Minutes 2009-01-27MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCILIREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2009
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
7:11 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Council/RDA: Council/Board Members Chuck Fellows, Jim Guthrie, Ed Arnold, Mayor Pro
TemNice Chair Joe Costello, and Mayor/Chair Tony Ferrara were present.
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 Community Development Rob Strong,
Director of .Building and Fire Hubert, Associate Planner Teresa McClish, and
Associate Planner Jim Bergman.
3. FLAG SALUTE
The Arroyo Grande Police Department Explorers led the Flag Salute.
4. INVOCATION
Pastor Robert Banker, Open Door Church, delivered the invocation.
5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
None.
6. AGENDA REVIEW _
6.a. Ordinances Read in Title Only.
Mayor Pro. Tem Costello moved, Council Member Arnold 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.
7 CITIZENS' INPUT COMMENTS. AND SUGGESTIONS
Camav Arad, Village business owner (Chameleon), referred to a letter she had previously submitted
requesting that four existing tree pots in the Village be relocated. to the east end of the Village
between Mason Street and the Chameleon store. She indicated she had met with staff and she had
not received a #avorable response. In response to Ms. Arad's comments, Mayor Ferrara stated he
would contact her directly and schedule a time to meet with her to discuss the matter further.
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.
Mayor/Chair Ferrara requested that Item 8.k. be pulled.
Action: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Costello moved, and Council/Board Member Amold seconded
the motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.j., with the recommended courses of
action. The motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
Minutes: City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page 2
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
AYES: Costello, Arnold, Guthrie, Fellows, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
8.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification.
Action: Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period January 1, 2009 through
January 15, 2009.
8.b. Consideration of Statement of Investment Deposits.
Action: Received and filed the report of current investment deposits as of December 31,
2008.
8.c. Consideration of Acceptance of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
Action: Received and. filed the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.
8.d. Consideration of Approval of Minutes.
Action: Approved the minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings of January
13, 2009, as submitted.
8.e. Consideration of a Resolution Adopting a Citywide Records Retention Schedule.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 41.53 as follows: A RESOLUTION .OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING A CITYWIDE RECORDS
RETENTION SCHEDULE AND AUTHORIZING DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN CITY
RECORDS".
8.f. Consideration of Consultant Services Agreement with Sprinkler King, Inc. to Conduct
Landscape Water Conservation Surveys.
Action: 1) Approved an Agreement with Sprinkler King, Inc. in the amount of $40,500 to
conduct landscape water conservation surveys; and 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the
Agreement.
8.g. Consideration of Temporary Use Permit Case No. 09-001 Authorizing the Use of City
Property for the Arroyo Grande Village Improvement Association Valentine's Movie
Night, February 14, 2009.
Action: Adopt Resolution No. 4154 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING A CITYWIDE RECORDS RETENTION
SCHEDULE AND AUTHORIZING DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN CITY RECORDS".
8.h. Consideration of Additional Sidewalk Improvements for the Traffic Way Streetscape
Project, PW 2007-10. [CC/RDA]
Action: 1) Approved the construction of additional sidewalk and driveway improvements,
within the right-of-way on the north side of Fair Oaks Avenue, adjacent to the Mullahey Ford
car dealership, as part of the Traffic Way Streetscape Project, PW 2007-10; 2) Authorized a
transfer of $25,000 from the Redevelopment Agency Fund; and 3) Increased the
authorization of the City Manager to approve change orders from 10% of the contract.
amount to 23%, for unanticipated-costs during the construction phase of the project.
8.i. Consideration of Submittal of a Resolution of Support for the Expansion of the
Halcyon Road Park and Ride Lot.
Action: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 4155 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE SUPPORTING THE EXPANSION OF
THE HALCYON ROAD PARK AND RIDE LOT" and; 2) Directed the City Clerk to submit
the Resolution to the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments.
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
8.j. Consideration of Resolution Modifying the Salary Schedule for Management
Employees and Employment Settlement Agreement (Strong).
