The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Mayor Fox.

Councilmembers present: Berkemeier, Cullinen, Gilardi, Jensen, Fox

Staff present: Shaddox, Dorch, Stewart, Hayes, Nommsen, Lustig, Anna, Bertolero, Walter

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Jensen, to approve the minutes of November 21, 2000 as written and to waive the reading of all ordinances introduced and/or adopted under this agenda.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Mayor Fox and City Manager Shaddox expressed their appreciation to Public Works Superintendent Nommsen, Public Works Supervisor Martinoni, Maintenance Worker II Lee and Maintenance Workers I Gibbe and Wise and presented each with a Certificate of Recognition.

Superintendent Nommsen acknowledged the thanks and expressed appreciation to the City Manager and City Council for their support.

At the request of City Manager Shaddox, it was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Jensen, to add to the agenda consideration of adoption of Resolution No. 00-87 Filing Application for Federal Surface Transportation Program and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program Funding for Old Redwood Highway Overlay and Reconstruction and Committing the Necessary Local Match for the Project and Stating the Assurance of the City of Cotati to Complete the Project, with the finding that knowledge of the matter occurred after posting of the agenda and it must be acted upon prior to the next regular meeting.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Mayor Fox stated this item would be considered as Item No. 7A on tonight's agenda.

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Gilardi, to receive the file the Official Statement of Votes Cast for the November 7,2000 General Municipal Election.

Yes: 5 No: 0

It was moved by Cullinen, seconded by Jensen, to adopt Resolution No. 00-82 Declaring the Results of the General Municipal Election of November 7, 2000.

Yes: 5 No: 0

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Cullinen, to adopt Resolution No. 00-83 Commending Vice Mayor Pia C. Jensen.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Mayor Fox read the Resolution. Vice Mayor Jensen commented on her intentions and accomplishments during her term of office and requested the incoming Councilmembers listen carefully to the citizens, especially those with whom they may not agree.

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Gilardi, to adopt Resolution No. 00-84 Commending Councilmember Richard M. Cullinen, Jr.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Mayor Fox read the Resolution. Councilmember Cullinen commented on his feelings upon leaving office after more than eight years and some of the issues which the Council and the community faced during those years. He thanked Council, staff and Cotati citizens for their warmth and support through the years.

Councilmembers expressed appreciation to Jensen and Cullinen, after which Mayor Fox presented plaques to outgoing Vice Mayor Jensen and Councilmember Cullinen.

The Oath of Office was administered to Councilmembers Berkemeier, Kurvers and Orchard by Deputy City Clerk Anna, who then presented each with a Certificate of Election.

The meeting was recessed at 7:45 p.m. to an informal reception in honor of retiring and incoming City Councilmembers.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:05 p.m.

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

Staff present: Shaddox, Dorch, Stewart, Hayes, Kirkpatrick, Nommsen, Lustig, Anna, Bertolero

Honorary Mayor Von Dohlen gave a brief report. Mayor Fox presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation and thanked him for his presentation.

Eric Kirchman, Cotati citizen, said he would like to see a "hate-free" program promoted in the City of Cotati.

Mark Firestone, 8483 Loretto Avenue, said the concept of boundaries implies a two-way street. He reminded Councilmembers that they and the citizens should respect each other.

Bruce Voorhes added his comments regarding civility and respect and he acknowledged those who are willing to run for office and to serve the community. He wished them well and stated that they do not have to stand for a lot of incivility, and added that perhaps boundaries are necessary after all.

Pia Jensen, 8166 Olaf Street, said she hopes Council will not act to discourage businesses in Cotati they may not approve of. She urged Council to closely watch fiscal responsibility and monitor who is getting contracts.

Tony Adler, 8163 Arthur Street, said he feels there is some fence mending to be done in Cotati. Referring to a pre-election piece against Pia Jensen, he stated that whoever had the piece done should acknowledge it to clear the air. He went on to discuss how the tenants in mobilehome parks are terrified of the park owners, to the extent that they often do not go after insurance benefits that are owed them. He related that some park owners intimidate coach owners so that they cannot sell their coaches except to the park owner.

