HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2004-05-25MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2004
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 215 EAST BRANCH STREET
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor/Chair Ferrara called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Council/RDA: Council/Board Members Dickens, Costello, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair
Lubin, and Mayor/Chair Ferrara were present. Council/Board Member
Runels was absent.
City Staff Present: City Manager Adams, City Attorney Carmel, Director of Administrative
Services Wetmore, Director of Financial Services Snodgrass, Assistant
City Engineer Linn, Director of Building and Fire Fibich, Community
Development Director Strong, and Associate Planner Heffemon.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Dan Cashier, President of the Rotary Club of Arroyo Grande, led the Flag Salute.
4. INVOCATION
Pastor Robert Banker, Open Door Church, Oceano, delivered the invocation.
5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Ferrara requested, and the Council concurred, to adjourn the meeting in honor and
memory of Private First Class Michelangelo Mora. Michelangelo was raised in Arroyo Grande,
attended local schools, and was popular and well known in the community. He joined the Army
and was assigned to a Fort Polk, Louisiana unit, but had been accepted to attend the elite 1018t
Army Airborne training after returning from Iraq. Michelangelo was scheduled to return home
from Iraq before his unit's tour of duty was lengthened last month. Sadly, he suffered a head
injury in a vehicle accident while on patrol with his unit and passed away on May 14, 2004. On
behalf of the City Council and the City of Arroyo Grande, Mayor Ferrara expressed deepest
sympathies to Michelangelo's parents, Maria and Mike, and their extended families. He also
announced that in the near future, the City of Arroyo Grande would be planting and dedicating a
tree at Rancho Grande Park in Michelangelo's name.
6. AGENDA REVIEW
6.a. Resolutions and Ordinances Read In Title Only
Mayor Pro Tern Lubin moved, Council Member Costello 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.
7. CITIZENS' INPUT, COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS
None.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member Costello requested that Item 8.b. be pulled for separate roll -call vote.
CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
MAY 25, 2004
PAGE 2
Council Member Costello moved, and Mayor Pro Tern Lubin seconded the motion to approve
Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.h., with the exception of 8.b., with, the recommended
courses of action. The motion carried on the following roll -call vote:
AYES: Costello, Lubin, Dickens, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: Runels
8.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification.
Action: Approved the listings of cash disbursements for the period May 1, 2004 — May
15, 2004.
8.c. Consideration of Fiscal Year 2004-05 Appropriation Limit.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 3750 establishing the appropriation limit from tax
proceeds for fiscal year 2004-05.
8.d. Consideration of Approval of Minutes.
Action: Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 11, 2004
8.e. Consideration of Authorization to Solicit Proposals for Environmental Services for
Creek Cleaning Work.
Action: Authorized the solicitation of proposals for environmental services to be provided
in conjunction with cleaning the creeks.
81 Consideration of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program for Federal
Fiscal Year (FFY) 2004-2005.
Action: 1) Approved the submittal of the FFY 2004/05 DBE Program with "proposed"
Overall Annual DBE Goal and submit to Caltrans by June 1, 2004; 2) Directed the
Director of Administrative Services to publish a public notice in the local media in
accordance with Section XIV of the Program; and, 3) Directed staff to return to the
Council with a summary of public comments and approval to submit the FFY 2004/05
DBE Program with "established" Overall Annual DBE Goal to Caltrans by September 1,
2004.
8.g. Consideration of Acceptance of the Crown Hill Sewer Lining Project, PW 2003-06.
Action: 1) Accepted the project improvements, as constructed by Sancon Technologies,
Inc., in accordance with the plans and specifications for the Crown Hill Sewer Lining
Project; 2) Directed staff to file a Notice of Completion; and, 3) Authorized release of
retention of $6,823.85, thirty-five (35) days after the Notice of Completion has been
recorded, if no liens have been filed.
8.h. Consideration of Authorization to Use City Property, Close City Streets, and Waive
Permit Fees and a Portion of Police Service Fees for the Annual Arroyo Valley
People's Choice Car Show on July 31, 2004; Temporary Use Permit No. 04-005.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 3751 authorizing the use of City property, closure of City
streets, and waiver of permit fees and a portion of police service fees for the Annual
Arroyo Valley People's Choice Car Show on July 31, 2004.
Council Member Costello declared a conflict of interest on Item 8.b. due to ownership of real
property and stepped down from the dais.
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MAY 25, 2004
PAGE 3
8.b. Consideration of Confirmation of Assessments.
