The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Orchard.

Councilmembers present: Orchard, Kurvers, Berkemeier, Fox, Gilardi

Staff present: Shaddox, Hayes, Woltering, Anna, Walter

Amendments:

1. Regular meeting of October 9, 2002

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Gilardi, to approve the minutes of October 9, 2002 and to waive the reading of all ordinances introduced and/or adopted under this agenda.

Yes: 5 No: 0

At the request of staff, it was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Kurvers, to add the topic "Consideration of appointment of alternative representative to the Water Advisory Committee" to the agenda, with the finding that the need to take action on this matter became known after posting of the agenda, and the matter must be acted upon prior to the next regular meeting.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Then followed Council discussion regarding whether a letter given to Councilwoman Gilardi from a citizen should be read into the record during Citizens Business.

Honorary Mayor Gieser reported on current events at school and in the community. He said one way to improve Cotati would be to establish a teen center with arcade games and a snack bar. The center would be most useful if it were open 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays, and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends. He said an improved skate park would also be a welcome addition. He commented that another high school will probably be necessary as additional residents move to Cotati.

Mayor Orchard presented him with a certificate of appreciation and thanked him for participating in the Honorary Mayor Program.

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Gilardi, to accept the resignation of Mario Lewin from the Community and Environment Commission and to direct staff to thank Mr. Lewin and advertise the vacancy.

Councilmembers expressed their appreciation to Mr. Lewin for his energy, enthusiasm and friendliness, especially during the Kids Day event.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Anne Wallace Rock, 35 Page Street, read a letter from Eric Kirchmann stating that the Mayor and Council are continuing to listen to statements made by staff which are erroneous and misleading. He said his calls to the City Manager and Assistant City Manager go unanswered. He specifically objected to illegal signs, including campaign signs, being allowed to remain in place.

Simone Wilson, 25 Pine Tree Circle, said she has noticed several signs for Forrest Galt which are in violation of the City’s sign ordinance, and she cited the southwest corner of Old Redwood Highway and Valparaiso, at 71 Benson Lane, and two signs on the south side of Highway 116 near Stony Point Road.

Mark Firestone, 8483 Loretto Avenue, said he asked Mr. Galt who is financing his campaign, and he asked if it is the Building Industry Council. He said he received an e-mail from Mr. Galt accusing him of using negative campaign tactics. He asked Mr. Galt to explain how his (Mr. Firestone’s) question resulted in negative campaigning.

George Barich, 176 W. Cotati Oaks Court, said he is shocked at Mr. Kirchmann’s letter and hopes Councilmembers will comment on the letter at the close of the Citizen Business portion of the agenda. He went on to comment on the Police Department’s plan for utilization of the COPS funds. He said it was not fair of Councilmembers to judge Healdsburg’s actions in trying to withdraw from the CAD/RMS program. He asked Councilmembers to contact both the Healdsburg and Sebastopol Police Departments and ask them to come to Cotati to explain why they are attempting to withdraw from the program.

Tim Foley, 8473 Loretto, referring to the September 25, 2002 Council meeting, said he recalls that Chief Stewart was requested to look into options for closing Benson Lane. He wants to know the status of that research. At the Mayor’s request, City Manager Shaddox responded that staff is working with the City Engineer. He explained that a traffic engineer will need to conduct engineering and environmental analyses which would be required in conjunction with any proposed road closure. Results of that analysis will probably be available in mid-January, he said, and they will be presented to Council.

Councilwoman Gilardi stated that Chief Stewart provided information to Council regarding Healdsburg’s difficult decision to withdraw from the CAD/RMS program. City Manager Shaddox provided additional information regarding ongoing discussions on the subject.

Councilwoman Gilardi asked that Council consider establishing a Youth Council in the City.

In addition, she suggested that Council might wish to consider participating in the Homeless Prevention program. She asked if the low-to-moderate income housing fund could be used to provide funds for the Homeless Program. City Manager Shaddox noted that monies for a program of that sort would have to come out of the General Fund. On the other hand, he said, the Cotati Redevelopment Agency finances a home repair program, and staff is working with Ralph Jones on that.

Finance Director Hayes gave a staff report, calling Council's attention to the revised versions of the ordinances before them on the dais.

There was no public comment.

Following Council discussion, it was moved by Kurvers, seconded by Berkemeier, to introduce Ordinance No. 740 Amending the Municipal Code (Ordinance No. 734) Related to Water Service Charges.

Yes: 5 No: 0

It was moved by Kurvers, seconded by Berkemeier, to introduce Ordinance No. 741 Amending the Municipal Code (Ordinance No. 735) Related to Sewer Service Charges.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Mayor Orchard read the title of the Consent Calendar item and asked if there was any public comment.

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Fox, to approve the Consent Calendar.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Planning Director Woltering gave a staff report and responded to questions from Council.