George Barich, 176 W. Cotati Oaks Court, said he has been raising funds to support food banks for AIDS victims and others in need. He said he has yet to receive responses from Councilmembers as to responsibility for printing and dissemination of the pre-election piece against Pia Jensen. He suggested that Councilmember Berkemeier step down from the Council or at least refuse to accept further payment for his Council services.

Jeff Cartwright, Petaluma, commented that gravel mining is depleting our natural water filtration system and asked everyone to call 565-2241 to protest the gravel mining and industrial pollution of the Russian River.

Lisa Moore, 12 Kingston Lane, said the Cotati-Rohnert Park Cooperative Pre-School has the opportunity to buy the building it currently rents and is in process of raising funds to do so. If they are not able to purchase the building, rents for the preschool will nearly double which will drastically change the school’s programs and affordability. She invited Councilmembers and audience to help the fund.

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

Morry Oretsky, property owner, said he hoped Council would approve the lot line adjustment.

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Gilardi to introduce Ordinance No. 710 Amending Ordinance No. 642 (Sierra Meadows PUD) by Adding an Additional Lot to the PUD Site Plan (Oretsky/Schoch); adoption of Resolution No. 00-78 Approving a Lot Line Adjustment and Minor Parcel Map in Order to Create a New Lot to be Located Between 8547 and 8577 Cypress Avenue.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Assistant to the City Manager Kirkpatrick gave a brief report and responded to questions from Council.

Prue Draper, 718 W. School Street, urged Council to adopt the Resolution.

It was moved by Gilardi, seconded by Berkemeier, to adopt Resolution No. 00-87 Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Federal Surface Transportation Program and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program Funding for Old Redwood Highway Overlay and Reconstruction and Committing the Necessary Local Match for the Project and Stating the Assurance of the City of Cotati to Complete the Project.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Items pulled: 12, 10

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Kurvers, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.

Yes: 5 No: 0

Item 10: City Manager Shaddox stated that there has been a long-standing understanding that there would be speed bumps installed along East School Street, and he has been asked by several residents of E. School Street for the speed bumps. He said if Council approves the item, he will take further steps to ascertain if the residents do want the speed bumps, and he will endeavor to keep the number of bumps to two. If he perceives there is controversy on the question, he will bring it back to Council.

Elaine Blake, 8588 Lakewood, asked if alternatives to speed bumps have been explored. City Manager Shaddox said he agrees that speed bumps are not the most desirable form of speed control, but they are necessary where other traffic calming devices are not available at a reasonable cost. He outlined a possible process whereby eventually the street could have other traffic calming features.

Ms. Blake added she would like to see striping to help calm the traffic.

Pat Voulgaris said police enforcement of speed limits, together with fines, would be effective.

Yvonne Van Dyke suggested that if a speed bump is located near the parking area at the former middle school drivers will drive around the bump into the parking area. She discussed that and other concerns.

Pia Jensen, 8156 Olaf, said the City’s speed bump program does not work. She suggested striping, diagonal parking to narrow the street, and increased police enforcement of speed limits.

Eric Kirchman said that if development causes additional speed, the development should pay for mitigation. He said speed bumps do not solve the problem.

Anne Wallace Rock, 35 Page Street, said speed bumps decrease property values and have other detrimental features. She said there are other ways to calm traffic and she highly recommended Council look into those options.

It was moved by Berkemeier to approve the speed bumps. The motion failed for lack of a second.

Councilmember Gilardi said she would favor asking the neighbors if they would go along with trying striping on El Rancho first.

Mayor Fox said he would like notice sent to residents of Christensen Court and other nearby streets with an attempt to come to some sort of agreement about how to proceed.

Councilmember Orchard asked whether speed bumps or striping would be more expeditiously accomplished. City Manager Shaddox responded that speed bumps can be installed in a short period of time.

City Manager Shaddox said that, based on what he has heard tonight, he will draw up options including striping and diagonal parking where possible, meet with neighbors, and bring the item back to Council.

Item 12: Planning Director Dorch said that the changes which were made following the last meeting were sufficient to require that the ordinance be re-introduced, not adopted at this meeting.

