Minutes 2007-02-13
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2007
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 7:06 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Council:
Council Members Chuck Fellows, Jim Guthrie, Joe Costello, Mayor Pro Tem
Ed Arnold and Mayor Tony Ferrara were present.
City Staff Present:
City Manager Steven Adams, City Attorney Tim Carmel, Director of
Administrative Services/City Clerk Kelly Wetmore, Director of Financial
Services Angela Kraetsch, Director of Public Works Don Spagnolo, Director
of Community Development Rob Strong, and Associate Planner Teresa
McClish.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Paul Driggers, representing the Boy Scouts of America, led the Flag Salute.
4. INVOCATION
Dr. Mayer-Harnish, representing Bahai Faith, delivered the invocation.
5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Ferrara requested, and the Council concurred, to move up Special Presentation Item 5.b.
prior to consideration of Item 5.a.
5.b. Presentation by Boy Scouts of America.
Emily Hanson, representing Boys Scout of America Los Padres Area Council, said the Boy Scouts
of America are celebrating their 100th year of scouting and reported briefly on scouting activities in
the Five Cities area. She then introduced local Boy Scout, Paul Driggers, who spoke about what
scouting means to him and how scouting encourages hard work, community service, and
leadership. He spoke of his Eagle Scout project, which included the construction of a barbeque pit
and patio at St. Barnabus Church located in Arroyo Grande.
5.a. Recognition of Outgoing Commissioners, Committee, and Board Members.
Mayor Ferrara recognized the following outgoing Commissioners, Committee and Board Members
and presented those that were present with City plaques acknowledging their service to the
community: Planning Commissioners Nanci Parker (2004-2007), Tim Brown (2001-2007), and
Chuck Fellows (2005-2006); and Architectural Review Committee Member Kristen Barneich (2005-
2007). Mayor Ferrara also acknowledged those that were not present, including Parks and
Recreation Commissioners Pamela lanneo (2001-2007), and Donna Wefald (2003-2007), and
Architectural Review Committee Member Amy Miltenberger (2003-2006).
5.c. Honorary Proclamation - MDA Firefighter Appreciation Week.
Mayor Ferrara presented an Honorary Proclamation recognizing February 12-23, 2007 as "Fire
Fighter Appreciation Week". Margie Dubre, representing the Muscular Dystrophy Association
Minutes: City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 13,2007
Page 2
(MDA), thanked the Fire Department for its hard work on behalf of the MDA and announced an
upcoming "Fill The Boot" fundraiser to benefit the MDA. Patrick Irey, representing the Arroyo
Grande Fire Department, thanked the Council and the MDA for its recognition and acknowledged
the community's support of the MDA.
5.d. Honorary Proclamation - Spay Day USA.
Mayor Ferrara presented an Honorary Proclamation recognizing February 27, 2007 as Spay Day
USA. Darryl Sisk, a volunteer representing Feline Network of San Luis Obispo, explained the
purpose of Spay Day USA and encouraged people to observe the day by having their own dogs or
cats spayed or neutered or by sponsoring the spaying or neutering of another person's dog or cat.
6. AGENDA REVIEW
6.a. Ordinances Read in Title Only.
Council Member Costello moved, Mayor Pro Tem Arnold seconded, and the motion passed
unanimously that all ordinances presented at the meeting shall be read in title only and all further
reading be waived.
7. CITIZENS'INPUT. COMMENTS. AND SUGGESTIONS
Bob L1ovd, AGP Video, announced that the audio/visual equipment had been upgraded in the
Council Chambers.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Ferrara invited members of the public who wished to comment on any Consent Agenda Item
to do so at this time. There were no public comments received.
Mayor Ferrara referred to Consent Agenda Item 8.d. regarding recommended Council
appointments to the Planning Commission and Historical Resources Committee. He introduced Bill
Hart, who was in the audience, and noted that Mr. Hart was being recommended to serve on the
Historical Resources Committee.
Action: Council Member Costello moved, and Council Member Guthrie seconded the motion to
approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.h., with the recommended courses of action. The
motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Costello, Guthrie, Fellows, Arnold, Ferrara
None
None
8.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification.
Action: Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period January 16, 2007 through
January 31, 2007.
8.b. Consideration of a Consultant Services Agreement with Demsey, Filliger &
Associates for an Actuarial Valuation of the City of Arroyo Grande's Other Post
Employment Benefits (OPEB).
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Demsey, Filliger &
Associates to conduct an actuarial valuation of the City's other post employment benefits
Minutes: City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 13,2007
Page 3
(OPEB) and appropriate $4,400 from the General Fund, $300 from the Water Fund and
$300 from the Sewer Fund.
