HomeMy Public PortalAbout1999-03-24 (2) Town of Truckee
TOWN COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
March 24, 1999, 6:00 P.M.
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Board Room
11570 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Susman called the special Council meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmembers: Drake, Florian, McCormack, Schneider, and Mayor Susman
ALSO PRESENT:
Stephen L. Wright, Town Manager, J. Dennis Crabb, Town Attorney; and
Jim Smith, Staff Assistant.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Billie Cornell.
PUBLIC COMMENTS. None.
PRESENTATION
5.1 Presentation by the Snow Removal Committee. Public Works Director Tom Covey gave
the Council an update about the past snow season. Snow removal for the season statistics: 150%
above normal for the season to date; water content was 22% with 30% total saturation when water
flowed across the snow; colder temperatures resulted in more sand and deicing material (2,000 tons
of sand utilized to date with 75 tons of chemical deicing). Successes enjoyed to date include: never
declared a yellow condition--abandoning a roadway; worked closely with the School District on
school closures; minimum equipment breakdowns, and use of five blowers--a first for the Town.
Improved communication resulted from advance meetings with Caltrans, CH]?, Nevada & Placer
Counties for advance notice of 1-80 closures. Mr. Covey reported that the snow line had been used
a lot more during the past season, and additional equipment (new blowers) had resulted in more
compliments.
Mr. Covey reported cost estimates to date for contract areas as follows: Prosser $94,000; Glenshire
$85,000, Truckee Central $200,000, Tahoe Donner $550,000, and Skislope $61,000. Accident claims
to date totaled $10,000 with future safety improvements anticipated from recommendations of the
Town's safety team. The team reviewed all claims to date to see if any patterns developed and found
most claims came in during the last quarter when the highest amount of snow had fallen. Due to
high snowfall, blowers were throwing snow blindly up and over snow banks, thereby hitting unseen
objects.
The Department's personnel status was discussed and Mr. Covey reported no employee turn-over
during the season, no new hires; temporary employees from last year retumed; training was done
in advance and there was improved customer service due to ongoing all-employee training.
Contractors doubled the budget estimate since the contractors replaced injured Town employees, and
the Town rented backup equipment in heavy storms from Advanced Asphalt, Heavy Equip, Summit
Crane, A1 Pombo, Ioppolo Construction, S&R Snow Removal and Sittre Excavating.
Mr. Covey briefed the Council on contract areas and stated that Truckee Snow Management was
slow getting started but was up to speed. Halls Excavating was in their third season covering the
Glenshire area with minimum complaints. Estimated actuals were within I - 2% of the budget.
Councilmember McCormack complimented the Department on improving its winter service.
Councilmember Florian also complimented the crews, and asked how long the contracts were. Mr.
Covey stated they both were for two years. Councilmember McCormack inquired as to the nature
of injuries and whether or not any patterns were developing. Mr. Covey said some patterns had been
detected and corrections would be made. Councilmember Schneider complimented Tamara Blanton
for excellent phone service. Mayor Susman thanked all the local contractors for assisting the Town
when needed.
CONSENT CALENDAR (One motion approves all of the following actions.)
Motion by Councilmember Schneider to adopt the Consent Calendar, Seconded by
Councilmember Drake, passed unanimously, with Items 6.4 and 6.8 pulled.
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
Minutes of March 4, 1999 Special Meeting; March 4, 1999 Regular Meeting; and
March 8, 1999 Special Meeting. Recommendation: Council approve.
February Treasurer's Report. Recommendation: Council approve.
Amendment to Town's SRRE & }IHVqE and Ratification of Nevada County's Solid &
Hazardous Waste Commission By-Laws and SRRE & HltWE Amendments.
Recommendation: Council adopt the proposed modifications and ratify Nevada County
Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission by-laws.
Support for SB 496 - South Yuba River Wild & Scenic Designation. Recommendation:
Adopt Resolution 99-13 Supporting Passage of SB 496 (Sher). Pulled for discussion.
