Michael Damon, Fire Chief           

CITIZENS COMMENTS

Gary Antone, Public Works Director, requested that Item # 7, Public Hearing; Mitigated Negative Declaration; 3MG Reservoir Pipeline Realignment Project, be pulled off of the Regular Agenda and explained that this item will be dealt with at another meeting.  In addition, a Public Hearing advertised for the Negative Declaration for the Brewery Creek Project did not get placed on the agenda and it will be re-advertised for the meeting of February 17, 2004.  Anyone present who wished to address these issues was welcomed to speak. No comments were made in regards to either of these items.

CONSENT CALENDAR

M/S/C Houghton, Stevens to pull items # 7 & 8 and place on a future agenda and to approve the remaining Consent Calendar.

AYES:            Councilmembers:          Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

NOES:                                                None               

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:         Avilla (Absent – Excused)

APPROVAL OF MINUTES JANUARY 20, 2004

Approved 4-0-1

RE-ADOPTOIN OF THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 6, 2004 WITH CORRECTION

Approved 4-0-1

RESOLUTION NO. 5-2004; A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE FOR THE CITY OF RED BLUFF

Approved 4-0-1

CAPITAL ASSETS CAPTIALIZATION POLICY

Approved 4-0-1

HISTORIC RED BLUFF ASSOCIATION

Approved 4-0-1

STATE CONTROLLER TRANSACTION REPORT-UPDATE

Approved 4-0-1

SHUTOFF POLICY FOR WATER AND SEWER SERVICE

Approved 4-0-1

CURRENT BUSINESS

PUBLIC HEARING – GRANT APPLICATION 2004 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM PROJECTS

Susan Price, City Manager, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation to hear the introduction of the agenda item from staff, open the Public Hearing, consider all public comments, close the Public Hearing and adopt Resolution No. 6-2004 approving submission of the Community Development Block Grant Application and authorizing the City Manager to sign the Statement of Assurances.

A voluntary sign up sheet was passed around for the Grant application records.

The Grant Application funding will be divided between the P.A.T.H. Homeless Shelter Building Acquisition and Rehabilitation and the Vista Ridge Apartments Project.

Mayor Flynn opened the Public Hearing and hearing no comments he closed the Public Hearing.

M/S/C Houghton, Stevens to adopt Resolution No. 6-2004 approving submission of the Community Development Block Grant Application and authorizing the City Manager to sign the Statement of Assurances.

AYES:            Councilmembers:            Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

NOES:                                                None               

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:             Avilla (Absent – Excused)

BICYCLE TRANSIT ACCOUNT GRANT AWARD; $392,400; ON AND OFF-STREET BIKEWAYS AND CASH MATCH OF $43,600

Charles Hayden, Planning Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation to:

1.      Authorize the expenditure of per capita Proposition 40 (Parks Bond) and/or STIP funds for the required BTA grant cash match of not to exceed $43,600 previously authorized with the adoption of Resolution No. 78-20202.

2.      Approve the revised Proposition 40 list of proposed Parks and Recreation Projects as per the attached memo from the Parks and Recreation Director.

Carolyn Yates, Concerned Citizen, mentioned her concerns about the path section that would run down under the bridge to the River Park and the potential criminal element that might be attracted to the backyards of homes in the area.

Charles Hayden, Planning Director, explained that studies conducted show that by opening up an area to the Public eye will actually drive the bad element away from a traveled lighted area and safety is a primary concern.  Lighting is not being proposed at this time but opening it up and eliminating a lot of shrubs would help as well as extra patrolling by the City Police.  A mailing list for future meetings was an offered to those interested, to be added to for future discussion of lighting ideas and concerns.

Jeanne Marshall, Concerned Citizen, mentioned that trail funding is an inappropriate expenditure of funds, when the State is in financial crisis. Her concern was that they are choosing to spend $43,000 of the City’s money on Bike Trails, when the City Parks in this community have not been improved in her lifetime.  She also has concerns for her 5 year old son who when she took him to the Park, witnessed an arrest of someone by a Police Officer and she ended up taking him home because the current playground equipment is too old and unsafe.  Bike trails may not be a serviceable use for the children of the community and have not been necessary in the past and are currently unnecessary. 

Councilmember Stevens asked her if she was aware that if the City rejected this that this would not be saving this State any money but that the monies would be shifted to other communities to do likewise with.

Her response was that she is very well aware of this.

The matching monies are proposed to be coming from the Park Bond Monies and the Bond monies were approved by the voters and are specific as to what they can be used for along with Public input and recreation assessment studies ideas.