Action: 1) Approved the proposed Employment Settlement Agreement; and 2) Adopted
Resolution No.4157 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE MODIFYING THE SALARY SCHEDULE FOR MANAGEMENT
EMPLOYEES".
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
8.k. Consideration of Council Appointments to Various Commissions, Boards, and
Committees.
Recommended Action: Approve the appointments to various City Commissions, Boards
and Committees.
-Mayor Ferrara noted the supplemental memorandum which was distributed to Council (on file in the
Administrative Services Department) and noted there was an additional applicant for the Parks and
Recreation Commission. The Council acknowledged the supplemental information presented.
Action: Mayor Pro Tem Costello moved, and Council Member Arnold seconded the motion to
approve Consent Agenda Item 8.k.,.with the recommended course of action. The motion passed on
the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Costello, Amold, Guthrie, Fellows, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Ferrara requested that Item 11.a. be moved up on the Agenda prior to consideration of the
public hearing items. The Council concurred unanimously. .
11. NEW BUSINESS ITEMS
11.a. .Consideration of 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness in San Luis Obispo County.
City Manager presented the staff report and recommended the Council: 1) Receive the 10-Year
Plan to End Homelessness, as prepared under the guidance of the Countywide San Luis Obispo
County Leadership Council; 2) Endorse the Guiding Principles that underlie the Plan, as approved
by the Leadership Council; 3) Utilize the 10-Year Plan and the Guiding Principles as a point of
departure in our future efforts, both within cities and among the regional partners, to address and
prevent homelessness in the County of San Luis Obispo; and 4) Designate a Council Member to
serve as the City representative in the ongoing collaboration to address and prevent homelessness
within the County.
City Manager Adams then introduced Dana Lilley, County Planning Department, who gave a
PowerPoint presentation entitled "Path to a Hame -San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-Year Plan to
End Homelessness (on file in the Administrative Services Department). He reviewed homelessness
statistics and resulting costs to affected communities; status of funding for homeless programs;
impacts to existing facilities; new Federal and State regulations concerning homelessness;
coordination efforts and strategies in creating a plan for SLO County; and a request for Council
representation to serve on the Leadership Council.
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Mayor Ferrara invited comments from-those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter.
Paul Brown, San Luis Obispo resident, spoke in support of the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness
and asked the Council to support the Plan. He noted having a Plan in place will help when applying
for grant funding, and by coordinating efforts it would avoid duplication of efforts. .
Dee Torres, EOC Director, spoke I support of the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness and urged
the Council to approve the guiding principles. She noted the Plan is comprehensive to better
coordinate regional efforts.
Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period.
Council discussion ensued in support of the proposed efforts on the 10-Year Plan to End
Homelessness; however, there was some concern expressed about funding issues. The Council
acknowledged that homelessness statistics are increasing and that it would be essential to
coordinate regional services and projects; that providing affordable housing continues to be a goal,
however, it is difficult to achieve. Following discussion concerning representation on the Leadership
Council, Council Member Guthrie volunteered to be the City's representative.
Action: Mayor Pro Tem Costello moved to: 1) receive the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, as
prepared under the guidance of the Countywide San Luis Obispo County Leadership Council; 2)
endorse the Guiding Principles that underlie the Plan, as approved. by the Leadership Council; 3)
utilize the 10-Year Plan and the Guiding Principles as a point of departure in our future efforts, both
within cities and among the regional partners, to address and prevent homelessness in the County
of San Luis Obispo; and 4) Designate Council Member Guthrie to serve as the City representative
in the ongoing collaboration to address and prevent homelessness within the: County. Council
Member Fellows seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Costello, Fellows, Arnold, Guthrie, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.a. Consideration of a Resolution Granting Consent to the San Luis Obispo County
Board of Supervisors to Create the San Luis Obispo County Tourism Business
Improvement District within the Boundaries of the City of Arroyo Grande.
