Minutes 1999-04-27
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 27,1999
COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
215 EAST BRANCH STREET
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Honorable City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande met in regular session at,
7:45 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Council:--LLady --X-Ferrara --X-Runels --X- Dickens -X- Tolley
STAFF PRESENT
lCity Manager
lCity Attorney
lDirector of Administrative Services
..lLChief of Police
--1LDirector of Building and Fire
..lLlnterim Director of Community Development
lDirector of Public Works
--1LDirector of Parks and Recreation
lDirector of Financial Services
lConsultant Planner
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. 3. FLAG SALUTE
The Shooting Stars Ish Doo Dah Campfire Club led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. INVOCATION
Reverend Dr. Norman Somes of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church delivered the
invocation.
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5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
a. Proclamation .. Great Customer Service Month .. accepted by Nan Fowler,
representing the Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce.
b. Proclamation.. Congratulating Dave Foster and the AGHS Academic Decathlon
Team.. accepted by Coach Foster. Arroyo Grande High School Academic
Decathlon Team Members Brianne Abrams, Adam Cohon, Chris Frederick,
Trisha Graton, Jake McGuire and Sean Schmidt were also present to accept
the proclamation.
c, Mayor Lady presented an appreciation plaque and proclamation to Nancy
Davis in recognition of her 15 years of service to the City.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 27,1999
6. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
6A. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES READ IN TITLE ONLY
On motion by Council Member Runels, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ferrara, and
carried unanimously, all resolutions and ordinances presented at the meeting shall
be read in title only and all further reading be waived.
7,a. JAMES WAY ANNEXATION (VILLAGE GLEN. TRACT 2265)
Council Member Tolley announced that due to a potential conflict of interest he
would step down from the dais.
Consultant Tom Buford highlighted the Staff Report. He said the Planning
Commission recommended Council certify the Final Environmental Impact Report,
approve the General Plan Amendment and the commencement of steps to approve
the Development Code Amendment, He explained that if these items were approved
by Council, the applicant would proceed to the San Luis Obispo County Local
Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) requesting an amendment of the City's
sphere of service to allow the City to provide sewer and water service to the site and
an approval of the annexation. He explained further that if LAFCO approved the
application, the applicant would return to the City for approval of the Vesting
Tentative Tract Map, the Planned Development permit, and the actual development
of the parcel with conditions of approval. Supplemental information was provided
addressing alternatives that were available for Council consideration.
After being assured that the Public Hearing had been duly published and all legal
requirements met, Mayor Lady opened the Public Hearing,
Kirk Scott, 520 Via Vaquero, reminded the City Council that the City received survey
results regarding the General Plan Update. He said there were three main issues:
size of lots, density, and annexation. He said that the responses~ regarding
annexation were 53% no and 48% yes and the only fair way to settle it would be to
put annexation to a vote of the people.
C.Z. Brown, 350 Old Ranch Road, stated that the project would be beneficial to the
City but urged the Council to pay close attention to the traffic issues at the EI Campo
Interchange, Rodeo Drive, James Way, and the 227 by-pass. He urged the Council
to consider dedicating traffic fees from the Village Glen project to relieve the
problem on Rodeo Drive.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
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Ella Honeycutt, 5600 Oak Hill Road, stated she was not in favor of or opposed to the
project. She stated that the City was taking a new path with' annexation and there
were hundreds of acres for the City to consider. She said that if the City was going
to save any agricultural land, that the people who wanted to annex land should have
to buy development rights.
Kathleen Wendell, 737 Printz Road, stated her property overlooks the proposed
development. She said she had concerns with the well that is being used to supply
water to the property and the additional costs to the City for treating and blending
the water, interference with her wells, the size of the lots, density per acre, and the
clustered development of homes within the Tract. She commented that she was
happy with the dedicated open space that is designated in the project.
Phil Whitaker, 921 Huasna Road, stated he had walked the property and he likes the
proposed project. He said if the City developed the parcel instead of the County, it
would have control over City revenues and have an influence on the design and
layout.
Richard DeBlauw, 744 Alta Vista Way, stated his property adjoins this property and
he spoke in favor of the project.
Mark Panther, 402 Spanish Moss Lane, spoke in opposition to the project. He
agreed with Mr. Scott that annexation should require voter approval.
Jan Scott, Arroyo Grande, stated that the Berry Gardens development project was
approved with a higher density than the General Plan allowed because it fit into the
neighborhood and this project was the complete opposite with much smaller lots
than what surrounds it.