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Kurvers, to introduce Ordinance No. 709 Rezoning 59 parcels located between West Cotati Avenue and West School Street, near Clifford Street and Maple Avenue, from R-R (Rural Residential) and AR 1.5 (Agricultural Residential) to R-1 (Single Family Residential).

Yes: 5 No: 0

City Manager Shaddox gave a staff report, recommending that Council consider a third alternative: that of completing the basic project, leaving the intersection of Charles/Henry as a four-way stop, and seeking additional grant funding to install a roundabout at a less controversial location.

Henry Weinberger presented answers to some questions that had been raised at earlier meetings.

Mark Firestone, 8483 Loretto Avenue, said he is concerned about seniors getting across the intersection; but most of all, he said, the City Manager’s proposal has the most merit.

Pia Jensen, 8156 Olaf Street, reminded Council that there was formerly proposed a roundabout at the main intersection downtown. She said roundabouts are pushed by staff, not by citizens. She applauded the City Manager’s proposal and recommended Council go ahead with it.

Steve Blankenship, Charles Street, owner of 8-Ball, said he would like stop lights and stop signs, and he was concerned that the roundabout would slow fire trucks.

Prue Draper, 718 W. School Street, asked what "mobilization," as used in the report, means. City Engineer Bertolero responded it means the cost of getting all the equipment into place. She said the City Manager’s proposal made sense, including various traffic calming features.

John Rock, 35 Page Street, asked about grant monies for a roundabout, and City Manager Shaddox responded. He noted that keeping stop signs and signals will not alleviate the queuing up and air pollution. He recommended doing something that will benefit everyone in the long run. If that intersection is not dealt with now, he noted, the cost of doing so in the future will only go up. He asked Council to consider a roundabout.

Pat Voulgaris, Cotati, said she will submit a plan that will cost $500 and it will work.

Paul Foti, 7883 Old Redwood Highway, said roundabouts discourage delivery trucks, which is a dangerous concept. Another dangerous concept is that it obstructs the progress of emergency vehicles. He said necking down the intersections will cause sideswiping of vehicles. He said traffic calming is fine, but don’t place obstructions in the way of traffic.

Heidi Hydusik, 8580 Lakewood Avenue, described a town in Vermont which is similar in some ways to Cotati and which has roundabouts. Her friends in New England seem to not have a problem with roundabouts. She cited a study showing that businesses located on a plaza, such as Sonoma or Healdsburg, have 30% greater sales receipts than businesses located further from the plaza. She urged Council to approve a roundabout.

Elaine Blake, 8588 Lakewood, listed reasons to dislike traffic signals at intersections.

Patty Minnis, 298 Lincoln, said the downtown merchants are all opposed to roundabouts.

Laura Ann Barber, Curtis Drive, Penngrove, said she hopes to be a resident of Cotati in the future and the co-housing group she works with believes the roundabouts are the most friendly arrangement for pedestrians in the downtown area.

Anne Wallace Rock, 35 Page Street, said Montpelier, VT is the state capitol. She said she hopes we can utilize the Vision Plan for the betterment of Cotati. She said if Council doesn’t approve roundabouts she hopes they will approve some of the other features.

Yvonne Van Dyke, 466 Christensen Court, said there is more to the Vision Plan than just the roundabout and traffic lights. There are other things to be done, and she supports the City Manager’s proposal.

Barry Harris, Gilbert Way, questioned whether a bike can "claim a lane" in a roundabout and he recommended installing bike lanes if roundabouts are approved. He said roundabouts cease to work as traffic increases. He said he has no problem crossing East Cotati Avenue now, with the street light, and he feels that is safer than a roundabout would be.

Eric Kirchman, Cotati citizen, said he agrees with most of what he has heard tonight. He said all the pieces must be connected; fixing just one thing doesn’t solve a problem. He recommended going with Mr. Shaddox’ plan.

Vince Whitcomb, 75 Benson Lane, said the long-term vision is important, as are people’s concerns and fears. He urged Councilmembers to utilize the data they’ve been given. He believes a roundabout will improve the business atmosphere. He said fears about street closure may be overblown. He asked Council to consider starting with the vision process.

