Minutes 2009-12-08 MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2009
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 7:05 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Council /RDA: Council /Board Members Jim Guthrie, Ed Arnold, Chuck Fellows, and
Mayor /Chair Tony Ferrara were present. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Jo&
Costello was absent.
City Staff Present: City Manager Steven Adams, City Attorney Tim Carmel, Director of
Legislative and Information Services /City Clerk Kelly Wetmore, Director of
Administrative Services Angela Kraetsch, Chief of Police Steve Annibali,
Associate Planner Kelly Heffernon, Planning Manager Jim Bergman, and
Director of Community Development Teresa McClish.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Jim Bergman, President of Arroyo Grande Valley Kiwanis, 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.
Council /Board Member Fellows moved, Council /Board Member 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
Mike McConville, E. Branch Street, thanked the City for the speed monitoring program held on E.
Branch Street which was effective while in use. He requested that the City come up with a
permanent solution to reduce speeding on E. Branch Street. He also requested that the overgrown
vegetation at Crown Hill and E. Branch Street be removed.
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.
Ira Hughes, Downtown Parking Advisory Board Chairman, referred to Item 8.j. regarding the Car
Corral Upgrade Project and stated he had not heard anything about this project.
There were no further public comments received.
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Council /Board Member Arnold requested that Item 8j. be pulled for further discussion.
Council /Board Member Guthrie requested that Item 8.n. be pulled for further discussion.
Action: Council /Board Member Arnold moved, and Council /Board Member Fellows seconded the
motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.m., with the exception of 8.j. and 8.n., with
the recommended courses of action. City Attorney Carmel read the full titles of the Ordinances in
Items 8.1. and 8.m. The motion passed on the following roll -call vote:
AYES: Amold, Fellows, Guthrie, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: Costello
8.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification.
Action: Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period November 16, 2009
through November 30, 2009.
8.b. Consideration of Approval of Minutes.
Action: Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council /Redevelopment Agency meeting
of November 24, 2009, as submitted.
8.c. Consideration of Acceptance of the Redevelopment Agency's (RDA) Annual
Financial Reports.
[CC /RDA]
Action: Received and filed the respective Redevelopment Agency's Annual Financial
Reports for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.
8.d. Consideration of Resolution Accepting the Status Report on Development Impact
Fees (AB- 1600).
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 4233 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ACCEPTING THE STATUS REPORT
ON DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES (AB- 1600) ".
8.e. Consideration of Annual Financial Report — Fiscal Year 2008 -09 Receipt and Use of
Water and Sewer Capacity and Connection Fees /Charges.
Action: Received and filed the annual report of the receipt and use of water and sewer
capacity and connection fees and charges, in compliance with Government Code Section
66013.
8.f. Consideration of a Resolution Establishing Several Updated and New Job
Descriptions and Two New Job Titles.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 4234 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ESTABLISHING SEVERAL UPDATED
AND NEW JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND ADDING TWO NEW JOB TITLES ".
8.g. Consideration of a One -Year Time Extension for Conditional Use Permit 06 -005; 231
South Halcyon Road.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 4235 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING A ONE -YEAR TIME
EXTENSION FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 06 -005, APPLIED FOR BY JEFF
HOLLISTER, LOCATED AT 231 SOUTH HALCYON ROAD ".
8.h. Consideration to Approve Construction Plans and Specifications and Environmental
Exemption for the West Branch Street Resurfacing Project, PW 2008 -08.
Minutes: City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page 3
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Action: 1) Approved the construction plans and specifications for the West Branch Street
Resurfacing Project, PW 2008 -08; 2) Authorized staff to advertise for construction bids
upon receipt of Authorization to Proceed with Construction from Caltrans; 3) Found that the
West Branch Street Resurfacing Project is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to
Section 15301(c); and 4) Directed the City Clerk to file a Notice of Exemption.
8.i. Consideration of Acceptance of Public Improvements and Easements for Tract 2310
— Phase!! and the Quitclaim of a Storm Drain Easement.
Action: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 4236 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ACCEPTING EASEMENTS AND
IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACT 2310 - PHASE II, CONSTRUCTED BY S &S HOMES
and 2) Adopted Resolution No. 4237 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ACCEPTING A SEWER MAIN AND
STORM DRAIN AND APPROVING THE QUITCLAIM OF A STORM DRAIN EASEMENT
IN TRACT 2310 - PHASE II ".