Associate Planner Jim Bergman presented the staff report and recommended the Council adopt a
Resolution granting the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors the ability to create the San
Luis Obispo County Tourism Business Improvement District (BID) within the bouhdaries of the City
of Arroyo Grande, which would establish a two percent assessment fee on hotels and motels within
the BID.
Mayor Ferrara reported that the City of Morro Bay took action last night to not participate in the
County BID because the hoteliers in Morro Bay rejected the idea and want to pursue a Business
Improvement District on their own. He also stated he had spoken with the City of Atascadero and
there was some concern about whether participating in the County BID would be worthwhile with
only two cities participating. He noted that the City of Atascadero was also considering the issue
tonight and it was likely to be rejected as well
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
In response to a question by Council Member Guthrie regarding the timing to effectively protest,
Associate Planner Bergman clarified that the hoteliers in the City of Arroyo Grande would have to
protest the formation of a BID. within the City limits at tonight's hearing. Council Member Guthrie
noted he had spoken with the owner of the Best Western Casa Grande Hotel who opposes the
formation of a BID due to the additional cost to visitors and the resulting impacts to their hotel
business and that there is only a small portion of the County that would be promoted without the
other cities' involvement.
In response to a question by Council Member Fellows, Associate Planner Bergman noted that the
City's. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate would increase to 12% if the BID were approved. He
also gave an overview of the TOT rates in the other San Luis Obispo County cities.
In response to questions by Council Member Arnold, Associate Planner Bergman explained that the
City could choose to withdraw from the BID at any time; however, the funds would continue to be
collected until the end of the assessment year: He also commented that the Hampton Inn owners
had been notified about the proposal; however, he had received no input to date.
In response to a question by Mayor Pro Tem Costello, Associate Planner Bergman noted he had
not received any direct input from any of the City's hotel operators since distribution of the staff
report.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing.
Mvraline Morris-Whitaker, representing the Visitors and Conference Bureau Board, commented that
she was distressed about Morro. Bay's decision to not participate in the BID; noted that the VCB
staff is in transition, and acknowledged concerns that have been expressed about the VCB
administering the program. She gave an overview of the efforts that have taken place to form a
County-wide BID and spoke in support of the proposal
Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public hearing.
Council Members Guthrie and Arnold stated they could not support moving forward to participate in
the County BID at this time; acknowledged that one of the largest hotels (Casa Grande) in Arroyo
Grande was opposed to the County BID; expressed concern that many of the other cities in the
County are not participating in the County BID, and that it was an unfortunate situation because the
City's Tourism Study recommended collaborative efforts with other jurisdictions to promote tourism.
Council Member Fellows stated he was inclined to support the proposal and that it was the wrong
time to pull back on these efforts. He referred to a tourism promotion symposium he recently
attended where the speaker said people are in a crisis of anticipation that things are going to get
worse. He commented that he had not seen anything in writing from any of the hotels. He
suggested if the item were to be continued perhaps more information could be provided; however,
he could support the proposal tonight. He also referred to the General Plan which states that the
City would become an active participant in the County-wide tourism program.
Mayor Pro Tem Costello stated that the concept to pool funds to promote tourism within the County
and cities. is good. He expressed concern about the cities that have withdrawn from the County BID
proposal. He stated that puts the City in competition with the other cities. He stated he could not
support the proposal and that while the. concept is sound, it should involve all cities on a County
level.
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Mayor Ferrara stated the City is faced with a decision that may be premature. He referred to the
Tourism Study which identifies formation of a Tourism Committee that would have participation from
the hoteliers, members of the Village Improvement Association, Chamber of Commerce, and
businesses. He noted many efforts are currently underway which will increase the City's ability to
promote tourism. He stated he was willing to try these initial strategies to see what transpires. He
did not think the time was right to move forward on the proposed County BID; however, the City
should continue to pursue regional cooperative efforts.
Discussion ensued concerning the status of the local Tourism Committee, efforts in progress,
alternative recommendations for moving forward, and continuing the item for future consideration.
