HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2004-06-08MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCILIREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2004
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 215 EAST BRANCH STREET
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor/Chair Ferrara called the Regular City Council/Redevelopment Agency meeting to order at
7:03 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Council/RDA: Council/Board Members Runels, Dickens, Costello, and Mayor/Chair
Ferrara were present. Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Lubin was absent.
City Staff Present: City Manager Adams, City Attorney Carmel, Director of Administrative
Services Wetmore, Director of Building and Fire Fibich, Chief of Police
TerBorch, Director of Public Works Spagnolo, Assistant City Engineer
Linn, Engineering Assistant Pruitt, Community Development Director
Strong, and Assistant Planner Foster.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Charles Howell, Jr. Vice Commander, VFW Post 2829, led the Flag Salute.
4. INVOCATION
Pastor Richard Scharn delivered the invocation.
5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
5.a. Presentation of GIS System.
Director of Public Works Spagnolo introduced Assistant City Engineer Mike Linn, Engineering
Assistant Chuck Pruitt, and Assistant Planner Ryan Foster, who would be giving a presentation
of the City's Geographic Information System (GIS).
Assistant City Engineer Linn gave an overview of the definition of GIS, how GIS is used in Arroyo
Grande currently, and demonstrated examples of how the system is used in the Public Works
Department for identifying landmark city trees, storm drain atlas, sanitary sewer atlas, and water
line atlas. He also demonstrated how the system could be used for creating presentations.
Assistant Planner Foster demonstrated how the Community Development Department utilizes
the GIS system for land use issues and how it could be incorporated into the City's website to
greatly assist the public in obtaining zoning information.
Assistant City Engineer Linn concluded the presentation by giving an overview of how the
system could be expanded in the future.
6. AGENDA REVIEW
6.a. Resolutions and Ordinances Read In Title Only
Council Member Costello moved, Council Member Runels seconded, and the motion passed
unanimously that all resolutions and ordinances presented at the meeting shall be read in title
only and all further reading be waived.
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
JUNE 8, 2004
PAGE 2
7. CITIZENS' INPUT. COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS
John Mack, representing S&S Homes, referred to the Jasmine Place project and asked for the
City's cooperation in allowing placement of a job trailer at the City's Corporation Yard due to lack
of space on their building site. Mayor Ferrara directed staff to contact Mr. Mack to discuss the
issue.
Michael Passarelli, President of the San Luis Obispo Food Bank Coalition, announced that June
was Hunger Awareness Month and spoke about efforts being made to raise awareness about
the problem of hunger in our communities.
Gary Hoffman, Berry Gardens resident, asked when the Council would be discussing the closure
of Courtland Street. Mayor Ferrara informed Mr. Hoffman the item was on tonight's agenda for
consideration.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Council/Board Member Runels moved, and Council/Board Member Dickens seconded the
motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.f., with the recommended courses of
action. The motion carried on the following roll -call vote:
AYES: Runels, Dickens, Costello, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: Lubin
8.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification.
Action: Approved the listing of cash disbursements for the period May 16, 2004 through
May 31, 2004.
8.b. Statement of Investment Deposits.
Action: Received and filed the report of current investment deposits as of May 31, 2004.
8.c. Consideration of Cash Flow Analysis/Approval of Interfund Advance from the
Water and Water Facility Funds.
Action: Received and filed April 2004 Cash Report and approved the interfund advance
from the Water and Water Facility Funds to cover cash deficit in other funds at April 30,
2004.
8.d. Consideration of Increase in Mileage Reimbursement Rate for Employees and
Volunteers. [COUNCILIRDA]
Action: Established 37.50 per mile as the employee/volunteer mileage reimbursement
rate for FY 2004-05.
8.e. Consideration of Resolution Supporting the State Local Government Budget
Package.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 3752 supporting the State Local Government Budget
Package.
81 Consideration of Request to Rebroadcast the June 3, 2004 Arroyo Grande
Watershed Forum on the City's Cable Television Government Channel.
Action: Approved rebroadcasting the June 3, 2004 Arroyo Grande Watershed Forum on
the City's cable television government channel.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
CITY COUNCILIREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
JUNE 8, 2004
PAGE 3
10. CONTINUED BUSINESS
10.a. Consideration of Initiating a General Plan Amendment for Property Located on
Noyes Road (APN's: 007-781-055 & 007-781-056) Planned Development (1.2), City
of Arroyo Grande (Castlerock Development).
Community Development Director Strong presented the staff report and responded to questions
from Council regarding the site's previous designation prior to the 2001 General Plan update,
whether the owner had come forward with development plans, and clarification regarding PD 1.2.
Mayor Ferrara explained that what he was asking the Council to consider and approve would be
to allow staff to initiate the General Plan Amendment process that would reduce the density for
the property from Low Density to Very Low Density which would allow for a maximum of up to 21
homes. He stated this process would allow the Planning Commission to hold public hearings,
study the issue, and perhaps make new recommendations. He stated this site is both visually
and environmentally sensitive, is on the City's fringe, and not in the City's core. He commented
that if the City continued to honor and abide by smart -growth principles, there seems to be a
conflict in terms of approach. He said there could be some planning deficiencies that need to be
revisited with regard to traffic and infrastructure and this process would give the City a chance to
consider cumulative traffic impacts in the area that have occurred over the past three years. He
concluded by asking Council for support in initiating this process.
