HomeMy WebLinkAbout011304 CC Minutes
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MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF
THE TEMECULA CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 13, 2004
The City Council convened in Closed Session at 6:00 P.M. and in Open Session at 7:00 P.M.,
on Tuesday, January 13, 2004, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200
Business Park Drive, Temecula, California.
Present:
Council members:
Comerchero, Roberts, Stone, Washington, and
Naggar
5
Absent:
0
None
Councilmember:
PRELUDE MUSIC
The prelude music was provided by Vineyard Valley Women's Club - Wish Upon a Star Group.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Pastor Daniel Vazzana of Lamb of Life.
ALLEGIANCE
The flag ceremony was presented by the Wish Upon a Star Group.
PRESENT ATION/PROCLAMA TIONS
Service Award Presentations
Mayor Naggar honored Mayor Pro Tem Comerchero with a 10-year service pin and
commended him on his years of service to the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Comerchero, in turn, honored Mayor Naggar with a 5-year service pin.
Commenting on the many years of dedication, Mayor Naggar presented a 5-year service pin to
Mr. Darrell Connerton for his commitment to the Public Traffic Safety Commission.
Highlighting a few of the many accomplishments that have and will continue to positively affect
the residents of the City, Mayor Naggar honored Councilman Stone by presenting to him a
plaque of appreciation along with a Mayor's pin representing his three years of Mayorship
(1995,2000, and 2003).
Noting that his commitment to the City Council has not been for personal satisfaction,
Councilman Stone commented on the satisfaction derived by the implementation of numerous
programs that have made this City a special place to live. Recognizing City staff for its
guidance and assistance over the years, Mr. Stone as well commented on the efforts of this and
past City Councils to strive toward a Council consensus and thanked past City Councils as well
as the current for its efforts in making the City a special place to live.
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Recoonition for Chaparral Hioh School Girls' Vollevball Team - CIF Champions
Presenting Certificates of Achievement to each team member, Mayor Naggar commended the
Chaparral High School Girls Volleyball Team on its 2003 CIF Championship.
Presentation to John Hunneman
Commending Mr. Hunneman on his many accomplishments along with his continued
fundraising efforts and his 10-year anniversary with The Californian, Mayor Naggar proclaimed
January 14, 2004, as John Hunneman Day.
Spark of Love Tov Drive Presentation and Recoonition
Fire Safety Specialist Horton recognized and extended appreciation by presenting Certificates
of Appreciation to several individuals for their continued assistance in making this program the
success that it is and as well thanked the community for its support, advising that 3,228 toys
had been collected and $3,142.12 had been donated.
At this time, Mr. Horton was recognized for his continued contributions to this program.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Congratulating Mayor Naggar on his reelection and Councilman Washington on his
election to the City Council, Mr. Sam Pratt, 40470 Brixton Cove, expressed concern with the
speaker's time restriction of two minutes when speaking under public comments.
B. Requesting that Mr. George Di Leo, 32871 Rovato Street, commented on the need of
speed limit signs on SR 79; requested additional enforcement; suggested the imposition of an
ordinance restricting campaign contributions and spending limits; and echoed Mr. Pratt with
regard to limited speaker time.
C. Ms. Lorena Spencer, no address provided, addressed a safety concern at Main and
Front Streets and submitted a petition with,regard to the Farmers Market, noting that it is unfair
for the market merchants to sell products that are also sold in Old Town.
D. Mr. Darrell Farnbach, 41403 Bittercreek Court, representing the Temecula Valley
Historical Society, addressed the Escallier property, commenting, in particular, on the history of
the Escallier barn and encouraging its restoration.
E. By way of written material (submitted to the City Council), Ms. Pam Grender, 45572
Callesito Altar, representing the Temecula Valley Historical Society, provided information with
regard to the Plaque Project.
Mayor Naggar requested that the written information be placed on the City's website.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
A. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year, Councilman Washington recognized the Police
Department on its extraordinary efforts in attempting the remove drivers under the influence off
City streets, commenting on the decrease in fatal accidents and the increase in written citations.
