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Minutes 2008-09-23MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 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 7:04 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL City Council/RDA: Council/Board Member Joe Costello, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Chuck Fellows, and Mayor/Chair Tony Ferrara were present. Council/Board Members Jim Guthrie and Ed Arnold were absent. City Staff Present: City Manager Steve Adams, City Attorney Tim Carmel, Director of Administrative Services/City Clerk Kelly Wetmore, Director of Financial Services Angela Kraetsch, Director of Building and Fire Mike Hubert, and Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities Doug Perrin. 3. FLAG SALUTE Steve Champeau, representing Veterans of Foreign Wars, led the Flag Salute. 4. INVOCATION Pastor Robert Banker, Open Door Church, delivered the invocation. 5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 5.a. Honorary Proclamations Recognizing Former Commissioners, Committee, and Board Members. Mayor Ferrara presented Certificates of Appreciation to the following former Commissioners, Committee and Board Members and thanked them for their service to the City of Arroyo Grande: Jean Hubbard, Historical Resources Committee Member (January 2007 -September 2007); Gary Scherquist, Architectural Review Committee Member (January 2005 -September 2007); Ross Kongable, Senior Advisory Commissioner (March 2004 -September 2008); Paul Toms, Senior Advisory Commissioner (November 2003 -September 2008); and Marilynn Fairbanks, Senior Advisory Commissioner (March 1997 -March 2008). Those who were not able to be present included Richard Marshall, Planning Commissioner (January 2007 -April 2008); Richard Jackson, Senior Advisory Commissioner (March 2005 -March 2008); Bob Lund, Downtown Parking Advisory Board Member (March 1997 -April 2008); and Roger Frederickson, Architectural Review Committee Member (January 2008 -September 2008). 6. AGENDA REVIEW 6.a. Ordinances Read in Title Only. Mayor Pro Tem Fellows moved, Council Member Costello seconded, and the motion passed unanimously that all ordinances moved for introduction or adoption at the meeting shall be read in title only and all further reading be waived. Minutes: City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Tuesday, September 23, 2008 Page 2 Tracy Del Rio, Huasna Valley resident, stated that in follow up to last week's special meeting regarding the proposed Excelaron project, she received a copy of the Porter Ranch easement agreement. Upon review of the document, she cautioned the Council to be aware that the agreement does not state who makes the decision if the access road is deemed impassable; the weight capacity of the bridge is not stated; and an alternate route is not identified. She suggested that the Council include these issues of concern in the letter it sends to the County regarding the project. Mayor Ferrara requested that Ms. Del Rio provide City Manager Adams with a copy of the document so it could be reviewed, and thanked her for providing the information. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor/Chair Ferrara invited members of the public who wished to comment on any Consent Agenda Item to do so at this time. No public comments were received. Action: Council/Board Member Costello moved, and Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Fellows seconded the motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.g., with the recommended courses of action. City Attorney Carmel read the full title of the Ordinance in Item 8.f. The motion passed on the following roll-call vote: AYES: Costello, Fellows, Ferrara NOES: None ABSENT: Guthrie, Arnold 8.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification. Action: Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period September 1 through September 15, 2008. 8.b. Consideration of Statement of Investment Deposits. Action: Received and filed the report of current investment deposits as of August 31, 2008. 8.c. Consideration of Approval of Revised Cost Allocation Plan. Action: Adopted the revised Fiscal Year 2008-09 Cost Allocation Plan. 8.d. Consideration of Approval of Minutes. Action: Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting of September 9, 2008, as submitted. 8.e. Consideration of Resolution Adopting Public Works Fees and Service Charges. Action: Adopted Resolution No. 4130 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ESTABLISHING SPECIFIED FEES FOR PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES". 8.f. Consideration of Adoption of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande Amending Section 2.04.040 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Regarding City Council Compensation. Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 604 as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING SECTION 2.04.040 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING CITY COUNCIL COMPENSATION". Minutes: City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page 3 Tuesday, September 23, 2008 8.g. Consideration of Purchase of Affordable Housing Unit at 252 South Courtland Street. [COUNCIL/RDA] Action: RDA: 1) Adopted Resolution No. RDA 08-01 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE ARROYO GRANDE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE AND SALE AND ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE AFFORDABLE HOME LOCATED AT 252 SOUTH COURTLAND STREET, AND FINDING THAT THE AGENCY'S EXPENDITURE OF LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING FUNDS OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ARROYO GRANDE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA BENEFITS THE PROJECT AREA"; and 2) Appropriated $335,000 from the Redevelopment Agency Housing Set-aside Fund for the purchase. COUNCIL: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 4131 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE FINDING THAT THE EXPENDITURE BY THE ARROYO GRANDE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING FUNDS OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ARROYO GRANDE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA BENEFITS THE PROJECT AREA". 