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Glen Hogan, Arroyo Grande, spoke in favor of the project. He said he sells real
estate and he receives a lot of questions and interest from people about when the
parcel will be developed, He said this project is compatible with the community. He
said the area needed growth to provide a customer base for the new commercial
development and encouraged approval of the project.
Rob Plum, 291 James Way, spoke in favor of the project. He stated his fence line is
next to the City's property line, He said he had lived at this address for 30 years and
thought this was a great project. -
Stephanie Painter, 541 Mesa View Drive, spoke in favor of the project. She said the
property was not suitable for farming, She explained how the idea for the Village
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 27,1999
Glen development came about with the concept of an old-fashioned neighborhood
and lots of open space.
Fred Wendall, 737 Printz Road, stated his two main issues were well interference
with his property and lot size. He said he did not understand the City's advantage
of pre-zoning and thought it was only a benefit to the developer.
Karen Crossharmon, 390 Mercedes, stated the development and the annexation were
two different issues. She expressed traffic safety issues and water issues and said
there was no rush for the development of the property.
Glen James, one-sixth owner of the property, spoke in favor of the project. He said
he liked the project and was happy to see that some open space had been reserved.
Hearing no further comments from the public, the Mayor closed the hearing to the
floor.
Council discussion:
Council Member Runels asked if the annexation was approved would the pre-zoning
preclude coming back later to make changes. Consultant Buford responded that
pre-zoning was part of th~ Environmental Review process and was a requirement of
LAFCO in its consideration and approval of the annexation.
There was significant discussion regarding the wells that will serve the project.
Mayor Pro Tern Ferrara asked if LAFCO has ever accepted mixed zoning. He
suggested mixed zoning such as Rural Estate and Rural Residential. Consultant
Buford responded that the Council was not restricted to adopting the pre-zoning that
has been requested by the applicant. He noted it was not the City pursuing the
annexation through LAFCO, it was the applicant.
Council Members asked questions about some of the mitigation measures in the.
Environmental Impact Report related to grading, water, and traffic issues. There was
discussion related to the Analysis of Fiscal Impact and how figures were derived at
to determine a cost benefit of the annexation to the City. Consultant Buford
explained the Fiscal Analysis and the potential impacts on City departments and
services.
There was extensive discussion regarding traffic concerns. Consultant Buford
explained how the Traffic Analysis reviewed several scenarios which started with
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 27, 1999
current traffic, added project traffic, and included traffic as a result of the build-out
of the Five Cities Center. He referred to Pages IV-D5 and IV-D6 in the E.I.R. which
shows a cumulative project list with projected traffic volumes.
Council Member Runels stated that this parcel was not farmland. He said that if the
City did not proceed with this project, the County would have control over the
development of the land. Council Member Runels said it was time for the projectto
move forward and moved to certify the E.I.R. and adopt the Resolution. The motion
failed for lack of a second.
Council Member Dickens responded to some of the public comments and said he
would favor using traffic fees to mitigate issues on Rodeo Drive; he applauded the
developer for designating 33 acres as open space; he would favor a transition of lot
sizes; and he opposed a ballot initiative for annexation, He stated his primary
concern with certifying the E.I,R. was the well issue. He suggested the possibility
of creating a special assessment district to offset water treatment cost of the Deer
Creek well. He said he was not in favor of pre-zoning the parcels outside of the
tentative tract proposal.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferrara stated he questioned the accuracy and validity of the EIR as
related to water, traffic, and refuse diversion issues. He said mitigation measures
rely on the Brisco Interchange. lOng-term studies and profects not presently planned,
designed or approved, He stated another proposed traffic mitigation measure is the
Grace Lane Extension which is neither planned, designed, or approved, and may in
fact never be built. He said these are not valid mitigation measures and should not
be presented as such. There are no proposed mitigation measures in the E.I.R. that
address traffic circulation impacts in a manner consistent with the General Plan. He
said that although the project has merit, the E.I.R. is not adequate and does not meet
the intent of the General Plan.
Mayor Lady commented that this project was exempt from the current General Plan
Update. He stated he likes the project but has concerns with water and traffic. He
said if this was a County project, loss of revenues, public safety services, traffic, and
loss of design control would negatively impact the City.
