Day 1999.04.27CC Jt. Mtg CC/RA
JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AND THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF VACAVILLE
Minutes
April 27, 1999
A joint meeting of the Redevelopment Agency and the City Council of the City of Vacaville was held at
the City Council Chambers, 650 Merchant Street, April 27, 1999. Mayor Fleming called the meeting to
order at 7:05 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Council/Agency members Augustine, Clancy, Slade, and Vice Mayor/Vice Chairman Wood and Chairman/Mayor Fleming
Absent: City Attorney Charles Lamoree
Others Present: City Manager/Executive Director John Thompson, Deputy City Attorney Melinda Stewart, and City Clerk Kathy Andronico
2. INVOCATION followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pastor Dan Hauck, Vaca Valley Christian Life Center, gave the Invocation and Vice Mayor Wood led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Mayor Fleming asked if there were any additions or deletions necessary for the agenda. The City Manager advised that the applicant requesting consideration of an auto center freeway sign asked for a continuance to May 11, 1999. Deputy City Attorney Stewart asked that the Closed Session to continued to a time uncertain. Council member Slade, seconded by Council member Augustine, made a motion “ to approve the agenda as amended.” Motion unanimously approved.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Council member Clancy, seconded by Council member Augustine, made a motion “ to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 13, 1999, as written.” Motion unanimously approved.
5. PRESENTATIONS - None
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Fleming asked if anyone on the Council or in the audience wanted to remove an item from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion. Council member Slade, seconded by Vice Mayor Wood, made a motion “ to adopt the resolutions and other Consent Calendar item." Motion unanimously approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council members Augustine, Clancy, Slade, Vice Mayor Wood, and Mayor Fleming
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
A. Resolution No. 1999-49 - RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND AUTHORIZING FINAL PAYMENT TO CONTRACTOR - LEISURE TOWN ROAD LIFT STATION – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION PROJECT NO. 07-49-04046
B. Resolution No. 1999-50 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO EMPLOY AN ENGINEERING FIRM FOR DESIGN OF THE EAST MONTE VISTA AVENUE SEWER IMPROVEMENTS
C. AWARD OF CONTRACT – ALLISON DRIVE AT TRAVIS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND SAFETY LIGHTING INSTALLATION
7. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR - It was noted that a speaker wished to approach the Council, however he/she was not ready at this time. Mayor Fleming advised that “ Business from the Floor” would be opened when the speaker is ready.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL DENYING THE PROPOSED VACAVILLE AUTO CENTER POLICY PLAN FREEWAY SIGN AMENDMENT AND INITIATING AN AMENDMENT TO THE POLICY PLAN TO CONSIDER DESIGN PARAMETERS FOR THE AUTO CENTER IDENTIFICATION SIGN– continued to 5/25/99
9. BUSINESS
A. AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO ENTER INTO THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATION OF A SOCCER FACILITY WITH THE VACAVILLE YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE – Redevelopment Agency and City Council
Assistant City Manager David Van Kirk reviewed the March 1997 action of the Redevelopment Agency which authorized a loan for $1.8 million of bond proceeds to be used for the development of “ backbone” infrastructure at Centennial Park, including site preparation, grading and drainage. He also reviewed the June 1998 Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) entered into with the Vacaville Youth Soccer League (VYSL) to build up to nine soccer fields at Centennial Park. He stated that the DDA included a provision that requires VYSL to comply with the City’ s Master Grading and Drainage Plan for the park.
VYSL is now ready to move forward on four fields, however the grading work was not completed last year
as originally scheduled due to the indoor sports facility that did not materialize, weather, etc. ACM
Van
Kirk noted that the City and Agency are allowing VYSL to commence work prior to completion of the “
backbone” infrastructure project, resulting in VYSL incurring a significant additional grading
cost of
about $80,000. He stated that staff is recommending approval of an amendment to the DDA to reimburse
VYSL for the cost which the City would have originally incurred by doing the work ourselves. He
noted
that the funding source is from the original $1.8 million approved by the City Council.