Council Member Dickens stated that during the 2001 General Plan update process, he had
concerns about the ultimate designation of this parcel due to the unknown environmental
impacts, Meadow Creek, and traffic and circulation cumulative impacts. He concurred with Mayor
Ferrara's concerns and supported his request.
In response to a question by Council Member Costello, Director Strong explained the effects the
processing of a General Plan Amendment would have on the applicant's options and processes.
Council Member Costello agreed that it would be prudent to look at cumulative impacts on the
site. He supported the Mayor's request.
Council Member Runels expressed concerns about reducing density due to the need for more
homes in the City. He said he could not support the request.
Mayor Ferrara opened the item for public comment, and upon hearing none, he dosed the public
comment period.
Mayor Ferrara moved to direct staff to initiate public hearings to consider a General Plan
Amendment, for an approximately 53 acre property located on the southeast side of Noyes Road
at the northwest edge of the City limits, which is currently designated Low Density Residential
and Conservation/Open Space Planned Development. Council Member Dickens seconded
City Attorney Carmel asked for clarification as to the specific proposed change in General Plan
designation for purposes of providing the public with adequate notice. Mayor Ferrara stated that
he proposed to initiate an amendment to change the current General Plan designation to Very
Low Density and Conservation/Open Space Planned Development and amended his motion
accordingly. Council Member Dickens seconded the amended motion, and on the following roll -
call vote:
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
JUNE 8, 2004
PAGE 4
AYES: Ferrara, Dickens, Costello
NOES: Runels
ABSENT: Lubin
There being 3 AYES, 1 NO, and 1 ABSENT, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
10.b. Consideration of Implementation Plan for Code Enforcement Program Changes.
City Manager Adams presented the staff report and recommended the Council approve the
proposed implementation plan for changes to the City's code enforcement program.
Council Member Dickens stated he had one concern that has not been addressed. He said the
community has one point person to address all issues. He stated he would like to see a formal
system in place for the public to know who to contact regarding code enforcement issues. He
liked the idea of a task force and supported the expanding the citation authority process.
City Manager Adams stated that concerns expressed by Council Member Dickens would be
addressed in two ways: 1) Public education efforts, and 2) A part-time position dedicated for the
purpose of code enforcement administration. He explained that the part-time position would be
assigned to the Building and Fire Department.
Council Member Costello inquired about citation authority. Chief of Police TerBorch explained
the current structure for citation authority.
Mayor Ferrara opened the item for public comment, and upon hearing none, he closed the public
comment period.
Council Member Runels moved to approve the proposed implementation plan for changes to the
City's code enforcement program and to direct staff to prepare the necessary action items.
Council Member Costello seconded the motion, and on the following roll -call vote:
AYES: Runels, Costello, Dickens, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: Lubin
There being 4 AYES and 1 ABSENT, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
Mayor Ferrara called a break at 8:00 p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:05 p.m.
11. NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Ferrara declared a conflict of interest due to ownership of real property near the proposed
project and stepped down from the dais. He designated Council Member Costello as the
Presiding Officer for Item 11.a.
11.a. Consideration of Temporary Use Permit 04-007; Authorization to Close Courtland
Street Between Raspberry and Ash Streets for "Jasmine Place" Grading
Operations, Storm Drainage and Utilities Installation; S&S Homes.
CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
JUNE 8, 2004
PAGE 5
Community Development Director Strong presented the staff report and recommended the
Council adopt a Resolution approving Temporary Use Permit 04-007 and authorizing the closure
of Courtland Street between Raspberry and Ash Streets for a three (3) month time period
commencing June 30, 2004. He also recommended that pedestrian access through Courtland
be restored by August 15, 2004.
Council comments and discussion ensued regarding pedestrian access, bussing for summer
school students, and the significant impacts that would be created due to a long term street
closure.
Presiding Officer Costello opened the item for public comment
John Mack, representative for S&S Homes, gave an overview of the infrastructure improvements
that needed to be installed and explained the amount of time that was needed to install the
improvements. He said that their main concerns are children and neighborhood safety. He
stated that they could provide a pedestrian link by the time school starts.
Gary Hoffman, resident of Berry Gardens, stated he canvassed the neighborhood and said they
did not want the street to be closed for eight months. He said that was far too long. He stated
that a 30 to 45 day closure was adequate.
Hearing no further public comments, Presiding Officer Costello closed the public comment
period.
Council Member Dickens stated that a three month closure seemed excessive; suggested
property other than public rights of way for staging areas; and stated he would support a 45-day
closure with consideration at that time for an extension.
Further discussion ensued regarding pedestrian access issues, school district concerns, and
what the appropriate amount of time would be for completing the improvements.
