Month 1999.08 August.


Day 1999.08.24CC



CITY OF VACAVILLE
MINUTES
August 24, 1999

A meeting of the City Council of the City of Vacaville was held at the City Council Chambers, 650 Merchant Street, August 24, 1999.  Mayor Fleming called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. (Redevelopment Agency meeting held prior to this meeting.)

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 Bud Jones, Vaca Valley Christian Life Center,  gave the INVOCATION and Council member Clancy  led the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3.    APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Fleming asked if there were any additions or deletions necessary for the agenda.  Mayor Fleming announced that he would adjourn the meeting in memory of Vacaville resident Mac McDeavitt and Micheal Palombo, Sr., father of our Economic Development Manager Mike Palombo.  He also noted that a request was received to add a presentation concerning the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Council member Clancy, seconded by Council member Slade, made a motion “ to approve the agenda as amended.”  Motion unanimously approved.

4.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Council member Slade, seconded by Council member Clancy, moved “ to approve the minutes of the meeting of August 10, 1999 as written.”  Motion unanimously approved.

5.    PRESENTATIONS

A.    CRAIG ISHAM, PUBLIC WORKS, 20-YEAR SERVICE PIN
Director of Public Works Dale Pfeiffer reviewed Craig’ s career with the City and Mayor Fleming presented his 20-year service pin.

B.    “ VACAVILLE –  A PLACE OF PEACE”  –  PATRICIA HUNTER
Because of recent crimes of violence, bigotry, and hatred which have been publicized throughout the Country, Vacaville resident Patricia Hunter, who was deeply saddened by these disturbing events, sought ways to identify Vacaville as a peaceful community.  She presented a symbol of peace, which she designed,  and asked that it be placed in the windows of homes, businesses, schools, cars, and churches, exclaiming “ Vacaville –  A Place of Peace” .  She encouraged residents to join in her effort to declare that there is “ no room for bigotry and hatred in Vacaville and that it is a safe community in which to live.” Mayor Fleming read the proclamation and presented it to Ms. Hunter.  The City Council commended Ms. Hunter for her heart-felt presentation and dedication to the community.

C.    MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION
Vacaville Firefighter Rick Seville addressed the City Council on behalf of the Firefighters Association. He stated that the Association is involved in a program to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association called “ Fill the Boot”  drive.  He introduced Sarah Warnke, MDA Program Chairman for this area.  Ms. Warnke encouraged everyone to participate in the fundraiser to be held September 18, 10 a.m. –  3:00 p.m. at Orange and Nut Tree Drives.  She stated that the funds stay locally and announced that this is the 45th anniversary of MDA and the International Firefighters Association’ s partnership.

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 Council member Slade, made a motion “ to adopt the resolution."  Motion approved by the following vote:

AYES:    Council members Augustine, Clancy, Slade, Vice Mayor Wood and Mayor Fleming
NOES:    None
ABSENT:    None

A.    Resolution No. 1999-108- RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND FINAL PAYMENT TO CONTRACTOR –  ALLISON DRIVE AT TRAVIS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND SAFETY LIGHTING INSTALLATION

7.    BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR
Vacaville resident Lou Derfuss discussed the local crime log, published in the Reporter, and noted that there appeared to be high incidents of auto burglary.  He suggested that some of this might be due to unattended youth and felt the City should look into diversion programs and ways to keep our youth busy when not attending school.  Mr. Derfuss noted that the abandoned home across the street from his property was demolished and inquired about the intended use for the property.  Council member Augustine addressed Mr. Derfuss’  comment about youth diversion programs and noted that the school district and City leaders are working in partnership to identify youth needs and implement beneficial programs.

8.    PUBLIC HEARINGS

A.    RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF A CLEAR VISION ZONE EASEMENT ON LOT 2, STONEGATE ESTATES UNIT 3
The City Manager explained that this is a public hearing to consider abandoning an easement in a single-family subdivision that is no longer needed by current design standards.  The abandonment will enable the current homeowner to have more use of his front-yard property and was originally obtained by the City at no cost.  Mayor Fleming opened and closed the public hearing with no public comment noted.