City Attorney Carmel explained that if the Council was suggesting modifications to
the E.I.R. at this time, the document may have to be recirculated to allow for
additional public comment.
Gary Young, applicant, spoke on behalf of the project. He assured the Council that
they had met CEQA requirements. He said they would develop and test the water
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 27, 1999
source for 30 days to prove there is substantial water to serve the project before
recording a final tract map. He said there had been extensive analysis on the traffic
issue. He said this was a logical extension of the City which would generate
substantial fee income for the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferrara moved to postpone the adoption of the Resolution certifying
that the Final Environmental Impact Report prepared for General Plan Amendment
97-004, Development Code Amendment 97-009, Vesting Tentative Map 2265, and
Planned Development 97-56 and return it to the applicant to work with Staff to
determine better accuracy in the E.I.R. and identifying additional mitigation
measures to address identified impacts Council Member Dickens seconded the
motion,
_Voice Vote
.lLRolI Call Vote
Aye Lady
Aye Ferrara
No Runels
Abstain Tolley
A'ye Dickens
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There being 3 AYES, 1 NO, and 1 ABSTENTION, the motion is hereby declared to be
passed.
Council Member Tolley returned to the dais,
8, CITIZENS' INPUT. COMMENTS. AND SUGGESTIONS
Jim Talbot, 230 Dove, read and submitted a letter for the record relating to the
annexation of Falcon Ridge into Arroyo Grande and issues related to the EI Campo
interchange.
Ella Honeycutt, Director of San Luis Resource Conservation District, invited the City
Council to attend a tour on Asilo Street located in the Highlands development in
Rancho Grande.
9. CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member Dickens declared he had a potential conflict of interest on Consent
Agenda Item 9.k. and would abstain from voting,
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 27, 1999
Council Member Runels moved and Council Member Tolley seconded the motion to
approve Consent Agenda Items 9.a. through 9.1. with the exception of item 9.k., with
the recommended courses of action. City Attorney Carmel read the title of
Ordinance No. 503 C.S. in Consent Agenda Item 9.e.
9.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification.
9.b. Cash Flow Analysis - Approval of Interfund Advance from the Sewer Facility
Fund.
9.c. Minutes of City Council Meeting of April 13, 1999.
9.d, Rejection of Claim - Roberta Palius.
9.e. Adoption of Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Procedures.
9.f. Sale of Safe and Sane Fireworks for the Millennium Celebration.
9.g. Declaration of Surplus Property.
9.h. Authorization to Solicit Bids, Landscape Maintenance Contract.
9.i, Authorization to Solicit Bids - Montego Street Sidewalk (South Side), Project
No. 90-98-7.
9.j. City Corporation Yard Fuel Facility Replacement Plan, City Project No. 80-98-1,
Progress Payment No.2.
9.1. Authorization to Use City Property for the March of Dimes Walk America on
Saturday, May 1, 1999.
_Voice Vote -
-X..RolI Call Vote
An Lady
~ Ferrara
An Runels
An Tolley
~ Dickens
There being 5 A YES and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
Council Member Runels moved and Council Member Tolley seconded the motion to
. approve Consent Agenda Item 9.k. with the recommended course of action.
9.k, Acceptance of Improvements for Tract 2217.
.lL Voice Vote
_Roll Call Vote
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 27, 1999
Aye Lady
Aye Ferrara
Aye Runels
Aye Tolley
Abstain Dickens
There being 4 A YES and 1 ABSTENTION, the motion is hereby declared to be
passed.
10.a, CHANGE OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TIME.
City Manager Hunt highlighted the Staff Report. He stated that staff recommended
the City Council:
. Introduce for first reading an Ordinance modifying Title 2, Chapter 1, Article 1 of
the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code regarding the date and time for regular
meetings of the City Council; and
. Adopt a resolution establishing 7 p.m. as the time City Council meetings shall
begin, effective July 1, 1999.
After City Council comments and questions of staff, it was 'moved by Council
Member Runels and seconded by Council Member Dickens to introduce for first
reading an Ordinance modifying Title 2, Chapter 1, Article 1 of the Arroyo Grande
Municipal Code. - .
_Voice Vote
-X-RolI Call Vote
Ay!J. Lady
AyJJ. Ferrara
AY.JJ. Runels
An Tolley
AY.JJ. Dickens
There being 5 A YES and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
Council Member Runels moved and Council Member Dickens seconded the motion
to adopt a Resolution establishing 7 p.m, as the time City Council meetings s~all
begin effective July 1, 1999.