Lloyd Draper, W. School Street, said he and his wife care a lot about the downtown, and he said the City Manager’s plan is a good one.

Kay Field, 8055 Old Redwood Highway, said she agrees with Mr. Draper and she complimented staff for distilling a lot of information and coming up with a creative solution for the present.

Don Van Dyke, 466 Christensen Court, said the City Manager’s plan would not hurt the vision plan and would stay within the budget.

Elaine Thomas, 471 W. School Street, said traffic needs to be calmed down, and although she likes the roundabout idea she would approve of going ahead with the City Manager’s proposal.

Dan Dutra, 140 Chadwick Way, said he likes the roundabout but wants to get started and approves of Dale’s proposal as a way to move ahead.

Suzanne Whipple, 8709 Dorfman Drive, asked for clarification as to whether a plan needs to be in place in order to apply for money. City Manager Shaddox responded that the Vision Plan is in place so the City is in good standing and could apply for money on that basis. She asked the cost of a traffic signal. Bertolero responded that it would cost about $150,000. Whipple asked how the duration of a construction would be affected by implementing the various options. Bertolero responded most construction would occur over a 3-month period, about the same for any of the options. Whipple said she is very much in favor of business, and believes that businesses will be equally impacted by whatever option is followed and it is important to go ahead now. She cited a number of facts in support of implementing roundabouts. She noted that the interim proposal does not address the problem of traffic backup.

John Moore, 12 Kingston Lane, urged Council to move forward with traffic calming measures such as roundabouts, and he said to do it now because it will never be less costly.

Jordan Pelot Whitcomb, 75 Benson Lane, said the sidewalk in the drawing is really nice, and was informed by Bertolero that it is not included in the plans. Lois Fisher commented that it is feasible to install colored sidewalks, but that is direction Council must consider.

Heidi Pelot, 75 Benson Lane, said she concurs with many comments already expressed, and added that Cotati is not as walkable as she once believed it was. She said a roundabout would increase safety and also be good for downtown businesses.

Shaddox indicated he would be doing more research on the light in the crosswalk suggestion.

Following Council discussion, it was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Orchard, to approve the third alternative presented by City Manager Shaddox.

Yes: 5 No: 0

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

Richard Carlile of Carlile & Macy gave a brief report and responded to questions from Council.

Yvonne Van Dyke, 466 Christensen Court, requested clarification on why one option would be selected over another, to which Planning Director Dorch responded.

Dan Dutra asked if there is any merit in asking Caltrans for a timeline for approving a roundabout. Steve Weinberger responded as to the difficulties involved in that Caltrans is looking for the perfect site for a roundabout and they’re being very cautious.

Following discussion, it was moved by Kurvers, seconded by Gilardi, to approve Alternative 1 for Gravenstein Highway street improvements between Redwood Drive and Alder Avenue as presented by staff.

Yes: 5 No: 0

The joint meeting was called to order at 12:20 a.m.

Council/Board Members present: Berkemeier, Gilardi, Kurvers, Orchard, Fox

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

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

Yes: 5 No: 0

City Manager/Executive Director Shaddox gave a staff report and responded to questions from Council/Board.

Eric Kirchman, Cotati, questioned if the proposed residential area is the best location for a police department. He suggested consideration of leasing space rather than the City owning it, or locating in another area.

It was moved by Berkemeier, seconded by Gilardi, to authorize the City Manager/Executive Director to award and execute an architectural design agreement with LPA of Auburn, California for the design, contract documents, bid phase and construction phase services of the proposed Cotati Police Facility to be located adjacent to City Hall on East School Street.

Yes: 5 No: 0

The joint meeting was adjourned, and the City Council meeting reconvened, at 12:25 a.m.

-- Brief announcements and reports on Councilmember activities.

Councilmembers reported on meetings they have attended recently, as well as other matters of interest.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:28 a.m. in memory of the late Marcus Magallanes, Tony Bertolero’s father.

Respectfully submitted,

______________________________

Deputy City Clerk