November 7th, 2006

Rio Dell City Council Meeting Notes

by Sharon

*We are not putting up the video clip of this meeting due to the very poor quality of the audio.  It is almost impossible to hear most of the meeting.  Either the microphones weren't working or some people weren't speaking into them.  This is a good example of why the city should utilize the Cox franchise agreement and broadcast the City Council meetings as a public service. 

The meeting began with a full Council in attendance with Mayor Bud Leonard reading aloud the proclamation declaring November to be National Alzheimer's Awareness Month.  Alzheimer's is a terrible disease and takes a huge toll on the caregiver's and the other family members. 

The consent calendar was passed as the usual block.  The individual items can be read on the agenda. 

The matter of a letter in support of Palco seeking an exemption from underground requirements was next.  Acting City Manager Hill explained that Palco was seeking an exemption from the requirement to run utilities underground in the residential areas prior to selling the properties.  Palco does intend to replace lines and poles as they need updating but they will be above ground.  Dennis Woods from Palco stated that they hoped to get a similar letter of support from the County in their bid for an exemption.  There was no debate on the issue which passed.  *I am left wondering why Palco is being assisted in any type of an exemption by Rio Dell.  Wouldn't it be less expensive to maintain the infrastructure with underground utilities?  What else will Palco want to be exempt from?  If underground utilities are now a requirement then why are so many places being built with above ground services?

The next item was the appointment of John Miller from Planwest as Acting City Manager.  He has been working a great deal on the city projects already.  The Council made it official for a three month period at which time the Council will decide what to do.  Miller has a lot of knowledge already of the various issues going on around town, including the annexation. 

Public presentations were next and Dr. Ralph Roberts asked about the progress on the feasibility studies with the Scotia annexation.  John Miller answered that hopefully by the end of the month, all the reports would be in and then available.  There were no other public comments.

During the staff reports Acting City Manager Graham Hill introduced Dennis Woods of Palcowho addressed the Council.  He announced the companies website, www.annexscotia.com.  They are working towards getting more information out to the public and they will be adding a lot more to their site as time allows. 

*The audio from the rest of the staff update by Graham Hill is inaudible.  There were no microphones on the staff table this evening.  I don't know if the two microphones they have for that table were out of commission or just over looked.

Jim Hale of Public Works updated the Council on the projects the department is working on.  Including getting ready for the rainy season, which is upon us.  They are also working on the Memorial sign across from City Hall.  It is being expanded and a new sign placed soon.  Council member Julie Woodall asked about some type of reflective paint or marker on the center median's on Wildwood Ave.  Recently, on a dark rainy night, Woodall noticed how difficult it can be to see the medians and some type of reflective paint or marker would be a good addition.  *The center medians are difficult to see on a dark night and a coat of reflective paint would help a great deal.  Good suggestion Julie.

Accounting Supervisor Gordon Eton stated that the '05-'06 audit would hopefully be done by December and that would bring the city current on it's audits. 

Council Member Melissa Marks asked about the three open positions on the planning commission and the procedure for filling them.  She was updated by City Clerk Karen Dunham that the positions have been posted.  Any interested person should contact City Hall and get an application packet.  *This is an important committee and one that will help shape the growth of the city.  Projects like the non-subdivision at Painter and Wildwood show just how important an effective planning commission and design review board are.  The impending annexation of Scotia will add to the important work to be done by any such committee.  It is time to have a minimal standard of construction in Rio Dell that focuses on quality and durability.  We have heard from multiple contractors that Rio Dell has the reputation of "anything goes" in construction and that needs to be changed.   That is no way to build a community.

Council Member Mike Dunker announced his recent interview by the North Coast Water Quality Control Board which should be published soon.  Again, the audio quality didn't allow me to hear more details. 

Council Member Julie Woodall asked about the cities website and if the improvements are still being looked at.  This is something that has been brought up in  the last couple of meetings.  The discussion by Graham Hill was totally inaudible.  I know the city is talking about improving the cities site and putting up more information. 

Council Member Marc Barsanti made a statement regarding a past vote against a particular pay request by John Petersen.  Barsanti stated that the no vote was to make a particular statement and he has absolutely nothing against the company itself  Barsanti said he did not want his vote to be viewed as anything against the quality of construction by John Petersen.

Mayor Leonard then read the items to be discussed in closed session.  The items include two new potential lawsuits: Potential Litigation - Mintz vs. Rio Dell and Potential Litigation - CDBG loan.