Ripon City Council Minutes

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2007 - 7:00 P.M.

The meeting was called to order as indicated at 7:00 p.m. with Vice Mayor Winn leading in the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag

INVOCATION: Tom Terpstra gave the invocation.

ROLL CALL: Council Members Elden R. Nutt, Dean Uecker, Vice-Mayor Chuck Winn, Mayor Curt Pernice

Absent: Mike Restuccia

OTHERS PRESENT: City Administrator Leon Compton, City Engineer Kevin Werner, City Attorney Tom Terpstra, Planning Director Ken Zuidervaart, City Clerk Lynette Van Laar, Deputy City Clerk Jeanne D. Hall, Information Systems Technician Dan Brannon, Director of Public Works Ted Johnston, Police Chief Richard Bull, Recreation Director Kye Stevens, Linda Byrd, Sharon Cook, David E. Price, Harry Dedini, Eric Nicholson, Clarissa Hudson, Tommy Howard, Raquel Madrigal, De’Sanae Hairston, Sicilo Banuels, Mary Jo Malone, Lilly DePedrini, Nancy Brunold, Dave Ennes, Karie Sullivan, Connie Jorgensen, Gordon Vander Veen, Marrissa Welch, Edgar Gonzalez, Angela Garzoli, Jon Garzoli, Kristal Lucatero, Ginger Eskes, Kathy Van Duyn, Tiffany Lynch, Luz Tinajero, Russell Shaw, Meghan Ioppini, Veronica Moreno, Nicole Scott, Cameron Marxmiller, Michael Koster, Christina Richards, Lacee Nolan, Klalid Afzul, Scott Eavenson, Sibill Tilans, Gaynl Trotter, Andy Varian, Lisa Suender.

PUBLIC DISCUSSION: No one from the public wished to speak at this time.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION: MOVED, SECONDED (WINN, UECKER) AND CARRIED BY A VOTE OF 4-0 (RESTUCCIA, ABSENT) TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR RIPON CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 2, 2007.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA AS POSTED (OR AMENDED):

Mayor Pernice pulled Item 3C stating that staff and the developer requested that this item be continued to a future meeting.

Vice Mayor Winn commented that Item 3D, the dog park location, is being sent to the Parks and Recreation Commission for further study.

MOTION: MOVED, SECONDED (WINN, NUTT) AND CARRIED BY A VOTE OF 4-0 (RESTUCCIA, ABSENT) TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.

CONSENT CALENDAR, continued:

CONSENT CALENDAR, continued:

CONSENT CALENDAR, continued:

MOTION: MOVED, SECONDED (WINN, UECKER) AND CARRIED BY A VOTE OF 4-0 (RESTUCCIA, ABSENT) TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR.

MOTION: MOVED, SECONDED (NUTT, UECKER) AND CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE TO WAIVE THE FIRST READING AND INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 759.

AYES:              Nutt, Uecker, Winn, Pernice

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         Restuccia

ABSTAIN:      None

MOTION: MOVED, SECONDED (NUTT, UECKER) AND CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE TO WAIVE THE FIRST READING AND INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 760.

AYES:              Uecker, Nutt, Winn, Pernice

NOES:              None

ABSENT:         Restuccia

ABSTAIN:      None

Chief Bull said that talks began over seven years ago to bring the Crisis Center to Ripon, but the problem was getting funding. Since the Police Department has expanded, there is vacant office space available. United Way has contributed $2,500 to help the Center get started in Ripon. Bull said the Center will be set up with internet access and a phone line.

Council Member Nutt commended Chief Bull and the Soroptomists, stating that this has been needed for a long time.

Council Member Uecker agreed with Nutt.

Vice Mayor Winn said that this will benefit the residents of Ripon, and the thanked the Soroptomists for their support of the Center. He asked why the Center will be open only two days a week.

Bull said that it will take a while for the community to get used to it being here – and two days a week is a good start. He said that in the future, he will seek grant funding to support the Center here. The use of the Center will increase over time.

