LUTHER ROAD SANITARY SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT

APPROVED 5-0-0

ALCOHOL BEVERAGE LICENSE; NEW TYPE 41 (ON-SALE BEER AND WINE EATING PLACE); FULL SERVICE RESTAURANT; 214 SOUTH MAIN STREET; LOS AMIGOS TAQUERIA (NAME OF BUSINESS); JESUS BAUTISTA (FIRST OWNER)

APPROVED 5-0-0

AMENDMENT TO CAPITAL ASSETS CAPITALIZATION POLICY

APPROVED 5-0-0

RENEWAL OF CREDIT CARD APPLICATION WITH UMPQUA BANK

APPROVED 5-0-0

CURRENT BUSINESS

REQUEST TO USE CITY STREETS/PROPERTY FOR SPECIAL EVENT – NEW ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPTS, INC. – RV RALLY PROPOSAL AT RIVER PARK

Nik Reikalas, City Parks & Recreation Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council provide direction to staff regarding the RV Rally Special Event request from Ali Abbassi for use of the River Park.

Ali Abbassi, thanked the City Council and staff for their consideration of this item, and presented his plans for accommodating RV’s during the yearly Rodeo Event in the City River Park parking area and the package will include getting them involved in local activities.  The advertising deadline is this weekend to promote this parking package to tourists. 

Councilmember Stevens suggested the arranging of the Trax buses for the people to attend the events and it was explained that a shuttle service would be provided as a part of the service.

This is similar to large Groups reserving a designated area of the park for events and staff will be supervising the requirements as needed for the RV Parking.

Steve Piffero, concerned citizen, had concerns that the public use of the parking for the parade on Rodeo morning would exclude citizens from that parking availability.

M/S/C Flynn, Brown to approve.

AYES:             Councilmembers:            Brown, Flynn, Houghton, Irving and Stevens

NOES:                                               None

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:            None

ELECTION OF MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM

Proceed with nominations for Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for 2006.

M/S/C Flynn, Irving to leave everything as it is currently

AYES:             Councilmembers:            Brown, Flynn, Houghton, Irving and Stevens

NOES:                                               None

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:            None

OTHER AGENCY REPRESENTATION

That the City Council review the current City Councilmember assignments and determine other agency representation for 2006.

Councilmember Stevens had an interest in continuing serving on the Downtown Business Association Group.

M/S/C Irving, Brown to continue serving as is.

AYES:             Councilmembers:            Brown, Flynn, Houghton, Irving and Stevens

NOES:                                               None

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:            None

APPOINTMENT OF VARIOUS COMMISSIONERS AND AUDIT COMMITTEE MEMBER

Susan Price, City Manager, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council make the necessary appointments to the various commissions and committees.

Councilmember Stevens commented on how students are notified of availability on the Parks and Recreation Commission.  He also suggested that they appoint the one regular member and solicit all of the schools for a potential student applicant to be appointed.

A student applicant, Elizabeth Piffero, applied for the position but did miss the application deadline and was present.

Steve Piffero explained that he had personally notified all of the schools of the process for students to apply.

It was suggested that the notice should originate from the City.

M/S/C  Stevens, Irving  to fill the appointment for the full term commission seat tonight and re-advertise to the four schools for the one year appointment by a student to be voted on at another time.

AYES:             Councilmembers:            Brown, Flynn, Houghton, Irving and Stevens

NOES:                                               None

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:            None

Gregory Ellis was born and raised in Red Bluff and has been active in the Community and requested the opportunity to be considered.

Fred Webb has been in Red Bluff since 1972 and has worked with Parks & Recreation for 12 years and would try to do the best job that would be beneficial to all of the citizens.

Ballots were passed out to the City Council members to vote for one Parks & Recreation Commission Seat.

