Loading...
Minutes 2002-04-23 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2002 COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 215 E. BRANCH STREET ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Lady called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL City Council: Council Members Dickens, Ferrara, Lubin, Mayor Pro Tern Runels and Mayor Lady were present. City Staff Present: City Manager Adams; City Attorney Carmel; Director of Administrative Services Wetmore; Community Development Director Strong; Chief otPolice TerBorch; Director of Building and Fire Fibich; Director of Parks, Recreation & Facilities Hernandez; and Director of Public Works Spagnolo. 3. FLAG SALUTE Tom Tarwater, Master, Arroyo Grande Masonic Lodge #274, led the Flag Salute. 4. INVOCATION Pastor Jared Hoover, First Assembly of God, Arroyo Grande, delivered the invocation. 5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 5.a. Proclamation - Arbor Day, April 26, 2002. Mayor Lady presented a Proclamation to Dan Hemandez, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities, recognizing April 26, 2002 as "Arbor Day" in the City of Arroyo Grande. 5.b. Proclamation - Recognizing Cuesta College Expanded Campuses. Mayor Lady presented a Proclamation to Dr. GiI Stork, Assistant SuperintendenWice President of Student Services and Harry Schade, Dean of Humanities, of Cuesta College, recognizing the expanded campuses of Cuesta College. 6. AGENDA REVIEW None. 6.a. Resolutions and Ordinances Read in Title Only Council Member Dickens moved, Mayor Pro Tem 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. ~___._m_ CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES APRIL 23, 2002 PAGE 2 7. CITIZENS'INPUT, COMMENTS. AND SUGGESTIONS Ella Honeycutt, 560 Oak Hill Road, stated she had written an article entitled "Assault on Agriculture in Arroyo Grande Valley - 2002" and distributed copies to Council. She also spoke regarding the results of the litigation involving the Referendum and stated that she supported the preservation of agricultural land in Arroyo Grande. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Ferrara moved and Council Member Dickens 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 listings of cash disbursements for the period April 1 , 2002 through April 15, 2002. 8.b. Consideration of Approval of Minutes. Action: Approved minutes for the Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting and Special City Council Meeting of March 20, 2002. 8.c. Consideration of Progress Payment No. 2 for the Oak Park Boulevard Widening Project, City Project No. PW.Q0.Q1. Action: Authorized Progress Payment No. 2 in the amount of $36.648.05 to Souza Construction for work completed on the Oak Park Boulevard Widening project. 8.d. Consideration of Contribution for Paulding/Judkins Middle Schools and Arroyo Grande High School Destination Imagination Teams. Action: Appropriated $500 for a contribution to the Paulding/Judkins Middle Schools and Arroyo Grande High School Destination Imagination teams. AYES: Ferrara, Dickens, Runels, Lubin, Lady NOES: None ABSENT: None There being 5 AYES and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be passed. 9. PUBLIC HEARING None. 10. CONTINUED BUSINESS 10.a. Transitions Mental Health Association Project Update. Community Development Director Strong gave a brief update on the Transitions Mental Health Association project, explaining that the Council had directed staff to work with the applicant to identify an altemate location. Director Strong reported that 121 Poole Street had been identified and the property owner offered a two-year lease with a possible three-year extension. He reviewed zoning issues and explained that the new ---~'--'_..- CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES APRIL 23, 2002 PAGE 3 location can be administered with a Large Family Day Care Permit because such a facility is appropriate for the Village Commercial District under the General Plan, and a CUP has been processed administratively addressing issues regarding location in or adjacent to residential zones. He further explained that properties within 300 feet of the proposed facility had been mailed notices and that unless a written appeal was received, the approval and conditions would be final on April 30, 2002. Mayor Lady stated he had spoken today with Jill Bolster-White, Executive Director of Transitions Mental Health Association, and reported that Transitions would be conducting a neighborhood meeting on Thursday, April 25111 at 6 p.m. to provide information on their program. Council Members commended staff and the community for efforts in finding an alternative location. The report was received and filed. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.a. Consideration of Recommendations from DMG Maximus Report for Operational Review and Evaluation of Fire and Emergency Medical Service Needs in Arroyo Grande. Director of Building and Fire Fibich introduced Matt Dillon, DMG Maximus Consultant. Mr. Dillon presented an overview of the report's findings which identified staffing and operational issues facing the Fire Department. He explained that the calls for service workload volumes occurring during the daytime hours exceed the capacity of staff during some of those hours; and the lack of experienced, or long-term firefighting volunteers has significantly curtailed the Department's ability to staff and deploy trained and reliable Engineer/Driver Operator positions. He reviewed two options that could mitigate the operational and staffing issues facing the Fire Department and the City; Option 1) Hire and staff three full-time Engineers for 24-hour/7 day coverage, and Option 2) Hire and staff two full-time Engineers to work 12-hour/7 day coverage during the daytime only. Mr. Dillon also addressed the size of the current Fire Station and concurred that it is undersized. Finally, Mr. Dillon concluded by reporting it would be in the City's best interest to look into a sprinkler requirement for new development. Council Member Dickens noted that 63% of calls are medical response calls and he inquired why the engine is sent on those calls. Director Fibich replied that there were a limited number of ambulances in the County and the fire unit typically arrives prior to the ambulance. He explained that the firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's) and the fire unit contains medical life-saving equipment that could be used on the scene. He further explained that the fire department travels fully equipped in order to respond to other calls that may occur. Mr. Dillon addressed the question and commented that the fire department is also on hand to provide crowd and/or traffic control. ----..- CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES APRIL 23, 2002 PAGE 4 Council Member Dickens asked how many of the automatic/mutual aid calls were to unincorporated areas. Director Fibich replied approximately 10% of the call load. Council Member Dickens referred to page 18 in the report and inquired why there was no data in the chart for ratio of call for service workload per capita between 1992 and 1999. Mr. Dillon responded he was looking at the data over a total 15-year period and said there was an assumption of growth during those years. Council Member Ferrara referred to the charts on page 16 of the report and asked questions regarding the projections for new development. He referred to the proposed Arroyo Linda Crossroads project and commented that the City would be faced with a number of studies related to the proposed project. He commented that this study underestimates the impact of the proposed project to Fire and Police services and that a separate Fire and Police study would be required. He referred to page 17 which referenced Arroyo Grande as an aging community and challenged that statement. He stated he could not find age profiles in the report to backup the statement. He commented that he saw a changing trend in population. Mr. Dillon responded the statement was based on interviews taken and looking at the nature of medical response calls. Council Member Ferrara referred to emergency medical service calls and asked if the City had a system that documents the nature of incidents. Director Fibich replied that the Department would be using new software which will more accurately track incidents for reportirig purposes. Council Member Ferrara referred to the joint City Council meeting held to discuss issues related to consolidation; observed that Pismo Beach Fire had contracted with CDF; acknowledged that there was a desire among the cities to maintain identities; and inquired as to the status for pursuing further areas of study and the possibility of enhancing joint training efforts, vehicle maintenance, or other cost saving projects. Director Fibich responded that staff had followed the direction given at the joint Council meeting and had met with representatives of the fire departments of the other agencies. He indicated the City of Arroyo Grande had been working with Pismo Beach on providing joint services until CDF offered an association to increase their level of service. Director Fibich explained that staff has continued and implemented additional joint training; however, there was no interest on the part of Grover Beach and Oceano to pursue other joint efforts. He also indicated that staff was working to identify a training site that could be used jointly between the south county fire departments. Mayor Pro Tem Runels referred to page 26 of the DMG report which indicated the net cost resulting from converting the engineer position to full-time staff is about $165,000 per year and he inquired if there were any funds allocated to pay for that. CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES APRIL 23, 2002 PAGE 5 Director Fibich stated staff would return with an analysis on funding for the engineer position. City Manager Adams confirmed that if the Council supported the recommendations in the report, the Council could direct staff to return with a funding strategy. He indicated staff would recommend a phased-in approach for the approval of one (1) full-time position next fiscal year. Mayor Lady invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter. Ella Honeycutt, 560 Oak Hill Road, inquired