Day 1999.06.08CC
CITY OF VACAVILLE
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 8, 1999
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Vacaville was held at the
City Council Chambers, 650
Merchant Street, June 8, 1999. Mayor Fleming called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Council members Augustine, Clancy, Slade, Vice Mayor Wood, and Mayor Fleming
Absent: None
Others Present: City Manager John Thompson, City Attorney Charles O. Lamoree and City Clerk Kathy Andronico
2. Pastor Gary Walker gave the INVOCATION and Council member Augustine
led the PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Mayor Fleming asked if there were any additions or deletions necessary for the agenda. Council member Slade, seconded by Vice Mayor Wood, made a motion “ to approve the agenda as written.” Motion unanimously approved.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Council member Clancy, seconded by Council member Slade, moved “ to approve the minutes of the meeting of May 25, 1999, as written.” Motion unanimously approved.
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. PROCLAMATION DECLARING JUNE AS ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH
Al Cardoza, Chairman of Public Awareness for the Solano County Elder Abuse Prevention Council, talked about the goals of the Prevention Council and announced an upcoming forum about elder and dependent adult abuse. Mayor Fleming presented a proclamation. Mr. Cardoza asked that he be allowed to return in the future with a more detailed presentation and update about its activities.
B. SOLANO COALITION FOR BETTER HEALTH – RESULTS OF HEALTH STATISTIC SURVEY – PATRICK HUGHES
Cyndi Johnston and Reggie Hubbard offered information about the Healthy Vacaville Task Force and the various programs that have been instituted since its inception in 1993. Sharon Ventura presented information about the Vacaville Kinship Care support group for grandparents raising their grandchildren. Patrick Hughes, Program Manager for the Solano Coalition for Better Health applauded the City for its foresight in establishing the task force and offered information on a recent survey conducted for Vacaville covering health, social and economic indicators.
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 Clancy, seconded by Vice Mayor Wood, made a motion “ to adopt the ordinances, resolution and other Consent Calendar items." Motion approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council members Augustine, Clancy, Slade, Vice Mayor Wood and Mayor Fleming
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
A. Ordinance No. 1619 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VACAVILLE AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VACAVILLE AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO AMEND THE CONTRACT TO PROVIDE SECTION 21574 – FOURTH LEVEL OF SURVIVORS BENEFITS FOR LOCAL POLICE MEMBERS – Second Reading
B. Ordinance No. 1620 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VACAVILLE AMENDING CHAPTER 8.10 OF THE VACAVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO PUBLIC NUISANCES – Second Reading
C. Resolution No. 1999-61 - RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND AUTHORIZING FINAL PAYMENT TO CONTRACTOR – DOWNTOWN THEME LIGHTING PROJECT
D. AWARD OF CONTRACT – ARLINGTON PARK – PHASE III
E. AFTER-SCHOOL LEARNING AND SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM - GRANT RESULTS
7. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR - None
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ABANDONMENT OF TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENTS AT THE CHILDTIME DEVELOPMENT ON BURTON DRIVE
The City Manager reviewed the staff report for the record, noting that the City no longer needs the construction easements.
Mayor Fleming opened and closed the public hearing with no public comment noted.
Council member Clancy, seconded by Vice Mayor Wood made a motion “ to adopt the subject
resolution
and authorize the City Engineer to execute the necessary documents.” Resolution
No. 1999-62, “
Resolution Authorizing Abandonment of Temporary Construction Easements at the Childtime
Development on Burton Drive,” was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council members Augustine, Clancy, Slade, Vice Mayor Wood and Mayor Fleming
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
9. BUSINESS
A. REPORT ON WATER PRESSURES IN NORTHWEST VACAVILLE AND APPROVAL OF SITE FOR NORTH VACAVILLE RESERVOIR
Director of Public Works Dale Pfeiffer, Assistant Director of Public Works (ADPW) Dave Tompkins, and Associate Civil Engineer Bob La Shells presented a detailed review of the preliminary engineering and geotechnical evaluations that were performed between 1991 and 1997, as well as several public hearings. It was noted that at each of the Planning Commission meetings, the siting issue was evaluated and addressed extensively, as well as the benefits, cost, safety, and visibility of a partially buried, concrete reservoir located on the hillside. At the 1998/99 budget hearings, residents raised concern about the North Vacaville Reservoir and the City Council directed staff to return to a future meeting to discuss the site selection in more detail, as well as address the concerns raised about the preferred site. Staff at the April 15 City Council meeting presented a detailed report and extensive public testimony was received. As a result of that meeting, staff was directed to report back on the feasibility of an upper water pressure zone with a reservoir for the Northwest Vacaville area to alleviate some of the water pressure problems in the North Orchard/North Alamo area. ADPW Tompkins reviewed the North Orchard/North Alamo Upper Zone Water System Feasibility Study identifying improvements necessary to increase the low water pressures in that area. He explained the costs to construct the upper zone, as well as the annual operation and maintenance costs and how benefiting customers would be assessed.