Mr. Washington extended his condolence to Sergeant Pi no and his family for the loss of
his brother, who was killed in the line of duty.
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In closing, Councilman Washington congratulated Mr. John Hunneman on his well-
deserved recognition for his contributions to this community; commended Mayor Naggar, Mayor
Pro Tem Comerchero, and Councilman Stone on their accomplishments and years of dedication
to this community; and commented on Councilman Stone's track record, advising the Mr. Stone
will be running for Board of Supervisor in the upcoming election.
B. Addressing the effectiveness of the newly installed defibrillators in saving lives, Mayor
Pro Tem Comerchero requested that staff explore a $15,000 grant program for the installation of
such defibrillators in local business/non-profit organizations, noting that a 50% cost share of the
actual cost (1,500) would grant the installation of potentially an additional 20 defibrillators for
public use throughout the City.
Mayor Naggar relayed his concurrence with such a program.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Standard Ordinance and Resolution Adootion Procedure
RECOMMENDATION:
1.1
Motion to waive the reading of the text of all ordinances and resolutions included in the
agenda.
2
Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:
2.1
Approve the minutes of September 23, 2003;
(Councilman Washington abstained with regard to 2.1.)
2.2
Approve the minutes of October 28, 2003;
(Councilmembers Roberts and Washington abstained with regard to 2.2.)
2.3
Approve the minutes of November 18, 2003;
(Councilman Washington abstained with regard to 2.3.)
2.4
Approve the workshop minutes of November 25, 2003;
(Councilman Washington abstained with regard to 2.4.)
2.5
Approve the minutes of November 25, 2003.
3
Resolution aoorovino List of Demands
RECOMMENDATION:
3.1
Adopt a resolution entitled:
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RESOLUTION NO. 04-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
AS SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT A
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City Treasurer's Reoort
RECOMMENDATION:
4.1
Receive and file the City Treasurer's report as of November 30, 2003.
5
Authorizino Investment of City Monies in the Local Aoencv Investment Fund
recommendation:
5.1
Adopt a resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 04-02
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA AUTHORIZING INVESTMENT OF CITY MONIES IN
THE LOCAL AGENCY INVESTMENT FUND
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Financial Statements for the three months ended September 30, 2003
RECOMMENDATION:
6.1
Receive and file the Financial Statements for the three months ended September
30, 2003.
7
Authorize Temoorarv Street Closures for Good Old Davs Car Show 2004 Event in Old
Town (Old Town Front Street between Moreno Road and Second Street and other related
streets)
RECOMMENDATION:
7.1
Adopt a resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 04-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING STREET
CLOSURES FOR OLD TOWN FRONT STREET AND
ABUTTING STREETS FROM SECOND STREET TO MORENO
DRIVE EAST FOR THE GOOD OLD DAYS CAR SHOW 2004
EVENT ON FEBRUARY 27, 28, AND 29, 2004, AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY ENGINEER TO ISSUE A PERMIT
FOR THIS SPECIFIC SPECIAL EVENT
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Acceotance of certain public streets into the City-maintained Street Svstem within Parcel
Mao No. 23101-6 (south of La Serena Wav. east of Meadows Parkway, west of Butterfield
StaDe Road. and north of Rancho California within Chardonnav Hills Subdivision
RECOMMENDATION:
8.1
Adopt a resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 04-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA ACCEPTING CERTAIN PUBLIC STREETS INTO
THE CITY-MAINTAINED STREET SYSTEM (WITHIN PARCEL
MAP NO. 23101-6)
9
Parcel Mao No. 29949 - Lot No.1 approval of the Subdivision Improvement Aoreement
and Acceotance of Bond for Driveway Improvements (orooerty located at the easterlv
terminus of Lolita Road)
RECOMMENDATION:
9.1
Approve the Subdivision Improvement Agreement;
9.2 Accept the Faithful Performance Bond as security for the agreement.
10
Tract Mao Nos. 29798-2 (located south of Loma Linda Road, east of Pechanoa Parkway,
north of Wolf Vallev Road in the Wolf Creek Specific Plan No. 12 EIR)
RECOMMENDATION:
10.1 Approve Tract Map No. 29798-2 in conformance with the conditions of approval;
10.2 Approve the Subdivision Improvement Agreement;
10.3 Approve the Subdivision Monument Agreement and accept the Faithful
Performance Bond, Labor and Material Bonds, and Monument Bond as security for
the agreements.
