RED BLUFF

CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

DATE OF MEETING: August 3, 2004

TIME OF MEETING: 7:00 P.M.

PLACE OF MEETING: RED BLUFF COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL

The agenda for this meeting was posted pursuant to Resolution No. 28-1995

Councilmembers Present: Forrest Flynn, Mayor

Larry Stevens Mayor Pro Tem

Andy Houghton

Russ Frey

Gregg Avilla

Councilmembers Absent: None

Staff Present: Susan Price, City Manager

Richard Crabtree, City Attorney

Gary Antone, Director of Public Works

Gloria Shepherd, City Clerk

Margaret Van Warmerdam, Director of Finance

Rhiannon Taylor, Human Resources

Michael Damon, Fire Chief

Al Shamblin, Police Chief

Robb Gibbs, Director of Parks and Recreation

Venita Philbrick, City Treasurer

Mary Alice George, Tehama County Clerk/Recorder, led the Pledge of Allegiance and the assemblage joined in.

CITIZEN’S COMMENT

None

MSC Avilla, Houghton to pull item No. 2 as requested by Councilmember Stevens and approve remainder Consent Calendar.

Councilmember Stevens questioned whether sending two Wastewater Department employees to attend the Annual CWEA Conference in Sparks, Nevada, was a budgeted item and mentioned that in reviewing the City Travel Policy, that the rules as they are, give the City Manager the authorization to make a decision to send them to out of state travel, without bringing this to the City Council for approval. There was a consensus to leave the rules as they are and not bring it to the City Council in the future and let the City Manager make a decision. It was determined that this is a budgeted item and that one of the two employees is eligible for the CWEA member discount.

M/S/C Avilla, Houghton to approve sending the two Wastewater Department employees to attend the Annual CWEA Conference in Sparks, Nevada.

There was a consensus to leave the policy alone and not bring it to the City Council in the future.

AYES: Councilmembers: Avilla, Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

CURRENT BUSINESS

Two (2) items for consideration came to the attention of staff and needed to be added to the City Council Agenda, as it was determined that action on these items could not wait until the next City Council Meeting of August 17, 2004.

1. EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT AIR COMPRESSOR

M/S/C Stevens, Avilla to approve adding these two items to the City Council Agenda for consideration as these items can could not wait until the next City Council Meeting of August 17, 2004.

AYES: Councilmembers: Avilla, Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

Al Shamblin, Police Chief, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s background on the City of Red Bluff Police Department’s efforts to promote a cooperative working relationship between Law Enforcement and the Neighborhood Watch Groups on the “Neighborhood Watch National Night Out”, being celebrated on the first Tuesday of August each year.

RECOGNITION OF PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSIONERS MONIQUE GUTTIERREZ AND MARK PROCTOR

Robb Gibbs, Parks and Recreation Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council present Monique Guttierrez and Mark Proctor with Certificates of Appreciation for their service to the City of Red Bluff and the residents of our community.

Mayor Flynn presented the Certificate to Monique Guttierrez, after Robb Gibbs, Parks and Recreation Director thanked her for her service as the first student representative to be appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Mayor Pro Tem Stevens will present the Certificate of Appreciation to Marc Proctor, who was not able to be present due to his work schedule, and will thank him for his donation of time and assistance to many of the departments programs.

Susan Price, City Manager reveiwed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation to receive Public comments about each open City Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded project and the CDBG Revolving Loan Funds and that the City Council:

A voluntary sign in sheet was passed around that is required by the CDBG grant application.

· Police Facility Feasibility Study – A Consultant was selected to identify alternative sites for an alternative Police Facility.

· Redevelopment Feasibility Study – Consultants on this project are in the processing a blight survey to be prepared by next week.

· Traffic Control Feasibility Study – The City is in the process of procuring a consultant and is accepting proposals.

· Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Fund – Consists of repayments back from the two housing rehab loan programs.

· Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund – Repayments on the Wellness Center Loans

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

M/S/C Avilla, Houghton to approve the Annual Grantee Performance Reports for Fiscal Year 2003/2004.