Mayor Fleming asked for public input and no one spoke to the issue.
Council member Slade, seconded by Vice Mayor Wood made a motion “ that the City Council
and
Redevelopment Agency authorize the City Manager/Executive Director, or his designee, to enter into the
subject agreement.” Motion unanimously approved.
B. RESOLUTIONS TO APPROVE DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DDA) BETWEEN THE VACAVILLE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND BKD HOLDINGS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HOTEL ON APNs 130-250-170 AND 130-250-180 AND PORTIONS OF STEVENSON AND MCCLELLAN STREETS – Redevelopment Agency and City Council
Director of Housing and Redevelopment Charles Learned explained that over the past year, staff released a request for proposals and worked with two entities to secure a hotel development on the former Southern Pacific site at Mason and Depot Streets. A tentative agreement has been reached with BKD Holdings for the location of an 80-room Hawthorne Suites hotel and conference facility. Director Learned explained the contents of the DDA itemizing BKD’ s responsibilities, as well as the Redevelopment Agency’ s. He outlined the benefits of entering into the agreement. Director Learned noted that the hotel would have a large conference area and catering-type kitchen, but not an onsite restaurant. However, due to its close proximity to the Downtown, it will draw more restaurant-type business to the Downtown area. Director Learned stated that the Housing and Redevelopment Commission unanimously recommended approving this project at its meeting of 4/21/99.
Mayor Fleming asked for public comment. Mr. Divyesh Patel, representing BKD Holdings, commended
the Housing and Redevelopment staff for their assistance and professionalism through the negotiations
and noted that his firm is looking forward to developing the hotel/conference center.
Council member Augustine stated that he had attended the Housing and Redevelopment Commission
meeting when this issue was discussed. He stated that the project exactly fits the Council’
s plans for the
area, complements the downtown and skating facility, provides needed conference rooms, and reiterated
that because there is no restaurant onsite, it will also benefit the downtown. Agency member Augustine,
seconded by Agency member Slade made a motion “ that the Redevelopment Agency adopt the
resolution
approving the DDA.” Resolution No. RD1999-7, “ Resolution of the Redevelopment
Agency of the
City of Vacaville to Approve the Development and Disposition Agreement (DDA) Between the
Vacaville Redevelopment Agency and BKD Holdings for the Development of a Hotel on APNs 130-250-170 and
130-250-180 and Portions of Stevenson and McClellan Streets” was approved by the
following vote:
AYES: Redevelopment Agency members Augustine, Clancy, Slade, Vice Chairman Wood and Chairman Fleming
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Council member Augustine, seconded by Vice Mayor Wood made a motion “ to adopt the resolution
authorizing the disposition of the land by the Redevelopment Agency.” Resolution
No. 1999-51, “
Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vacaville To Approve the Development and Disposition
Agreement (DDA) Between the Vacaville Redevelopment Agency and BKD Holdings for the
Development of a Hotel on APNs 130-250-170 and 130-250-180 and Portions of Stevenson and
McClellan Streets,” was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council members Augustine, Clancy, Slade, Vice Mayor Wood and Mayor Fleming
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
C. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE ACQUISITION OF 731 STEVENSON STREET (APN: 0130-242-110) – Redevelopment Agency only
The City Manager reviewed the staff report for the record, noting that the City Council had met in closed session and staff negotiated the terms of the purchase within the parameters authorized by the Council.
Mayor Fleming asked for public comment and no one spoke to the issue.