8.c. Consideration of Approval of Minutes.
Action: Approved the minutes of the Special (Closed Session) City Council Meeting of
January 23, 2007 and the Regular City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting of January
23, 2007, as submitted.
8.d. Consideration of Council Appointments to the Planning Commission and Historical
Resources Committee,
Action: Approved the recommendation of Council Member Jim Guthrie to appoint John
Keen to the Planning Commission, replacing Chuck Fellows; and the recommendation of
Council Member Chuck Fellows to appoint Bill Hart to the Historical Resources Committee.
8.e. Consideration of Proposed New Fire Department Battalion Chief Position.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 3995 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY COUNCIL ESTABLISHING A JOB DESCRIPTION AND SALARY
RANGE FOR THE BA TTALlON CHIEF POSITION".
8.f. Consideration to Refund Encroachment Permit Fees for a Residential Driveway
Constructed at 1321 Sierra Drive.
Action: Refunded the residential encroachment permit fee of $66 to the property owner for
the driveway constructed at 1321 Sierra Drive under Encroachment Permit No. 2006-102.
8.g. Consideration of an Award of Contract to JPG Construction, Inc., for Construction of
the Picnic Shelter Structure at Elm Street Park, PW 2006-05.
Action: 1) Awarded a contract to JPG Construction, Inc. in the amount of $104,847.08 for
the construction of the Picnic Shelter Structure at Elm Street Park, PW 2006-05; 2)
Authorized the City Manager to approve change orders not to exceed the contingency of
$10,485 for use only if needed for unanticipated costs during the construction phase of the
project; and 3) Transferred $46,052.08 from the Park Improvement Fund.
8.h. Consideration to Amend the Total Contract Amount for the 2006 Annual Street
Maintenance Project, PW 2006-07.
Action: 1) Amended the total contract amount for the 2006 Annual Street Maintenance
Project, PW 2006-07, from $249,252 to $279,399; and 2) Authorized City Manager to sign a
Change Order in the amount of $30,146.94.
9. PUBLIC HEARING
Council Member Fellows declared a conflict of interest due to real property ownership on
Canyon Way, stepped down from the dais, and left the room.
9.a. Consideration of Development Code Amendment Case No. 04-005B, and General Plan
Amendment 06-004, Amendments to Title 16 of the City of Arroyo Grande Municipal
Code Pertaining to Residential Development Standards, Rezoning Portions of the
Residential Rural District to Residential Suburban in the Vicinity of Via La Barranca,
Canyon Way and Trinity Avenue and Amending all Design Development Overlay
Districts Intended to Make Title 16 Consistent with the City's General Plan; and a
Proposed Change in General Plan Land Use DesignationlZoning for the Property at
1110 Sunset Drive.
Minutes: City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Page 4
Associate Planner McClish presented the staff report and stated the Planning Commission
recommended the Council: 1) Adopt an Ordinance to amend standards applicable to the City's
residential districts and the zoning map affecting portions of the Residential Rural district and
Design Development Overlay Districts 0-2.2 through 0-2.19 inclusive; and 2) Adopt a Resolution to
amend the General Plan land use designation for 1110 Sunset Dr. from multiple family residential
high density to mixed use. Staff responded to questions from Council concerning potential impacts
to incentives for building low-moderate income units; clarification regarding density bonus
provisions in the City's affordable housing ordinance; and whether secondary dwelling units were
conditionally permitted in multi-family residential zoning districts.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing, and upon hearing no public comments, he closed the
public hearing.
Council comments and discussion ensued regarding standards for secondary dwelling units in
multi-family residential districts. Although no changes to the proposed Ordinance were proposed,
staff was directed to further review the matter and to determine if any amendments regarding
secondary dwelling units in multi-family residential areas should be recommended at a future date.
Mayor Ferrara noted that the proposed Ordinance amending the residential development standards
would ensure that the City's Municipal Code is consistent with the General Plan.
Action: Council Member Costello moved to adopt an Ordinance as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING PORTIONS OF TITLE 16
OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE (DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 04-
005B) PERTAINING TO RESIDENT/AL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, REZONING PORTIONS
OF THE RESIDENTIAL RURAL DISTRICT TO RESIDENTIAL SUBURBAN IN THE VICINITY OF
VIA LA BARRANCA AND CANYON WA Y AND AMENDING DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
OVERLAY DISTRICTS". Council Member Guthrie seconded, and the motion passed on the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Costello, Guthrie, Arnold, Ferrara
None
Fellows (recused due to conflict of interest)
Action: Council Member Guthrie moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN
LAND USE ELEMENT MAP; GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 06-004 TO REVISE THE
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNA TlON FROM MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL HIGH
DENSITY TO MIXED USE FOR PROPERTY LOCA TED AT 1110 SUNSET DRIVE (APN 077-211-
025)". Mayor Pro Tem Arnold seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Costello, Arnold, Guthrie, Ferrara
None
Fellows (recused due to conflict of interest)
Council Member Fellows returned and took his place at the dais.