8.k. Consideration of Transfer of Funds for LAFCO Application — Sphere of Influence
Amendment on the Pearwood Property.
Action: Authorized expenditure of $5,000 for application to the Local Agency Formation
Commission (LAFCO) to amend the City's Sphere of Influence in the vicinity of Pearwood
Avenue.
8.1. Consideration of Adoption of an Ordinance Adding Chapter 9.28 Entitled "Graffiti
Abatement" to the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code.
Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 616 as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADDING CHAPTER 9.28 ENTITLED
"GRAFFITI ABATEMENT" TO THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE'
8.m. Consideration of Adoption of an Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Chapter 5.56 of
the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code in its Entirety Regarding Massage
Establishments.
Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 617 as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE REPEALING AND REPLACING
CHAPTER 5.56 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY
REGARDING MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS ".
ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
8.j. Consideration to Reject All Bids for the Car Corral Upgrade Project, PW 2009 -09.
Recommended Action: Reject all bids for the Car Corral Upgrade Project, PW 2009 -09
and delay the project.
Community Development Director McClish gave a brief review of the proposed project; explained
that the bids received all exceeded the amount budgeted for the project; explained that staff
recommends delaying the project until more concrete costs are known for other parking
improvement projects in the Village, and rejecting all bids at this time.
City Manager Adams briefly reviewed the other proposed parking projects which include the
proposed Plaza project and the Le Point Street Parking Expansion project.
Minutes: City Council /Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page 4
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Action: Council Member Arnold moved to reject all bids for the Car Corral Upgrade Project, PW
2009 -09 and to delay the project. Council Member Guthrie seconded, and the motion passed on
the following roll -call vote:
AYES: Arnold, Guthrie, Fellows, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: Costello
8.n. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into Rotational
Police Tow Service Agreements.
Recommended Action: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into
rotational police tow service agreements.
Council Member Guthrie noted he had reviewed the proposal with the City Manager and Police
Chief and while he supports cost recovery, he had concerns with the costs and fees associated
with the proposed tow service program. He suggested that a second look be taken at this proposal
and that perhaps the way other cities are handling tow service is not necessarily the best way for
this City. He reiterated that he supports cost recovery; however, he would prefer bidding the tow
service.
Chief Annibali stated that in the past the City had used an exclusive tow company and there was
some concern that a rotational tow program was not being utilized like in other cities. He said the
intention was to go to a rotational tow program and use the set rate by the Califomia Highway
Patrol for the region: However, he noted that after discussion, there may be some benefits for the
City to continue utilizing a bid process for an exclusive tow agreement.
Action: Council Member Guthrie moved to direct staff to review the tow service program further
based on Council comments and come back with an alternative process. Council Member Arnold
seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll -call vote:
AYES: Guthrie, Arnold, Fellows, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: Costello
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Mayor Ferrara noted that Mayor Pro Tem Costello was currently in route to the meeting and had
requested that Item 9.a. be delayed until his arrival. The Council concurred.
9.b. Continued Public Hearing - Consideration of Appeal of Planning Commission's
Approval of Vesting Tentative Parcel Map Case No. 05 -001 and Minor Exception Case
No. 05 -006 to Subdivide a 1.28 Acre Parcel into Three (3) Residential Lots and
Construct Two (2) Residences; Applicant — DeBlauw Builders, Inc.; Location — 605
Eman Court.
Recommended Action: Adopt a Resolution denying the appeal and upholding the
Planning Commission's decision to approve Tentative Parcel Map No. 05 -001 and Minor
Exception No. 05 -006
Minutes: City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page 5
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Mayor Pro Tem Costello arrived at 7:25 p.m. and took his place at the dais.
Associate Planner Heffernon stated it was brought to staff's attention today that two agencies did
not receive project referrals for this item. She explained that although the project was referred to
the Native American Heritage Commission and the SLO County Archeological Society, and a
Chumash representative was present during archeological excavations and testing of the project
site, the project was not referred directly to representatives of the Northern Chumash Tribal
Council. The appellant also specifically requested the project be referred to the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Therefore, staff recommended that consideration of the
project be continued to the February 9, 2010 City Council meeting to allow these agencies time to
comment. Staff further recommended the Council open the public hearing to accept public
comments and provide any additional direction to staff.