Councilmember Drake stated his opposition on this issue during his term as County Supervisor. He
felt passage of SB 496 would deny use of property owners' land. The current Board of Supervisors
moved it forward, although they denied supporting it previously. The issue was promoted by outside
legislators. The proposed legislation included a 39-mile stretch of the Yuba and once designated,
it would be permanently preserved. He commented also that the South Yuba River was outside the
Town's jurisdiction and would be of no benefit to Eastern County residents.
Councilmember Schneider had concerns about taking a stand on political/philosophical issues, and
where did Truckee fit into it? Information provided by the County was not adequate to make a
decision.
Mayor Susman stated legislation would affect the west side of the County and result in toss of
property rights, and raised water storage uses. There was unanimous support by the County and it
was brought to the Town for support. Even though there were restrictions on property rights, the
legislation added dams for water control.
Councilmember Florian felt there was not enough material to make a decision. Councilmember
McCormack concurred with Councilmember Schneider's statements, and he was not prepared to
support the County's request at this time.
No action was taken.
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March 24, 1999 Special
Page 2
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
Downtown Storm Drain Design Contract Amendment. Recommendation: Council
authorize the Town Engineer to execute a contract amendment with Sylvester Engineering,
Inc. in the amount of $6,240.
Extension of Tolling Agreement with Nevada County Regarding Redevelopment
Boundaries. Recommendation: Council authorize the Town Manager to execute a 30-day
extension to the existing Tolling Agreement.
Amendment of Resolution Establishing Ad Hoc Citizens Waste Management Advisory
Committee. Recommendation: Council adopt Resolution 99-15 amending Resolution 99-01
regarding membership requirements.
Glenshire Bridge Construction Management Contract Amendment (CIP 60-03-01).
Recommendation: Council authorize the Town Manager to execute a contract amendment
in the amount of $11,466.
Councilmember Schneider sought clarification as to exactly what was covered in the amendment.
Dan Wilkins, Town Engineer, stated the $11,466 increase in the contract was needed for additional
survey and staking services required to implement the project. Councilmember Schneider inquired
if the contract was for time and materials or a set fee. Mr. Wilkins noted the contract was on a time
and materials arrangement.
Motion by Councilmember Schneider to approve the contract amendment in the amount of
$11,466, Seconded by Councilmember McCormack, and passed unanimously.
6.9
6.10
6.11
Authorize the Town Manager to Execute the Contract for 205j Grant, On-Going
Truckee River Water Quality Analysis. Recommendation: Council adopt Resolution 99-
14 authorizing the Town Manager to execute the contract.
Acceptance of the June 30, 1998 Town Annual Financial Report and the Transit Fund
Annual Financial Report. Recommendation: Council accept the June 30, 1998 Town and
Transit Annual Financial Reports.
Downtown In-Lieu Parking Fee. Recommendation: Council adopt Resolution No. 99-12
setting the Downtown Specific Plan in-lieu parking fee at $5,634 per parking space.
Councilmember McCormack commented that the Town had a very good outpouring of citizens
interested in solid waste and recycling efforts and he then introduced Beth Ingalls, Chair of the
Citizens Waste Management Advisory Committee.
COUNCIL IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES - None
STAFF REPORTS
8.1 Authorize Purchase of Used Water Truck. Recommendation: Council authorize the
purchase of a 2,500-gallon capacity water truck.
Public Works Director Covey advised the Council there would be a fiscal impact of $29,386.88 if
the Council approved the acquisition. He described the unit as a 2,500 gallon, 1989 Ford diesel with
air brakes, and that the tank, pump, plumbing and all hydraulics were brand new. Proposed uses
included dust control which was required by Northern California Air Quality Management District.
The Town currently rented a truck as needed. The unit would also be used to wash down
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March 24, 1999 Special
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construction areas; compaction of trench digging; culvert flushing operations; and shuttle water back
and forth to various work sites. Mr. Covey said his Department had spent $31,000 to date in rental
costs since incorporation and rental periods averaged two to three months. Estimated savings would
be $23,114 over seven (7) years rather than renting. The bidder included repainting the vehicle to
the Town's midnight blue.
Mayor Susman inquired if there was a chance of a refund from an Air Quality grant since it was that
agency's requirement. Mr. Covey responded that was not possible, but he anticipated a grant for a
new sweeper through Air Quality.