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt Resolution confirming landscaping assessments of
forty dollars ($40) for all parcels within Tract 1158; and, 2) Adopt Resolution confirming
landscaping and lighting assessments of one hundred dollars ($100) for all parcels within
Tract 1769.
Mayor Pro Tern Lubin moved to approve staffs recommendations, Council Member Dickens
seconded, and the motion carried on the following roll -call vote:
AYES: Lubin, Dickens, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: Runels, Costello
9. PUBLIC HEARING
9.a. Consideration of Amended Conditional Use Permit Case No. 04-001 to Allow
Financial Institution to Occupy Building "J" of the Five Cities Shopping Center;
911 Rancho Parkway; Wells Fargo Bank.
Associate Planner Heffemon presented the staff report and stated the Planning Commission
recommended the Council adopt a Resolution approving the proposed project. She responded
to questions from Council regarding future occupancy in Phase II, traffic generation figures,
employee parking, automatic teller machine (ATM) lighting standards, loss of sales tax revenue,
and overall parking impacts.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing.
Susan Ambrosia, Wells Fargo Bank Project Manager, stated this would be a traditional bank and
responded to questions regarding employee parking, ATM lighting standards, the issue of sales
tax revenue, and stated that banks typically locate in shopping centers and Wells Fargo would
offer banking services for businesses located in the Five Cities Center.
Dave Pintard, Investec, stated that the use would be an asset to the Center and stated retailers
currently located in the Center supported a bank at this location.
Crain Machado, -Via Bandolero, stated that the project impacts his home; spoke about the
existing excessive noise level at Trader Joe's; opposed any use that intensifies the traffic and
noise levels; and stated he would like to see a new traffic study conducted and the noise issues
addressed before approving this project.
Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public hearing.
Council Member Costello stated that Wells Fargo would probably be a good addition to the
Center that would service the existing commercial facilities in the Center; however, there would
be a trade-off with the loss of sales tax revenue. He stated the bank would draw customers to
the existing retail stores in the Center. He expressed concerns about the project related traffic
and its impact on Rancho Parkway, and stated that he would like to see a new traffic study
before considering the project further.
Council Member Dickens referred to the current projections for sales tax revenue and stated that
a bank could be a benefit to the Center. He stated that he sees a bank as a better use in Phase
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
MAY 25, 2004
PAGE 4
1 of the Center due to the traffic and parking problems the use would create in Phase 2. He
stated that there was a need to conduct a traffic analysis and that he was not prepared to make
a decision until further information was received.
Mayor Pro Tern Lubin stated that Wells Fargo would not be a high volume bank; commented that
the ATM lighting issue was based on State regulations; commented that the building proposed
for occupancy by Wells Fargo has been vacant for more than five years; said he did not want to
assume that this use would impact Pad I; and that the existing parking was adequate. With
regard to the noise factor, he agreed that there were ordinances in place to address high noise
level impacts and that these issues should be referred to the Police Department or City Manager.
In response to questions regarding past and current sales tax revenue projections, City Manager
Adams reported the figures provided by the Financial Services Director for fiscal years 2002-03
and 2003-04.
Mayor Pro Tern Lubin acknowledged that traffic issues exist and stated that the issue was
whether a bank would benefit the City. He said the bank would benefit the City in this location,
on this side of the freeway. He commented that the traffic generation and parking impacts would
be the same or less compared to any retail use.
Mayor Ferrara stated that a bank would be more suitably. located in other locations within Phase
1 of the Center and not at the proposed location in Phase 2. He spoke about the traffic problems
and impacts going across Rancho Parkway from Phase 1 to Phase 2. He suggested that
Investec talk to Wal-Mart representatives for locating a bank in Phase 1 in the empty space next
to Wal-Mart. He said there was a need for low intensity uses in Phase 2. He also requested that
an expanded traffic study be conducted for the entire Center that included driveway counts at
peak periods.