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 10. CONTINUED BUSINESS ITEMS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS ITEMS 11.a. Consideration of Fire Consolidation Concepts and Alternatives. City Manager Adams presented the staff report and recommended the Council: 1) Review alternatives presented; 2) Provide feedback; and 3) Direct staff to advise the Fire Oversight Committee to further study and develop recommendations regarding the formation of a Fire Service Joint Powers Authority (JPA) or to contract fire services to the other agencies. Council Member Costello stated that as a representative on the Fire Oversight Committee, he has seen an increased level of professionalism among the agencies; the level of training has been standardized; the ability to respond has improved; and the overall benefits are very evident. He acknowledged the options and supported the need to move forward. He also acknowledged that the costs for Arroyo Grande are higher and he would like to achieve parity in that area in the future. In response to a question by Mayor Pro Tem Fellows concerning the increase in cost to the City of Arroyo Grande and what the benefits to the City would be, City Manager Adams explained that while the current structure is working well, some areas of consolidation would be difficult to maintain. He addressed the issue of parity related to salaries and noted that the objective is in long- range planning so that there are cost savings in the long run by maintaining one agency. Mayor Ferrara acknowledged the need for a detailed assessment of the strategies to ensure service level efficiencies and cost effectiveness. Director of Building and Fire Hubert addressed staffing issues and the constraints of using firefighters across agency borders. Minutes: City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page 4 Tuesday, September 23, 2008 Mayor Ferrara acknowledged Grover Beach Mayor John Shoals, Oceano Community Services District (OCSD) Board President Jim Hill, OCSD Board Member Barbara Mann, and the many firefighters in attendance. Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter. John Shoals, Grover Beach Mayor, thanked Council Member Costello for his representation on the Fire Oversight Committee; expressed hope for continued shared resources; that the City of Grover Beach has made a substantial investment in this effort; acknowledged the financial burden placed on the City of Arroyo Grande; reiterated Grover Beach's commitment to pursue consolidation; noted that many improvements have been seen; stated that the consolidation effort is a priority and Grover Beach wants to be an equal partner; that the Grover Beach Council would be discussing the matter at its October 6"' meeting; and supported Chiefs Hubert and Heath, and all the firefighters. Jim Hill, OCSD Board President, stated that while he served on the Fire Oversight Committee, the full OCSD Board has not considered this matter yet. He commended City Manager Adams for the outstanding staff report to present the options; commended Chiefs Hubert and Heath for their leadership of the Fire Departments; acknowledged the issues of parity and stated that he has observed equal service regardless of disparate conditions; thanked the Fire Oversight Committee; acknowledged that OCSD is the farthest from achieving salary parity; agreed that a detailed cost analysis would be needed; noted that equipment sharing had not been discussed; and supported continuing contracted services and moving toward the creation of a JPA. Patrick Irev, President of the International Association of Firefighters Local 4403 (IAFF), City of Arroyo Grande, spoke in support of consolidation; acknowledged efforts taken toward consolidation over the past four years; stated it was the desire of the Department staff to make this happen and to achieve parity in all areas; acknowledged the Chief's willingness and support; and stated their goal is to provide a better level of service to the community. Tom Huohev, Vice President of the Career Firefighters Union, City of Grover Beach, spoke in support of consolidation and thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak. Rick Grensik, Pismo Beach resident, thanked City Manager Adams for his personal handwritten note following public comments he made at a previous meeting; noted he had been in the fire service for 30 years; stated he was a volunteer firefighter for Pismo Beach and Shell Beach for 26 of those years; and supported the efforts to solidify this cooperative agreement. He commended the Council for being fiscally responsible, and distributed and discussed a document entitled "Summary of Per Capita Costs for Fire Related Emergency Services in SLO County". He stated that call volume is increasing 10% per year and that most people don't understand what levels of service mean within a Fire Department. He encouraged the Council and the community to support the consolidation efforts. Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period. Council Member Costello stated that the system in place is temporary and he would like to see it permanent. He supported directing staff to advise the Fire Oversight Committee to further study and develop recommendations for further consolidation. Mayor Pro Tem Fellows noted that his son-in-law is a firefighter for the City of Santa Maria, he knows what firefighters go through, and supported staffs recommendations. Minutes: City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page 5 Tuesday, September 23, 2008 Mayor Ferrara supported moving forward, and noted that staff efficiencies and other potential cost saving strategies are critical study issues. He noted that consolidation strategies should include equipment, facilities, and personnel. He supported a comprehensive study and clarified that it would be done in-house. Action: Council Member Costello moved to direct staff to advise the Fire Oversight Committee to further study and develop recommendations regarding the formation of a Fire Service Joint Powers Authority (JPA) or to possibly contract fire services to the other agencies. Mayor Pro Tem Fellows seconded the motion and the motion passed on the following roll-calf vote: AYES: Costello, Fellows, Ferrara NOES: None ABSENT: Guthrie, Arnold 12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS a. MAYOR TONY FERRARA: (1) San Luis Obispo Council of Governments/San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (SLOCOG/SLORTA). SLOCOG -Reviewed the new SLORTA facility and discussed proposed budget impacts of the State budget on transportation funding, specifically Prop 42 funds. Noted that the State budget was passed following the SLOCOG meeting and transportation funding remains intact. SLORTA -Discussed the operation and maintenance contract; will be looking at potentially bringing operations in-house; will continue to work with cities on coordination. (2) South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD). Discussed mostly routine items; reported the plant continues to operate smoothly; noted that there are major maintenance projects upcoming as the systems are aging and the District is budgeting funds to ensure continued operations. There was consensus of the Council to request John Wallace to make a presentation to the Council of the Plant's operations. (3) Brisco/Halcyon/Hwy 101 Interchange Project Subcommittee. Mayor Ferrara reported that he, Council Member Arnold, City Manager Adams, and Director of Public Works Spagnolo met with SLOCOG and Caltrans staff to present the Council approved Alternative Plan. He noted that while there may be some challenges, Caltrans seemed receptive and they provided a punch list of information items and more detail. (4) Other. None. b. MAYOR PRO TEM CHUCK FELLOWS: (1) South County Youth Coalition. The Coalition did not meet three weeks ago; however, they meet Thursday and he will attend. (2) County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC). Attended the meeting and noted that the report on the Quagga mussel issue was not detailed; however, he obtained the following information from the Supervising Ranger at Lake Lopez: Since June 1, 2008, 6,647 boats have visited; 2,027 had intact tags; of the remaining 4,620, 69 boats were rejected (no entry to lake); mostly local visitors during weekdays; on weekends 3-5 boats a day are rejected; they are careful to ask where the boats are coming from; of the 69 rejected boats, 33 had water in the bilge, 19 Minutes: City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Tuesday, September 23, 2008 Page 6 had water in their live wells or bait box; 13 had water ballasts, 3 had debris (slime, algae, dirt), and 2 refused inspection. No visible mussels have been found. (3) Other. None. c. COUNCIL MEMBER JOE COSTELLO: (1) Zone 3 Water Advisory Board. No report. Was not sure if Council Member Guthrie attended the last meeting as the Alternate. (2) Air Pollution Control District (APCD). The Board has not met since the last report; however, the Board meets next week. Mayor Ferrara noted that a copy of the letter regarding the Huasna Valley oil project would be sent to the APCD. (3) Fire Oversight Committee. The next meeting is in two weeks. (4) Other. None. d. COUNCIL MEMBER JIM GUTHRIE: (ABSENT) (1) South County Area Transit (SCAT). (2) California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA). (3) Other. e. COUNCIL MEMBER ED ARNOLD: (ABSENT) (1) Integrated Waste Management Authority Board (IWMA). (2) Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC). (3) Other. 13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS: a) Request for City Council to Appeal the September 11, 2008 Decision of the Parks and Recreation Commission to Uphold the Appeal by Milt Hayes of the Staff Denial of a Permit Request to Remove Two Blue Gum Eucalyptus Trees Located at 415 E. Branch Street. Mayor Pro Tem Fellows requested the Council appeal the decision of the Parks and Recreation Commission to uphold the appeal by Milt Hayes of staff's denial of a tree removal permit at 415 E. Branch Street. He noted that the trees in question do not appear to be in a hazardous condition and he would like more information on the matter. Following brief discussion, the Council concurred with the request to appeal. City Manager Adams stated that a staff report would be prepared and the item would be scheduled for the October 14'" City Council meeting. 14. CITY MANAGER ITEMS: None. 15. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Ferrara referred to the parking issues at Arroyo Grande High School regarding encroachment on private property and stated the issue needed to be reviewed with the High School. City Manager Adams reported that a meeting with the Principal and Police Chief had been scheduled for next week to discuss the matter. Mayor Ferrara suggested the High School check with St. Patrick's Church for overflow parking. Council Member Costello reminded everyone of the Harvest Festival this weekend. Minutes: City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Tuesday, September 23, 2008 16. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS: None. 17. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS: None. 18. ADJOURNMENT Mayor/Chair Ferrara urned the meeting at 8:31 p.m. .~ ~_ Tony rar~ or/Chair ATTES Kelly Wet or , ity Clerk/Agency Secretary (Approved at CC Mtg /D-/'~-ZocB Page 7