Minutes: City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Page 5
9.b. Consideration of Proposed Street Name Change: Barnett Street to EI Camino Real.
Community Development Director Strong presented the staff report and recommended the Council
adopt a Resolution changing the name of Barnett Street to EI Camino Real.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing, and upon hearing no public comments, he closed the
public hearing.
Council comments included support for the street name change, and support for reusing the name
"Barnett" for a street in a future new subdivision located nearby.
Action: Council Member Costello moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE RENAMING BARNETT STREET TO
EL CAMINO REAL". Council Member Guthrie seconded, and the motion passed on the following
roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Costello, Guthrie, Fellows, Arnold, Ferrara
None
None
g.c. Consideration of 10-Year Strategic Plan.
City Manager Adams presented the staff report and recommended the Council approve the
proposed 10-Year Strategic Plan. Staff responded to a question from Council Member Guthrie
clarifying that Halcyon Road at E. Grand Avenue was proposed to be widened.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing, and upon hearing no public comments, he closed the
public hearing.
Council comments and discussion ensued including support for delaying action on the proposed
Strategic Plan (Plan) in order to provide a period for more public review and comment; support for
the proposed goals and strategies; however, concerns were expressed regarding budget impacts
and prioritization of the goals; clarification from staff that the Plan should not impact the budget
process but would serve as a vision document that would provide general strategic direction and
would be reviewed and updated on a periodic basis as changes are identified; a suggestion that the
Plan be circulated to certain community groups and stakeholders for review and comment, including
the Village Improvement Association, the farming community, and South County Historical Society;
a suggestion to identify rental apartments as a specific need under the category of "Housing", a
request to include webcasting of Council meetings under the category of "Technology; a request to
add language under the category of "Economic Development" stressing City-developer partnerships
as it relates to developer driven infrastructure improvements; a request to add the language "in the
vicinity of' as it relates to plans and funding strategies for improvements near the EI Campo/101
intersection; a request to insert language under the category of "Affordable Housing" regarding the
use of alternative energy solutions to increase energy efficiency; clarification that infrastructure
improvements on James Way are currently underway; and an emphasis on increasing the capability
to develop new information for the City's government access channel. It was further recommended
that the first item on page 4 of the Plan regarding the community's demographics be reworded;
Minutes: City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 13,2007
Page 6
clarification was provided regarding the potential sale of a portion of the property for the proposed
recreation center; clarification was provided regarding cooperative efforts with Lucia Mar School
District concerning community swim programs at the high school; clarification was provided that
creekside paths would not encroach into the City's required 25-foot creek bank setback; clarification
was provided regarding the goals identified for City Hall improvements and a request was made by
Council Member Fellows for a copy of the City Hall Study; a request to expand the goals concerning
safety related sidewalk improvements to include Tally Ho Road; a request to expand the strategic
direction regarding efforts to protect the City's environmental resources; and clarification regarding
coordination of Arroyo Grande Creek activities with the Habitat Conservation Plan.
Following Council comments, City Manager Adams summarized Council direction by
recommending the Strategic Plan be released for public review and comment for a 60-day period;
direct staff to distribute the Plan to community leaders; place the Plan on the City's website; issue
press releases; and that the agenda item be continued to a date uncertain.
Action: Council Member Fellows moved to delay action on the proposed Strategic Plan for
approximately 60 days to provide a period of public review and comment; place the Plan on the
City's website; and to specifically seek comments from the Village Improvement Association, South
County Historical Society, and the farming community. Mayor Pro Tem Arnold seconded, and the
motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Fellows, Arnold, Costello, Guthrie, Ferrara
None
None
Mayor Ferrara called for a break at 8:45 p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:50 p.m.
10. CONTINUED BUSINESS ITEMS
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS ITEMS
11.a. Consideration of the Draft Water Balance Study for the Northern Cities Area.
Director of Public Works Spagnolo introduced Dr. Iris Priestaff, Todd Engineers, who gave a
PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Administrative Services Department) on the results of
the Water Balance Study for the Northern Cities Area.
Director Spagnolo referred to the 2005 Urban Water Management Plan and spoke about
projects identified as a result of the water supply analysis. He noted the completion of Phase 1
of the Well No. 10 project and that Phase 1 of the Water Conservation/Retrofit project has
resulted in a savings of approximately 54 acre/ft of water. As far as long-term reliable water
supply, he gave a status report on the following projects: 1. Draft Water Balance Study is
complete; 2. Expansion (Phase 2) of water conservation efforts will begin this summer; 3.