Agency member Clancy, seconded by Vice Chairman Wood made a motion “ to adopt the proposed resolution.” Resolution No. RD-1999-8, “ Resolution of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Vacaville Authorizing Acquisition of 731 Stevenson Street (APN 130-242-110) was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Redevelopment Agency members Augustine, Clancy, Slade, Vice Chairman Wood and Chairman Fleming
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
D. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
The City Manager explained that money was set aside in the 1998/99 budget as the first step in the preparation of a comprehensive update to the General Plan. A full General Plan update would cost about $550,000. He noted, however, that at a study session in February, the City Council gave direction to proceed with an update to ensure a legally sufficient document and focus on such select areas as changes in land use designation for one or more sites for an executive housing project and a review of the transportation issues, such as traffic calming or cross-town traffic. Director of Community Development Ron Rowland gave a status report on the existing General Plan, which was last updated in 1990. He noted that the actual growth rates that were used as projections for the 1990 General Plan are much lower. However, since it has been nine years, staff feels a need to review the General Plan to make sure it is internally consistent. Director Rowland advised that the Housing Element does not need to be reviewed until July 2001. Mayor Fleming pointed out that the City of Vacaville has a State-approved housing element, and that many cities do not. Director Rowland stated the staff has outlined an approach that would address the Council’ s priorities in an expeditious manner and maintain the legal adequacy of the General Plan. He advised that the cost of General Plan amendments and related studies (EIR and engineering studies) for an executive housing project would be borne by the project applicants. Director Rowland stated that the absence of a comprehensive update would not prevent property owners from filing applications for general plan amendments for their properties. The City Council would then determine whether it was in the public’ s interest to initiate an amendment and whether to approve an amendment following the public review process. He then reviewed the six-phase recommendation for a focused General Plan update.
Vice Mayor Wood asked how the executive housing issue relates to the focused general plan update; and
if
the next step after the executive housing definition process is to identify locations. He also
asked how the
“ location” would affect the update. Director Rowland stated that staff would
want to make sure it is
starting with a legal general plan. If the Council wants to look at one or two locations for an
executive
housing project, then decide on annexation, it would be a 4-5 month process. Vice Mayor Wood asked
if
the Council would lose flexibility if annexation occurred before the project requests. The City
Manager
spoke to the point of the Sphere of Influence, which cannot be changed without a General Plan
amendment. He explained the process for making an annexation request to LAFCO which cannot be
done
until after all the amendments are addressed.
Mayor Fleming asked for public comment.
James Williams asked questions about Phase 5 (Update Infrastructure Master Plans), and specifically,
roads and transportation, that according to the schedule, will be addressed July 2000. He asked
the
Council to consider this portion of the General Plan sooner, and to consider rail service in Vacaville. Mr.
Williams felt that locating a rail station in Vacaville, rather than Fairfield, would provide better
regional
service and encouraged the City Council to write a letter to the JPA suggesting a change in the proposed
location. Mayor Fleming asked staff to comment on the process for reopening the issue concerning
the
location of the rail station. Director Rowland stated that a person should communicate with the
Solano
Transportation Authority; however a general plan amendment could be initiated to consider a rail station.
Director Pfeiffer pointed out that the land has already been purchased with grant monies. Council
member Augustine asked when the City last submitted a General Plan amendment and Director Rowland
stated it was probably six months ago. He noted that the City is permitted four General Plan amendments
each year and that requests can be packaged together. Council member Slade noted that this issue
has
been discussed many times and the regional aspect of the rail station was reviewed in several ways. She
stated she understood Mr. Williams’ concern, but a lot of time, energy and commitment has
been put into
the location decision. Mr. Williams did not feel it was too late to revisit the issue and stated
that if this
was not the proper forum to address his request then he would appreciate direction from the City Council.
Mayor Fleming advised that if a Council member wished to agendize the rail station issue and receive
a
report about what would be needed to make a change, he would entertain that motion.
Joyce Moody briefly mentioned the location of the rail station and also talked about the General Plan
update of 1990 concerning lands east of Leisure Town Road. She stated she looked forward to
consideration of her property. Mayor Fleming asked if she supported the focused general plan update;
to
which she replied yes. The City Manager pointed out that the focused General Plan update
will address
the City Council’ s primary interest for executive housing, therefore the focus will be on the
lands where
such a project could exist. He stated that staff would not be looking at every single property
owner’ s
land. However, he also pointed out that there is nothing to prevent property owners from coming
in now
and over the next two years of the process requesting consideration for their land. He stated
that the
Council would review the request and decide if they wanted to initiate an amendment. Director
Rowland
advised that Mrs. Moody’ s property is included in the City’ s current General Plan and it
is not a
situation where there is no possibility of development.