Action: Council Member Fellows moved to continue this item to a date uncertain in order to gather
more information from the hoteliers, bed and breakfast owners, the other cities, the County, and the
Tourism Committee. Council Member Arnold seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll
call vote:
AYES: Fellows, Arnold, Guthrie, Costello, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Ferrara called for a break at 8:30 p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:40 p.m.
9.b. Continued Public .Hearing -Consideration of a Vesting Tentative Tract Map and
Planned Unit Development Case No. 01-001 (Otherwise known as Tract 1998) to
Subdivide a 26.9-Acre Property into Fifteen (15) Residential Lots and aTwenty-Two
(22) Acre Permanently Preserved Open Space Parcel.
Associate Planner McClish presented the staff report and recommended the Council consider
Addendum No. 2 to the previously certified Revised Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report
and project plans for the revised 15-lot subdivision and planned unit development. The Planning
Commission recommended that the Council adopt a Resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract
Map and Planned Unit Development Case No. 01-001 to.subdivide a 26.9-acre property into fifteen
(15) residential lots and atwenty-two (22) acre permanently preserved open space parcel with the
included CEQA and project findings, conditions of approval and mitigation monitoring and reporting
requirements. Associate Planner McClish introduced John Rickenbach and Kevin Merk, Rincon
Consultants, who were present to address CEQA issues related to the project.
Mayor Ferrara invited the applicant's representative to address the Council.
Dennis Law, representing Castlerock Development, displayed various maps and gave a brief
overview of the project layout. He noted that the new 15-unit design avoids all of the impacts to the
State and Federal defined wetlands, with one exception relating to the roadway, which encroaches
into the buffer and does not result in any direct impacts to the Pismo clarkia. He provided a
comparison of the current project with the previous 21-unit project which resulted in direct impacts
to State defined wetlands and encroached into the buffer.
Staff then responded to questions from the Council about the proposed project.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing and invited comments from those in the audience who
wished to be heard on the matter.
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Bob Brownson, Asilo, asked several questions of staff to clarify issues relating to Pismo clarkia
impacts; the proposed maintenance district; and proposed setbacks. He then presented a letter
which he read for the record (on file in the Administrative Services Department) that stated reasons
he opposed the project, primarily related to filling the bioswale, and he suggested the Council
postpone the matter in order to conduct additional open meetings with all relevant parties to
develop a plan that would have far less environmental impact on wildlife, wetlands, views, and
trees.
Marv Ann Otter, Asilo, spoke in opposition to the project, specifically as it relates to filling in the
bioswale and expressed concern about destruction of the wetlands and riparian habitat.
Doua Tait, Asilo, spoke in opposition to the project and expressed concerns about long-term
maintenance and enforcement issues, as well as the many unanswered questions concerning the
emergency access road; impacts due to filling in the gully (bioswale}; impacts from the proposed
water treatment facility and related infrastructure; impacts to Meadow Creek; the fire and vegetation
management plan as it relates to required clearance distances; and oak tree mitigation.
Neil Havlik, San Luis Obispo, stated he was familiar with the site and the project and commented on
the unnecessary environmental impacts to the site; presented an altemative proposal which would
reduce impacts to the wetlands; noted that some setbacks may have to be reduced in order to
achieve the proposal; and recommended the current proposal be tabled pending evaluation of his
proposed altemative.
Pat Smith, Asilo, spoke in opposition to the proposed project and expressed concern about filling in
the bioswale; the extensive costs and permitting processes; the developer's ability to market the
lots; the costs to future lot owners to monitor the mitigation measures in this area; setback issues,
the proposed density; and the numerous environmental impacts.
Karen Tait, Asilo, spoke in opposition to the proposed project and expressed concern about the
environmental impacts to the wetlands; the economic viability of the project; and whether the project
is ecologically sound and socially responsible.
Anna Unkovich, Asilo, spoke in opposition to the proposed project, especially with regard to tree
impacts.
