the Mayor must step down due to conflict of interest, and that will result in less than a quorum of the Council. Council Member Barnett moved to table the payment of claim to D & R Hardware to the next agenda. Council Member Sutton seconded the motion.

AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, and Sutton

NOES: None

ABSENT: Council Members Ramsey and Tallerico

B. Shastina Drive Improvement Project -- Contract Change Order(s): City Administrator authorized to sign on behalf of the City.

City Administrator Wilson reported that when the agenda was published, it was anticipated Contract Change Orders for Shastina Drive would be presented that would not change the project cost. Mr. Wilson added that the City has the opportunity to get a portion of Vista Drive paved and another Contract Change Order has been submitted which, if Council approves, will provide approval for this which is technically outside of the project area. City Administrator Wilson noted that the work scheduled under the proposed change orders would take place prior to the time of the next Council meeting. City Administrator Wilson stated Vista Drive, from the intersection with Black Butte Drive, westward to the CalTrans Interstate 5 right of way will be overlaid with asphalt at the same time that Shastina is done. The estimated cost is $39,734 and the contract change can be covered with the contingency funding in the grant.

City Administrator Wilson described a potential situation where funding can be adjusted thereby increasing the contingency fund in that installation of a special fabric under the paving is included in the original contract. Since the time of the drafting of the contract it has been discovered that its been CalTrans experience that under certain circumstances the fabric has not been effective in prolonging the life of the pavement. The City staff has determined to delete that part of the project, which will allow additional monies under a contract change order.

Public Works Director Sharp stated that adding the Vista Drive portion to the project is a unique opportunity and will save the City in the long run.

Council Member Sutton moved, seconded by Council Member Barnett, approval of Contract Change Orders No. 4 & 5.

AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, and Sutton

NOES: None

ABSENT: Council Members Ramsey and Tallerico

IX. STAFF REPORTS

Public Works Director Sharp reported work on the College Avenue STIP project is progressing.

Fire Chief Quigley reported the current Fire Academy class is graduating on Saturday at the College and the public is invited.

Finance Director McKinnis reported he and Public Works Director Sharp attended an economic development leadership forum.

Police Chief Nicholas reminded the Council about the DARE culmination activity scheduled for 6:00 p.m. this evening at Weed Elementary School, and invited the public to attend.

City Attorney Pierce reported he sits on the committee that manages the Sierra Club hut at Horse Camp on Mt. Shasta, and on behalf of the committee, expressed thanks to Fire Chief Quigley for the donation of backboards to be used in rescue situations. Chief Quigley explained that the Chief’s Association got funding from Community Service Area 3 and from the McConnell Foundation to purchase backboards that were then distributed to agencies around the County.

City Administrator Wilson reported receipt of invitation from the Carnevale Committee to participate in the Centennial parade to be held on June 16. Mayor Borcalli suggested asking all past City Council members to ride on the City’s entry.

X. ADJOURNMENT

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

AYES: Council Members Barnett, Borcalli, and Sutton

NOES: None

ABSENT: Council Members Ramsey and Tallerico

MEETING ADJOURNED SINE DIE AT 4:57 P.M.