11
Tract Mao Nos. 30667, 30667-1. 30667-2. and 30667-3 (located within the Harveston
Specific Plan)
RECOMMENDATION:
11.1 Approve Tract Map Nos. 30667, 30667-1, 30667-2, and 30667-3 in conformance
with the conditions of approval;
11.2 Approve the Subdivision Improvement Agreements and accept the Faithful
Performance and Labor and Materials Bonds as security for the agreements;
11.3 Approve the Subdivision Monument Agreements and accept the Monument Bonds
as security for the agreements.
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Tract Map Nos. 30668. 30668-1. and 30668-2 (located within the Harveston Specific Plan)
RECOMMENDATION:
12.1 Approve Tract Map Nos. 30668, 30668-1, and 30668-2 in conformance with the
conditions of approval;
12.2 Approve the Subdivision Improvement Agreements and accept the Faithful
Performance and Labor and Materials Bonds as security for the agreements;
12.3 Approve the Subdivision Monument Agreements and accept the Monument Bonds
as security for the agreements.
13
Tract Map Nos. 30669. 30669-1. and 30669-2 (located within the Harveston Specific Plan)
RECOMMENDATION:
13.1 Approve Tract Map Nos. 30669, 30669-1, and 30669-2 in conformance with the
conditions of approval;
13.2 Approve the Subdivision Improvement Agreements and accept the Faithful
Performance and Labor and Materials Bonds as security for the agreements;
13.3 Approve the Subdivision Monument Agreements and accept the Monument Bonds
as security for the agreements.
14
Parkino Restrictions - Diaz Road between Winchester Road and Dendv Parkway
RECOMMENDATION:
14.1 Adopt a resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 04-05
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA ESTABLISHING A NO PARKING ZONE ON DIAZ
ROAD BETWEEN WINCHESTER ROAD AND DENDY
PARKWAY AS SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A
(Pulled for separate discussion; see page 9-10.)
15
AII-Wav Stop Controls - Promenade Chardonnay Hills at Chemin Clinet and Parducci
Lane
RECOMMENDATION:
15.1 Adopt a resolution entitled:
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RESOLUTION NO. 04-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA ESTABLISHING AN ALL-WAY STOP CONTROL
AT THE INTERSECTION OF PROMENADE CHARDONNAY
HILLS AT CHEMIN CLiNET AND PROMENADE CHARDONNAY
HILLS AT PARDUCCI LANE
16
First Amendment to Consultant Services Aoreement with KRW & Associates
RECOMMENDATION:
16.1 Approve the first amendment to the Engineering Plan Check, Map and Legal
Description Review for Fiscal Year 2003-2004 with KRW & Associates for an
amount not to exceed $35,000.00 for a total contract amount of $60,000.00 for this
fiscal year;