Mayor Pernice thanked the Crisis Center and the Soroptomists for their support of the community.

Linda Byrd, Executive Director, South County Crisis Center, said the Soroptomists are a great group of women. She said the Crisis’ goal is to make victims into survivors. Currently there are five Ripon families that travel to Manteca for these services. She said that the Crisis Center is proud to be part of the Ripon community.

MOTION: MOVED, SECONDED (UECKER, NUTT) AND CARRIED BY A VOTE OF 4-0 (RESTUCCIA, ABSENT) TO AUTHORIZE THE SOUTH COUNTY CRISIS CENTER TO USE OFFICE SPACE IN THE RIPON POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT SERVICES WITH FUNDING PROVIDED BY THE SOROPTOMISTS.

DISCUSSION ITEMS, continued:

MOTION: MOVED, SECONDED (UECKER, NUTT) AND CARRIED BY A VOTE OF 4-0 (RESTUCCIA, ABSENT) TO RESCHEDULE THE FIRST CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN JANUARY 2008 TO THURSDAY, JANUARY 3.

Council Member Nutt said he has received calls about the round-abouts, and people are never in favor. He is particularly concerned about the proposed round-abouts on Jack Tone Road at Canal Boulevard and River Road. Nutt said there have been 8 to 10 accidents in the round-about at N. Stockton and River Road. Nutt asked why put in another one until problems are addressed. He recommended that we should just put in traffic signals.

Council Member Uecker said he has also received phone calls, and none positive. He said that most people don’t approve of round-abouts, and he recommended putting a hold on any new ones.

Mayor Pernice said he has a different view point. He said that he appreciates that not all round-abouts are working well, but some accidents are caused by intoxicated drivers. Statistically, round-abouts are safer intersections because the accidents are less sever. Pernice said that the Council approved the dedication of land at the last meeting, and that improvements are being put in at the other site to allow for a round-about. These were approved at past meetings. Pernice said he is open to getting rid of round-abouts, but what is the alternative, he asked.

City Engineer Werner said that the consultant has developed a different configuration with substantial changes.

Pernice asked what will happen if we hold off on building it.

Werner said that at this time Ripon Crossing is supposed to build it as part of their agreement.

DISCUSSION ITEMS, continued:

City Attorney Terpstra said the City would have to meet with the developer to alter the terms of timing of the project. We could negotiate to put the funds in a special account. The pricing is better if the developer builds it, because the City has to pay prevailing wage which costs significantly more, but we could look at it.

Nutt reminded everyone that he objected to the round-about from the beginning. He said he is concerned about the cost, but his primary concern is for the safety of citizens.

Winn said he cannot make a decision until he sees the final plan. He said that statistically, round-abouts reduce accidents. In a round-about, there are 8 potential points of contact. In a four-way intersection, there are 32 points of contact. He said that the round-about at N. Ripon has had accidents, but people who are intoxicated will have accidents no matter the kind of intersection. Vehicles are not broadsided in round-abouts. Winn said that vehicles use less fuel by not stopping, and there is less pollution. Traffic lights can go out. He said it is premature to kill the idea before we see the plan.

Nutt said he did not bring the discussion up to kill it. He asked for opinions from Chief Bull and City Engineer Werner.

Bull said that a lot of round-abouts are very good. He does have concern for the one at N. Ripon and River Roads. If the new one is designed the same, there will be problems.

Werner said that the engineers are using the concerns of that round-about to redesign the new one.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Harry Dedini, Ripon, said he did not like the round-about at first, but they are OK now. He said that Jack Tone Road is a main artery, and a round-about there would have to be very large. He said that River Road is supposed to be six lanes some day, and that round-about cannot handle that much traffic.

Danielle Pierce, Ripon, said that statistics are not comforting. Most people come to a stop before going into a round-about. She asked why modifications are needed on the Wilma round-about if studies were done before it was built. She said that most people do not feel safe in round-abouts.