Councilmember Schneider questioned the sand deposits being washed off the roads. Mr. Covey
reported that only the residual sand was washed after the street sweeper picked up as much as
possible. Councilmember Florian complimented Mr. Covey on his thoroughness in completing the
justification form.
Motion by Councilmember McCormack to approve the purchase of a 2,500 gallon capacity
water truck, Seconded by Councilmember Schneider, and passed unanimously.
8.2 5-Year Pavement Management Plan (CIP 60-03-32). Recommendation: Council provide
comments to the Town Engineer on the Draft Five Year Pavement Management program, and use
the draft as a guideline for implementation of the adopted five year Town Wide Overlay Capital
Improvement Plan.
Town Engineer Wilkins provided the Council with an introduction and history, evaluation and
prioritization methodology, funding availability, proposed five-year plan, and requested Council
input.
Introduction/History: Approximately $5.5 million had been spent over six years; expenditures
were determined on an annual basis upon need and funding availability; and there was no previous
. comprehensive plan developed which resulted in skepticism of whether or not the funds were spent
in the most efficient manner possible. Mr. Wilkins stated the Town had 140 miles of road, and
presented a map depicting work done from 1993 through 1998 and reviewed the highlights of many
projects, both surface treatments and reconstruction projects.
EvaluationPrioritization Methodology: Width and length measurements had been taken of all
roads by the Engineering Staff, as well as pavement condition survey of all roads completed; entry
of information into CarteGraph database management program; evaluation and pavement repair
needs assessment conducted; and prioritization based upon relative need and funding availability.
Other facts such as geography and a need for a balanced funding policy were considered. Mr.
Wilkins said approximately 1,500 staff hours went into the pavement condition inventories and data
analysis and report development were put into the study. His recommendation was to bid jobs in
local neighborhoods rather than having a contractor move equipment from one end of Town to
another, resulting in potential savings to the taxpayers.
Funding Sources: Mr. Wilkins explained various funding sources; 1) Measure A, $750,000 per
year; 2) TSSA 1 Tahoe Donner, $535,000 per year; 3) TSSA 5 Glenshire, $50,000 per year; and 4)
General Fund $610,000 per year average as per Town CIP. Funds from Tahoe Donner were
earmarked for improved road maintenance within that subdivision. And there was $150,000 annual
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March 24, 1999 Special
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income from TSSA 5 (Glenshire) with an increment being set aside for road repairs. Mr. Wilkins
noted he was tracking state legislation for increased funding allocations but did not rely on those
funds in the proposed five-year program.
Proposed Expenditures: Approximately $2 million per year would be spent over the next five
years on an average. Funding distribution: Measure A would be used for backbone roads only; TSSA
1 only for Tahoe Donner; TSSA 5 only for Glenshire; and General Fund for all other roads.
Plans for each construction year were reviewed.
Conclusion: Expend $10,763,000 over the five-year plan; 75 miles of reconstruction and overlay;
and 108 miles of surface treatments; Pavement resurfacing need decreased from 79 miles to 14
miles at the end of plan. There was a $2,000,000 funding shortfall in addressing all needs.
Unmet needs: Downtown--wait for outcome of Property & Business Improvement District before
plans were made; Prosser area--wait for gas installation; and Glenshire and Tahoe Donner--review
all prior street work.
Mr. Wilkins stated that staffwould need to remain flexible but the plan would act as a guide. He
recommended the program be updated and evaluated every three years. The success of the program,
however, was dependent upon weather conditions.
Mayor Susman thanked the engineering staff for a tremendous job in compiling the report.
Councilmember Drake wished that such a report would have been available during the prior road
tax measure a few years ago. He also commended staff on a fine job. Councilmember Florian
questioned whether the Town was required to spend the total dollar amount generated in Measure
A funds during a fiscal year? Councilmember Schneider asked about the status of the 267
relinquishment and whether Measure A funds could be utilized for that specific roadway. Mr.
Wilkins replied that expenditure of the funds would need to be approved by 2/3 vote and he would
inquire about changing this road section from a Measure A road to a townwide road. Mr. Wright
added that Caltrans would repave 267 prior to relinquishment.