16.2 Authorize the Mayor to execute this amendment.
17
French Vallev Parkwav/I-15 Overcrossino & Interchanoe - Proiect No. PW02-11 -
Acouisition Aoreement between the City of Temecula and Jubela Family Trust
RECOMMENDATION:
17.1 Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute in substantially the form
attached hereto, the Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Temecula
and Ernest Joe and Ethyl B. Jubela Family Trust, for the acquisition of certain real
property in the amount of $611,580.00 plus the associated escrow fees;
17.2 Direct the City Clerk to record the document;
17.3 Adopt a resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 04-07
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC
WORKS TO ACCEPT DEEDS OR GRANTS CONVEYING ANY
INTEREST IN, OR EASEMENT UPON, REAL ESTATE AS
PERMITTED BY GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 27281
18
Winchester Road Widenino Proiect - Proiect No. PWOO-27 - ACQuisition Aoreement
between the City of Temecula and Susan I. Steele
RECOMMENDATION:
18.1 Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute in substantially the form
attached hereto, the Purchase arid Sale Agreement between the City of Temecula
and Susan I. Steele, for the acquisition of certain real property in the amount of
$78,000.00 plus the associated escrow fees;
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18.2 Direct the City Clerk to record the document;
18.3 Adopt a resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 04-08
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC
WORKS TO ACCEPT DEEDS OR GRANTS CONVEYING ANY
INTEREST IN, OR EASEMENT UPON, REAL ESTATE AS
PERMITTED BY GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 27281
19
Professional Services Aareement for Desion Main Street Bridoe over Murrieta Creek
(Replacement) - Proiect No. PW03-05
RECOMMENDATION:
19.1 Approve an agreement with Simon Wong Engineering in an amount not to exceed
$317,719.00 to provide design services for the Main Street Bridge over Murrieta
Creek (replacement) - Project No. PW03-05;
19.2 Authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement;
19.3 Authorize the City Manager to approve amendments not to exceed the contingency
amount of $31,771.90 which is equal to 10% of the agreement amount;
19.4 Approve the acceleration of the FY 2004/2005 programmed appropriation of
$250,000.00 for design and administration for encumbrance during this fiscal year
20
First Amendment to an aoreement for Consultant Services with Berrvman & Henioar. Inc.
RECOMMENDATION:
20.1 Approve a first amendment to an agreement for consultant services with Berryman
& Henigar, Inc. in an amount of $44,000.00 to provide supplemental building
inspection services to the Building and Safety Department.
21
Second Readino of Ordinance No. 03-14 (MSHCP)
RECOMMENDATION:
21.1 Adopt an ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 03.14
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA ADDING CHAPTER 15.10, MULTISPECIES
HABITAT CONSERVATION MITIGATION FEES, TO THE
TEMECULA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH A LOCAL
DEVELOPMENT MITIGATION FEE FOR FUNDING THE
PRESERVATION OF NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY
MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN
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22
Second Readino of Ordinance No. 03-15 (Auto Mall)
RECOMMENDATION:
22.1 Adopt an ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 03-15
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA APPROVING
THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
TEMECULA AND NORTH PLAZA, LLC REGARDING THE
AUTO MALL PROPERTIES (PLANNING APPLICATION NO.
03-0565)
MOTION: Councilman Stone moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-13 and 15-22 (Item
No. 14 was pulled for separate discussion). Councilman Roberts seconded the motion and the
electronic vote reflected approval with the exception of Councilman Roberts who abstained with
regard to Item 2.2 and Councilman Washington who abstained with regard to 2.1 - 2.4.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 14 CONSIDERED UNDER SEPARATE DISCUSSION
14
Parkina Restrictions Diaz Road between Winchester Road and Dendy Parkway
RECOMMENDATION:
14.1
Adopt a resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 04-05
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA ESTABLISHING A NO PARKING ZONE ON DIAZ
ROAD BETWEEN WINCHESTER ROAD AND DENDY
PARKWAY AS SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A
Public Works Director Hughes reviewed the staff report (as per agenda material), noting that
after staff review of the area of discussion, it was determined that the only no parking restricted
zone was on Diaz Road. For Councilman Washington, Public Works Director Hughes
confirmed that the existing no parking signs in Business Park were not installed by the City; that,
therefore, there are no enforceable restrictions by the Police DepartmenWehicle Code; and that
the Business Park Association may have imposed such restrictions upon the members and may
request abidance of those restrictions but that no such restrictions could be posted or enforced
on public streets.
In response to Councilman Roberts, Public Works Director Hughes advised that the church
members and those individuals involved with soccer may actually park on the streets even
though the posted signs indicate no parking; and that the streets are at least 44' wide.
Mr. Pete Olhasso, 42430 Winchester Road, Business Manager for the Westside Business Park
Association, noted that the Board of Directors have a responsibility to enforce the legal
documents of the Association. In an effort to resolve this matter, Mr. Olhasso suggested the
installation of signs restricting parking Monday through Friday and that Saturday through
Sunday parking may be permitted, noting that this compromise would as well permit the Board
of Directors to enforce the legal documents.