Council member Slade, seconded by Council member Augustine, made a motion “ to adopt the subject resolution and authorize the City Engineer to execute the necessary documents for this matter to become of record.”   Resolution No. 1999-109, “ Resolution Authorizing Abandonment of a Portion of a Clear Vision Zone Easement on Lot 2, Stonegate Estates Unit 3,”  was approved by the following vote:

AYES:    Council members Augustine, Clancy, Slade, Vice Mayor Wood and Mayor Fleming
NOES:    None
ABSENT:    None

B.    ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 5.32.030 OF THE VACAVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY
The City Manager reviewed the staff report for the record.  He noted that the proposed ordinance would allow the City Council to impose a fee for processing applications for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, which is needed by taxi companies to operate in Vacaville.  He advised that there are numerous staff hours spent reviewing the potential company, its employees, and equipment, and that the background investigative information can be costly.  He stated that if the ordinance is adopted, staff will return at the next meeting with a resolution setting the non-refundable fee for the application process.

Mayor Fleming opened and closed the public hearing.

Council member Clancy, seconded by Vice Mayor Wood, made a motion “ to introduce the ordinance.” Motion unanimously approved.  The title of the ordinance, “ Ordinance Amending Section 5.32.030 of the Vacaville Municipal Code Relating to Applications for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity," was read by the City Clerk and introduced by Council member Clancy.

    9.    BUSINESS

A.    RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZING THE EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY BETWEEN THE CITY AND ARCO, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY TO EXECUTE SUCH AGREEMENTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS AS NEEDED; AND TENTATIVE SETTLEMENT WITH THE BLACK OAK RESTAURANT FOR THE WIDENING OF ORANGE DRIVE
The City Attorney advised that this is a proposed agreement for the City’ s payment to the owners of Black Oak Restaurant for relocating some of their parking, which will make room for the future expansion of the Arco AM/PM.  He noted that the agreement facilitates the full widening of Orange Drive as provided in the plan line and capital improvement budget.

Vice Mayor Wood asked about the realignment of Orange Drive and the $150,000 cost.  Director Pfeiffer explained the new configuration for Orange Drive and the City Attorney talked about the negotiated cost, which will provide the needed frontage to widen Orange Drive.

Mayor Fleming asked for public comment.

Dale Sapriano, Manager of Arco, offered his support for the agreement and ultimate widening of Orange Drive.  He asked that City staff be mindful of the affect the widening project will have on the Arco station, its customers, and its employees.  He stated that while he realizes there will be a period of time when the station will be closed, keeping his employees working as long as possible is of great importance to him. Director Pfeiffer stated that the City would work with the general contractor to try to alleviate access problems for the station.  The City Attorney added that while there will probably be some complaints, staff will do its best to minimize the impacts.

Council member Augustine asked if the street improvements would include Lemon Tree and Director Pfeiffer noted that Orange Drive would be widened to Lemon Tree and a signal would be installed at the I-80 on-ramp/Lemon Tree area.

Lou Derfuss asked about the settlement cost with the Black Oak and the City Attorney explained the method used to calculate the cost of parking spaces, paving, striping, acquisition of land, etc.

Council member Augustine, seconded by Council member Slade, made a motion “ to adopt the subject resolution and to approve the Tentative Settlement with the Black Oak Restaurant for the widening of Orange Drive.”   Motion unanimously approved.  Resolution No. 1999-110, “ Resolution Accepting Property and Authorizing the Exchange of Property Between the City and Arco, and Authorizing the City Manager and City Attorney to Execute Such Agreements and Other Documents as Needed,”  was approved by the following vote:

AYES:    Council members Augustine, Clancy, Slade, Vice Mayor Wood and Mayor Fleming
NOES:    None
ABSENT:    None

B.    BELLA VISTA / DAVIS STREET AREA STUDY SESSION
Assistant City Manager (ACM) David Van Kirk noted that at an earlier Council meeting, staff was directed to explore ways to improve the Bella Vista/Davis Street area, which is a gateway into the City. He explained that because this is a major means of accessing the Downtown, improving the area could be part of the Strategic Plan’ s Downtown Revitalization effort.  He then reviewed the various land uses in the area, unusual traffic circulation factors, the limited public improvements and current traffic problems in the area.  ACM Van Kirk outlined some project goals and possible strategies to improve the area, noting that it will be very costly, and probably cannot be accomplished without funding assistance from the City and Redevelopment Agency.  He stated that an immediate action that could be taken is to initiate code enforcement programs on some of the properties in the area.  If the Council so directs, ACM Van Kirk explained that staff will prepare strategies and proposals in conjunction with the Housing & Redevelopment and Planning Commissions and present the information at a future meeting.  He also asked the Council to provide direction whether the Bella Vista/Davis Street area should be incorporated in the Downtown Revitalization plan, or if it should be a stand-alone project.