whether the City could collect Development Impact Fees for fire services. Hearing no further comments, Mayor Lady brought the item back to Council for consideration. Council Member Lubin commented on the growth of the City and stated that growth impact issues needed to be resolved on an ongoing basis. He commented that two 12- hour engineer shifts would be harder to manage and stated he would lean toward the recommendation to hire and staff three full-time engineers for 12-hour/7 day coverage. He supported moving forward with staff's recommendation. Council Member Ferrara commented on the disparity between the number of calls and the level of service. He stated he was not inclined to recommend Option 1 or 2 until reviewing proposed funding strategies, therefore, he supported the recommendation to direct staff to develop a long-range funding strategy that examines the recommendations through the 10-year financial plan process and annual budget process. He also supported the findings regarding the expansion of the Fire Department commenting that at some time, the City should look at facility expansion across the board. Council Member Dickens expressed concems regarding growth projections as they relate to increased workload. He supported studying funding strategies for Option 1 to hire and staff three full-time engineers for 24-hourl7 day coverage. Mayor Pro Tem Runels and Mayor Lady both expressed support for staff's recommendation. Council Member Ferrara moved to accept the recommendations from the DMG Maximus Report and direct staff to develop a long-range funding strategy that examines the recommendations through the 10-year financial plan process and the annual budget to the extent possible. Mayor Pro Tem Runels seconded the motion, and on the following roll-call vote, to wit: ---.- CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES APRIL 23, 2002 PAGE 6 AYES: Ferrara, Runels, Dickens, Lubin, Lady NOES: None ABSENT: None There being 5 AYES and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be passed. 11.b. Consideration of Purchase Agreement with E. F. Moore & Company for Poplar Street Ponding Basin Property and Improvements. [RDA] Community Development Director Strong highlighted the staff report. Staff recommended the Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors adopt a Resolution approving the proposed purchase agreement with E.F. Moore & Company for the Poplar Street Ponding Basin property, expansion and improvements. Ted Moore, representing E.F. Moore & Company was introduced. Vice Chair Runels asked if it was necessary to expand the basin if a Longs store were built at the location. Director Strong replied that if the existing basin were not expanded, the project would be required to install an individual basin to serve the project. Board Member Lubin inquired why private basins could not be installed for each project and interconnected through an Assessment District. Director Strong replied that smaller individuals basins are much less efficient than one big ponding basin and that a larger basin would be more efficient and less inexpensive to maintain. Board Member Ferrara expressed concern regarding the hesitancy of the Albertson's property owner to abandon the existing basin. Ted Moore, project representative, briefly summarized the history of the project; displayed project renderings; and explained that fire sprinklers would be included in the project. Board Member Ferrara referred to the White property and asked if there was a potential to blend development on the two parcels. Discussion ensued with regard to planned connections between the two parcels. Director Strong also indicated that the expanded basin could be used during off-season for a seasonal BMX track. Chair Lady invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter, and upon hearing none, brought the item back to the RDA Directors for consideration. Board Member Dickens stated there were certain risks when the City acquires property; however, this acquisition and project provided for increased potential for the CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES APRIL 23, 2002 PAGE 7 Redevelopment Agency. He supported the proposed purchase agreement and said he was in favor of exploring the feasibility of altemative uses for the expanded basin. Board Member Ferrara favored the concept of expanding the basin in lieu of creating smaller basins. He supported the proposed agreement and favored pursuing the idea of BMX use in the basin. Board Member Lubin stated he could support a larger, shared basin. He expressed concerns with regard to the City's liability in the event of presence of hazardous material on the site. City Attorney/General Counsel Carmel explained that an indemnity clause had been included in the agreement to protect the City's interests. Board Member Lubin also expressed concern with a potential BMX use and stated that it should be explored cautiously; however, he supported further research on the idea. Board Runels supported moving forward with the project and looking very closely at the BMX use. He stated his biggest concem with the proposal was the City borrowing money from the Water Fund. Chair Lady supported the proposed agreement. Board Member Ferrara moved to approve the proposed budget goals and the 10-Year Financial Plan Phase II. Board Member Lubin seconded the motion, and on the following roll-call vote, to wit: AYES: Ferrara, Lubin, Dickens, Runels, Lady NOES: None ABSENT: None There being 5 AYES and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be passed. 