Your City Council — Live!

End of Meeting (it was a short one).

Announcements

8:45, Deltorchio, City hired new property manager, Frank Fox. “I’m happy to be here,” Fox said. Fox and Deltorchio will meet with Hercules Fitness soon to discuss the city's lease with the fitness center.

Deltorchio, review of (some) city contracts:

Red Barn—Got response from the southern California developer with its internal audit and a settlement offer.

Main Street Properties—The city has contracts for a total of $669,000 with the company and is negotiating to modify or end the contacts.

Palm Project—Have not acquired the necessary property or funds to complete project. Seems like it's going to be cut.

Other mentionables: Deltorchio asked former Assistant City Manager Lisa Hammon to come back but she declined.

Discussion Items

a. Adopt a Resolution Calling for a Special Election to be Held on June 7, 2011 to Fill the Vacancy on The City Council Created by the Resignation of Mayor Balico or, in the Alternative, Appoint a Successor to Fill the Vacancy.

b. Discuss And Provide Direction To Staff Regarding The Adoption Of An Ordinance That Would Allow The Vacancy On The City Council Created By The Resignation Of Mayor Balico To Be Filled By An Interim Appointment Pending Either The Results Of The June 7, 2011 Special Election Or The Appointment Of A Permanent SuccessorOr, In The Alternative, Appoint A Successor To Fill The Vacancy.

THE COUNCIL VOTED TO CALL A SPECIAL ELECTION FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A REPLACEMENT FOR FOMER COUNCILMAN ED BALICO. 2-1, WITH COUNCILMAN KUEHNE VOTING "NO."

Councilman John Delgado moved to call a special election for the recruitment.

Councilman Don Kuehne asked to appoint a member to the council.

Councilwoman Joanne Ward seconded the election.

Public Comment

8:25, Pinole City Staffer, A lot of facts are being sent out here…the only point I want to bring out…the intent is that when we upgrade…we are looking at the next 20 years. Are we going to make it big enough? Yes, we are. There’s a lot of discussion we need to have. Our plant that we plan to build in Pinole will be big enough to accommodate Hercules and your growth.

8:14, Dan Romero: My concern is that there was a report by the city of Pinole that was completely contrary to the report Mr. Blancaflor gave. If we go to WCSD, Romero said, Pinole said rates would be much higher. I’m really troubled by this. I really don’t see how West County is going to be beneficial to the City of Hercules. Let's do the right thing. Let's stay at home.

2. Receive Presentation And Conduct Discussion Regarding Wastewater Projects and Options:

7:39, City Attorney Alfred Cabral excused himself from the discussion. Cabral represents West County wastewater.

City staffer Erwin Blancaflor gives presentation on Hercules' Wastewater system.

Blancaflor said staff recommends diverting Hercules wastewater from the current wastewater plant, shared with Pinole, to West County Sanitary District.

1. Receive Update on the Sycamore North Project

7:24, Municipal Services Director John Stier gives presentation on Sycamore North.

If the city sold the building today, it would be worth as low as $25 million.

As of today, $36 million of city funds, including a state loan, has been committed to the project. It will take $70 or so to complete it.

Consent Calendar

A. City Council Items--MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

1. Adopt A Resolution Ratifying Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District Ordinance # 2010-1, Resolution # 04-10 and Findings of Fact Adopting Modifications and Amendments to the 2010 California Fire Code Including Chapter 4, Appendix B, Appendix C, Appendix D, Appendix F, Appendix H, Appendix I, and Appendix J.

2. Adopt A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Hercules, California, Contra Costa County, Opposing The Administration’s Proposal To Abolish Redevelopment Agencies In California

B. Joint City Council/Redevelopment Agency Items

1. Adopt Joint City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of Nov. 9, 2010 and Nov. 23, 2010. APPROVED WITH TWO "AYE" AND DELGADO ABSTAINING.

2. Adopt A Resolution Authorizing The Creation Of The Classification Of Affordable Housing Manager; Authorizing The Recruitment, Selection, And Hiring Of An Affordable Housing Manager; Authorizing The Funding For The Position Of Affordable Housing Manager For The Remainder Of Fiscal Year 2010-2011. (This item will be distributed via e-mail prior to the Council meeting.) APPROVED

3. Adopt A Resolution Authorizing The Acting City Manager/Executive Director to Offer Additional Severance Compensation To Senior Managers Who Are Separated From City Employment Prior to March 31, 2011. APPROVED

Public Comment

7:17, Dan Romero, "5,800 signatures for the recall of Joanne Ward and Don Kuehne" have been gathered and delivered to the city clerk. "In June, the citizens of Hercules will be asked again...to exercise their right to change government."

7:15, Resident asked for council's side of the story and that the chaos in City Hall has only  being represented only in the media.

7:13, Recall leader Anton Jungherr announced a letter from his counsel to Councilman Donald Kuehne regarding what Jungherr said were "defamatory statements" published online. "Have you no sense of decency..." Jungherr said.

Councilwoman Myrna de Vera is absent.

7:10, Presentation Of Certificates Of Appreciation to The One Warm Coat Drive Participants.

7:06, The council emerged from closed session, and reported on agreeing on a severance package for former Assistant Finance Director Gloria Leon.

Check back in at 7 p.m. for coverage.