Gary Archer, representing property owners east of Leisure Town Road, offered his support for the
proposed process.
There were no further public comments.
Council member Clancy, seconded by Vice Mayor Wood made a motion “ that the City Council
initiate
the General Plan update as outlined by staff.”
Council member Augustine stated that he did not object to the focused update, however he felt studies
should be performed in some areas and that it should not be a cursory review. He expressed concern
about
the transportation element, north-south transportation, Vaca Valley Parkway, and felt that the airport
and
train station should be looked at. He asked that the Housing Element and Conservation Element
(planting
trees, maintenance plan, etc.) be reviewed. He talked about his interest in the executive housing
element,
to include a golf course. Council member Augustine stated that the General Plan does address the
homeless issue, however he was not sure it was addressed adequately. He stated there are numbers
contained in the General Plan about housing interest rates and affordable housing figures which are
now
incorrect. He stated that recycling is not addressed in the General Plan and perhaps it should
considered.
Mayor Fleming concurred with the previous speaker and felt the issues raised should be explored while
updating the General Plan. With regard to the comments on transportation, Mayor Fleming felt that
1990
General Plan was inadequate concerning transportation, which is why he voted against it.
Motion unanimously approved.
**************
BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR
Don Fowler, owner/operator Jiffy Lube, announced that on May 16, 1999 his business (610 Merchant Street) will donate all proceeds and donations, for one day, to support lighting systems for the Central Little League ball fields. He encouraged everyone to participate in the event.
E. TECHNOLOGY FUND ALLOCATION
The City Manager explained that as part of the FY 97/98 & FY 98/99 budgets, funding was set aside for updating and replacing technology related equipment and systems. He advised that a total of $1.5 million was placed in a set-aside account and that not all of the funding was allocated during the last budget. The City Manager stated that the remaining balance of the non-allocated funds totals $486,300 and that staff is recommending proceeding with two projects using a portion of the set aside. He then asked Information Technology Project Coordinator Scott Sexton to describe the software/hardware upgrades being requested. Coordinator Sexton explained the Registration and Reservation Software requested, noting that one of the primary benefits of the new software is the increased ability of the customer to access services without the need for additional staffing. The telephone registration feature of the software would accomplish this, which will be available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The total cost, including software, hardware, setup, training, etc. is $61,000 with an ongoing maintenance cost, including upgrades, of about $9,5090 per year. Coordinator Sexton then discussed the Business License Software which was last upgraded in 1985. It will allow staff to better search for information, calculate penalties for renewals, and generate late notices. The software will also allow staff to provide mandated information to the State with their new required reporting format. The cost is $31,000 for software, hardware, implementation, and training. The ongoing cost for maintenance and upgrades is $7,500 per year.
Mayor Fleming asked if the reservation software would include theater ticketing. Coordinator Sexton
explained that the “ registration” software is for City recreation programs, not reserving
park grounds or
theater ticketing. He noted that the theater is contracted out separately to Venutech, and “
outsourcing”
to BASS ticket outlets is being considered. With regard to recreational program registration,
Vice Mayor
Wood asked if citizens could access the information on the Internet? Coordinator Sexton stated
that the
program could generate reports regarding the availability of programs, however the second module would
allow access and registration through the Internet and is not part of this particular request. He
advised
that staff is trying to build a foundation for that type of access in the future.