Mayor Ferrara open the public hearing.
Duane DeBlauw, applicant, requested that the project be heard tonight and he did not believe there
was anything insurmountable concerning the issues that have been brought up, especially with
regard to archeology. He stated they have had a Chumash representative on the site during Phase
2 of the archeological study so they are informed and were involved in the meetings. He stated he
had not heard of any regulation or requirement which requires the City to notify every Chumash
representative, and /or NOAA. He noted the project was in its 5'" year of review and while he
acknowledged the economic slowdown, he believed sufficient notification has been provided, some
agencies have submitted letters, and he would just like to move forward at this time.
Chris Diedricksen, appellant, expressed concern that the City failed to adequately investigate the
project impact on Federal and State protected species; failed to provide notice to three trustee
agencies; that the impacts to steelhead trout and red - legged frogs have not been adequately
addressed and no biological surveys have been completed; that he has not seen a landscape plan
for the project; that the mitigations are not sufficient and the project needs a full environmental
impact report; and that the City must provide notice to all responsible agencies.
Hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public hearing.
Mayor Ferrara requested that staff address some of the appellant's concems.
Associate Planner Heffernon explained that the Department of Fish & Game was sent a referral
and the City did not receive a response; however, a response was received from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Air Pollution Control District, and Salmon Enhancement. She explained that that
the referral to NOAA was one of the reasons for requesting the continuance; acknowledged that
the Chumash includes individual groups, and noted that a Chumash representative was on site
during the archeological survey; and that the project is a Tentative Parcel Map and approval of a
landscape plan would be required as a condition of approval.
In response to further questions from Council, staff explained that receiving no response from
various agencies indicates they have no issues or comments; that the City provided enhanced
noticing and was more gratuitous than legally required; that the Chumash representatives were
notified that staff would be recommending a continuance and therefore were not present this
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
evening; and that staff would have to consult with engineering staff regarding the previously raised
issue concerning the fact there is no sewer easement across the property.
Further discussion ensued with regard to Chumash representation and that while the City is trying
to accommodate many of the Chumash groups; it is not legally required to do so. City Attorney
Carmel stated there is not a single Chumash entity for purposes of environmental review that is
recognized by any law or agency and that the City is simply trying to accommodate them. He
stated that to avoid any significant delays in the future, staff is making a recommendation for a
continuance out of an abundance of caution.
Mayor Ferrara also expressed concern about erosion and stabilization of the creek bank issue and
access to implement mitigation, and stated he would like to explore options regarding this issue.
Council Member Fellows noted he was on the Planning Commission when a thorough
archaeological study was done and that this was a heavily disturbed site. He noted this project is
outside of the creek setback; however, he acknowledged the erosion issue.
Council Member Guthrie agreed and commented that the City needs some sort procedure in the
future to address notification of responsible agencies, and was surprised to hear that NOM was
not considered a responsible agency.
Action: Council Member Arnold moved to continue the public hearing to the February 9, 2010 City
Council Meeting, and to direct staff to come back with either an alternative or discussion on the
bank stabilization and related access issue that is not tied to this project. Council Member Guthrie
seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Arnold, Guthrie, Fellows, Costello, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
9.a. Continued Public Hearing - Consideration of Centennial Plaza Project and a
Purchase and Sale and Improvement Agreement for Acquisition of Property at 300
East Branch Street and Sale and Development of City Property at 200 and 208 East
Branch Street and the Adjacent Parking Area.