11.c. Consideration of Pre-application Review Case No. 02-001; Proposed Rezone and Residential Subdivision, Located at 1595 East Grand Avenue (Berry Gardens Specific Plan Sub-area 3); Yoneji & Masako Matsumoto Revocable Trust. Community Development Director Strong presented the staff report and responded to questions from Council regarding the site. Mayor Lady invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter. Terry Orton, Westland Engineering, introduced himself and stated he was available to answer questions. CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES APRIL 23, 2002 PAGE 8 John Keen, 298 N. Elm, stated that the lot sizes and designs should be compatible with the existing Berry Gardens development. Hearing no further public comments, Mayor Lady brought the item back to Council for discussion, comments, and direction. Council Member Lubin stated this project was a natural extension to complete the residential portion of development of the Specific Plan Subarea and agreed with the need to blend this development with the existing Berry Gardens development. Council Member Dickens emphasized the need for compatibility and commented on the need actually construct affordable housing units. Director Strong explained the policy within the City's adopted Housing Element for providing affordable housing and stated that two of the units in this project would be so designated. Council Member Ferrara asked what was the smallest lot size in Berry Gardens. Director Strong replied 6,000 square feet for the detached homes and 3,000 for the attached units. Council Member Ferrara agreed with Mr. Keen's comments regarding compatibility within the Berry Gardens development. He stated that his concerns with the proximity of homes to E. Grand Avenue had been addressed through the Mixed Use concept. He supported the proposed project and favored taking a closer look at the affordable housing issue. Mayor Pro Tem Runels stated the proposed project was a good fit with the existing development and commented that all the streets were in place. Questions and discussion ensued regarding the definition of affordable housing in San Luis Obispo County. Mayor Lady supported the project as proposed. He then ensured that the applicant had received sufficient feedback and direction with regard to the proposed project. There was no action taken on this item. 11.d. Consideration of Proposed Ordinance Amending Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Chapter 10.16 Regarding Truck Parking. Director of Public Works Spagnolo presented the staff report. He explained the proposed Ordinance was established to limit commercial truck parking within the public rights-of-way; prohibit parking of vehicles transporting hazardous waste and hazardous materials in accordance with federal regulations; and prohibit parking of unattended commercial trailers that are not connected to motorized vehicles. Staff recommended the Council introduce an Ordinance amending Chapter 10.16 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code. CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES APRIL 23, 2002 PAGE 9 Council Member Lubin referred to the language in the Ordinance that states "parking of vehicles that are six (6) feet or more in height within the public right-of-way is prohibited" and inquired whether or not the provision would apply to Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Director Spagnolo replied that the provision would apply to all vehicles that exceeded . the height limit. Mayor Lady invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter. The following members of the public spoke regarding the proposed Ordinance: Clive Harrison, 611 EI Camino Real, representing EconoLodge Motel, spoke in support of the proposed Ordinance. Jeff Beck, representing a small trucking company, spoke in opposition to the proposed Ordinance. He requested a continuance of the item in order to conduct additional discussion regarding alternatives. Judy Dyer, representing Certified Freight Liner, spoke in opposition to the proposed Ordinance. She requested that the issue be continued in order to allow additional input. Gina Glass, representing Arroyo Village Inn, spoke in support of the proposed Ordinance. Hearing no further public comments, Mayor Lady brought the item back to Council for consideration. Mayor Lady acknowledged the requests for continuing the item. Council Member Ferrara requested input from the Police Chief. Chief TerBorch stated that from a public safety standpoint, the parking issue was not a problem. He explained that his original concern was imposing a time limit on parking areas as that is more difficult to enforce. He requested that specific violations be identified in the