Dan Backstrom, Teacher and President of the Red Bluff Bike Trails, explained that putting the bike trails in will open up remote areas and improve the safety for the community and thanked the City Council on behalf of many dedicated volunteers to this project for their consideration.

Another member of the Red Bluff Bike Trails spoke on behalf of the plan for bike trails and the enthusiasm by her son and family and thanked the City Council for considering the plans.

Councilmember Houghton commented that he supports the trails that will be offered to the community and that the concerns voiced will be addressed and worked through.

M/S/C Stevens, Frey to authorize the expenditure of per capita Proposition 40 (Parks Bond) and/or STIP funds for the required BTA grant cash match of not to exceed $43,600 previously authorized with the adoption of Resolution No. 78-2002 and also to approve the revised Proposition 40 list of proposed Parks and Recreation Projects as per the attached memo from the Parks and Recreation Director.

AYES:            Councilmembers:            Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

NOES:                                                None               

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:             Avilla (Absent – Excused)

RUNNING OF THE HORSES SPECIAL EVENT

Al Shamblin, Police Chief, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation to:

1.      No Change-Hold the event, City to continue to have staff organize the 75 volunteers, and City to continue to pay police overtime for event.

2.      Hold event, Chamber to organize the 75 volunteers, and City to continue to pay police overtime for event.

3.      Hold event, Chamber to organize the 75 volunteers, and Chamber to pay police overtime for event.

4.      Not hold event due to staff time required, cost, and liability concerns.

Susan Price, City Manager, presented information from the Chamber of Commerce on the Special Event Insurance coverage changes and effects on the City.  The City’s contingent coverage Insurance explained that there have been recent concerns and they will need to be specifically approved this year by their board and may not be covered in the future and they recommend that the coverage be not less than $5 Million.

John Yingling, Chamber President, provided information about the tradition of the event and it’s history and the downtown merchants support of the event.

Bill Kemp, Red Bluff Senior Merchant and Chairman of Red Bluff Roundup Kickoff Committee, explained that the Horse event was done to increase the attendance of the Round Up and increase the retail business of Red Bluff.  Support for these events come from the private sector that create an image for the media and the community of Red Bluff and they establish a feeling and charisma for the town. The expense and overtime involved were a benefit for the whole community and he supports continuing the event.

Al Shamblin, Police Chief, explained that the Officer’s are paid under the agreed M.O.U. and they will be paid the 3-hour call back time and that the schedules can’t be changed to accommodate for the event and this will ultimately be an overtime expense.

Every entrance and exit along the route has to be covered by a volunteer to provide adequate protection as well as the 15 officers required that help direct traffic.

Susan Price, City Manager, encouraged the Chamber to consider a new event that might not require the extra staff time and expenses.

The potential for something to go wrong and the risks to the community were discussed and were compared to other events that could get out of hand and the effect it would have on eliminating traditions based on risk factors.

It was mentioned that the Chamber needs to discuss with their board of directors the responsibilities and liabilities that they would be willing to take on.

Volunteer Insurance was an option but Richard Crabtree, City Attorney explained that due to the word from the City Insurance Pool that they may not be covered means that the City should insist that the recommended level of Insurance be provided for the event to go forward.

M/S/C Stevens, Houghton to hold off a decision until the next City Council meeting while requesting that the Chamber take this to their board to see if they can get the $5 Million Insurance coverage for the event, as well as be responsible for the recruiting of the volunteers and provide adequate insurance for those volunteers

AYES:            Councilmembers:            Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

NOES:                                                None               

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:             Avilla (Absent – Excused)

RED BLUFF FIRE DEPARTMENT DISPATCH CONTRACT RENEWAL WITH CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION

Michael Damon, Fire Chief, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to renew and sign the contract with California Department of Forestry (CDF) Tehama County for City of Red Bluff Fire and Emergency Medical Dispatch services.

M/S/C Stevens, Houghton, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to renew and sign the contract with California Department of Forestry (CDF) Tehama County for City of Red Bluff Fire and Emergency Medical Dispatch services.

AYES:            Councilmembers:            Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

NOES:                                                None               

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:             Avilla (Absent – Excused)

FIRE DEPARTMENT FITNESS PROGRAM

Michael Damon, Fire Chief, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation to approve the Red Bluff Fire Department’s Physical Fitness Program as it was administered prior to the citizen complaint.

The fitness program is a worthwhile program and a benefit to the community and it’s a step towards progress in acquiring a fitness standard in place for the department and eventually getting a condition of employment standard for the Fire Department down the line.

Having the Fire Department out in the fire vehicles during work hours is positive for the community while they are interacting with the citizens.  Other City departments have incorporated into their M.O.U. agreements, specific employee fitness plans that are different than the fire departments program which is directed by the City rather than a mandated M.O.U.