City Manager Adams presented the staff report and recommended the Council: 1) Approve a
Resolution adopting a Negative Declaration with Mitigation Measures; 2) Approve the Centennial
Plaza preliminary design concept; 3) Approve a contract with RRM Architects for final design of the
Centennial Plaza project for a not to exceed amount of $44,000; 4) Approve a Purchase and Sale
and Improvement Agreement with NKT Commercial for acquisition of property at 300 East Branch
Street, sale of City property at 200 East Branch Street, 208 East Branch Street and the parking
area in between, development of a 5,700 square foot commercial building at Short Street and East
Branch Street, and adaptive reuse of the 208 East Branch Street building; 5) Select Alternative #3
as the preferred alternative for the NKT Commercial proposed project; 6) Authorize the City
Manager to execute documents to obtain debt financing of up to $1.2 million for costs associated
with acquisition of the 300 East Branch Street property through the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Community Facilities low- interest loan program; and 7)
Minutes: City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page 7
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Reject all bids for construction of a fire sprinkler system in the 300 East Branch Street building and
direct staff to solicit new bids.
Jeff Ferber, RRM Design Group, provided an update and overview of the proposed design of the
Centennial Plaza and displayed artist renderings. City Manager Adams commented on design
Alternatives 2 and 3 for the Centennial Plaza commercial buildings.
Carol Florence, Oasis Associates, representing the developer, and Michael Peachev, architect,
gave a visual presentation of the commercial portion of the project using a computer simulated
model, and requested the Council consider approving staff's recommendation for Alternative 3 as
the preferred alternative. Pierre Radamacher, Radamacher Designs, spoke about the use of the
City's Village Design Guidelines for the design of Altemative 3.
Council questions of staff ensued concerning the height of the proposed corner building on E.
Branch /Short Street; the height of the ceilings; how the benefits of building and development fee
revenue would offset the amount of staff time spent to process the project (cost recovery);
clarification concerning loss /gain of parking spaces as it relates to proposed new parking projects;
explanation of the proposed debt service; clarification of proposed funding sources for the
Centennial Plaza project which would include donations, State grants, park development funds,
and potential redevelopment funds; and whether the design of the project would invite the illegal
use of skateboards in the Village.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing.
Judith Bean, representing the Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce, spoke on behalf of the
Chamber Board of Directors in support of Alternative 3 for Centennial Plaza.
Ira Hughes, Traffic Commission Chair and Arroyo Grande resident, spoke in opposition to the
proposal and expressed concerns about traffic and parking impacts to the Village and Village
businesses, eliminating any existing access to Village parking lots, and further expressed concerns
about the results of the traffic study that was conducted one day only on a Thursday, and said
further traffic studies should be conducted.
Shirley Gibson spoke in opposition to Alternative 3 and the closure of Short Street and expressed
concerns about the budget for Centennial Plaza, that it doesn't represent a "park ", and the use of
public funds for outdoor dining on private property.
Wanetta Bennett, Allen Street, spoke in opposition to the Plaza concept as it does not fit the
character of the Village, and opposed the closure of Short Street.
Susan Flores, E. Branch Street, spoke in opposition to Alternatives 2 and 3; spoke in support of
resolving building issues to comply with ADA requirements; expressed concern with the
expenditure of funds for the proposed project and stated it should be utilized to retrofit existing City
buildings; opposed the closure of Short Street and loss of parking.
Karen White, Halcyon resident, expressed concerns about the impact on Farmer's Market with the
closure of Short Street; that the Centennial Plaza would create uneven surfaces that would result
in walking hazards in the area; the proposed financial plan; and the loss of any parking.
Mike McConville, E. Branch Street, spoke in opposition to the Centennial Plaza; supported keeping
Short Street open; and supported continuing with the building trade for the City Hall portion of the
project.
Minutes: City Council /Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page 8
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Greq Steinberqer, Village business owner, stated he initially opposed the project; however, he
reviewed the project further, and spoke in support of Alternative 3 for Centennial Plaza stating it
would become the heart of the community.
Denise Andreini, Village business owner, acknowledged that parking in the Village is an issue;
however, she spoke in support of the Centennial Plaza which could be an asset to the Village,
make the Village more of a downtown, and that in the long -term it would be an asset to Village
business owners.
Gordon Bennett, Allen Street, expressed concerns with the proposals as it relates to impacts to
parking, Farmer's Market and other groups, ADA constraints, loans and debt financing; and that
there needs to be more public- review and input before decisions are made.
John Gutierrez, Village business owner, expressed concern that the City is paying for things that
the developer should pay for and that he did not get any help from the City for his business,
particularly for outdoor restaurant seating. He did not support the use of local sales tax for the
project and opposed any City financing for the project.