Director Pfeiffer explained staff’ s recommendation to locate Reservoir #4 in the Browns Valley
area,
including safety, location, environmental and cost advantages. He discussed the construction of
the
concrete tank, and the additional steel banding. He also explained how the proposed tank materials
and
construction were different from a concrete tank that failed in Westminster, California.
Council member Clancy asked about a reservoir that was being built in Vacaville in the 1980’ s
and
during construction the land shifted. She inquired about safeguard considerations that would be
instituted
during construction of the North Vacaville reservoir to avoid a similar occurrence. ADPW Paul
Hom
advised that it was the Butcher Road reservoir and that the slide occurred as a result of an earthquake
and
water saturation; however there was no damage to the tanks.
The Council asked questions about development impact fees, water storage standards and who set the
emergency water storage standards, and Vacaville’ s current water storage compared to surrounding
cities.
Director Pfeiffer stated that there is currently about 5.6 hours of water storage citywide. With
regard to
water storage standards, staff stated that the Office of Emergency Services (OES) suggests three-day
self-sufficiency for emergencies and that this was conveyed by OES during Y2K preparation briefings. He
explained that the City’ s 1990 Water Master Plan designated 12-hours of storage for emergencies. The
City Manager added that the three-day self-sufficiency standard is not a mandate, but a recommendation
from OES.
Mayor Fleming opened the public hearing.
Several area residents addressed the City Council. While some supported the need for additional
emergency storage of water, they expressed deep concern about safety and the recommended location.
They were worried about potential flooding of their homes should a catastrophic event occur like an
earthquake, as well as the possibility of the hillside shifting or sliding because of the construction. Upon
request, approximately 25 people stood up to show their presence and rejection of the proposed location.
A petition containing over 170 names of residents opposing the location was also presented to the City
Council.
Mayor Fleming asked staff to respond to the citizen’ s concerns. Director Pfeiffer introduced
Gery
Anderson, of Anderson Consulting Group, who provided information about earthquakes, faults, and safety
and seismic considerations.
Mayor Fleming closed the public hearing. Recess taken from 9:38 to 9:43 p.m.
Mayor Fleming stated that in his conversations with engineers, he has consistently been advised that
concrete tanks are safer than steel tanks. Since some public testimony included comparison of
the
proposed water tank to the incident that occurred in Westminster, he asked Director Pfeiffer to address
the
differences in materials and workmanship. He also asked about the likelihood of a water tank spewing
all
its contents at once in the event of a catastrophic incident, or whether the more likely scenario would
be
leakage. Director Pfeiffer provided details about the Westminster incident noting that the collapsed
tank
was made of different materials with panels and was poorly maintained. He explained the safety
features
built into the proposed system, and the drainage system built beneath it.
Council member Augustine acknowledged that during public testimony comments were made concerning
the integrity and honesty of staff in recommending Site 4 as the preferred site for the water tank. He
commented that, in his opinion, there was no malice on the part of City staff and further stated that
while
he does not doubt the suggested location is a good site, he never felt it was the best site. He
noted that,
while it may be economically feasible, he did not feel it was good enough to serve the entire City. Council
member Augustine stated that the City is far behind in water storage and inquired where the next
reservoir would need to go. He commented that he had requested information on alternate locations
and
did not feel he had received enough information. Council member Augustine stated he was not voting
against the proposal simply because of safety concerns, but he felt that moving large amounts of dirt
and
making a big enough whole to sink a 4 mg tank, may cause some instability in the hillsides. He
also
expressed concern about the aesthetics.
Council member Clancy advised that she could not support the recommended site and felt there may be
other suitable locations. She talked about the importance of safety, protecting lives, and gave
reassurance
to the residents who opposed the location of the tank.
Vice Mayor Wood acknowledged staff’ s strong recommendation to place another reservoir in the Zone
1
system and reviewed the reasons: it is of sound construction, geologically secure, provides emergency
storage capacity and it would help provide capacity for North Village and other
commercial/industrial/residential growth in the area. He noted that the City has about $6 million
available to build reservoirs, but did not feel that much money should be spent to add four hours worth
of
storage. He stated he could not support building the reservoir at this time since that was not
where his
level of priority exists. Vice Mayor Wood expressed a priority for executive housing and suggested
that
perhaps a location for a reservoir could be established at that time.
Council member Slade stated that she has received a lot of information about alternative sites. She
commented that she did not feel the need for this storage was just for North Village, but to serve current
users as well as future users. She advised she would support the location.
Council member Augustine, seconded by Council member Clancy made a motion “ to reject the
proposed
site for the reservoir.” Motion approved (3-2 Slade/Fleming no).
Recess taken from 10:17 – 10:20 p.m.
B. SIGN ORDINANCE
Director of Community Development Ron Rowland reviewed the staff report for the record. He stated that the proposed changes would be beneficial to the businesses, while not aesthetically disruptive to the City. He explained the highlights of the proposed ordinance. Director Rowland stated that numerous public meetings were held which included the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Vacaville Business Association, etc. He advised that three unresolved issues remain and that staff will continue to discuss the issues with the affected properties. Director Rowland commented that sign enforcement would be on a safety basis unless directed otherwise.