Mr. Covey noted that Caltrans would not turn over 267 for another 4-5 years and would repave
within six months prior to relinquishment.
Councilmember Schneider observed the year 2002 took a dramatic dip in expenditures and wondered
if that was due to getting caught up.
Mr. Wilkins replied that a previous report indicated there would be a $30-40 million shortfall but
now the Town is getting caught up with $13 million in expenditures. He reviewed the PCI and stated
they developed a program for the best return possible with funds available.
Councilmember McCormack felt the report was well done and an important piece of work. There
was a big public benefit when citizens knew when their street was planned for work. Almost all prior
expenditures went to backbone roads; those were now caught up and the Town could turn to
residential streets.
Town of Truckee
March 24, 1999 Special
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Geoff Stephens, Glenshire Devonshire Property Owners Association General Manager, echoed
kudos given to staff for the report. Communication was better than ever. His concern was the map
addressing remaining needs. The Council should maintain priority on roads and large sums of money
needed to go into roads at the present time and into the future.
Councilmember McCormack addressed concerns about equity vs inequity. It would appear that
Tahoe Donner funding from the General Fund spent along with parcel charge funds, all roads in
Tahoe Donner would be brought up to a maintainable condition. Average spending on backbone
roads, $3.9 million on 95 miles of roads from the General Fund, equated to $17,000 per mile in
Tahoe Donner when, in fact, Tahoe Donner should be receiving $1.2 million in additional road work.
Inequity in pamel charges does occur, but Tahoe Donner residents are contributing more funds than
other parts of Town. Part of the equity came from snow removal, but the public needed to appreciate
that more of the Tahoe Donner property tax went to the General Fund due to Tahoe Donner being
a pre-Prop 13 development. Other parts of Town do not contribute to Tahoe Donner's snow removal
costs.
Bruce Cornell, Tahoe Donner Association President, stated it was premature for the Board to
comment until the Council adopted the plan.
Mr. Wilkins said he was looking for direction and comments, no official action. A more detailed CIP
report would be developed should Council act favorably on the draft report.
Mayor Susman and Councilmember McCormack again extended kudos for a marvelous job.
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
9.1 Redevelopment Conference. Mayor Susman addressed the redevelopment conference held in
Palm Springs. Highlights included discussions on Palm Springs facing redevelopment due to growth
outside the city; how the state was growing, a 6 million influx and associated problems for
municipalities; $8.2 million over 20 years for traffic relief from new legislation, and benefits of Prop
11 sales tax sharing with neighboring communities with state approval.
9.2 July 4th Fireworks. Councilmember McCormack stated the Fireworks Committee met for the
last time and expressed disappointment that they were unable to convince the School District Board
of Directors that Surprise Stadium would be ideal for a community fireworks display. The Board
was unmoved and felt insufficient comments by the community were received on the fireworks
issue. No further effort was being made for fireworks for the upcoming holiday and no further work
would be done by the committee for future public events, no street dance, no family events at the
West End Beach. Only the parade would remain. Fireworks could be reconsidered in future years.
Councilmember Drake expressed sorrow but felt it needed to happen. He agreed with
Councilmember McCormack that a certain element would still surface at the Lake.
9.3 Town's 6th Anniversary. Mayor Susman commented on the Town's incorporation and that
1999 marked the Town's 6th anniversary. Coming from humble beginnings with years of neglect
by the County, with careful management, the Town was doing well and moving forward to solve its
problems. The Mayor thanked prior Councils, staff, and the community.
Town of Truckee
March 24, 1999 Special
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10.
11.
CLOSED SESSION to discuss litigation against Nevada County pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.9; Southwest Gas vs the Town of Truckee pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.9; Binder vs the Town of Truckee pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9; Peoria
Sunnyside LLC vs the Town of Truckee pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9; and Town
of Truckee vs Richard Traverso (dba Adco Outdoor Advertising) pursuant to Government Code
54956.9. Closed session was not held.
ADJOURNMENT. Mayor Susman adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
STEPHEN L. WRIGHT, Town Manager
by:
Jim Smith, StaffAssmtant
Town of Tmckee
March 24, 1999 Special
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