Nick Tompkins, NKT Commercial, provided some background and responded to concerns
expressed about the proposal including proposed variations in Alternatives 2 and 3, that the public
restrooms would be maintained, that Centennial Plaza would be ADA accessible; that handicapped
parking would be provided; that he was not asking for a handout; that he asked for third party
appraisals and has agreed to absorb the difference; and stated he would be paying 100% of his
share.
Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public hearing.
Mayor Ferrara called for a break at 9:10 p.m. The Council reconvened at 9:25 p.m.
Council Member Arnold provided the following comments:
- The design of the commercial shops feels a little large;
- Supported the proposed building trade;
- Spoke about short term and long term benefits; supported consolidation of City departments;
- Referred to the parking lot project on Le Point Street and said if the project is funded, he was
not concerned with loss of spaces as the project would increase parking availability in the City;
- Expressed concerns about the design and construction costs for the Centennial Plaza;
- Need to lower or even out difference in elevation between restrooms and restaurant;
- Expressed concern about exiting from the parking lot if Short Street were closed, and
suggested eliminating Centennial Plaza and making Short Street an exit only;
- Supported outdoor restaurant seating; however, he supported selling the sidewalk property for
restaurant use.
- Expressed hesitation about approving the projects as proposed.
Council Member Guthrie provided the following comments:
- Has a fundamental problem with the City Hall proposal and stated it is oversized for what we
will need in the long term as it relates to the number of employees;
- Acknowledged deferred maintenance on the existing City Hall building; supported retaining the
current building and not purchasing the additional building;
- Supported retaining the City Hall and the Public Works building; said it is not a question of
space, it is a question of how we use our resources;
- Supported moving forward on sale to NKT to raise revenue to retrofit City Hall;
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
- Disagreed with staff about priorities for local sales tax revenue; noted that the voters did not
vote affirmatively for the advisory measure conceming City facilities; supported finishing other
identified priorities first;
- Stated he used to support the Centennial Plaza project but now all projects are tied together
and he could not support;
- Should look at sale of building on Short Street for private development;
- Believed the traffic study on Short Street was inadequate as it only contained one day of data;
expressed concern about traffic impacts;
- Should relook at Centennial Plaza concept; need more options;
- Noted that Alternative 3 is best available design choice for the commercial component; and that
he was neutral on the Building Department building and would be ok with or without the
demolition.
Council Member Fellows provided the following comments:
- Believed the proposal makes a huge change in the heart of the Village;
- Expressed concern about impacts to authenticity of the Village;
- Stated that the public has to vote on the issue of building a new Police Station and that there is
very little public knowledge about the City Hall project;
- Referred to his review of the General Plan; reviewed process of 2001 General Plan Update and
the resulting objectives and values for the City that do not support this project; wants to
preserve the rural small town character;
- Believed that the City should survey the citizens;
- Did not agree with the environmental study, particularly with regard to demolition of the Building
Department building which is a significant environmental impact;
- Stated the Plaza is not important to the community; did not support funding for design of the
Plaza;
- Opposed closing Short Street; expressed concern about creating more traffic;
- Supported the Purchase and Sale Agreement for acquisition of property and sale of City
property; however, did not support linking all projects together;
- Opposed demolition of the Building Department building;
- Agreed that public property should not be used for restaurant use;
- Did not agree that the Le Point Street parking lot project and Plaza are a higher priority than
improving the Car Corral parking lot.
Mayor Pro Tem Costello provided the following comments:
- Referred to trade of property; supported goal to address ADA issues; however, was not sure
the proposal was the most economical solution as The proposal does not include fixing all the
existing City Hall ADA issues; acknowledged that acquiring the Mason Street building would
allow the City additional time to address the ADA issues;
- Expressed concerned about the Centennial Plaza and opposed closing Short Street which
would result in traffic queuing and stacking problems;
- Supported Alternative 3 design for the commercial component; however, he did not support
providing public space for the restaurant use;
- Prefers to see existing facade of Building Department building used or moving the building to
another location; acknowledged that the Building Department building was not designated as
historical;
- Believed there were too many proposals to tie together;
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
- Supported looking further at results of closing Short Street by providing a temporary closure
and conducting a more comprehensive traffic study;
- Could not support all of the proposed recommendations.