AYES: Councilmembers: Avilla, Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

APPOINTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR CITY EXPENDITURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POTENTIAL COUNTYWIDE ONE HALF PERCENT SALES TAX REVENUE

Susan Price, City Manager, reveiwed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council consider the creation of a Public Safety Ad Hoc Committee for the sole purpose of providing recommendations regarding the internal allocation of any potential additional revenue from the countywide one half percent sales tax ballot measure which is contingent on the passage of the advisory and ballot measures by the voters.

Potential alternatives presented are for the City Council to form the Ad Hoc Committee at this time, form it after the November 7, 2004 Election if the Measure passes, or not at all.

Councilmember Frey supports forming the Public Safety Ad Hoc Committee at this time and recommended that Mayor Flynn and Councilmember Houghton be members on the Committtee. Mayor Flynn’s association with the Fire Department and Councilmember Houghton’s ties with the community were reasons for endorsing them.

Richard Crabtree, City Attorney, advised that Public Comments be taken if there were any.

Michael Damon, Fire Chief, supported making a decision to enable the staff in moving forward on the Ad Hoc Committee if recommended. Discussions on internal allocations of funds amongst staff have begun and will help the Public know what they are voting for and gain their support.

Councilmember Houghton expressed concern about this committee being formed too early before the Public has even voted and it may turn people against it.

The County is still discussing the way the money will be used and the City does not know yet whether they will receive funds but trust that the County will make sure the money is divided equally.

M/S/C Frey, Stevens to approve the creation of a Public Safety Ad Hoc Committee, consisting of Mayor Forrest Flynn and Councilmember Houghton, for the sole purpose of providing recommendations regarding the internal allocation of any potential additional revenue from the countywide one half percent sales tax ballot measure, which is contingent on the passage of the advisory and ballot measures by the voters.

AYES: Councilmembers: Flynn, Frey and Stevens

Margaret VanWarmerdam, Finance Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council consider the update by Social Security Administration regarding their search for office space in the community.

Polly J. van Benthusen, Social Security District Manager, provided an update on the search for a new Social Security office space in the community. After an exhaustive and time consuming search for the office space that would meet the needs, the Social Security District Manager was unable to acquire an acceptable office space and requested additional time to continue looking for a space.

Due to growth as an issue on both sides the City needs the additional space and Social Security will continue searching for a new location for their office site. It was recommended that the City authorize an additional 90 days for Polly J. Benthusen, District Manager, to continue searching for an appropriate office site.

M/S/C Frey, Stevens, to authorize an additional 90 days to Social Security District Manager, Polly J. van Benthusen, to continue searching for an appropriate office site.

AYES: Councilmembers: Avilla, Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

Margaret Van Warmerdam, Finance Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation to review the quarterly sales tax reports provided as part of the City’s consultant agreement with the HDL Companies. A reduction in the City’s share of the countywide use tax allocation pool was the largest contributor to the adjusted decline with business closures and apparent late payments impacting Restaurants & Hotels. Gross receipts for all of Tehama County dipped 1.6% from last year.

These quarterly reports help to project in the future how the Sales Tax Trends will go.

Informational only

SUBMISSION OF GRANT APPLICATION TO STATE OF CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS GPS MAPPING PROJECT

That the City Council approve the submission of the grant application to the State of California – Office of Emergency Services for the Hazardous Materials GPS Mapping project.

M/S/C Stevens, Avilla to approve the submission of the grant application to the State of California – Office of Emergency Services for the Hazardous Materials GPS Mapping project.

AYES: Councilmembers: Avilla, Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

That the City Council approve the attached Level I Reserve Police Officer job classification and the rate of pay of $18.50 per hour.

A Red Bluff Police Officer recently resigned and is not able to work full time due to going back to school to obtain a license and would like to continue to work in a part-time capacity and hopes to eventually return to staff full time.

MSC Stevens, Frey to approve the attached Level I Reserve Police Officer job classification and the rate of pay of $18.50 per hour.

AYES: Councilmembers: Avilla, Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

Gary Antone, Public Works Director, reveiwed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council discuss the service club/organization directory display structure project and direct staff accordingly.

The Service Club/Organization Display requires the support and funding of organizations and will come back to City Council for approval. The TOT Tax might help to fund part of this and a facilitator from the City could help to move this along and invite the Public to a Meeting to discuss the ideas for the sign.

Mary Alice George, representing the Soroptomist Club and Red Bluff Business and Professional Women’s, supports the sign and representing the Service Organizations for the betterment of the City and encourages the community to find ways to support this project.