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Concurring with Mr. Olhasso's recommendation, Mr. Max Harrison, 29443 Via La Plaza,
Murrieta, President of the Westside Business Centre Property Owners' Association, requested
that the Board of Directors be given the opportunity to address the suggestion prior to final City
Council approval.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Comerchero, City Attorney Thorson advised that the City Council
may approve the no parking zone resolution on Diaz Road, as proposed, and may continue
discussion on the remaining streets for 30 days.
MOTION: Councilman Washington moved to adopt Resolution No. 04-05 and to direct staff to
forward to the Public Traffic Safety Commission the recommended option of imposing a no
parking zone Monday through Friday and permitting parking Saturday through Sunday. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Roberts and the electronic vote reflected unanimous
approval.
At 8:23 P.M., Mayor Naggar called a short recess; at 8:36 P.M., the City Council convened as the
Temecula Community Services District and the Temecula Redevelopment Agency and at 8:45
P.M., the City Council resumed with regular business.
COUNCIL BUSINESS
23
Selection of Council Committee Assionments for the Year 2004
RECOMMENDATION:
23.1 Appoint a member of the City Council to serve as liaison to each of the City
Commissions and Committees:
Commission Liaison (One Member)
Community Services Commission - Washington
Old Town Local Review Board - Roberts
Old Town Redevelopment Advisory Committee - Comerchero
Planning Commission - Naggar
PubliclTraffic Safety Commission - Stone
MOTION: Councilman Washington moved to approve the above-noted appointments. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Stone and the electronic vote reflected unanimous
approval.
23.2 Appoint two members of the City Council to serve on each of the following Advisory
Committees:
Advisory Committees (Two Members)
Community Service Funding Ad Hoc Committee - Naggar, Stone
Economic Development/Old Town Steering Committee - Roberts, Comerchero
Finance Committee - Naggar, Stone
Joint City Council/TVUSD Committee - Roberts, Washington
Library Task Force - Roberts, Stone
Old Town Temecula Community Theater Ad Hoc CommitteelTheater Advisory
Committee - Comerchero, Washington
Public Works/Facilities Committee - Roberts, Stone
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MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Comerchero moved to approve the above-noted appointments. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Roberts and the electronic vote reflected unanimous
approval.
23.3 Appoint member(s) of the City Council to serve on each of the following external
committees:
ReDresentative Assianments (External Organizations)
CS ' Rty GsRer:a1 Pkm U~åate CsR'lFRittee RCIP (attenå R'leeliR! s) - removed
French Valley Airport Committee - Washington
League of Calif. Congress - 2004 Voting Delegates - Naggar, Comerchero
Murrieta Creek Advisory Board - Stone
National League of Cities Annual Congress - 2004 Voting Delegate - Naggar,
Comerchero
Pechanga Tribal Council Liaison - Roberts, Stone
Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency (This Committee changed to
advisory only.) Steve Brown
Riverside County Transportation Commission - Comerchero, Roberts
Riverside Transit Agency Representative - Comerchero
Temecula Sister City Corporation Board of Directors. Stone
Trails Master Plan Development Committee - Naggar, Washington
WRCOG/RCA Representative - Washington, Stone
MOTION: Councilman Stone moved to approve the above-noted appointments. The motion
was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Comerchero and the electronic vote reflected unanimous
approval.
23.4 Appoint member(s) of the City Council to serve on each of the following Council
Subcommittees:
Council Subcommittees
Cable Franchise Renewal Committee - Comerchero
Campus Project Ad Hoc Council Subcommittee - Naggar, Washington
Children's Museum Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Comerchero
Electrical Needs Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Naggar, Comerchero
Open Space Subcommittee - Naggar, Stone
SAF-T NET Subcommittee - Stone
Telecommunications Subcommittee - Roberts, Stone
Temecula/Murrieta Subcommittee - Naggar, Washington
Veteran's War Memorial - Stone, Comerchero
Villages of Old Town Ad Hoc Committee - Roberts, Naggar
Wall of Honor Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Stone, Comerchero
Zone Committee (relating to TUMF Program for WRCOG) - Roberts, Naggar
MOTION: Councilman Stone moved to approve the above-noted appointments. The motion
was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Comerchero and the electronic vote reflected unanimous
approval.