Councilmember Brown - Abstained

Councilmember Flynn - Gregory Ellis

Councilmember Houghton – Gregory Ellis

Councilmember Irving - Gregory Ellis

Councilmember Stevens – Fred Webb

Gregory Ellis received 3 votes, which was a majority for appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Gregory Ellis withdrew his application for the Planning Commission Appointment and Wayne Owensby was unable to attend the meeting due to previously scheduled training.

Doug Dale has enjoyed planning issues and would like to be considered for re-appointment to this seat.

Applicants Julie Curl and Dennison Herring were not present.

Greg Latourell has been with Tehama County Public Works since 1990 and has dealt with conditioning land developments and felt his background qualified him to sit on the Planning Commission.

Ballots were passed out to the City Council members to vote for two Planning Commission seats.

Councilmember Brown – Dale, Owensby

Councilmember Flynn – Dale, Latourell

Councilmember Houghton – Dale, Herring

Councilmember Irving – Dale, Latourell

Councilmember Stevens – Dale, Latourell

Doug Dale received 4 votes and Greg Latourell received 3 votes, which were majority votes for appointment to the Planning Commission.

Gregory Ellis withdrew his application for appointment to the Airport Commission.

Lynn Chamblin has enjoyed serving and asked to be reappointed for another term.

William Heins has 32 years in Law Enforcement and has flown planes for about 30 years and has no agenda.  He has a unique perspective of what the airport needs and wanted to be considered for this position.

Robb Schmid has previously served on the Airport Commission and would like to be considered for reappointment, as he is up to speed on what is going on there and is interested in keeping up the momentum that they have in place.

Ballots were passed out to the City Council members to vote for 2 Airport Commission seats.

Councilmember Brown - Chamblin, Schmid

Councilmember Flynn – Chamblin, Schmid

Councilmember Houghton - Chamblin, Schmid

Councilmember Irving – Chamblin, Schmid

Councilmember Stevens – Chamblin, Heins

Lynn Chamblin received 5 votes and Rob Schmid received 4 votes, which were a majority for appointment to the Airport Commission.

Gregory Ellis withdrew his application for appointment as the Citizen Member of the Audit Committee.

M/S/C Irving, Brown to re-appoint Maureen Greer to the position of Audit Committee for a one year appointment term.

AYES:             Councilmembers:            Brown, Flynn, Houghton, Irving and Stevens

NOES:                                               None

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:            None

Councilmember Stevens suggested that the applicant’s phone numbers and addresses shown on the application be given the option whether they want this information displayed and it will be taken into consideration by staff.

CONCERNS OF POLICE SURVIVORS (COPS) BLUE LIGHTS TO HONOR OFFICER DAVID MOBILIO AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

Al Shamblin, Police Chief, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council join us in remembering Officer David Mobilio and other officers that have given their life in the line of duty and to those officers that continue to provide service to their communities each and every day of the year.        

M/S/C Stevens, Irving to approve.

AYES:             Councilmembers:            Brown, Flynn, Houghton, Irving and Stevens

NOES:                                               None

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:            None

Councilmember Stevens commented about a CHP officer that was killed in the line of duty recently brought to his attention the admiration for the officers who take this risk in an honorable profession and appreciated the showing of blue lights on their behalf.

FIREFIGHTER RECOGNITION

Councilmember Stevens presented a video clip from a satellite T.V. news channel that took place Sunday where a Fire fighter took a bullet to the thigh while delivering toys to needy children and there was concern that this violence might hamper this project and other’s like this.  He commented that the Firefighters put their lives on the line as well and suggested that a red light be used to bring attention to the fallen Firefighters on the downtown Christmas tree along with the blue light for fallen Police.

M/S/C Stevens, Irving to approve.

AYES:             Councilmembers:            Brown, Flynn, Houghton, Irving and Stevens

NOES:                                               None

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:            None

WAIVER REQUEST FROM THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL FOR THE “START SMART” PROGRAM

Nik Reikalas, Parks & Recreation Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council provide direction to staff regarding the fee waiver request from the California Highway Patrol for use of the Community/Senior Center for the Start Smart Driver Education Program.