Prue Draper, 728 W. School Street, reviewed the process by which she developed the list of pioneer names for the Cotati Cottages Project, and she said she also understands the rationale for naming streets for plants.

Tom Monahan, developer of the Cotati Cottages Project, asked Council to consider authorizing street names based on flower and tree names in the area and to utilize pioneer names for a park. He said he would like to name the park "Batkin Park" and the community center "Eickmeyer Community Center."

John Rock, 35 Page Street, thanked Ms. Draper for her wonderful service to the community, and said he would like to see the pioneer names utilized for the streets and for the park and community center as well.

George Barich thanked Ms. Draper for her exceptional work. He agreed with Mr. Monahan that the streets are fairly insignificant and perhaps not the best recognition of pioneers.

Paul Foti, 7883 Old Redwood Highway, said that, generally speaking, those with the most money get to put their names on things. He said that, in fact, Tom Monahan may be considered a pioneer. He suggested half the names be pioneer names and the other half be names of Monahan's choosing.

Anne Wallace Rock, 35 Page Street, said she agrees with Ms. Draper’s suggestion to change the name of a portion of West Cotati Avenue because it is presently a confusing situation.

Councilman Berkemeier said he favors using pioneer names, and the other Councilmembers agreed.

Tom Monahan requested he be authorized to choose from the list of pioneer names provided by Prue Draper. Councilmembers Berkemeier and Gilardi included that provision in their respective motion and second.

In response to Council comment, City Manager Shaddox clarified that naming of new streets in the South Sonoma Business Park will be brought to Council at the time they are constructed.

Prue Draper said Lina Braden is an Eickmeyer and she is thrilled that her family name may be chosen as a street name. Ms. Draper offered to help get in touch with descendants of families chosen for street names.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Planning Director Woltering gave a staff report and responded to questions from Council.

John Rock, 35 Page Street, asked if there is supposed to be landscaping on the emergency vehicle access road (EVA) off Christensen Street, and if so, if it is already included in the costs for that project. Shaddox responded that City crews will do the planting in that area. He noted there has been hay distributed on the hillside, and it is covering seed that has been planted to hold the soil in place. The proposal tonight is for other work, though it will be connected to the EVA.

George Barich, 176 W. Cotati Oaks Court, noted there are trees bordering the police station parking lot, and he believes they will severely limit the amount of sunlight falling on the solar panels. He wondered if low-lying shrubbery that would not compete for the sunshine might be a better choice than trees. Councilman Berkemeier said small trees were purposely chosen for that area that will not be a problem for the solar panels.

Prue Draper, 718 W. School Street, said she recalls in Design Review trees were selected that will prevent people jumping over the fence into the police facility, and she believes they will be appropriate for the solar panels. She said she has been impressed with the ground work on the EVA.

Following Council comment, it was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Gilardi, to approve the proposal from Quadriga Associates to provide landscape architectural services and civil engineering services for the development of a community park at the Civic Center Park Site.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Planning Director Woltering gave a staff report and responded to questions from Council. He recommended that Item No. 7 be deleted because staff does not recommend that a water meter be installed on the property.

Kevin McCarthy, 120 Eucalyptus Avenue, said he is in full agreement with provisions of the contract and is eager to move ahead with it.

It was moved by Fox, seconded by Berkemeier, to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement for Sewer Service Outside Service Area for property located at 120 Eucalyptus Avenue, with the deletion of Item No. 7.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Planning Director Woltering reviewed the proposed calendar for study sessions.

Prue Draper, 718 W. School Street, advised Council to schedule the proposed December 4 study session on a night other than the night of the tree lighting.

Following discussion, Council consensus was to schedule the December meeting for Thursday, December 5, at 7:00 p.m..

It was moved by Kurvers, seconded by Gilardi, to approve the calendar for study sessions for review of draft Land Use Code sections, amended to change the December 4 meeting to Thursday, December 5.

Yes: 5 No: 0

City Manager Shaddox and Councilman Berkemeier reviewed the need for appointment of an Alternative Representative.

There was no public comment.

Following brief Council discussion, it was moved by Gilardi, seconded by Fox, to appoint City Engineer Bertolero as Alternate.

Yes: 5 No: 0

The joint meeting was called to order at 8:53 p.m. by Mayor/Agency Chair Orchard.

Councilmembers present: Orchard, Kurvers, Berkemeier, Fox, Gilardi

Staff present: Shaddox, Hayes, Anna, Walter

It was moved by Gilardi, seconded by Kurvers, to approve the Consent Calendar.

Yes: 5 No: 0

The joint meeting was adjourned, and the regular City Council meeting reconvened, at 8:55 p.m.

Councilmembers reported on meetings they have attended recently.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

______________________________

Deputy City Clerk