Minutes 2004-09-28
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28,2004
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 21S EAST BRANCH STREET
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrara called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Council: Council Members RuneJs, Dickens, Costello, Mayor Pro Tern Lubin, and
Mayor Ferrara were present.
City Staff Present: City Manager Adams, City Attorney Carmel, Director of Administrative
Services Wetmore, Interim Financial Services Director O'Reilly,
Community Development Director Strong, Director of Public Works
SpagnoJo, and Associate PJanner McClish.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Wayne Dempster, representing Knights of Columbus, led the FJag Salute.
4. INVOCATION
Pastor Jerry Nelson, Seventh-Day Adventist C~urch, delivered the invocation.
S.SPECIALPRESENTATIONS
S.a. Proclamation - Arroyo Grande Creek Celebration and Clean Up.
Mayor Ferrara presented an Honorary Proclamation procJaiming October 9, 2004 as Arroyo
Grande Creek CeJebration and Clean Up Day. Stephanie Wald, representing CentraJ Coast
Salmon Enhancement, accepted the Proclamation.
S.b. Proclamation - Honoring Ron Ritter, Potentate for AI Malaikah Shrine.
Mayor Ferrara presented an Honorary Proclamation procJaiming September 28, 2004 as a day of
recognition honoring RonaJd Ritter, 10ath Illustrious Potentate of AI Malaikah Shrine. Mr. Ritter
accepted the Proclamation and gave an overview of his Masonic history.
6. AGENDA REVIEW
6.a. Resolutions and Ordinances Read in Title Only
Council Member Dickens moved, Council Member Costello seconded, and the motion passed
unanimously that all resoJutions and ordinances presented at the meeting shall be read in title
onJy and all further reading be waived.
7. CITIZENS' INPUT. COMMENTS. AND SUGGESTIONS
Fred Baur referred to the SpeciaJ City CounciVPlanning Commission Joint Meeting and stated
that televising Planning Commission meetings is a terrific idea. He commented that it was a
great tool to utilize for public education on City .issues. He also acknowledged Council Member
RuneJs who assisted in finding a location in the Vi.llage' for the Transitions Mental HeaJth
organization.
Sandv Sanderson stated he has been. a resident of Arroyo Grande for 2~ years and he
commented that he was impressed that the City televises its Council meetings. He expressed
his appreciation and acknowJedged each Council Member individually.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 28, 2004
PAGE 2
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member Runels requested that Jtem 8.g. and 8.j. be pulled for discussion. .
Mayor Ferrara also requested that Jtem 8.g. be pulled for discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Lubin moved, and Council Member Runels seconded the motion to approve
Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.1., with the exception of Item 8.g., with the recommended
courses of action. The motion carried on the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Lubin, Runels, Dickens, Costello, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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8.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification.
Action: Approved the listings of cash disbursements for the period September 1, 2004 -
September 15,2004.
8.b. Consideration of Cash Flow Analysis/Approval of Interfund Advance from the
Water Fund.
Action: Received and filed the August 2004 cash report and approve the interfund
advance from the Water Facility Fund to cover cash deficits in other funds as of August
31, 2004.
8.c. Consideration of Approval of Minutes.
Action: Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 24, 2004 as
submitted.
8.d. Consideration of Resolution Establishing a Job Description for the Water Services
Worker Position.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 3782. "
8.e. . Consideration of Funding'the Video Taping of the City Council Election Candidate
Forum.
Action: Approved an allocation of $350.00 to fund the cost of services for AGP Video to
tape the City election candidate forum for rebroadcast on the City's Government
Channel.
8.f. Consideration to Approve the Plans and Specifications and Authorize the
Solicitation of Bids for the Creekside Path, Phase III Llgh.ing Project.
Action: 1) Approved the construction plans and specifications; 2) Authorized the
solicitation of public construction bids; 3) Found that the project is categorically exempt
from CEQA pursuant to Section 15301 (a); and 4) Directed the Director of Administrative
Services to file a Notice of Determination.
8.h. Consideration of the Approval of Plans and Specifications and Authorization to
Solicit Bids for the Theis/Keisler Tennis Court Addition Project, PW 2004-02.
Action: 1) Approved the plans and specifications for the Theis/Keisler Tennis Court
Addition Project; 2) Authorized the Public Works Department to solicit public construction
bids; 3) Found that the project is categorically exempt from CECA pursuant to Section
15301 (e); and 4) Directed the Director of Administrative Services to file a Notice of
Exemption.
8.1.. Consideration of Resolutions Requesting the San Luis Obispo County Board of
Supervisors to Support the Formation of a Vector Control District and Requesting
that the Elected Representatives of the United States and the State of California
Allocate Funds to Research, Monitor and Eliminate West Nile Virus In California.