Phase 2, Well No. 10 project to be designed this spring; 4) Proposals to prepare funding study
for a proposed desalination project are being reviewed; and 5) Costs are being determined to
Minutes: City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Page 7
build a pipe line for the Price Canyon reclaimed oil field water project. He explained that the
current temporary water supply agreement with Oceano Community Services District (OCSD)
ends in August 2007 and he recommended the Council extend the current agreement with
OCSD by pursuing a ten-year agreement for 200 acrelft/yr. He also noted that Avila Beach has
also offered to provide water under similar arrangements.
City Manager Adams emphasized that within the City's planning efforts, he expected that the
City would continue to meet its water demands without exceeding its allocation; however, these
efforts were designed to provide a buffer to ensure that if there were some variations in rainfall
that the City could plan ahead to ensure water demands could be met without interruptions in
service and avoid the need for mandatory conservation measures. Staff then responded to
questions from Council.
Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter.
Steve Ross, Garden Street, referred to agricultural irrigation as an area to focus on conservation
efforts. He acknowledged the City's conservation efforts and programs for water use in residential
and commercial areas. He suggested implementing programs that would encourage alternative
irrigation rnethods for agricultural and landscape areas.
Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period.
Council comments included support for approving the Draft Water Balance Study and
extending the temporary water supply agreement with OCSD for a ten year period; a
suggestion that the City obtain a copy of the report prepared by Nipomo Community Services
District concerning agricultural water use; support for initiating the Monitoring and Reporting
Program (MAP) for improved water level monitoring in the Arroyo Grande groundwater basin;
emphasizing the need for identifying a permanent water supply solution, such as a desalination
project; preparing a General Plan Water Element; and a suggestion to look into receiving credit
for drainage basin recharge as part of the Groundwater Management Agreement amendment.
Action: Council Member Guthrie moved to approve the Draft Water Balance Study for the
Northern Cities area; and directed staff to pursue discussions with the Oceano Community
Services District (OCSD) and Avila Beach Community Services District to purchase water as
needed. Council Member Fellows seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Guthrie, Fellows, Costello, Arnold, Ferrara
None
None
11.b. Consideration of FY 2007-08 and FY 2008-09 Budget Goals and Priorities.
City' Manager Adams presented the staff report and recommended the Council approve
proposed budget goals and priorities for FY 2007-08 and FY 2008-09. Staff responded to
questions from Council concerning the identified budget priorities; whether road improvement
Minutes: City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Page 8
projects would include drainage improvements; whether the proposed records management
program would include digital scanning of the City's records; and clarification regarding the
City's reserve fund status.
Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter,
and upon hearing no comments, he closed the public comment period.
Council comments and discussion ensued including support for the proposed goals, however,
reserving judgment on the budget priorities until the budget document is presented; an inquiry
about setting aside funds for matching grant fund opportunities; a suggestion to add
construction of sidewalks on Tally Ho Road as a funding priority and modifying the goal to
include constructing sidewalks in those areas of the City where there are gaps in sidewalks not
adjacent to schools; and discussion about how the City manages grant funding opportunities.
Action: Council Member Costello moved to approve proposed budget goals and priorities for
FY 2007-08 and FY 2008-09, as amended. Mayor Pro Tem Arnold seconded, and the motion
passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Costello, Arnold, Guthrie, Fellows, Ferrara
None
None
12. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS
None.
13. CITY MANAGER ITEMS
None.
14. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
15. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Adams announced that an appreciation reception would be held for outgoing Parks,
Recreation and Facilities Director Dan Hernandez on February 21st from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the
City Council Chambers. He also announced that an appreciation dinner would be held for former
Council Member Jim Dickens on February 23m at 6:00 p.m. at the Woman's Club and Community
Center and to contact City Hall for further information.
16. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Steve Ross, Garden Street, referred to the proposed Strategic Plan and suggested that the
document also be distributed to the Chamber of Commerce, E. Grand Avenue Merchants
Association, and the Home Builders Association. He also referred to the City Hall Complex Study
and noted that extensive improvements were needed at the existing City Hall. He noted that City
Hall cannot be modified to meet ADA requirements and still maintain current workspace, and noted
that the building was originally a house which has been remodeled many times. He stated he
believed that most people in the community favored a new City Hall.
Minutes: City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Page 9
17. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ferrara adjourned the meeting at 10:30 p.m.
ATTEST:
~~~
Kelly We mor ity Clerk
(Approved at CC Mtg J. -;;'?- )oo?)