Mayor Ferrara provided the following comments:
- In response to a question regarding public comments, staff provided information regarding the
results of the Short Street traffic study;
- In response to a question, City Manager Adams explained that staff met with representatives of
Farmer's Market to determine how best to maintain the existing market by utilizing areas within
the existing parking lot behind City Hall;
- Addressed the use of local sales tax and noted that the City has addressed all of the priorities
identified in the advisory measures and that this is an opportunity to address much needed
facilities;
- With regard to acquisition of the Mason Street building, he agreed that currently staff numbers
are low due to the economy; however, he did not believe that is permanent;
- Believed that the additional space was not exclusively to accommodate staff but that is was
more important to accommodate interaction with the public by providing a one stop shop;
- Acknowledged that the City has delayed implementing ADA improvements for many years and
supported purchase of the additional building; stated that City Hall cannot currently provide
accommodations to the disabled public or employees; that the Mason Street office building is a
service ready ADA compliant building;
- Referred to General Plan goal to maintain small -town, rural atmosphere and is committed to
this critically important goal;
- With regard to preserving history; he would not allow any important Village buildings to be
demolished, which is why the Council implemented a historic designation process; stated the
Building Department building is not historic; said that trying to save the facade was his idea;
- Supported Altemative 3 as the most desirable;
- Suggested that the height, size and scale of the new structures may need to be re- evaluated;
supported high ceilings;
- Supported the Centennial Plaza project and stated that if preserving history is important to the
community, why not celebrate its history with a Centennial Plaza;
- Views proposal as similar to a "town square ";
- Stated that the Le Point Street parking project is key to this plan; should be encouraging people
to park and walk; trying to be pedestrian friendly in the Village;
- Sees outdoor seating as a private extension of a restaurant; if public, it should be part of the
Plaza;
- Would be amenable to a more in -depth study on the closure of Short Street; need to look at
that issue before we take action on the rest of the proposal; stated that the City needs a place
to celebrate its 100' year anniversary and history;
- Supported the City Hall strategy and said it is critical to take advantage of this opportunity;
- Supported the Altemative 3 design for the commercial component;
- Cannot support, until more data is available, the Centennial Plaza design that is currently being
proposed; however, he may support it at a later date after review of traffic and circulation data.
Council Member Arnold suggested that if S. Mason Street could be reconfigured to install a left turn
only lane, it may resolve the queuing problems and he could support the Centennial Plaza now. He
also stated the City should sell the sidewalk property or lease it.
•
Minutes: City Council /Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page 11
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
In response to questions by Council Member Guthrie, staff confirmed that the traffic counts on
Short Street were done on one Thursday; and staff also confirmed that it hopes to complete the
ADA improvements in the City Hall bathrooms in the next two to three years.
Mayor Ferrara suggested taking a further look at Short Street traffic counts and the suggestion for
implementing a left -turn lane on S. Mason Street. Council Member Fellows expressed concerns
that this solution would not work. Brief discussion ensued regarding a traffic study, circulation
issues, and ADA issues.
Action: Mayor Pro Tem Costello moved to reject all bids for construction of a fire sprinkler system
in the 300 East Branch Street building and direct staff to solicit new bids; and to further direct staff
to move forward with a traffic study within the next 30 days to study the closure of Short Street and
a left turn lane on S. Mason Street, and to bring the item back shortly thereafter. Council Member
Arnold seconded the motion.
Council Member Fellows commented that he would not support the motion specifically because he
does not support the Centennial Plaza and he does not believe the community wants it, and
because he opposes the closure of Short Street so he could not support temporary closure of the
street for the purposes of a traffic study.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Costello, Arnold, Guthrie, Ferrara
NOES: Fellows
ABSENT: None
9.c. Continued Public Hearing - Consideration of a Resolution Amending Conditions of
Approval for Tentative Tract Map No. 2792 for Property Located Near Fair Oaks
Avenue (East of Arroyo Grande Community Hospital), Applied for by Innovative
Housing Solutions, Inc.