Mayor Fleming asked for public comment.
Vacaville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gary Tatum stated that the Chamber concurs with
the staff recommendation however asked for additional consideration with regard to freeway and banner
signs. He stated that having the ability to display “ sandwich signs” is very
important to some merchants.
There were no further public comments.
The City Council thanked the DVBA and Chamber for assisting in the review of the proposed ordinance,
and complimented staff for their efforts. Council member Augustine asked staff about the Chamber’
s
concerns and Director Rowland noted that staff is committed to working with the Chamber to resolve the
issues. He asked staff to be cognizant of the process by which signs are approved and to work
with
businesses to make sure they have the visibility they need. Council member Augustine commented
about
the absence of signage at the Skating Center and other businesses in town. Council member Clancy
noted
that Kay Draisin, Manager of the Factory Stores, could not attend the meeting but asked her to convey
her
support for the proposed changes. Vice Mayor Wood broached the enforcement issue and suggested
that
there is a level of expectation from the business community that what’ s emerging is a fair and
flexible
ordinance that can be enforced. He suggested moving from enforcement on a safety and hazard basis
to
complaint-driven enforcement. Mayor Fleming agreed that the revised ordinance should be enforced. He
also commented that “ banner” signs should be temporary only and expressed concern about
the interface
between the City’ s sign ordinance and specific signage requirements that have been adopted for
shopping
centers. Mayor Fleming stressed the need to maintain the high standards and quality of City signs.
C. STRATEGIC PLAN/ACTION PLAN
The City Manager reviewed the staff report noting the five key areas in which the Council decided to place special emphasis during the next few years as a result of the March 16 Study Session,. He noted that the Council had also discussed the idea of designating a primary and secondary representative from the Council as liaison to staff on each of the five project areas.
Council member Slade asked the City Council to consider the liaison concept as soon as possible. Council
member Augustine stated that he was pleased with the Strategic Plan update and that it captured
everything in which he was interested. He asked that drugs and alcohol in the schools, speeding
and
traffic control in the school areas be considered in the “ Public Safety” category. Council member
Augustine asked that staff provide periodic updates on the timetable and schedule. Council member
Clancy and Mayor Fleming did not support appointing specific Council members to each of the project
areas as community liaison, while Council member Augustine stated he was not committed one way or the
other. Council member Slade explained why she felt there was value in appointing liaisons, encouraged
the Council to give it more thought and asked that the concept be reconsidered in the future.
Mayor Fleming asked for public comment. James Williams stated he had spoken about transportation
at a
previous discussion of the Strategic Plan and asked the Council to consider adding it as a project area.
There was no further public comment.
Council member Clancy, seconded by Council member Slade, made a motion “ to adopt the Strategic
Plan
Goals and Strategic Plan Projects, adding that drugs and alcohol, and traffic in school areas be addressed
in collaboration with the School District.” Motion unanimously approved.
10. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER
The City Manager stated that he would be speaking at a neighborhood meeting in the Leisure Town area on June 15 at 9 a.m. He reminded the Council of the upcoming Budget Study Session, June 22 at 5 p.m. He stated that budget documents would be available early next week.
As requested by the City Manager, Director of Community Services Linda Celestre gave an overview of
the firework celebration being planned in Andrews Park. Council member Augustine asked about the
possibility of filming a portion of the fireworks and including it in a future production of Vacaville
Voices.
11. REPORTS OF CITY COUNCIL
The City Council members gave a brief report on past, as well as upcoming events they have attended. Vice Mayor Wood advised that Senate Bill 123 had passed the Senate and that will go to the Assembly within 30 days. Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council member Clancy made a motion “ to send a letter urging the Assembly to act in favor of the bill.” Motion unanimously approved. Council member Slade noted that the Vacaville history book is out of stock and consideration should be given to a revised edition. Based on various Council comments, Mayor Fleming suggested that the meeting be adjourned in honor of 38-year City employee Bob Ciavarelli who recently retired, with thoughts and well wishes for Council member Slade’ s dear friend Sharon Banks, and in memory of long-time Vacaville resident Ruby McCall who recently passed away.
12. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS – Council member Slade, seconded by Vice Mayor Wood made a motion “ to order the payroll register dated 5/28/99, and check register dated 6/4/99, paid. Motion unanimously approved.
CLOSED SESSION – The City Council convened a Closed Session at 6:30 p.m. pursuant to Government Code Section 54950 et. Seq. - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: Morales v. Vacaville, Solano Municipal Court; Graves v. Elliott Homes, Solano County Superior Court, and Labor Negotiator John Thompson and Director Moreno concerning Vacaville Managers Organization. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. with no announcements made.
14. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further business before the City Council, the regular meeting was adjourned by Mayor Fleming in recognition of Bob Ciavarelli, Sharon Banks, and Ruby McCall at 11:20 p.m., June 8, 1999.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen M. Andronico
City Clerk