The City Council discussed their desire to proceed with traffic circulation and visual improvements in the area, and enhancing this gateway.  They talked about the many diversified uses, the opening of Buckingham Charter School, traffic congestion and safety concerns.  It was suggested that other area businesses be contacted to share in possible solutions.  It was noted that Nola’ s dried fruit business is on Davis Street, and staff should be very sensitive to the fact that dust can be very harmful to the processing of the dried fruits.

Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council member Clancy made a motion “ to make the Bella Vista/Davis Street area part of the Strategic Plan’ s Downtown Revitalization.”   Vice Mayor Wood added that code enforcement should be pursued immediately.

Mayor Fleming asked for public comment.  Vacaville resident Lou Derfuss stated he was concerned about the area and encouraged the Council to proceed with improvements.

Motion unanimously approved.

10.    REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER
The City Manager advised that the final filing period for letters of interest concerning executive housing is Friday, August 27.  He suggested a study session to review the requests in the latter part of September or early October.  The Council unanimously agreed to schedule a study session.

11.    REPORTS OF CITY COUNCIL
Council member Slade talked about the newly installed stop signs in front of Target and Safeway.  She also commented on the statistical information recently released in a survey conducted by the Search Institute concerning youth.

Council member Clancy commended PIO Earl Parker and staff members who were involved in the latest production of “ Vacaville Voices.”    She advised that she had received information from the US General Accounting Office regarding a special report on the aging and nursing homes and stated she would make it available to the Police Department.  The City Manager added a special thank you to Sam Houston, from TCI, who produces “ Vacaville Voices.”

Council member Augustine reported on an event he attended at Travis Air Force Base.  He remembered Mac McDeavitt and referred to him as a “ community volunteer and a friend without strings.”   Council member Augustine lamented that “ Mac”  will truly be missed.

Vice Mayor Wood wished his wife a happy birthday and announced an event being hosted by Stars Recreation for the Renaissance Faire employees, August 30.

Mayor Fleming stated that he had also attended the Travis AFB event.  He reported on a recent League of California western states meeting he had attended.  He talked about the affect Internet buying will have on cities with regard to sales tax revenue.  He pointed out that Vacaville’ s sales tax pays for fire and police. Mayor Fleming announced the POW/MIA event scheduled for September 17, 9 a.m., at the Veterans Memorial in front of City Hall.

12.    PAYMENT OF CLAIMS –  Council member Clancy, seconded by Council member Slade, made a motion “ to order the payroll register dated 8/13/99 and check register dated 8/20/99, paid.”   Motion unanimously approved.

13.    CLOSED SESSION –  Pursuant to Government Code Section 54950 et. seq., Conference with Real Property Negotiator:  Michael Rodriguez APN 130-010-390, Norman Smith APN 130-010-150, Beneto Oil APN 130-010-360, JMI Properties APN 130-010-300, Grantline Properties (Barry Gross) APN 130-010-280 and City Negotiator John P. Thompson.  Conference with Real Property Negotiator:  Property owner Carroll APN 127-240-060 & 127-240-100; Puerta APN 127-250-010 & 127-250-020 and City Negotiator John P. Thompson.  Instruction to negotiator will concern price and terms of payment. Conference with Labor Negotiator: John P. Thompson and Pat Moreno; Employee Organization – Vacaville Managers Organization.

14.    ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Fleming, in memory of Mac McDeavitt and Micheal Palombo, Sr., adjourned the regular meeting of the City Council at 8:23 p.m., August 24, 1999. The closed session convened at 8:30 p.m. and was adjourned at 10:20 p.m., with no announcements made.

Respectfully Submitted,


Kathleen M. Andronico, City Clerk