Bob VanHazelen, Rosemary Court, referred to the proposed T-intersection that is part of the
project. He expressed concern about the proposed placement of the entry road as it relates to light
pollution into his home and recommended that the current entry road to the project from La Canada
be realigned approximately 200 feet south to intersect with Rosemary Court, which would create a
traffic engineering standard four-way intersection.
Martin Melts, Los Ciervos, expressed concern with truck traffic during the construction phase as it
relates to dirt and dust impacts, and asked that stipulations be included to require regular clean up
of the streets by the developer. He also inquired about proposed truck routes during the
construction phase.
Upon hearing no public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public hearing.
Council Member Fellows provided the following comments:
- Referred to the map of the bioswale, also referred to as the unnamed tributary to Meadow
Creek, and noted he had visited the site four or five times where he observed the wetlands,
many trees, and very dense vegetation;
- Stated he had previously opposed the idea of filling in the bioswale and proposed an alternative
plan which was rejected by the applicant;
- Referred to additional information indicating that filling in the bioswale is not a good idea and
that he could not support the proposed project based on the following reasons: 1) there is no
evidence that proves filling in the bioswale will prevent silt from entering the creek, based on
information from excerpted quotes by Nanci Parker, former Planning Commission and now
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
affiliated with Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District, and Brian Troutwine with the
Urban Creeks Council, that the best way to clean water before it's discharged to a creek is by
flowing through an earth bottom or vegetated drainage channel; 2) that the top 12 inches of soil
in a drainage channel/wetland with its immense network of plant roots is where a majority of
pollutants are removed; 3) the City's new Stormwater Management Plan mentions the need to
achieve four water quality protection conditions which include maximizing infiltration of clean
storm water while minimizing runoff volume and rate; and to protect riparian areas, wetlands,
and buffer zones; 4) the act of importing fill material (19,000 cubic yards) and compacting it
would likely irreparably damage the area surrounding the disappearing bioswale; 5) expert
testimony regarding significant project impacts from jurisdictional agencies such as the Army
Corps of Engineer, the Central Coast Regional Water Control Board, California Department of
Fish and Game, the-San Luis Resource Conservation District, and Mr. Doug Tait, former
Planning Commissioner and current Park Ranger, to protect wetlands, water quality and
watersheds; and 6) the City's General Plan which include open space and conservation
objectives and policies to safeguard important environmental and sensitive biological resources
contributing to a healthy, functioning eco system; designates all streams and riparian corridors
as conservation open space; preserves stream and riparian corridors in their natural state, and
development shall avoid disturbance of significant wildlife corridor.
- Believed the bioswale should remain so that it can continue to do its job of slowing stormwater
runoff while filtering out sediment, breaking down and removing pollutants, and it can continue
as a wildlife habitat and part of the wildlife corridor.
- Cannot support the project as proposed;
- Could support a reduced project, such as the one suggested by Neil Havlik with some lots
located off the steepest slopes, out of the area of the bioswale, and away from the wetland even
if it were to intrude into some areas of smaller oaks, into up to 10% of the Pismo clarkia area,
and into some setbacks; could support a Statement of Overriding Considerations for a plan that
has far less impact on wildlife, the pedestrian trail, views, and large oak trees; would also
support reducing some of the Meadow Creek mitigations as well;
- Envisioned an open meeting with all interested parties to hammer out a compromise in one day.
Council Member Guthrie provided the following comments:
- Acknowledged the Council was reviewing a proposed Tentative Tract Map for a section of a
Master Plan that was approved more than 20 years ago;
- Acknowledged the constraints on the property and the extensive environmental reviews and
analyses that had been conducted;
- Stated that there was atrade-off for preserving the Pismo clarkia and noted. the developer has
been repeatedly directed to design a project which avoids the Pismo clarkia;
- Acknowledged the 50-foot buffer that was put in place;
- Believed that Pismo clarkia avoidance is the most significant issue;
- Believed that the principal area of the wetlands has been- protected;
- Acknowledged there would be some Oak tree removal; however, many Oak trees will be
maintained;
- Believed that the wildlife corridor is not significantly impacted;
- Supports assigning long term maintenance responsibilities to the HOA; noted that the City will
have the ability to directly enforce the CC&R's;
- Maintenance of the open space parcel should be the responsibility of an independent, non-profit
agency and not the HOA;
- With regard to regulatory agency comments, they have the authority and ability to enforce
regulations associated with this project;
- Can support the project as proposed.