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23.5 Review the current members of the General Plan Community Advisory Committee
and appointment new members as appropriate:
General Plan Community Adyisory Committee
1 Planning Commissioner - David Matthewson
1 Public Traffic Safety Commissioner - Darrell Connerton
1 Community Services Commissioner - Jim Meyler
5 City Residents - Mark Broderick, Tony Harris, Paul Jacobs, Greg Morrison, John
Telesio
1 Representative of the Chamber of Commerce - (pending Chamber action)
1 Representative of the EDC - Gary Youmans
1 Representative of a local environmental or community organization - Bob
Wheeler
The 5 City residents represent one appointment from each Council member. With the
election of Chuck Washington to the City Council and the resignation of Bob Ritchie from
the Advisory Committee, these members may need to change. Also due to the election
of Chuck Washington to the City Council, the Chamber of Commerce may need to
appoint another representative.
There was City Council consensus with the above-noted appointments.
24
Consolidation of City Council Elections in November of Even-Numbered
RECOMMENDATION:
24.1 Consider adoption of an ordinance to change the date for holding City Council
Elections to November of even-numbered years and if desired, read by title only and
introduce an ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 04-01
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA AMENDING CHAPTER 2.08 OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE REQUIRING THAT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTIONS OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA BE HELD ON THE
FIRST TUESDAY AFTER THE FIRST MONDAY OF NOVEMBER
IN EACH EVEN-NUMBERED YEAR
City Clerk Jones presented the staff report (as per agenda material).
City Attorney Thorson, for Councilman Stone, noted that the City Council may opt to either
reduce or increase the current Council terms by one year.
Expressing concern with increasing the Council terms by one year, Mr. George Di Leo, 32871
Rovato Street, suggested that the current Council reduce its term by one year and encouraged
the Council to undertake efforts to increase voter participation.
Relaying his opposition to the proposed recommendation, Mr. Paul Jacobs, 32370 Corte
Zamora, stated that, in his opinion, an off-year election would make a candidacy more available
to the average citizen interested in running for City Council, noting that such an individual's
name, if commingled with signs for other offices and ballot propositions, may be lost.
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In response to Mr. Jacobs' request for voters to call City Hall"Hotline relaying their opposition to
this action, Councilman Roberts advised that one voter had called.
Expressing his opposition to the recommended proposal, Mr. Sam Pratt, 40470 Brixton Cove,
advised that during his tenure on the Council, he had proposed term limits as well as limiting
campaign spending.
In an effort to increase voter participation, Ms. Eve Craig, 42960 Calle Reva, relayed her
support of the proposed action.
Mr. Tony Harris, 4129 Corte Higuera, stated that those voters that participated in the City's last
election did so based on local debates, knowledge of a candidate, and research, noting that
odd-year elections would separate City elections from National and State elections. Viewing the
low-voter turnout as a sign that the residents are pleased with the City Council's actions, Mr.
Harris stated that, in his opinion, it should not be the City's responsibility to hand hold citizens to
the polling sites.
Voicing his opposition to such comments that the proposed action would be self serving to the
existing Council and that such action would disenfranchise voters, Mr. Paul Runkle, 32070
Corte Bonilio, noted that the City is extremely well run and encouraged the City Council to
approve this action and, thereby, making it easier for the residents to vote in the election.
Referencing the City's previous election turnouts, Mr. Ron Bradley, representing the Chamber of
Commerce and the MurrietalTemecula Group, expressed his support of the proposed ordinance
primarily in order to increase voter turnout, commenting on the following:
I .
.
.
.
.
