City Attorney Galstan gave a brief report on the outcome of the Closed Session regarding the Methadone Clinic. He stated Council had authorized the City to file an appeal of the Court=s decision to allow the Methadone Clinic at the Sunset Drive address. Council Member Freitas clarified the cost of litigation was not covered by the City=s insurance provider; the cost to date was $250K, and Council had approved another $50K.

Mayor Rocha called the meeting to order at 7:14 P.M., and City Clerk Martin called the roll with all Council Members present.

1. UPDATE ON THE OPERATION OF THE SKATE PARK

City Manager Ramsey introduced the item giving a brief overview and introduced Deputy Director of Leisure Services Dave Wetmore, who presented the staff report dated March 15, 2000. Following the report, Council asked questions of Mr. Wetmore. He stated the hours of operation were dusk to dawn, full protective gear was required, and gave a description of same.

Council Member Freitas urged the Council to be pro-active, and not re-active regarding the request from nearby neighbor for the installation of a sound wall. In answer to Council Member Davis' request, City Manager Ramsey stated lockers should be installed before summer.

Police Chief Moczulski gave a breakdown on the number of service calls and the enforcement actions taken. He further stated surveillance of the skate park area had been increased.

Ken Hebert suggested a chain link fence be put around the park to keep people out after hours. He questioned whether or not the neighbors had been informed of the City's intent to build the skate park, adding he had not been aware of the plans for a skate park until it was being built.

In answer to questions from Council Member Sudario, City Manager Ramsey stated he was not sure whether or not the surrounding neighbors were aware of the park, but would check into it, and report back to Council. Council Member Sudario then directed staff to budget for a fence.

John Capolongo requested a sound wall and locking gate be installed to keep skaters out at night.

Allan Payton suggested the park hours be set the same as construction hours.

2. ANTIOCH'S WATER SYSTEM MASTER PLAN AND PROPOSED FUTURE TREATED WATER SUPPLY OPTIONS

City Manager Ramsey introduced Phil Harrington, Deputy Director of Public Works, who presented the staff report dated March 21, 2000 and gave a brief description of the item before introducing Bill Faisst of Brown and Caldwell, who presented the report.

Council Member Freitas felt it was imperative for Council to exercise caution in making a decision regarding water choices, and requested an informational report on the Actiflo System.

City Manager Ramsey asked the Council in general if they agreed with Council Member Freitas' concerns and requests, to which Council Member Soliz voiced agreement, as did Mayor Rocha.

3. UPDATE ON FORMATION OF NON-PROFIT CORPORATION FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS

City Manager Ramsey introduced Assistant City Engineer/Personnel Director Chaumette who presented the staff report dated March 16, 2000.

In response to Mayor Rocha's questions, Ms. Chaumette stated City staff would continue to work with the committee until the Articles of Incorporation were completed.

Council Member Soliz stated he would prefer Option #1 as presented with no oversight or involvement by City staff with the non-profit organization, whereas Council Member Sudario felt this action was an affront to the spirit of the approved ballot measure.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Allan Payton stated while he felt both options were viable, with the golf course as a good example of how a non-profit could function well, handle a public business, etc., the Civic Arts  Program was created through a ballot measure, with the use of public money to fund the Arts program. He also pointed out the golf course was not subjective, adding there should definitely be City staff oversight with the use of public funds.

Jean Kuberra questioned the City's connection should Council choose Option #1. City Manager Ramsey explained it would entail the Arts Program be run similarly to the Community Development Block Grant Program, with the non-profit group coming to Council each year with their goals and objectives, monitored by City Staff. City support would then be a direct reflection of Council's concurrence of the group's alignment to City goals. Ms. Kuberra did not feel this method would be very efficient. She went on to question the amount of start-up money the group would receive, how the group would run the Lynn House Gallery, etc. She stated she was against a non-profit organization because they would not be required to have open meetings.

Council Member Freitas stated his preference of Option #1 because the group would be able to be self-sufficient in three to five years. He felt a seven (7) member steering committee should be comprised of one member from each of the following City volunteer groups: Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Design Review Board; and the remaining four (4) individuals be appointed from the community.

Council Members Davis and Soliz concurred with Council Member Freitas' suggestion.

Council Member Soliz clarified the ballot measure did not specify how the Art Program was to be run or how the money given by the City was to be used.

Council Member Sudario stated she had been against dissolving the Civic Arts Commission and did feel other appointed board members should be on the steering committee. She requested staff provide her with a copy of the ballot measure and the arguments for and against.

Deborah Kass thanked the Council for approving the expenditure to continue fighting the Methadone Clinic.

Council Members Soliz and Sudario congratulated Mark Moczulski on his appointment as Police Chief.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:53 P.M.

L. JOLENE MARTIN, City Clerk

Approved:  MARY H. ROCHA, Mayor