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Council Member Arnold provided the following comments:
- Agreed with Council Member Guthrie on almost all his comments;
- In response to a previous question about the Rosemary Court alignment, staff noted that there
were environmental issues related to the suggested realignment and that due to the limited
amount of traffic, a T-Intersection design is allowed since there are no sight distance issues;
- Commented that the Council has directed the applicant to this point by establishing a 50 foot
setback to create a buffer and to avoid the Pismo clarkia;
- Had expressed earlier concern about whether the City would eventually incur costs associated
with the project, specifically regarding creek issues and Pismo clarkia;
- Believed one of the best assets of the project is the pedestrian walking path which will be a
valued public benefit;
- Believed the project results in the least amount of impacts;
- Noted that only 2% of the Oak trees would be impacted; commented on transplant
success/failure rates; (staff noted the revised mitigation measure concerning the Oak trees and
it now includes the option of the native grown seedlings at a greater ratio);
- Comfortable with combination of graded versus natural lots; okay with drainage between lots;
- Would like to see condition added regarding road condition monitoring and cleaning;
- Noted that a well will be dedicated to the City which will be a valuable resource;
- Noted the enhancement to creek and restoration efforts;
- Did not have preference between HOA and Maintenance District for long term maintenance.
Mayor Pro Tem Costello provided the following comments:
- Agreed that provisions need to be included for street cleaning during construction, as well as
cleaning of construction vehicles prior to leaving the site;
- Should have 100 foot clearance down slope for fire protection for all properties;
- Should include mitigation for truck trips and any potential road damage to James Way;
- Said if project was coming forward today based on the existing General Plan, it would probably
not be approved; however, this project is based on the 1990 General Plan;
- Acknowledged that the number of units have been substantially reduced;
- Noted the only Class I impact in the certified EIR was to the Pismo clarkia and the developer
was instructed to come back with a plan to avoid the Pismo clarkia;
- Stated this project avoids the Pismo clarkia .and minimizes the incursion into the existing
wetland;
- Acknowledged the mitigation measures for restoration of the creek, which will result in an
improvement;
- Stated there will be some impacts to the gully; however, the gully is not defined as a creek and it
is not a Class I impact; the applicant is also going to have to comply with Army Corps of
Engineers and Department of Fish & Game conditions;
- Said this is the best alternative that will protect against the Class I impact to the Pismo clarkia; it
protects as much of the existing wetlands possible; and puts most of the development into an
area where it will not be too visually intrusive;
- Stated the emergency access road is sufficient and the Fire Chief has approved it;
- Prefers HOA to be responsible for long term maintenance with provisions to support
enforcement so costs are born by the homeowners;
- Supports the project as proposed with some additional conditions to address street cleaning and
monitoring, truck trips, and fire clearance on slopes.