Mayor Pernice said that the Wilma round-about needs to be restriped.

City Engineer Werner said he received the plans yesterday, and they will be presented at the next meeting.

Gaynl Trotter, Ripon, asked Fire Chief Bitters (sitting in the audience) if his trucks can get through the round-about on Second Street. She said that Doak Boulevard was supposed to be a truck route.

Chief Bitters said he is not a traffic expert or an engineer, and he does not look at statistics. He said he does not like anything that slows them down. The problem is that no two round-abouts in Ripon are alike. The round-about on Doak works well; the one on Second Street does not. The City needs to improve the design of the one on River Road. Bitters said the round-abouts in Modesto and Riverbank are comfortable to drive in. He commended the Council for taking the time to look at the design issues.

DISCUSSION ITEMS, continued:

Jon Garzoli, Ripon, said he agrees with the comments of Danielle Pierce. He said he also has ADA issues in that it is difficult for pedestrians to negotiate the crossings in high-traffic areas. People have a more difficult time crossing the street.

Veronica Moreno, Ripon, said that the round-about on Wilma is scary, the one on River Road has a stop sign, and the one on Second Street is really small.

Gordon Vander Veen, Ripon, said that safety is an issue, and it is very difficult for pedestrians. He asked if pedestrian crossings can be eliminated at some round-abouts.

PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED

Pernice said there are the same concerns for the same three round-abouts. No one likes the ones at Second Street or Palm Avenue. The Wilma round-about was a grand experiment with streets coming in at different angles. The River Road round-about is a half-round-about, but the rest all work. Pernice said there will still be a problem with trucks going down our city streets if we don’t have round-abouts so the trucks can U-turn. He said he wants to wait to see the design.

Nutt said that if trucks are making U-turns at round-abouts, then the problem needs to be fixed at the top of the overpass. He said he would rather see signal lights.

Uecker said that the round-about on Canal would not be centered because we don’t own enough property. There is no reason to put it in at this time. We should wait for more property and more money.

MOTION: MOVED, SECONDED (NUTT, UECKER) AND FAILED BY A VOTE OF 2 -2 (WINN - NO, PERNICE - NO, RESTUCCIA ABSENT) TO POSTPONE INSTALLING A ROUND-ABOUT AT CANAL AND JACK TONE ROAD UNTIL THE CITY OWNS ENOUGH PROPERTY TO DO IT RIGHT, AND PUT THE MONEY IN A BOND UNTIL NEEDED.

Development Specialist Prater introduced her report stating that this item came at a request from developers. She said the clarification and program subsidy are recommended by the Housing Committee.

Mayor Pernice said he wants a workshop to look at the issues.

DISCUSSION ITEMS, continued:

City Attorney Terpstra said that this item is simply a clarification in the text. It was always the intent of the program, but was not spelled out.

MOTION: MOVED, SECONDED (NUTT, UECKER) AND CARRIED BY A VOTE OF 4-0 (RESTUCCIA, ABSENT) TO APPROVE THE CLARIFICATION OF THE BMR PROGRAM TO ALLOW AN OPTION FOR THE RESALE OF AN AFFORDABLE UNIT AT A BELOW MARKET PRICE TO AN AFFORDABLE HOUSEHOLD.

MOTION: MOVED, SECONDED (NUTT, UECKER) AND CARRIED BY A VOTE OF 4-0 (RESTUCCIA, ABSENT) TO SEND THIS ITEM TO A WORKSHOP, AND BRING IT BACK AT A FUTURE MEETING. (November 6)

Wil Ridder, Senior Regional Planner, spoke about the need for the study and how the results will be used. He then introduced the speaker.

Terry Klim, DKS Associates, gave a presentation about car pool lanes and whether they are appropriate for San Joaquin County. He said that long-distance commuting is growing and they need to find ways to manage congestion. He discussed methods that different communities are using, and the pros and cons of each. He said that a technical analysis in currently underway, and results should be available in January. Klim said he will give another presentation in February and the final recommendation will be ready by June.