_Voice Vote
-1LRolI Call Vote
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 27, 1999
AyJJ. Lady
AyJJ. Ferrara
AyJJ. Runels
An Tolley
An Dickens
There being 5 A YES and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
11.a. REIMBURSEMENT OF FEES - SPECIAL OL YMPICS OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTY
Parks and Recreation Director Hernandez highlighted the Staff Report. He stated
that staff was recommending the City Council provide direction regarding two
separate reimbursements requests from Special Olympics of San Luis Obispo
County for use of the City of Arroyo Grande and Woman's Club Community Center
on Friday, April 9 and Monday, April 12, 1999. He explained the categories on the
form for meeting requirements for the waiver of fees.
Dick Blankenberg, representing Special Olympics, spoke in favor of the request for
reimbursement of fees.
After Council questions of staff and discussion of how Special Olympic events
benefit members of the Arroyo Grande community, it was moved by Council Membe~
Tolley, seconded by Council Member Runels to approve two separate
reimbursement requests from Special Olympics of San Luis Obispo County for use
of the City of Arroyo Grande and Woman's Club Community Center on Friday, April
9 and Monday, April 12, 1999.
_Voice Vote
-1LRolI Call Vote
AyJJ. Lady
~ Ferrara
AyJJ. Runels
AyJJ. Tolley
~ Dickens
There being 5 A Y~S and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
Council Member Runels commented that starting the first of the year the Council
should consider not waiving these types of fees because over time they begin to add .
up to a considerable amount.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 27, 1999
11.b. GRAND AVENUE CORRIDOR STUDY: STRIPING MODIFICATIONS FROM ELM
STREET TO HALCYON ROAD
Public Works Director Spagnolo highlighted the Staff Report. He stated that the
Traffic Commission recommended the City Council approve the recommendations
regarding the striping modifications on Grand Avenue between Elm Street and
Halcy.on Road.
Council Member Runels asked it there was consideration about making Brisco a no
left turn lane onto eastbound Grand Avenue. Director Spagnolo responded there
was not.
Council Member Dickens asked if there had been any discussion relating to the
Halcyon/Grand Avenue intersection as related to driving north on Grand and making
a left turn onto Halcyon. Director Spagnolo replied that split phasing was
recommended for this intersection.
Mayor Lady opened up the discussion for public comment.
Larry Garner, 958 Grand Avenue, referred to the planters in front of the mobile home
park. He said he wanted them to be maintained and wanted the City to consider
putting in different types' of plants instead of just ~oncrete.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferrara agreed with Mr. Garner and stated he would like to see the
planters stay and would like to see more beautification of this street.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Lady closed the public discussion.
Council Member Dickens moved and Council Member Tolley seconded to approve
the Traffic Commission recommendations regarding the striping modifications on
Grand Avenue between Elm Street and Halcyon Road.
~ Voice Vote
_Roll Call Vote
Ay.!L Lady
AyjL Ferrara
Ay.!L Runels
Ay}L Tolley
Ay}L Dickens
There being 5 A YES and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be passed. '
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 27, 1999
11. c. AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT BIDS - GRAND AVE, ELM STREET TO HALCYON
ROAD. PROJECT NO. 60-70-90-98-6
Public Works Director Spagnolo highlighted the Staff Report. He stated that staff
recommended the City Council authorize the solicitation of bids for the Grand
Avenue - Elm Street to Halcyon Road capital improvement project. He. stated that
the construction plans for the project were complete and included replacement of
water lines, sewer lines, installation of storm drains, hydrants, and underground
conduits for future undergrounding of overhead utilities. He said several town hall
meetings were conducted with the property and business owners to discuss the
project.
In response to Council comments relating to project schedules and time lines,
Director Spagnolo responded that there was a clause in the contract to do some
night time work at the intersections to facilitate speeding up the project and
minimizing traffic delays.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferrara moved and Council Member Tolley seconded the motion to
authorize the solicitation of bids for the Grand Avenue - Elm Street to Halcyon Road
capital improvement project.
-X... Voice Vote
Roll Call Vote -
-
AyjL Lady
AyjL Ferrara
AyfL Runels
AyfL Tolley
AyfL Dickens
There being 5 A YES and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
a. MAYOR MICHAEL LADY
(1) South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District. Mayor Lady gave a
report on last week's meeting. He said an upcoming issue included a fee
waiver request regarding the new condominium/apartment timeshare
project in Oceano. He also reported on a water purification/ionization
company from Santa Maria that wants to relocate to this area.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 27, 1999
b. MAYOR PRO TEM TONY M. FERRARA
(1) Integrated Waste Management Authority Board. 1) The draft Request For
Proposals (RFP) document for Recycling services has been reviewed.
City Manager Hunt replied that the Council had authorized the solicitation
of bids and the RFP was scheduled to be distributed in mid-May. 2) Calls
and feedback were being received about the new Greenwaste program:
A letter was received from Wildwood Ranch that said they had their own
gardener picking up greenwaste and were opposed to Tri-Cities Disposal
coming through their neighborhood. Feedback has been received
regarding the size of the containers being too big. He stated the Council
may have to revisit this issue. 3) At the next IWMA meeting on May 12th,
the Board will be reviewing a draft mandatory recycling ordinance for
commercial retail generators.
(2) Economic Vitality Corporation. No report,
(3) Air Pollution Control District (APCD), An issue is coming up that deals
with agricultural burning. The Air Resources Board is going to get more
restrictive on burn days, North County has the worst air quality, and
regulations for the entire County would be based on the worst case
scenario, A workshop to discuss this issue is scheduled on April 29th
from 1 :00 to 5:00 p.m. at the County Government Center.
c, COUNCIL MEMBER THOMAS A, RUNELS
(1) Zone 3 Advisory Board, There is no meeting this month, They have been
experiencing logistic and equipment problems with the proposed stone
columns at the Dam.
(2) County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC). The U.S.
Geological Survey now has a process to use radar to detect and find
underground water basins and faults.
d, COUNCIL MEMBER STEVE TOLLEY
(1) Long-Range Planning Committee. There was discussion relating to the
Committee's status as an Ad-hoc Committee, its role in the General Plan
Update process, and Council Member Tolley's role as Chair of the
Committee.
(2) South County Youth Coalition. The Youth Master Plan is done. Copies
of the Plan were distributed to Council. Council Member Tolley thanked
Council and staff for all their support on this project.
(3) San Luis Obispo Council of Governments/San Luis Obispo Regional
Transit Authority (SLOCOG/SLORT A), The highlight of the last meeting
related to special district representation on SLOCOG which was not
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 27, 1999
approved. The Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) is
moving forward with projects on Fair Oaks, Grand Avenue, and Tally Ho.
e. COUNCIL MEMBER JIM DICKENS
(1) South County Area Transit. Based on recent survey results, the SCAT
Board will be taking a comprehensive look at needs and un-met needs
in an effort to revamp how the South County is serviced. There were
some recommendations by CCA T to integrate one of its routes into the
SCAT system.
(2) Economic Development Committee/Chamber of Commerce. The majority
of the discussion at the last meeting revolved around the City's
Economic Task Force. Some recommendations for appointments to the
Task Force have been made from other segments of the community.
(3) Other - Community Recreation Center Subcommittee. Council Member
Dickens is in the process of obtaining commitments from three
individuals to serve on the subcommittee. The goal is to set the first
meeting in early May to discuss and brainstorm what the community's
needs are.
13. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Pro Tem Ferrara stated he was looking over the Director of Community
Development Director recruitment brochure and suggested some wordsmithing to I
include emphasis on General Plan compliance and Development Code consistency.
He said these issues were important to the community. I
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Council Member Runels talked about the SOAR initiative that has been voted on in
Ventura County. He stated that he thought there was going to be some effects on
future expansion in Arroyo Grande. He said he thought someday Nipomo will
incorporate and he suggested that the Council consider expanding Arroyo Grande's
sphere of influence so they could control the Hwy 101 corridor.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferrara showed the Council what a port replicator was and
explained how to use it with a laptop.
Council Member Dickens reported that he and Mayor Pro Tem Ferrara attended a
Redevelopment Seminar in Newport Beach. He stated it was informative and he has
a better grasp on Redevelopment.
Mayor Lady thanked Nancy Davis and stated he looked forward to seeing her in the
audience at future meetings.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 27,1999
14. ST AFF COMMUNICATIONS
None.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Council Member Tolley moved and Mayor Pro Tern Ferrara seconded the motion to
adjourn the meeting.
Time: 11 :45 p.m.
ATTEST:
KEL~~
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR/DEPUTY CITY CLERK
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