Community Development Director McClish presented the staff report and recommended the
Council: 1) Adopt a Resolution amending conditions of approval for Vesting Tentative Tract Map
2792 to accept in -lieu fees instead of the provision of deed restricted units to meet affordable
housing requirements and to allow the developer to make payment of their proportionate share of
South Alpine Water Main Upgrade; and 2) Appropriate $80000 from the Water Facility Fund for
improvements to the South Alpine Water Main. Staff then responded to questions clarifying the
value of the project based on plans and construction bids as it relates to the applicant's
proportional share of the South Alpine Water Main project, and the timing of construction of the
water main project.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing, and upon hearing no comments, he closed the public
hearing.
Council comments ensued in support of the proposal to accept in -lieu fees and to allow the
developer to make payment of their proportionate share of the South Alpine Water Main project.
Minutes: City Council /Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page 12
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Action: Council Member Guthrie moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: `A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING CONDITIONS OF
APPROVAL FOR VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP CASE NO. 05 -003 AND PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT CASE NO. 05 -007, APPLIED FOR BY CENTRAL COAST REAL ESTATE
DEVELOPMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON FAIR OAKS AVENUE (EAST OF ARROYO
GRANDE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL) ". Council Member Fellows seconded, and the motion passed
on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Guthrie, Fellows, Arnold, Costello, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
9.d. Consideration of Interim Urgency Ordinance Establishing an Additional Four Month
and Fifteen Day Moratorium on the Approval of Development Projects.
City Manager Adams presented the staff report and recommended the Council: 1) Adopt an
Ordinance extending the moratorium on the development projects for an additional four months
and fifteen days for a total period of six months; and 2) Approve and issue the Moratorium Status
Report.
Mayor Ferrara referred to the results of the test wells and said he thought the data was
inconclusive.
Council Member Arnold commented that he had heard it was possible that the San Simeon
Earthquake may have ruptured the Pismo wastewater treatment plan outfall connection to the
Sanitation District and the possible contamination /seawater intrusion may be related to the rupture.
•
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing.
Mike McConville, E. Branch Street, asked if there was a status report available.
Hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public hearing.
Council comments included support for establishing an additional four month and fifteen day
moratorium on the approval of development projects to allow staff time to implement studies and
recommendations to address water resources for future development projects; support for
approving and issuing a status report; and direction to staff to further research obtaining State
water.
Action: Council Member Amold moved to adopt an Interim Urgency Ordinance as follows: "AN
INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO
GRANDE EXTENDING A MORATORIUM ON THE APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT
PROJECTS, AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF, and to approve and issue the
Moratorium Status Report. Council Member Guthrie seconded, and the motion passed on the
following roll call vote:
Minutes: City Council /Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page 13
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
AYES: Arnold, Guthrie, Fellows, Costello, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
10. CONTINUED BUSINESS ITEMS
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS ITEMS
11.a. Consideration of Selection of Council Member Guthrie as Mayor Pro Tem.
Recommended Action: Appoint Council Member Guthrie as the Mayor Pro Tem for the
next one -year period.
Action: Council Member Arnold moved to select Council Member Guthrie as Mayor Pro Tem for
the next one -year period. Council Member Fellows seconded, and the motion passed on the
following roll call vote:
AYES: Arnold, Fellows, Guthrie, Costello, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
12. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS
None.
13. CITY MANAGER ITEMS
None.
14. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Arnold commented on how nice the Village looks.
Council Member Fellows referred to public comments concerning speeding on E. Branch Street
and inquired whether a permanent radar speed sign could be installed there.
Council Member Fellows suggested further discussion at a future date on the use of water
barricades and how they are drained.
15. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Adams issued a reminder about the City furlough and that City offices would be
closed between December 24, 2009 through January 1, 2010.
16. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Susan Flores, E. Branch Street, spoke in support of speed signs on E. Branch Street and stated
that the speed limit should be 25 mph; reported that the Lucia Mar Unified School District has not
planted the required landscaping at its maintenance building on Stanley Avenue; and stated that
the two lightposts at DeBlauw's project on E. Branch Street are not yet installed.
Minutes: City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page 14
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
17. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor /Chair Ferrara adjourned the meeting at 11:35 p.m.
Tony Ferr • .p ' a or /Chair
ATTEST:
Kelly Wetmore, City Clerk /Agency Secretary
(Approved at CC Mtg