Venita Philbrick, City Treasurer, mentioned that the Chamber maintains a Service Club List for a resource in contacting people.

Mr. Ketchum, representing the Lions Club, supports standards for the sign and suggested that plans be brought up to date in order to bring this sign back to our community.

Informational Only

Gary Antone, Public Works Director, reveiwed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation, that the City Council award the Water Rate Study Consultant Service contract to Winzler & Kelley of Eureka, California in the amount of $25,000 and authorize the expenditure of funds from the Water Department Impact Fee account, Fund 52-50.

M/S/C Avilla, Frey to award the Water Rate Study Consultant Service contract to Winzler & Kelley of Eureka, California in the amount of $25,000 and authorize the expenditure of funds from the Water Department Impact Fee account, Fund 52-50.

AYES: Councilmembers: Avilla, Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD (SWRCB) COMPETITIVE PROJECT LIST FOR SMALL COMMUNITY WASTEWATER GRANT (SCWG) PROGRAM

Gary Antone, Public Works Director, reveiwed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council authorize staff to submit an initial application for the Small Community Wastewater Grant Program to assist in funding the Antelope Sanitary Sewer Extension Project for residents within the city limit.

The County Board of Supervisors also took action on a similar application for the County.

M/S/C Houghton, Frey to authorize staff to submit an initial application for the Small Community Wastewater Grant Program to assist in funding the Antelope Sanitary Sewer Extension Project for residents within the city limits.

AYES: Councilmembers: Avilla, Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

WATER RESERVOIR AND PIPELINE PROJECT CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES, CONTRACT AMENDMENT NO. 5

Gary Antone, Public Works Director, reveiwed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council approve Contract Amendment No. 5 for the Water Reservoir and Pipeline Project for Construction Management services by PACE Civil in the amount of $161,000 and authorize the expenditure from Fund 52-50.

Request for construction management help is being done in order to meet the needs that the City is unable to accomplish at this time.

MSC Stevens, Avilla to approve Contract Amendment No. 5 for the Water Reservoir and Pipeline Project for Construction Management services by PACE Civil in the amount of $161,000 and authorize the expenditure from Fund 52-50.

AYES: Councilmembers: Avilla, Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

FORWARD PARK/LASSEN VIEW SEWAGE PUMP STATION AND FORCE MAIN DESIGN PROJECT, CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES, CONTRACT AMENDMENT NO. 2

Gary Antone, Public Works Director, reveiwed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council approve Contract Amendment No. 2 with Carollo Engineers for construction management services in the maximum amount of $50,000 and the expenditure of said costs from Fund 47-44.

M/S/C Stevens, Frey to approve Contract Amendment No. 2 with Carollo Engineers for construction management services in the maximum amount of $50,000 and the expenditure of said costs from Fund 47-44.

AYES: Councilmembers: Avilla, Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT AIR COMPRESSOR

M/S/C Houghton, Avilla to approve the Emergency Replacement of Fire Department Air Compressor.

AYES: Councilmembers: Avilla, Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

M/S/C Houghton, Frey to approve purchasing Fire Safety Clothing for the Fire Department.

AYES: Councilmembers: Avilla, Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilmember Stevens commented on the issue of dead cats being left on the streets and the need for staff to find a solution, with the health concerns like the West Nile Virus and other hazards.

Councilmember Avilla suggested that the City provide a speaker to the City Council regarding the West Nile Virus and the precautions to take.

Susan Price, City Manager, explained that the funding for an additional Enforcement Officer to pick up dead animals, are not available but staff will be meeting in response to the issues mentioned by Councilmember Stevens.

Susan Price, City Manager, mentioned the need to schedule a meeting for Closed Session regarding Fire Negotiations and suggested September 30, 2004 in the evening as a potential date.

Susan Price, City Manager, mentioned that Wal-Mart Distribution Center would be providing a tour of the distribution center on August 11, 2004 at 9:00 a.m.

Michael Damon, Fire Chief explained that if the grant is approved that he will be going to Sacramento to make a presentation.

ADJOURNMENT

At 8:30 P.M. Mayor Flynn adjourned the meeting to August 17, 2004 at 7:00 P.M., in the Red Bluff City Council Chambers.