Steve Whalen, CHP, gave an overview of the program and asked for the partnership of the City in this program to help change trends for fatal traffic statistics that are made up mostly of teenagers who have lack of experience.  It will encourage safe driving of young new drivers by bringing parents on board with this training that will scare them and help them to participate in a one-time classroom session of about 2 hrs. He requested a fee waiver for the use of this facility a couple of times a month for the purpose of providing this training for free. The Grant only covers the cost of brochures.

Councilmember Stevens brought up concerns about previous non-profit groups requesting fee waivers and inquired about the status of these other requests.

The Council had directed continuing with individual waiver requests pending the results of the policy.

M/S/C Brown, Stevens to table this until they have direction from staff.

AYES:             Councilmembers:            Brown, Flynn, Houghton, Irving and Stevens

NOES:                                               None

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:            None

Councilmember Houghton supported working with William Goodwin at the County of Tehama to move this along.

LAY AVENUE TRAFFIC CONCERNS

Mark Barthel, Interim Public Works Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council approve the installation of the signs, stop bars and legends at James Avenue and Lay Avenue and authorize the expenditure from the traffic development impact fee account.

Hannah Simon thanked the City Council and requested a speed sign as well. 

All residential areas are 25 mph unless otherwise posted.

M/S/C Stevens, Flynn to approve.

AYES:             Councilmembers:            Brown, Flynn, Houghton, Irving and Stevens

NOES:                                               None

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:            None

ADDRESSING THE LAY AVENUE RESIDENTS CONCERNS OF THE VILLA POINT SUBDIVISION PROJECT

J.D. Ellison Sr., Building Director/Official, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that City Council consider the research of the run off concerns on the property located to the east side of the new “Villa Point” project area where run off is coming from a vacant lot east of the Villa Pint Development.  City Staff checked the area and the findings were presented that included options for controlling the erosion and the jurisdiction of the City in this matter. Pictures and descriptions of the area were presented in the assessment.

Informational only             

PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER; TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 05-52; RESOLUTION NO. 80-2005; 2680 ROBIN CT.; MR. BRAD ALLEN (OWNER)

Mark Barthel, Interim Public Works Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council:

            1.            Conduct the Public Hearing.

            2.   Consider all public testimony and all other information relating to this project submitted to the Commission.

            3.   Adopt Resolution No. 80-2005 approving Tentative Parcel Map 05-52 with the substandard depth of Parcel 1 at approximately 95 ft., and with the Findings and Conditions of approval shown in Resolution No. 80-2005.

Mayor Houghton opened the Public Hearing and hearing no comments closed the Public Hearing at 9:03 p.m.

M/S/C Flynn, Brown to accept.

AYES:             Councilmembers:            Brown, Flynn, Houghton, Irving and Stevens

NOES:                                               None

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:            None

RESOLUTION NO. 82-2005 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RED BLUFF AMENDING WATER RATES

Susan Price, City Manager, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council consider water rate increase alternatives and, as determined, adopt Resolution No. 82-2005 – A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Red Bluff Amending Water Rates with either Option 1 or Option 2 four year phase in of the water rate increase at a 30% or 40% recovery rate or provide other direction to staff. 

The current starting base charge with an allotment of water is being proposed to change by going to a base charge with no allotment but a consumption schedule that goes into effect.  One of the questions to the City Council was whether the burden of the big users should be burdened on the small users and the Council did not want to burden the small users by the large users as presented by the consultant. If the structure is changed then this will be imposed on the small users by the large users.  The bulk of City users are not large consumers.    Council directed that there not be a large base charge but have a reasonable base charge without volume and that allowed staff to generate the revenue needed to replace the capital at 40%.  If Council now chooses the 30%, it will change the structure.  Under the old system, there was no recovery of the replacement of the pipes.  Based on new accounting standards an amount was projected for the entire pipe over so many years of this capital recovery replacement.  