Mayor Ferrara provided the following comments:
- Stated the proposed emergency access road is unacceptable as proposed as it relates to
composition and width; he said it should be wider, it should be asphalt, and it should be a
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
dedicated fire emergency route with agreements in place; he expressed concern about
evacuation experiences where the width of the road was insufficient, and this emergency route
should be 24 foot paved asphalt;
- Preferred that all lots are finished (drainage, compaction, retaining walls, Oak tree. driplines,
setbacks) and ready to be built on; does not support moving forward with unfinished lots;
- With regard to the gully, he stated it is a feeder to Meadow Creek and filling it in with dirt does
not make sense, whether or not it is considered a Class I impact or not;
- Disagreed that the HOA should be responsible for long term maintenance; he believed it would
be tremendously costly to the homeowners;
- Stated there was no information that dictates the fiscal impacts of maintenance of the public
areas created by this project; expressed concem about the roadway, the bridge over Meadow
Creek and the impacts to Meadow Creek, and what the City's long term maintenance
responsibility would be in that area;
Referred to Regional Water Quality Control Board as it relates to storm water issues and noted
that they will be vigilant about long term maintenance on this project and ttie City could expect
to be firied 'rf there are any violations; as a result, he stated he was uncomfortable with the long
term maintenance issues associated with this project;
- Stated that since the City approved the Rancho Grande Master Plan long ago, it was a simple,
blanket approval and this particular situation has become exceedingly more complex; even
though this project is under the previous General Plan, the City is confronted with environmerital
law that has constrained this area and he could not set this aside;
- Requested. that if the Council moves forward, he hoped that the motion would include some of
the additional items that have been mentioned tonight. -
- Could not support the project as proposed.
Associate Planner McClish provided clarification and noted that conditions can be drafted to
address potential impacts to the road; that there are provisions in place in the Mitigation Monitoring
Plan referring to cleaning of.City streets and mitigating for short term construction impacts, including
the requirement to submit a stormwater pollution prevention plan; that a condition can be added to
address the truck traffic; and that Condition #29 and Mitigation Measure PS-2 requires 100 foot fire
clearance from residences and are subject to a fuel mod cation plan.
City Attorney Carmel suggested the addition of Condition #116 to read as follows: "Prior to the
issuance of grading permits, the applicant .shall provide a haul route for any fill materials to be
imported to the site showing all roads traveled within the City. A road condition survey will be
performed by the applicant and approved by the Public Works Director before and after hauling
operations to assess deterioration of the. roadway. Any road damage or deterioration beyond
normal traffic wear and tear, as determined by the Public Works Director, shall be repaired by the
applicant at its sole expense (including wear to existing striping). Additionally, prior to issuance of a
building permit, the applicant shall clean the street by mechanical sweeper at the end of each day
during the hauling operation to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director".
Based on Council comments, Associate Planner McClish referred to the FireNegetation
Management Plan in Mitigation Measure PS-2(s) and suggested the Plan be modified to require
100 feet of clearance on all sides of the development, or as approved by the Director of Building
and Fire, instead of 30 feet.
Council Member Arnold suggested a modification to Condition 12.a. to require construction of a
paved twenty-four foot emergency access road instead of an all-weather road.
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The Council concurred with the suggested modifications.
Action: Council Member Amold moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE TO CONSIDER AN ADDENDUM TO
THE PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED FINAL SUBSEQUENT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT,
ADOPT A MITIGAT/ON MONITORING PROGRAM, INSTRUCT THE D/RECTOR OF
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES TO FILE A NOTICE OF DETERMINATION, AND APPROVE
VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP CASE NO. 01-001 AND PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
CASE NO. 01-001 LOCATED AT JAMES WAY AND LA CANADA' to include Condition of
Approval #116 to read as follows: "Prior to issuance of grading permits, the applicant shall provide a
haul route for any fill material to be imported to the site showing all roads traveled within the City. A
road condition survey will be performed by the applicant and approved by the Public Works Director
before and after hauling operations to address deterioration of the roadway. Any road damage or
deterioration beyond normal traffic war and tear, as determined by the Public Works Director, shall
be repaired by the applicant at its sole expense. (including wear to existing striping). Additionally,
prior to issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall clean the street by mechanical sweeper at
the end of each day during the hauling operation to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director.";
to modify Condition of Approval #12.a. to change the twenty-four (24') foot emergency access road
from "all-weather" to "paved"; to modify Condition of Approval #29 and Mitigation Measure PS-2(a)
to require 100 foot clearance on all sides of the development or as directed by the Director of
Building and Fire; and to modify Condition of Approval #23 to include a provision that a five (5) year
maintenance reserve shall be required to be held at all times, and that alternative conditions 23a
and 23b be deleted. Council Member Guthrie seconded, and the motion passed on the following
roll-call vote:
AYES: Arnold, Guthrie, Costello
NOES: Fellows, Ferrara
ABSENT: None
Mayor Ferrara ca/led for a break at 11:30 p.m. The Council reconvened at 11:38 p.m.