Vice Mayor Wood felt the business license software cost of $31,000 was very expensive. Coordinator
Sexton explained that it includes hardware, which will allow operation over the wire and network. Some
of the reporting capabilities going to the State are more detailed and a database such as Microsoft
Access
would not generate the needed information. He advised that staff solicited a “ Request for
Proposal,”
interviewed various vendors and identified the one most suitable for the City’ s needs. Coordinator
Sexton also advised that business license software is eligible for 100% reimbursement and implementation
costs through SB90 (State-mandated funds). The City Manager added that if the City were only
managing a database of 3,000 files, the cost would be far less costly. However, the business license
update
needs to be accessible by other departments through the City’ s network. On the issue of
theater ticketing,
one of the reasons for going to BASS is to provide more convenience to the customers.
Council member Augustine asked if the ongoing maintenance costs would be allocated from the
technology set-aside funds. Coordinator Sexton stated that ongoing maintenance costs are managed
through the various department budgets. Council member Augustine felt it would be prudent to look
at
other software upgrades, ways to manage vendor information and contract expiration dates. He expressed
concern about the $16,000 annual maintenance costs to support the two programs. Coordinator Sexton
stated that his division is reviewing financial application software and other software upgrades, which
will
be presented to the City Council during this year’ s budget hearings.
Council member Clancy reiterated the SB90 reimbursement and asked if it would be put back into the
technology account. Director of Administrative Services Pat Moreno pointed out that the technology
fund
was originally set aside out of the General Fund. Therefore, if there is not a technology fund
created, then
any reimbursements would go back into the General Fund. The City Manager reiterated that the
technology set-aside is not an ongoing fund and it is expected to be depleted over the next few years.
Mayor Fleming asked for public comment and none was noted.
Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council member Clancy made a motion “ that the City Council
authorize
that two of the software replacement projects, the purchase of the software packages and necessary
hardware for the Recreation &n Reservation Software and the Business License Software, be authorized
out of the set-aside funding already in the budget.” Motion unanimously approved.
10. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER
A. BUDGET STUDY SESSION – MAY 18, 1999
The City Manager stated that staff would like to review the budget with the City Council at a special study session on May 18. He noted that it would not be a final document but that enough of the basic policy and charts would be available for discussion. Staff would then bring the proposed budget back to the City Council in late June. The City Council unanimously agreed to hold a Budget Study Session, May 18, 1999, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
B. RURAL NORTH VACAVILLE WATER DISTRICT
The City Manager explained that the City is being asked to endorse a construction loan application for the Rural North Vacaville Water District. He stated that while this is not an issue for Vacaville, the people affected are very close to Vacaville. He advised that the only issue staff has with the request is that part of the water for this district may come from one or more wells at the International Home Food site. The City Manager advised that if water is taken from that particular site, it could leave the facility with an inadequate water supply for certain uses. He stated he has talked with Mr. Cliff Poole, who is representing the District, about a conditional letter of endorsement. The City Manager advised that the City has registered its concern about reduced water capacity for future users of the IHF plant with Solano County and the Solano Irrigation District.
Mayor Fleming suggested that the City investigate the possibility of annexing the IHF land, which would
allow the City to have control over the water. He recommended that the property owner be contacted
regarding a friendly annexation, which would also eliminate a small island of land surrounded by the
City.
Mayor Fleming asked for public input. Cliff Poole stated that the District had applied to the
Department
of Water Resources for a loan and that part of the requirement is to obtain community support. He
stated
that it has been the intent that a well would be drilled within the District and there will be
a need to put
in a treatment plant. He stated that the District is not interested in competing for the wells. There was no
more public comment.
Vice Mayor Wood asked for clarification regarding what Council action is required now. The City
Manager stated that the State needs to have its letters prior to the next regularly scheduled Council
meeting. He advised that it will take time to resolve the issue with the IHF wells; however the
Council
could support the District. In the event the Council decides to take issue with how the water
will be
supplied, then it should be stated now.
Director Pfeiffer discussed the existing and proposed well field development, as well as the 1995 Master
Water Agreement with SID. He felt that the North Vacaville Water District should be part of the
SID
agreement and suggested that the County, once the District is formed, be a joint party to the following
conditions: 1) staged mitigation for falling groundwater levels, 2) annual reporting requirements,
3)
restrictions on new wells within one-half mile of Vacaville, and District groundwater pumping not to
exceed 1,000 acre/feet/year. He recommended that the letter state that, subject to an MOU with
the
District that includes these elements, the City supports the District’ s application for funding.
Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council member Slade made a motion “ to offer the City Council’
s
support for the loan application, subject to the conditions recommended by the Director of Public Works.”
Motion unanimously approved.
Vice Mayor Wood stated that he was not sure it would be feasible to annex the IHF property, but felt
the
concept should be pursued. The City Manager stated that staff would investigate the possibility.
11. REPORTS OF CITY COUNCIL
A. AB84 AND OTHER STATE BILLS PERTAINING TO CALIFORNIA
CITIES
Mayor Fleming stated he would prefer to postpone discussion on AB84, but would instead give an update on Smog Check 2. He said he has been working with Assemblywoman Thomson and Senator Johannessen in an effort to get the other legislators to support the elimination of the dynamometer. Mayor Fleming also talked about legislation to deal with purchasing products over the Internet and not paying sales tax. He discussed the impact this could have on local economies.
***
Council member Slade talked about the successful “ Earth Day” event sponsored by the Public Works Department. She invited the public to attend the community meeting on May 10, 7-9 p.m. at the Ulatis Community Center and sponsored by the Solano Transportation Authority. The meeting is a kick-off for the I-80 reliever route. Council member Slade mentioned the Woman’ s Health Summit at the Ulatis Community Center, May 15, of which she and Council member Clancy are sponsors.
***
Council member Augustine reported on the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee meeting he attended. Topics of discussion were the Commission on Aging and the City’ s plans to develop a Senior Citizens Commission. He also attended the Housing & Redevelopment Commission meeting and acknowledged the commissioners who have volunteered to continue serving on the Commission. He also thanked Community Services Commissioners Al Banks, Dennis McCord, and Gary Silveria for their service on the Commission. He recognized them for their many years of service and acknowledged their excellent work. Council member Augustine briefly discussed the recent happening in Littleton, Colorado, and the community’ s responsibility to address the needs of all children, regardless of social standings.
***
Vice Mayor Wood announced the upcoming events at the Ice Skating Center: the Cinco de Mayo Celebration and the Business Expo. Vice Mayor Wood talked about Senate Bill 123, being sponsored by Senator Steven Peace. He explained that the bill addresses gasoline prices and the potential to make the gas market more user friendly. He stated he is in the service station business, however does not operate any stations in Vacaville. He stated he is looking at this bill to help our community address gasoline prices that are currently prevailing. Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council member Clancy made a motion “ to agendize a discussion of Senate Bill 123.” Motion unanimously approved.
***
Council member Clancy announced the upcoming Spring Extravaganza Fashion Show, sponsored by the Tribute to Seniors Committee, April 30 at the Ulatis Community Center. She also announced the Senior Tour scheduled for May 11 and sponsored by the City. Council member Clancy thanked the Fire Chief for attending a meeting with her to discuss emergency access to the Travis AFB hospital. She also noted that a former Vacaville police officer has secured a position with another agency.
***
Mayor Fleming commented on the official grand opening of the Vacaville Skating Center. He commended Solano Blades on Ice and everyone associated with the project, for their perseverance and hard work to make it a reality. He also recognized Assistant City Manager David Van Kirk for all his effort in seeing this project through the process. Council members Augustine and Clancy also commented on the skating center. It was pointed out that non-profit organizations will be allowed to use the skating center for various fund raiser projects throughout the year.
12. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS – Council member Slade, seconded by Council member Clancy, made a motion “ to order the payroll register dated April 15, 1999, and check register dated April 20, 1999, paid.” Motion unanimously approved.
CLOSED SESSION – Continued to a time uncertain.
14. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business before the City Council and/or the Redevelopment Agency, Mayor Fleming adjourned the joint meeting at 9:18 p.m., April 27, 1999.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen M. Andronico
City Clerk