The benefits of the current Fire Department fitness program are positive and advocate fitness and wellness on the job and for the volunteer fire fighters as well.

Gary Antone, Public Works Director, explained that other department staff would like the consideration to work out during working hours. These departments would have to have that negotiated into their M.O.U.

M/S/C Stevens, Frey to approve the Red Bluff Fire Department’s Physical Fitness Program as it was administered prior to the citizen complaint.

AYES:            Councilmembers:            Flynn, Frey and Stevens

NOES:            Councilmember:            Houghton       

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:             Avilla (Absent – Excused)

BUSINESS LICENSE AT COMMUNITY CENTER

Margaret Van Warmerdam, Finance Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation to discuss Business License fees for craft fairs and related activities at the Community Center and provide direction to staff.

The Code states that there is a $25 annual fee for everyone, but non-profit groups who have their certificates are eligible for exempt one-day events although it does not state this in the Code.

A fixed business with a license pays a one-time fee and is not charged again at a one-day event.

The fee structure and criteria for one-day events was discussed and the exemption of non- profit groups from the charges.

M/S/C Stevens, Houghton to send item back to staff with Option #1 and get information from a consultant about fee structure and Code changes.

AYES:            Councilmembers:            Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

NOES:                                                None               

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:             Avilla (Absent – Excused)

WILLOW CREEK SUBDIVISION UNITS 4& 5, TRACT NO. 91-1013

Gary Antone, Public Works Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation to authorize the filing of the Willow Creek Subdivision Units 4& 5, Tract No. 91-1013, and accept the public improvement security lien for the completion of work, and the road and utility dedications, and direct staff to record the final map.

M/S/C Houghton, Frey to authorize the filing of the Willow Creek Subdivision Units 4& 5, Tract No. 91-1013, and accept the public improvement security lien for the completion of work, and the road and utility dedications, and direct staff to record the final map.

AYES:            Councilmembers:            Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

NOES:                                                None               

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:             Avilla (Absent – Excused)

3MG WATER RESERVOIR AND PIPELINE PROJECT UPDATE

Gary Antone, Public Works Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation regarding the City’s loan application for the 3MG Water Reservoir and Pipeline Project which was received and is under review by the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (CIEDB) through the Infrastructure State Revolving Fund Program.  The initial response is positive and the City is currently in the process of responding to the last few questions posed by the (CIEDB) regarding the application before being sent to the final committee for review and funding.

Informational Only

WATER RATE STUDY

Gary Antone, Public Works Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation to proceed with a solicitation for qualified consultants to perform a Water Rate Study for the City water system to include recommendations for implementation.

The last Water Rate Study was done in 91’ and they would like to go back much like they did with the sewer system and address all the issues through qualified consultants while making sure that the fees don’t become a tax.

M/S/C Frey, Houghton to proceed with a solicitation for qualified consultants to perform a Water Rate Study for the City water system to include recommendations for implementation.

AYES:            Councilmembers:            Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

NOES:                                                None               

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:             Avilla (Absent – Excused)

CALTRANS RESPONSE TO CITY REQUESTED I-5/SO. MAIN INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS

Gary Antone, Public Works Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation concerning the City’s pursuit of intersection improvements in the area of I-5 at So. Main Street through Caltrans.  A variety of issues are involved and staff is looking forward to the ability to be more accessible and traveler friendly.

Informational Only

WATER SYSTEM UNREGULATED CHEMICAL MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

Gary Antone, Public Works Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation to approve the additional water testing expenditure of $2,032 in Fund 50 and direct the Mayor to sign a letter objecting to the continual imposition of excessive water system test mandates without providing funding for the mandates.

M/S/C Stevens, Frey to approve the additional water testing expenditure of $2,032 in Fund 50 and direct the Mayor to sign a letter objecting to the continual imposition of excessive water system test mandates without providing funding for the mandates.

AYES:            Councilmembers:            Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

NOES:                                                None               

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:             Avilla (Absent – Excused)

COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL COMMENTS

Susan Price, City Manager, and Councilmember Frey attended the Sacramento Valley of the League of California Cities on Saturday in Orland and met with other local City Managers and had an opportunity to exchange and share problems and solutions.

ADJOURNMENT

 At 9:30 P.M. Mayor Flynn adjourned the meeting to February 17, 2004 at 7:00 P.M., in the Red Bluff City Council Chambers.

                   s/b Forrest Flynn

                                                                                                     Mayor

ATTEST:

s/b Gloria Shepherd

 City Clerk