Ordinance. Council Member Ferrara asked what was called out in the California Vehicle Code with regard to the height limit issue. Chief TerBorch replied that he would have to research the height issue. Council Member Lubin expressed concerns that this would resolve the parking issue at this location and create a parking problem elsewhere, and also with the six foot limitation, due to personal vehicles being prohibited from parking. He supported a postponement of the item in order to research the issue and obtain further public input. ------- CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES APRIL 23, 2002 PAGE 10 Following discussion, the Council directed staff to continue working on identifying a resolution for the EI Camino Real truck parking issue and return the item to the Traffic Commission for review and consideration. 11.e. Consideration of Implementing a Process to Monitor Nipomo Incorporation Activities. Community Development Director Strong presented the staff report and responded to questions from Council. He outlined the recommended monitoring process including ongoing monitoring of ongoing pre-incorporation activities; coordinating with the County Planning Department for proposed expansion of the City's planning area to include the Laetitia Vineyards and the north areas of the Mesa within the San Luis Bay Planning area rather than the South County Planning Area; and continue coordination with the staff of the Local Agency Formation Commission to update the City's SOl and those of adjoining jurisdictions. The Council received the report and directed staff to implement the proposed process for monitoring planning activities related to potential incorporation of Nipomo. 12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS a. MAYOR MICHAEL LADY (1) South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD).Mayor Pro Tem Runels attended one meeting as the Alternate. At second meeting, it was reported that there is $10.7 million in Reserves; reviewed and approved the sewer capacity study. (2) Other. In conjunction with staff, attended and conducted roundtable discussion with businesses in the City. b. MAYOR PRO TEM THOMAS A. RUNELS (1) Zone 3 Advisory Board. Meets Thursday; Gave a status update on the Lopez Dam seismic retrofit project. (2) County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC). Have not met; in reorganization phase. (3) Other. None. c. COUNCIL MEMBER JIM DICKENS (1) Community Recreation Center Subcommittee. Met with staff; will be sending out monthly newsletter to Subcommittee Members on status of project. The Subcommittee won't be meeting on a monthly basis at this time. (2) Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC). No report. (3) South County Youth Coalition. Reported that Arroyo Grande Police Officer lanneo would be heading up the "Every 15 Minutes" program that will be conducted in May at Arroyo Grande High School to educate youth on the consequences of drinking and driving. ..------. CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES APRIL 23, 2002 PAGE 11 (4) Other. Reported that the Arroyo Grande High School Board has hired a Director to put together a Foundation Board. Looking for recommendation on people to serve on the Board. d. COUNCIL MEMBER TONY M. FERRARA (1) Integrated Waste Management Authority Board (IWMA). No report. Next meeting is May 8th. (2) Air Pollution Control District (APCD). No report. Next meeting is May 22nd. Announced that a meeting will be held on April 30th with Nipomo residents to look at alternatives to the No Burn rule. (3) San Luis Obispo Council of Governments/San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (SLOCOG/SLORTA). No report. Next meeting is May 8th. (4) Other. None. e. COUNCIL MEMBER SANDY LUBIN (1) South County Area Transit (SCAT). Approved 2002-03 Budget, of which Arroyo Grande portion of the increase is $51,872. Goals are to retain level of service. Addressing unanticipated issues with in-house operation. Elected new officers; will be serving as Vice-Chair. (2) Economic Vitality Corporation. Received presentation by SLO County Visitors and Conference Bureau. Announced that the Annual EVC meeting will be May 10th. Discussed funding issues. (3) Other. None. 13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS None. 14. CITY MANAGER ITEMS None. 15. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Lady reported he had received correspondence regarding the formation of a potential Sister City relationship. Following discussion, there was consensus of the Council to not pursue the request at this time. Mayor Lady referred to correspondence from Pismo Beach Mayor Natoli inviting participation in the April 27th Bowl-A-Thon. He reported he would not be available and passed on the invitation to the other Council Members. 16. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS None. 17. ADJOURNMENT Mayor/Chair Lady adjourned the meeting at 11 :45 p.m. ------- CITY COUNCILfREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES APRIL 23, 2002 PAGE 12 MICh.eIA.lad~'~ ATTEST: 11/)1..>' - etmo e, Director of Administrative Servicesl Deputy City Clerk/Agency Secretary ---.._-_. .-----