John Mack, representing S&S Homes, expressed concerns about closing Courtland for such a
short period of time due to noticing requirements.
Following discussion, Council Member Dickens moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING
TEMPORARY USE PERMIT 04-0071 AUTHORIZING THE CLOSURE OF COURTLAND
STREET BETWEEN RASPBERRY AND ASH STREETS FOR "JASMINE PLACE" GRADING
OPERATIONS, STORM DRAINAGE AND UTILITIES INSTALLATION; SAS HOMES", as
amended to add condition #11 as follows: The applicant shall restore pedestrian access to
Courtland Street, to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director, prior to August 21, 2004.
Council Member Runels seconded the motion, and on the following roll -call vote:
AYES: Dickens, Runels, Costello
NOES: None
ABSENT: Lubin, Ferrara
There being 3 AYES, and 2 ABSENT, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
Mayor Ferrara returned to the dais.
CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
JUNE 8, 2004
PAGE 6
11.b. Consideration of Cablecasting Planning Commission Meetings.
City Manager Adams presented the staff report and recommended the Council discuss the
presented information and if the City Council is interested in proceeding with cablecasting of
Planning Commission meetings, direct staff to place this item on the agenda for the upcoming
joint meeting with the Planning Commission for further discussion. He indicated that Steve
Mathieu was present and available to respond to questions.
Council Member Dickens referred to Alternative 2 and asked what the installation timeframe
would be if the mounted camera system were purchased.
Mayor Ferrara opened the item for public comment.
Steve Mathieu, AGP Video, indicated it would be a minimum of three months. He gave an
overview of his proposal.
Hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period.
Council Member Costello moved to instruct staff to put this item on the agenda for the Joint City
Council/Planning Commission meeting. Council Member Runels seconded the motion, and on
the following roll -call vote:
AYES: Costello, Runels, Dickens, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: Lubin
There being 4 AYES and 1 ABSENT, the motion is hereby declared to be passed
12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
a. MAYOR TONY M. FERRARA:
(1) San Luis Obispo Council of Governments/San Luis Obispo Regional Transit
Authority (SLOCOG/SLORTA). Met May 5 h - regarding deliberation and
determination of the agreement between the American Land Conservancy and
Hearst Ranch, SLOCOG approved the process to continue forward with the
funding in that agreement; June meeting; Prop 42 and other transportation funds
have been restored.
12) Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA). Discussed administrative
items; held election of officers for the coming year.
(3) Other. None.
b. MAYOR PRO TEM SANDY LUBIN: (ABSENT)
(1) South County Area Transit (SCAT). None.
(2) Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC). None.
(3) Other. None.
C. COUNCIL MEMBER THOMAS A. RUNELS:
(1) Zone 3 Water Advisory Board. Met in May; Recreation Area revenue is up over
last year; the Lake is 50% full; held election of officers for the coming year.
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
JUNE 8, 2004
PAGE 7
(2) County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC). No report.
(3) Other. None.
d. COUNCIL MEMBER JIM DICKENS:
(1) South County Youth Coalition. No report.
(2) South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD). The District
continues to run well within discharge requirements; will be looking at recouping
earthquake damage expenses through FEMA; working on the budget; scheduling
an Open House this summer for tours of the Plant.
(3) Other. Attended Arroyo Grande Watershed Forum, which will be rebroadcast on
the City's government access channel.
e. COUNCIL MEMBER JOE COSTELLO:
(1) Air Pollution Control District (APCD). Met last week; laid off one employee;
dealing with budget cuts. Working on complete elimination of green waste burning
in unincorporated areas.
(2) Other. None.
13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS:
None.
14. CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
a) Consideration of agenda item requests for joint City Council/Planning Commission
Meeting. (ADAMS)
City Manager Adams stated that items regarding Hotel/Motel Strategy and televising Planning
Commission meetings would be scheduled for discussion at the Joint City Council/Planning
Commission meeting. He asked Council if there were any other issues the Council wanted to
schedule. Council Member Runels asked if staff could provide an update on water availability.
City Manager Adams indicated that item would be added to the agenda.
15. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Council Member Costello referred to the letter sent to the Council from Ride On Transportation
requesting placement on a future agenda for a presentation. Staff was directed to place this
request on a future agenda.
Mayor Ferrara acknowledged and commended Mr. Bob Lund for his hard work and effort on the
Strawberry Festival. He also acknowledged Kirk Scott and members of the South County
Historical Society regarding the ceremony of dedicating new barn.
16. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
City Manager Adams announced that City Hall would be closed on Friday, June 11, 2004 in
observance of a National Day of Mourning due to the death of former President Ronald Reagan.
He also announced that the Village Improvement Association would be organizing a memorial in
the Village.
17. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS:
None.
CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
JUNE 8, 2004
PAGE 8
18. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ferrara adjourned the meeting at 9:06 p.m.
Tony M. errara, Mayor/Chair
ATTEST-
ZL
Kelly W tm re, Director of Administrative Services/
Deputy City Clerk/Agency Secretary
(Approved at CC Mtg