Mayor Pernice said he hopes it is a truly objective study. He asked what is better: an HOV lane or an lane.

Council Member Nutt said he drives in the Bay Area a lot, and the HOV lane doesn’t seem to help. The

DISCUSSION ITEMS, continued:

metering lights helps with merging.

Council Member Uecker said he likes the managed lane concept where the number of lanes going into a community is greater in the morning, and lanes exiting are greater in the afternoon by moving lane dividers.

Klim said that they are just beginning to consider the different options.

Mayor Pernice asked for comments from the public.

No one from the public wished to speak at this time.

REPORTS

City Administrator: No Report

City Attorney: Terpstra said the City of Manteca is considering an ordinance to deal with abandoned properties. He said he will get a final version and bring it to Council for consideration.

City Engineer: Werner said that stormwater information is being distributed to the public through the City web site, our TV channel 2, and a newsletter. The main message is don’t dump anything down the storm drains.

Planning Director: No Report

Chief of Police: Bull said the Council previously approved a new Lieutenant’s position, and Sgt. Ed Ormonde has been promoted to Lieutenant. That left one Sergeant position open, so Officer Tim Bailey has been promoted to Sergeant. Lt. Ormonde and Sgt. Bailey stood to be recognized and introduced their families.

Recreation Director: No Report

Director of Public Works: No Report

City Council: Nutt announced that this weekend is Main Street Day on Saturday.

Uecker announced that October 27 is the Black and White Ball, and that there are tickets still available. People can contact the Police Department for tickets.

Vice Mayor Winn complemented Officer Michelle Fay for her hard work on this event.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY:

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.

CLOSED SESSION:  Council Conference Room

                          Pending Litigation Pursuant to Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code

                          Ripon Farm Service v. City of Ripon 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Ripon Community Redevelopment Agency Minutes

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2007

AFTER COUNCIL MEETING

ROLL CALL: Directors Elden R. Nutt, Dean Uecker, Vice-Chairman Chuck Winn, Chairman Curt Pernice

Absent: Michael P. Restuccia

OTHERS PRESENT: Executive Director Leon Compton, City Engineer Kevin Werner, City Attorney Tom Terpstra, Secretary Ken Zuidervaart, City Clerk Lynette Van Laar, Deputy City Clerk Jeanne D. Hall, Information Systems Technician Dan Brannon, Director of Public Works Ted Johnston, Police Chief Richard Bull, Recreation Director Kye Stevens, Linda Byrd, Sharon Cook, David E. Price, Harry Dedini, Eric Nicholson, Clarissa Hudson, Tommy Howard, Raquel Madrigal, De’Sanae Hairston, Sicilo Banuels, Mary Jo Malone, Lilly DePedrini, Nancy Brunold, Dave Ennes, Karie Sullivan, Connie Jorgensen, Gordon Vander Veen, Marrissa Welch, Edgar Gonzalez, Angela Garzoli, Jon Garzoli, Kristal Lucatero, Ginger Eskes, Kathy Van Duyn, Tiffany Lynch, Luz Tinajero, Russell Shaw, Meghan Ioppini, Veronica Moreno, Nicole Scott, Cameron Marxmiller, Michael Koster, Christina Richards, Lacee Nolan, Klalid Afzul, Scott Eavenson, Sibill Tilans, Gaynl Trotter, Andy Varian, Lisa Suender.

PUBLIC DISCUSSION: No one from the public wished to speak at this time.

APPROVE THE MINUTES: MOTION: MOVED, SECONDED (WINN, UECKER) AND CARRIED BY A VOTE OF 4-0 (RESTUCCIA, ABSENT) TO APPROVE THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING OF OCTOBER 2, 2007.

CONSENT CALENDAR

CONSENT CALENDAR, continued:

CONSENT CALENDAR, continued: