Minutes 2001-04-24
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2001
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 215 E. BRANCH STREET
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lady called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Council: Council Members Runels, Dickens, Lubin, Mayor Pro Tern Ferrara,
and Mayor Lady were present.
City Staff Present: City Manager Adams; City Attorney Carmel; City Clerk Davis;
Director of Financial Services Snodgrass; Director of Public Works
Spagnolo; Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Hernandez;
Community Development Director McCants; Associate Planner
Heffernon, and Chief of Police TerBorch.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Bill Weitkamp of the Arroyo Grande Valley Kiwanis Club led the Flag Salute.
4. INVOCATION
Pastor James Wickstrom, Berean Bible Church, Arroyo Grande, delivered the
Invocation.
5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
5.a. Proclamation - "Arbor Day"
Dan Hernandez, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities, accepted the
proclamation declaring April 27, 2001 as "Arbor Day."
5.b. Proclamation - "National Small Business Week"
John Riedel, on behalf of the Central Cost DeveJopment Association, accepted the
proclamation declaring May 6-12,2001 as "National Small Business Week."
6. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
6.a. Resolutions and Ordinances Read in Title Only
Council Member Dickens moved, Council Member Runels seconded, and the motion
passed unanimously that all resolutions and ordinances presented at the meeting shall
be read in title only and all further reading be waived.
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APRIL 24, 2001
PAGE 2
7. CITIZENS' INPUT. COMMENTS. AND SUGGESTIONS
Wayne Frisby, 291 Canyon Way, asked if the Council knew if PG&E would continue
routine tree maintenance and if not, did the City plan to take over routine tree
maintenance. Mayor Lady directed staff to Jook into the matter and respond to Mr.
Frisby.
Richard Venable, 849 Mesa Drive, spoke about AB35 relating to firearm licensing and
stated he hoped the City Council and Police Chief would oppose the bill.
Don Ritter, representing Castlerock Development, spoke about the grading operations
occurring at the Highlands project off of James Way. He assured the Council that
efforts were being made to move the dirt and clean the site. He addressed the slope
areas that would be required to be landscaped by the private property owner within six
months. Council Member Lubin urged Mr. Ritter to work with the Homeowners
Association to complete landscaping of the homes in an expedient manner.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member Lubin moved and Council Member Runels seconded the motion to
approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.d., with the recommended courses of
action:
8.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification.
Action: Approved the listing of cash disbursements for the period April 1, 2001
through April 15, 2001.
8.b. Cash Flow Analysis/Approval of Interfund Advance from the Water Facility
Fund.
Action: Received and filed March 2001 Cash Report and approve the interfund
advance from the Water Facility Fund to cover cash deficits in other funds as of
March 31,2001.
8.c. Minutes of City Council Meeting of April 1 0, 2001.
Action: Approved minutes as submitted.
8.d. Participation in the California Law Enforcement Equipment Purchase
(CLEEP) Program.
Action: Approved expenditure of $113,000 as authorized by the State for
acquisition of enhanced technology and other equipment under the FY 2000-01
CLEEP Program.
AYES: Lubin, Runels, Dickens, Ferrara, Lady
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
There being 5 AYES and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 24, 2001
PAGE 3
9. PUBLIC HEARING
9.a. Planned Sign Program 01-001; Applicant - Ray Bunnell, Casa Grande Inn;
Location - 850 Oak Park Blvd.
Associate Planner Heffernon presented the staff report. She explained that in 1998, the
City Council approved a Planned Sign Program for the Inn; however, due to various
circumstances, a building permit was never issued and the Planned Sign Program
expired. She stated the proposed signage was identical to what was previously
approved except for the pole sign, which is 1 foot taller and 13 square feet larger. She
further explained that the existing signs are considered legal non-conforming as they
were approved prior to the most recent revisions to the Sign Ordinance. Since the
applicant was not proposing any additional signs, the nonconforming signs are allowed
to remain nonconforming and the pole sign could be increased in size without a
variance. The Planning Commission reviewed the application on April 17th and
recommended the City Council approve the Planned Sign Program as submitted.
Mayor Lady opened the public hearing, and upon hearing no comments closed the
public hearing.
Following Council comments in support of the Planned Sign Program, Mayor Pro Tern
Ferrara moved to adopt a Resolution approving Planned Sign Program Case No. 01-
001 for the Best Western Casa Grande Jnn, applied for by Ray Bunnell, located at 850
Oak Park Blvd. Council Member Lubin seconded the motion, and on the following roll
call vote, to wit:
AYES: Ferrara, Lubin, RuneJs, Dickens, Lady
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
There being 5 A YES and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby decJared to be passed.
9.b. Operating Fee Update.
Financial Services Director Snodgrass presented the staff report and said most City
costs have increased in the year since the Council set operating fees, where
appropriate, at 100 percent of cost. She recommended using the
Consumer Price Index percentage of 3.8 percent for increasing City fees, rather than
doing another operating fee study. She aJso discussed three Fire fees that are currently
not being charged because of lack of sufficient staff and specified recreation fees for
non-residents.
Mayor Lady opened the public hearing.
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APRIL 24, 2001
PAGE 4
Howard Mankins, 200 Hillcrest Drive, noticed on the Agenda that funds were borrowed
from the water fund to cover cash deficits in other funds. Director Snodgrass explained
the process of interfund borrowing.
Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Lady closed the public hearing.
Following Council comments in support of updating the operating fees, Council Member
Dickens moved to adopt a Resolution revising operating fees in the Fire, Building,
Community Development, Engineering, and Recreation Departments by the January
CPI of 3.8%. Mayor Pro Tem Ferrara seconded the motion, and on the following roll-
call vote, to wit:
AYES: Dickens, Ferrara, Runels, Lubin, and Lady
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
There being 5 AYES and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
9.c. Establishment of Non-Resident Fees for Parks and Recreation Programs
and Services.
Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Hernandez presented the staff report. The
Parks and Recreation Commission recommended the creation of non-resident fees
associated with use of the Soto Sports Complex, Pre-School Programs, and Contract
Classes and adopt a Resolution establishing such non-resident fees.
Mayor Lady opened the public hearing.
The following members of the public spoke in opposition to the establishment and
charging of non-resident fees:
Rich Neufeld, 932 Charles, Grover Beach
Randall Cooper, Pismo Beach, representing the Babe Ruth Baseball League
Ella Honeycutt, 560 Oak Hill Road. Arroyo Grande
Kathy Bucknum, 526 Leanna Drive, Arroyo Grande
Joe Steed, 641 S. EJm Street, Arroyo Grande, representing AYSO
Mike Cleary, 2445 Mustang Drive, Arroyo Grande
Gee Gee Soto, Arroyo Grande
Karen Jones, 1663 Ramona Avenue, Grover Beach
Kaz Ikeda, 2290 Branch Mill Road, Arroyo Grande
GJen Martin, Arroyo Grande, representing Five Cities Softball
Jim McGillis, Arroyo Grande
Dee Santos, 850 Atlantic City Avenue, Grover Beach
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APRIL 24, 2001
PAGE 5
Mike Titus, 404 Lierly, Arroyo Grande, supported the Council's efforts to reduce the
subsidies to non-resident users. He also suggested the possibility of creating an
Assessment District to raise funds for parks and recreation.
Hearing no further public comments, Mayor Lady closed the public hearing.
Council Members discussed the creation of non-resident fees associated with the use of
Soto Sports Complex, Pre-School Programs, and Contract Classes. They agreed that
although there is a need for financial help in maintaining the parks and programs, they
would continue the portion of this agenda item related to establishing non-resident fees
for various youth organizations. Council suggestions for increasing non-residential
financial assistance included: 1) Seeking regional help through cooperative agreements
from other cities, service districts, etc.; 2) Contacting the Third and Fourth Supervisorial
District Office~ for assistance; 3) Establishing non-resident fees for adult sports and
non-sport programs; 4) Setting up a program whereby participants couJd work "Service
Hours" on maintenance; and 5) Holding discussions throughout the South County on
the matter.
After further discussion, Council Members decided to implement a non-resident fee of
20 percent over current fees related to Play and Learn and Kindergarten in Training
Programs, and implement a non-resident fee of $5.00 per registered class for youth
classes offered by the City. It was moved by Council Member Dickens and seconded
by Council Member Lubin to adopt a Resolution as amended establishing non-resident
fees for pre-school and contract classes, and on the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Dickens, Lubin, Runels. Ferrara, and Lady
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
There being 5 A YES and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
Mayor Lady called a 10-minute recess at 9:20 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at
9:30 p.m.
10. CONTINUED BUSINESS
10.a. Screening of the Bale and Pallet Storage Area at Trader Joe's.
Associate Planner Kelly Heffernon stated Council had previously directed staff to
contact Trader Joe's in the Five Cities Center about installing screening of the bale and
pallet storage area. She said Trader Joe's is agreeable to installing the screening
material but would like the City to specify the preferred material. She gave examples of
materials that could be used for the screening.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 24, 2001
PAGE 6
Council Members discussed the matter and it was moved by Council Member Runels,
and seconded by Council Member Lubin to have staff propose the Cpuncil's position to
use DECORA Pattern with Sandstone Frame glass blocks to enclose the arch, and on
the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Runels, Lubin, Dickens, Ferrara, and Lady
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
There being 5 AYES AND 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
10.b. 2001 General Plan Update and EIR Public Review Draft.
Community Development Director Kerry McCants stated staff was requesting the
Council authorize the distribution of the public review draft of the 2001 General Plan
Update, EIR, and Land Use Map. He said the focus of tonight's discussion would be
the draft Land Use Map and some areas of potential controversy on which staff wanted
to validate the direction of the Council before distribution of the draft documents to the
public. He said this was a very preliminary stage in the process; there would be a 45-
day period of review required by the California Environmental Quality Act; there would
be subsequent Planning Commission hearings, and then there would be City Council
action.
Rob Strong, General PJan Update and EIR Consultant, said the Long Range Planning
Committee met four times to discuss the General Plan Update and Draft Environmental
Impact Report. He said the Committee focused on 12 Land Use Study Areas, which
would be clarified or classified differently than shown on the 1990 adopted General Plan
or the Envicom Corporation Draft Land Use Policy Map dated March 20, 2000. He said
staff would present four-color maps graphically showing:
1. The adopted 1990 General Plan Land Use Map;
2. The 2000 Draft Land Use Policy Map proposed by Envicom;
3. The 2001 Draft Urban Land Use Element Map recommendations of Strong
Planning Services presented to the LRPC, and
4. The 2001 Distribution Draft recommendations of the LRPC, for public review and
comment.
1. Oak Park Acres at James Way
Consultant Strong gave an overviewofthe area and provided alternatives.
There was no public comment.
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APRIL 24, 2001
PAGE 7
Council Members agreed with the Consultant and the LRPC recommendation for
alternative "c."- Utilize the Community Facility classification reflecting existing
institutional uses.
2. Rancho Grande - Noyes Road
Consultant Strong gave an overview of the area and provided alternatives.
Members of the public making comments were Otis Page, 606 Myrtle Street; Ella
Honeycutt, 560 Oak Hill Road; Dave Coker, representing Castlerock Development, and
Howard Mankins, 200 Hillcrest Drive.
Council Member Dickens and Mayor Pro Tern Ferrara chose alternative "b."- Classify as
Conservation/Open Space and enable one house on each existing parcel or allow
consideration of 1 du/5 ac. or 10 ac., implying 5 to 10 houses with PD approval.
On a majority consensus, Council Members Lubin and Runels and Mayor Lady agreed
to an amended alternative "d."- Classify as SFR-LD-PD to enable consideration of a
low-density single-family residential planned development not to exceed 1 du/1.5 acres
enabling up to 35 units.
3. Rancho Grande - La Canada
Consultant Strong gave an overview of the area and provided alternatives.
Members of the public making comments were Ella Honeycutt, 560 Oak Hill Road, and
Don Ritter of Castle rock Development.
Council Members Runels and Lubin preferred an amended "d."- Classify as SFR-LD-PD
at 1 du/1.5 ac. or 1 du/ac. enabling consideration of a planned development of 17 units,
depending on PD and subdivision approval.
On a majority consensus, Council Member Dickens, Mayor Pro Tem Ferrara and Mayor
Lady agreed with alternative "b."- Classify as Conservation/Open Space-PD and allow 1
du/5 ac. enabling 1 to 5 units subject to planned development approval.
4. Royal Oaks Estates
Consultant Strong gave an overview of the area and provided alternatives.
Members of the public making comments were Don McHaney, one of the owners of the
Royal Oaks Subdivision; Carl Alfano, property owner; Richard DeBlauw, 744 Alta Vista
Lane; Stephanie Painter, 541 Mesa View Drive, and Tim Brown, 125 Allen.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 24, 2001
PAGE 8
Council Member Dickens and Mayor Pro Tern Ferrara preferred "b."-Classify as C/OS-
PO and allow 1 house per parcel or 1 du/5 ac. enabling 3 or more units depending on
whether the tree preservation agreement area is included in the PD.
On a majority consensus, CounciJ Me~bers Runels and Lubin and Mayor Lady agreed
with an amended alternative "d."- Classify as SFR-LD-PD and C/OS at 1 du/1.5 ac. and
limited to a maximum of 20 dwellings. The vegetated hillside and creek area would be
subject to a tree preservation easement agreement.
5. Printz, Noyes and Oak Park Road Northern Sphere of Influence
Consultant Strong gave an overview of the area and provided alternatives.
There was no public comment.
Council Members unanimously concurred with the Consultant and the LRPC
recommendation that the 2001 General Plan Update exclude this area except the small
60-acre portion fronting on Highway 227 which would remain within the URL & SOl to
enable possible annexation, subject to Single-Family Residential, Low Density, Planned
Development.
6. Camino Mercado
Consultant Strong gave an overview of the area and provided alternatives.
There was no public comment.
Council Members unanimously concurred with the Consultant and the LRPC
recommendation that the 2001 GeneraJ Plan Update propose Mixed-Use/Planned
Development as a more appropriate designation enabling residential, office and/or
commercial or other MU-PD proposals. The cemetery would be classified as
Community Facility.
AT THE HOUR OF 12:00 A.M.. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RUNELS
AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LUBIN TO CONTINUE THIS MEETING TO
AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING ON MONDAY. APRIL 30. 2001. 7:00 P.M. TO
CONTINUE WITH THE REMAINING ITEMS OF BUSINESS.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Lady adjourned the meeting at 12:00 a.m. to an Adjourned Regular Meeting on
Monday, April 30, 2001, 7:00 p.m.
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APRIL 24, 2001
PAGE 9
Michael A. La~~
ATTEST:
11aA ~
Nancy Dav~ y Clerk