Partisanship endorsements in local elections
Incumbents will always have a five-point advantage
High-propensity voters
Even-numbered year election - less likely of a single-issue candidate being elected;
small voter turnouts will elected single-issue candidates easier than a larger-voter
turnout
Extension of terms
In response to Councilman Stone and Councilman Washington, City Clerk Jones noted that an
election for the size of the City would cost approximately $80,000 to $90,000 and that there
would be no cost difference with an even-numbered election.
Viewing the proposed action as a referendum on democracy, Mayor Pro Tem Comerchero
commented on previous City election turnouts and noted that, in his opinion, it is the City's
responsibility to exhaust all possibilities in an effort to increase voter participation and, therefore,
emphatically expressed his support of the proposed ordinance, noting that the adoption of this
ordinance could increase voter participation by 13,000.
.MQ!!QH: Mayor Pro Tem Comerchero moved to introduce and read by title only Ordinance
No. 04-01. The motion was seconded by Councilman Roberts. (This motion ultimately
passes after additional discussion; see page 15.)
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Appreciating those comments made by Mayor Pro Tem Comerchero, Councilman Washington
noted that increased voter participation would be the desire of the entire Council but that voting
is a personal choice; that he would not view the adoption of the ordinance as a self-serving
measure to extend the existing Council's term by one year; that the issue before the Council is
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how to increase yoter participation; that, in his opinion, changing the City election to even-
numbered years would not be the best way to increase voter participation; that by changing the
election, incumbents would have an increased advantage; that the change would create an
increased amount of political signs; that he would personally like to see more emphasis on City
Council involvement in apprising individuals of upcoming elections; and if that would require the
expenditure of City funds, such an option should be explored.
Highlighting past elections and past voter participation, Councilman Roberts commented on the
turnout drop since the change to odd-numbered year elections; noted that the change to odd-
numbered years was proposed as a cost-saving effort; that this cost savings was never realized;
that changing the election years will make it easier for voters to participate in elections; and that
all voters, not only high-propensity voters, should be apprised of upcoming elections.
Respecting the comments of his fellow colleagues, Councilman Stone stated that, in his opinion,
the low-voter turnout is a mockery of democracy; concurred that more measures should be
taken at a local level to apprise the residents of upcoming elections but because of funds
necessary to accomplish this task, he relayed his support of the proposed action and stated that
the City has attempted to reach the residents in an effort to apprise. Mr. Stone noted that an
extension to his current term would not necessarily be an attraction for him especially since he
will be running in the Board of Supervisor election.
Reiterating that the intent would not be to restrict voting rights and respecting the viewpoints of
his colleagues, Councilman Washington stated that he, as always, will do everything possible to
encourage voter participation.
Concurring with Councilman Washington, Mayor Pro Tem Comerchero stated that the issue
would be allowing the maximum number of people to participate in an election, not to restrict.
Noting that it would be a false premonition to think that changing the election year would make it
easier for residents to vote, Mayor Naggar noted that there are other ways to increase voter
participation; stated that 7,000 people voted in the last election; and that the remaining
registered voters that did not vote due to lack of interest, lack of desire, or because they were
content with the current status of the City. Concurring with the comment to encourage greater
voter participation, Mr. Naggar stated that walking the precincts is the way to inform people and
advised that if this ordinance were adopted, the next Municipal Election would be in 2006.
At this time, the electronic vote of the previously made motion reflected approval with the
exception of Mayor Naggar and Councilman Washington who voted no.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
No additional comments.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
City Attorney Thorson noted that there were no action items to report under Closed Session but
reminded the City Council that with respect to real property items, no final action will be taken
without documents coming before the City Council for formal approval. With respect to the
litigation items, Mr. Thorson advised that the City Council did provide direction to the City
Attorney's office for handling those matters and with respect to Closed Session Item No.3
(RCIP litigation), he noted that Mayor Pro Tem Comerchero did not partake in that discussion.
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ADJOURNMENT
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At 10:19 P.M., the City Council meeting was formally adjourned to an adjourned regular meeting
on Tuesday, January 27, 2004, at 7:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business
Park Drive, Temecula, California.
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