Action: Adopted ResoJution Nos. 3783 and 3784.
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SEPTEMBER 28, 2004
PAGE 3
8.). Consideration of Amendment to Tract No. 2328, Stonecrest, Grading and
Improvement Plans for Private Road Easement Modifications and Extension to
Adjoining Mankins Residential Properties.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution amending the subject Tract 2328 grading and
improvement plans to provide for private road easement modifications and extension to
adjoining Mankins residential properties.
Council Member Runels expressed concern that there was disagreement between the adjacent
property owner (Howard Mankins) and the project developer (S&S Homes) concerning the width
of the access road easement and potential relinquishment of slope or retaining walls required for
hillside stability.
Howard Mankins stated he had no problems with relinquishing part of the existing private access
road easement; however, he stated he would not provide relinquishment until a road was built.
He further expressed concern about the proposed width of the road easement aDd the need for
sJope or retaining wall access easements.
John Mack, representing S&S Homes, addressed timing issues related to completion of the
project and clarified some of the issues related to the road and slope easements proposed.
Following further discussion and continued disagreement by the parties, there was consensus to
direct staff to work with Howard Mankins and S&S Homes to resoJve the issues involving the
private access road easement.
. Council Member Runels moved to continue th~ item to the October 12, 2004 meeting. Mayor
Pro Tern Lubin seconded the motion, and on the'following ro!l-call vote:
AYES: Runels, Lubin, Dickens, CosteUo, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
There being 5 A YES and 0 NOES, the motion i~ hereby decJared to be passed.
8.g. Consideration of Approval of a Consultant Services Agreement with Omni-Means,
Ltd. to ProvidePro)ectApproval and Environmental Determination for the Brisco
Road-Halcyon RoadIRoute 101 Interchange.
Recommended Action: 1) Approve a Consultant Services Agreement with Omni-
Means, Ltd for Project ApprovaJand EnvironmentaJ Determination (PA&ED) for the
Brisco Road-Halcyon Road/Route 101 Interchange in the amount of $367,988; 2)
Authorize the Mayor to execute. the Agreement; and 3) Appropriate $62,988 from the
Transportation Facility Fund.
Mayor Ferrara expr~ssed concerns with approving Omni-Means as the consuJtant for this project
due to the controversy of its traffic analysis relating to the Five Cities Center and the concJusions
, that were made concerning the level of service at BriscolHighway 101. He stated he could not
support using Omni-Means on this project and suggested either negotiating with the next low
bidder or going back out to bid.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 28, 2004
PAGE 4
Discussion ensued with regard to the bidding process; reasons why only two of the eleven firms
submitted proposals; acknowledgement that Omni-Means is currently under contract with the
City to prepare its Traffic Model Update; and acknowledgement that the City has good traffic
policies in place today.
Mayor Ferrara moved to direct staff to revisit the bids that were submitted and attempt to
negotiate with Wood Rogers a similar bid as received from Omni-Means and if it is close and
reasonable in staff's determination to Omni-Means' bid, that the bid be awarded to Wood
Rogers. Further, if Wood Rogers was unwilling to move from the bid they submitted, he moved
to accept the bid from Omni-Means. Mayor Pro T em Lubin seconded the motion.
Discussion ensued clarifying the process for requesting proposals for professional services,
whether there was fJexibility in negotiating for professional services, discussion regarding the
City's policies, and clarification regarding the project's scope of work.
Mayor Ferrara provided a substitute motion to direct staff to send out another Request for
Proposal (RFP) to the eleven bidders and any others that can be identified, in a timely manner to
keep the project on track. Council Member Dickens seconded the motion, and on the following
roll call vote:
AYES: Ferrara, Dickens, Runels, Costello, Lubin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
There being 5 A YES and 0 NOES, the motion i~ hereby decJared to be passed.
Mayor Ferrara called a recess at 8:30 p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:40 p.m.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.a. Consideration of General Plan Amendment 04-003; 2003 Housing Element Update.
Community Development Director Strong presented the staff report and 'recommended the
Council adopt a Resolution approving ,General Plan Amendment 04-003 to amend the 2003
Housing EJement of the General Plan. Director Strong responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Lubin and Mayor Ferrara referred to the staff report and expressed concern
regarding the statement that determined the Specific Plan area currently within the City (140
acres) could be developed within the Housing Element timeframe since an interchange would
not be necessary with a predominantly residential deveJopment. Director Strong emphasized
that this statement was an erroneous assumption and shouJd not have been made in the staff
report. He recommended eliminating the portion of the sentence that says "an interchange
would not be necessary with a predominantJy residentiaJ developmenf' and substitute "subject to
a Specific PJan approval", which wouJd define what Jand use, circulation, and infrastructure wouJd
be necessary.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 28, 2004
~AGE 5
Steve Ross, Arroyo Grande, expressed concern about how the City couJd accomplish the
Housing EJement as far as bringing forward the number of houses that are required by the State.