Council Member Costello moved that consideration of Amended Conditional Use Permit Case
No. 04-001 to allow a financial institution to occupy Building J of the Five Cities Shopping Center;
911 Rancho Parkway, Wells Fargo Bank be postponed to a date uncertain until such time a
traffic study is conducted of conditions on Rancho Parkway and W. Branch Street that takes into
consideration impacts from the proposed project. Council Member Dickens seconded the motion,
and requested further discussion. He stated he had concerns with parking and stated he would
like to see the traffic analysis for Phase II include assumptions for Pad I, as well as include
parking assumptions for Pad I. Council Member Costello agreed to amend his motion to include
a review of traffic and parking issues based upon a plan for the entire Phase II site, including
proposed modifications to Pad I. Council Member Dickens seconded the amended motion, and
on the following roll -call vote, to wit:
AYES: Costello, Dickens, Ferrara
NOES: Lubin
ABSENT: Runels
There being 3 AYES, 1 NO, and 1 ABSENT, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
MAY 25, 2004
PAGE 5
10. CONTINUED BUSINESS
10.a. Consideration of the Arroyo Grande Creek Habitat Conservation Plan
Assistant City Engineer Mike Linn introduced Doug Bird, Project Manager, and Kate Ballantyne,
Environmental Resource Specialist, who gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Flood Control
Zone 3 Lopez Project relating to water rights and endangered species.
Mr. Bird stated that the presentation would explain what a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is,
why an HCP was prepared, and what the benefits and burdens of an HCP are.
Ms. Ballantyne gave an overview of the HCP, events leading to the preparation of the Arroyo
Grande Creek HCP, proposed mitigation, and the HCP review and approval process.
Mr. Bird explained the HCP's anticipated results, gave an overview of the concerns relating to
water supply and financial impacts, reviewed the HCP schedule of costs, reviewed penalties for
violation of the Endangered Species Act, and explained the next step was to enter into a formal
public review and comment period.
Following the presentation, Mr. Bird and Ms. Ballantyne responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ferrara opened the item for public comment, and upon hearing none, he closed the public
comment period.
There was no action on this item. The Council received and accepted the San Luis Obispo
County staff presentation on the Arroyo Grande Creek Habitat Conservation Plan.
Mayor Ferrara called for a break at 9:35 p.m. The Council reconvened at 9:45 p.m.
11. NEW BUSINESS
11.a. Consideration of a Cooperative Fire Services Agreement with the City of Grover
Beach and the Reorganization of Code Enforcement.
Director of Building and Fire Fibich presented the staff report and recommended the Council
accept and conceptually approve entering into a cooperative agreement that will allow the
sharing of the Fire Chiefs and the Administrative Captain's functions and reorganizing the Code
Enforcement function into the Department of Building and Fire. He introduced City of Grover
Beach Interim Fire Chief Doug Hamp and stated they were available to answer questions. City
Manager Adams then gave an overview of the proposal to transfer code enforcement operations
to the Fire Department. Director of Building and Fire Fibich responded to questions from Council
Members regarding the code enforcement function and responsibilities.
Mayor Ferrara opened the item for public comment.
Dave Crockett, Arroyo Grande Code Enforcement Officer, spoke in opposition to the proposed
restructuring of the Code Enforcement function, gave a presentation and submitted materials for
the record regarding the elimination of the code enforcement officer position (hard copy on file in
the Administrative Services Department).
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
MAY 25, 2004
PAGE 6
Rick Searcy, representing Oceano Community Services District (OCSD), commented that OCSD
and the City of Grover Beach have a current agreement in place to share services. He
requested that as the Arroyo Grande City Council considers entering into an agreement with
Grover Beach, that OCSD wants to continue to be#volved in joint training opportunities. He
supported Arroyo Grande's efforts for shared services and concluded his comments by
suggesting an oversight committee be created to consist of representatives from each Council
and Board.
Bruce Corsaw, representing SEW Local 620, spoke in opposition to the proposal regarding the
reorganization of code enforcement and requested the Council not accept or approve that
portion of the proposal.
Peggy Wilson, Oceano resident, supported the City's efforts regarding the joint agreement for
fire services. She also supported the expertise of the current Code Enforcement Officer.
Hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period.
Council Member Costello asked questions of staff regarding the benefits to the City of sharing.
fire services; how the code enforcement duties will be managed within the Fire Department;
clarification regarding citation authority; and clarification regarding approval of the proposal by
the Grover Beach City Council. He commented that a cooperative agreement with Grover Beach
is a positive move; encouraged OCSD involvement; and expressed some reservation about code
enforcement; however, he supported staffs recommendation.
Council Member Dickens stated he supported the operational changes with fire services;
however, he was not satisfied that the proposed restructuring of Code Enforcement would
adequately address the expectations of Arroyo Grande residents. He commented that if the
code enforcement component was removed from the proposal, he could support the plan. He
stated that code enforcement requires certain training and expertise. He said there was a lack of
accountability for code enforcement in the proposed reorganization. He suggested moving
forward with the conceptual plan minus the transfer of code enforcement.