Mary Jane Watkins, Concerned Citizen, expressed concerns about increases in her water bill and the State ballot measure in June might be an option to address this issue.

Mayor Pro Tem Brown discussed his observation of the study and that it shows there is a need there to fix the system and a need for capital.  He proposed setting the study aside and suggested 20% on the consumption rates with 5% every year after that. He was not in favor of a base rate. 

Councilmember Stevens commented on whether the fees will cover what breaks in the system and whether to continue with the base rate.

Susan Price, City Manager, explained that the Consultant would need to run the figures and run the model of this proposal.

Mark Eidman, CEO of Tehama District Fair, mentioned that the 30% or 40% recovery rate is very confusing and that he realizes that there is a need to raise the rates.  He can pass on the higher prices and eventually no one uses the facility.  He asked that they look at the simple numbers before they make a decision and that they know what they are doing.

Donna Gordy, City Treasurer, commented that the rate increases constitute three parts, and that to eliminate the base rate would be to eliminate the operational costs.  The second part is for the cost of your water and the debt service for the loan borrowed 2 years ago.  The third part is the capital expenditures recovery that covers at 20 or 30 or 40 percent.  Spreading it out will not provide money in that coffer and the city will have to borrow more money.   If the City can find a lender since there is not money in the coffer, they will be considered a high-risk borrower and they will loan the money at a higher cost. It will have to be put into the water rates later and explained to users why their increase is 300% instead of the $6.32 in the next four years based upon what you already approved because you didn’t collect the funds for the replacement for the funds that you knew were coming at you.  You pay for what you use and you conserve so you can pay less.  

The difference in the system is not salaries or personnel but the water lines themselves.  In suggesting, the other mechanism would need to be run by the consultant and see what the number is.

The Council needs to understand that the current bill without the base rate will be going down and not up.

The Council can choose a replacement amount that will be a cost recovery for that capital.

Staff can ask the Consultant to run the figures of 40% versus 30% to see what is important.

It was the consensus of the City Council to set this aside and bring back to City Council.

ORDINANCE NO. 966 – AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RED BLUFF AMENDING CHAPTER 24 OF THE CITY MUNICIPAL CODE -- WATER

Susan Price, City Manager, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council waive the first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 966 – An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Red Bluff Amending Chapter 24 of the City Municipal Code – Water.

It was the consensus of the City Council to table this item.

CONTRACTUAL SERVICES – LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICE

Mark Barthel, Interim Public Works Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council:

            1.            Review the attached proposed scope of services.

            2.            Authorize staff to advertise for bid, or

            3.            Provide further direction to staff.

M/S/C Brown, Flynn to approve putting this out to bid.

AYES:             Councilmembers:            Brown, Flynn, Houghton, Irving and Stevens

NOES:                                               None

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:            None

A 5 minute break was taken at this time

GRANT AWARD NOTIFICATION FOR THE MCGLYNN SWIMMING POOL AND THE DIAMOND PARK SKATEPARK PHASE II PROJECTS

Nik Reikalas, Parks & Recreation Director, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation that the City Council authorize the cash match budget allocation of $140,000 from the General Fund and Park and Recreation Impact Fee Fund and include it in the Final 2005-2006 Budget.

M/S/C Stevens, Irving to approve.

AYES:             Councilmembers:            Brown, Flynn, Houghton, Irving and Stevens

NOES:                                               None

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:            None

Susan Price, City Manager, suggested submitting an information portion in the editorial page of the paper to the Public of what the Development Impact Fees are for.

COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL COMMENTS

Mayor Houghton thanked the City Council for reappointing him for another term as Mayor.

ADJOURNMENT

At 10:30 P.M. Mayor Houghton adjourned the meeting to December 20, 2005 at 7:00 P.M., in the Red Bluff City Council Chambers.

            s/b Andy Houghton

 Mayor

ATTEST:

s/b Gloria Shepherd

 City Clerk