9.c. Continued Public Hearing -Consideration of an Ordinance to Amend the Design
Guidelines and Standards for Historic Districts to Restrict Design Features for
"Spanish Eclectic" Styles Applicable to Residential Development in the Village D-2.4
Historic Character Overlay District.
Associate Planner McClish presented the staff report and recommended the Council introduce an
Ordinance to amend the Design Guidelines and Standards for Historic Districts restricting design
features for "Spanish Eclectic" styles applicable to residential development in the Village D-2.4
Historic Character Overlay district.
Council Member Fellows suggested that the sample photos be realigned in Exhibit A of the
Ordinance and more white space added between the photos for clarity purposes.
In response to a question by Mayor Pro Tem Costello, Associate Planner McClish provided
clarification regarding the application fee which covers staff costs for processing a Conditional Use
Permit (CUP) application.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing, and upon hearing no comments, he closed the public
hearing.
Minufes: City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page 12
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Council Member Arnold opposed the amount of the CUP application fee and believed the public
hearing requirement is a punitive process for this specific architectural style. He believed that it was
a matter of educating staff, the public and the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) as to
acceptable Spanish Eclectic architectural styles and that there were other ways to go about
requiring compliance with those particular development standards. He stated he could not support
the Ordinance as proposed.
Council Member Guthrie stated if the City was requiring a CUP, he understood the City must charge
the fee. He wondered why this architectural style has been troublesome in the past.
Council Member Fellows stated he believed the staff and the ARC have done a good job and the
proposed Ordinance is a good solution which has been reviewed by the ARC and the Planning
Commission (PC). He acknowledged the need to recoup staff expenses as it relates to processing a
CUP application and supported the Ordinance as proposed.
Mayor Pro Tem Costello supported the proposed Ordinance and stated this proposal was better
than prohibiting this architectural style. He supported the fee to cover the cost of processing a CUP:
Mayor Ferrara wondered if this needed to be as complex or costly and suggested putting these
requirements in place temporarily. He noted that the time for a joint meeting of the Council with all
the advisory bodies is overdue. He stated this should be a simpler process and reference material
should be made available to applicants.
Action: Council Member Fellows moved to introduce an Ordinance as follows: "AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING DEVELOPMENT
CODE AMENDMENT DCA-08-0038 TO AMEND THE DESIGN GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS
FOR HISTORIC DISTRICTS RESTRICTING DESIGN FEATURES FOR "SPAN/SH ECLECTIC"
STYLES APPLICABLE TO RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE HISTORIC CHARACTER
DESIGN OVERLAY DISTRICT D-2.4". Mayor Pro Tem Costello seconded, and the motion passed
on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fellows, Costello, Guthrie, Ferrara
NOES: Arnold
ABSENT: None
Mayor Ferrara noted that Council policy requires a unanimou
midnight. -Mayor Pro Tem Costello moved to continue the
seconded, and the motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
10. CONTINUED BUSINESS ITEMS
None.
s vote to continue the meeting past
meeting, Council Member Guthrie
12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Due to the late hour, Mayor Pro Tem Costello moved to continue City Council Reports to the next
Regular City Council Meeting on February 10, 2009. Council Member Guthrie seconded, and the
motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS:
None.
Minutes: City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
14. CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
None.
15. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
None.
16. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
None.
17: COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS:
None.
18. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor/Chair Ferrara adjourned the meeting at 12:15 a.m.
Tony Fe ~ ayor/Chair
ATTEST:
Kelly We ore ity Clerk/Agency Secretary
(Approved at CC Mtg 3'lO-~OO°I )
Page 13