Mayor Pro Tern Lubin favored the proposed agreement between the two cities. He stated that
OCSD should be considered, especially for training opportunities. He asked if the proposed
restructuring of code enforcement had been discussed with the fire personnel and what their
response was. Director of Building and Fire Fibich responded that there had not been any
negative reaction. Mayor Pro Tern Lubin said that from an economic and workload standpoint,
he supported transferring code enforcement to the Fire Department. He acknowledged that it
was difficult to eliminate a position; however, in light of budgetary shortfalls, he supported staffs
recommendation. He supported the fire organization proposal, moving code enforcement to the
Fire Department, and elimination of the code enforcement position.
Mayor Ferrara acknowledged that as far as code enforcement, it is clear that it will continue to
required continuing education and training. He stated that standardization would be required to
maintain a level of proficiency of enforcement. He supported following through with the
conceptual framework as proposed and stated he would like to see in place an established
procedure for code enforcement which includes training, standardization, and accountability. He
emphasized that he would like to see that code enforcement efforts are proactive instead of
complaint driven.
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
MAY 25, 2004
PAGE 7
Following further discussion, Council Member Dickens moved to accept and conceptually
approve staffs recommendation to enter into a cooperative agreement with the City of Grover
Beach that will allow the sharing of the Fire Chiefs and the Administrative Captain's functions
and direct staff to return to the Council after one year following the reorganization to revisit the
code enforcement function and determine how it could be transferred into the Dept of Building
and Fire. Council Member Costello seconded the motion, and on the following roll -call vote, to
wit:
AYES: Dickens, Costello
NOES: Lubin, Ferrara
ABSENT: Runels
There being 2 AYES, 2 NOES, and 1 ABSENT, the motion was lost on a tie vote.
Mayor Pro Tern Lubin moved to accept and conceptually approve staffs recommendation to
enter into a cooperative agreement with the City of Grover Beach that will allow the sharing of
the Fire Chiefs and the Administrative Captain's functions and reorganize the Code Enforcement
function into the Department of Building and Fire. Mayor Ferrara seconded the motion, and on
the following roll -call vote:
AYES: Lubin, Ferrara, Costello
NOES: Dickens
ABSENT: Runels
There being 3 AYES, 1 NO, and 1 ABSENT, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
11.b. Consideration of Third Quarter Budget Status Report [COUNCIL/RDA].
Director of Financial Services Snodgrass presented the staff report and recommended the
Council/RDA Board: 1) Approve detailed budget adjustments and recommendations as shown
on Schedule B; and, 2) Approve Schedules A through E included in the Third Quarter Budget
Status Report.
Mayor/Chair Ferrara opened the item for public comment, and hearing none, he closed the
public comment period.
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Lubin moved to approve detailed budget adjustments and
recommendations as shown on Schedule B; and approve Schedules A through E included in the
Third Quarter Budget Status Report. Council/Board Member Dickens seconded the motion, and
on the following roll -call vote:
AYES: Dickens, Lubin, Costello, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: Runels
There being 4 AYES and 1 ABSENT, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
MAY 25, 2004
PAGE 8
11.c. Consideration of Ten Year Financial Plan, Phase III.
Director of Financial Services Snodgrass gave a presentation of the City of Arroyo Grande
General Fund Ten Year Financial Plan, Phase III. She gave an overview of the Financial Plan
objectives, reviewed components of the three phase Plan, gave an update on Phase II of the
Plan, and presented needs, goals, and funding strategies for Phase III of the Plan. Staff
recommended the Council receive, provide comments, and accept the Ten Year Financial Plan,
Phase III — Future Needs and Objectives. Staff responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ferrara opened the item for public comment, and hearing none, he closed the public
comment period.
Council Member Dickens moved to accept the Ten Year Financial Plan, Phase III — Future
Needs and Objectives. Mayor Pro Tern Lubin seconded the motion, and on the following roll -call
vote:
AYES:. Dickens, Lubin, Costello, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: Runels
There being 4 AYES and 1 ABSENT, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
Pursuant to Council policy, at 12 midnight Mayor Ferrara asked if there was unanimous
consensus of the Council to complete the items on the Agenda. Council Member Dickens
moved to adjourn the meeting and continue Item 11.d. 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), and Item 12. City Council
Reports to the next regular meeting. Mayor Pro Tern Lubin seconded the motion, and the motion
carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor/Chair Ferrara adjourned the meeting at 12:06 a.m.
Tony M. errara, Mayor/Chair
ATTEST-
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Kelly WVbtmote, Director of Administrative Services/
Deputy City Clerk/Agency Secretary
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