He also expressed concern with #43 listed in the Housing Sites Inventory Table, which lists a
projection of 1,150 residential units on the Arroyo Linda property and surrounding area. He said
based on that number of homes, it would result in an approximate lot size of 5,600 square feet -
not including any infrastructure. He stated the City needs to take a more realistic approach with
the Housing Opportunity Sites Inventory.
Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public hearing.
Council Member Costello stated he was concerned with trying to meet the numbers allocated by
the State Housing and Community Development Department (HCD). He expressed concern that
the City may be held to compJy with those numbers. He stated that he had confidence in the
ability of the City to evaluate fairly and fully any and all proposed projects as they come forward
and determine what resources are available to support the projects. He expressed concern with
future water availability. He commented that realistically he did not think there was any way the
City will ever be abJe to build as many units as has been identified as potential sites in the
Housing Sites Inventory. He stated that having all the available resources to meet the number of
units identified was not realistic; however, the City needed to move .forward with the Housing
Element and to continue to evaluate projects. on their individual merits given the resources that
are available.
Council Member Dickens commented that this process has been through a long battle with the
State Housing and Community Development Department. He stated that aJthough the City had to
accept .the allocation, he thought that the Gen~ral PJan and Housing Element should be a real
refJection of what the City can and should do based on available resources. He said he wO!JJd
continue to look at all the projects that come forward in a realistic standpoint and evaJuate them
as to how they are going to benefit the community as a whole. He stated that appropriate
compromises have been made and the City's . limitations in meeting the projections have been
acknowledged. He stated it was in the City's best interest to move forward and seek approvaJ
from HCD on the Housing EJement.
Council Member Runels stated he was not comfortable with the allocation; however, the City has
no choice but to accept the numbers and move forward. He said that it needed to be understood
that when the City has reached the end of its resources, that development must stop. He
supported moving forw~rd and approving the Housing Element.
Mayor Pro Tern Lubin reflected on the Housing Element update process, the number of units
allocated by the State for the City of Arroyo Grande, and expressed concern that the Housing
Element will be enforced by the State regardless of available resources. He also expressed
concern about assumptions made in the Housing Element about Arroyo Linda and stated that
based on meetings that have been heJd to date, the project would not be 100% residential. He
said he was uncomfortabJe approving the document as presented.
Mayor Ferrara commented that HCD has strong legislative support for their cause and he
expressed concern that the City wouJd lose 10caJ control when reviewing projects. He stated he
did not want to put anything in writing that could not be met in a responsible way. He
commented . that the housing legisJation that led to the establishment of regionaJ housing
allocation for each city was unrealistic. He said he could not support the Housing Element as
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 28, 2004
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written, particuJarJy the projected densities on Item 43 (Arroyo Linda). He suggested removing
this projection and submitting it without those projected units.
Following further discussion, staff was requested to identify other aJternatives and work with the
PJanning Commission to amend the Housing EJement.
Mayor Pro Tern Lubin moved to continue the item to a date uncertain for further study and
aJternatives. Council Member Dickens seconded the motion, and on the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Lubin, Dickens, Runels, Costello, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
There being 5 A YES and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be "passed.
9.b. Consideration of Development Code Amendment 03-008: A Proposed Ordinance
Amending the Zoning Map and Portions of Title 16 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal
Code Revising the Commercial, Industrial, and Office Professional Districts;
Rezoning the Commercial Portions of Planned Development 1.1 and 1.2 Districts;
and 2) A Proposed Resolution Approving Design Guidelines and Standards
Pertaining to E. Grand Avenue and a Portion of EI Camino Real.
Associate PJanner McClish presented the staff report and recommended the Council adopt a
ResoJution approving Design Guidelines and Standards pertaining to E. Grand Avenue and a
portion of EI Camino Real; and introduce an ordinance amending the Zoning Map and portions of
Title 16 of the Arroyo Grande MunicipaJ Code" Jevising the Commercial, IndustriaJ, and Office
ProfessionaJ Districts, and rezoning the PJanned Development 1.1 and 1.2 Districts.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing, and upon hearing no public comments, he cJosed the
public hearing.
Council Member Dickens stated that due to his involvement over the weekend at the Harvest
FestivaJ, he did not have the opportunity to. review this item as appropriate. He requested the
Council continue this item to the next regular meeting.
Mayor Ferrara acknowJedged and agreed with Council Member Dickens' request to continue the
item; however, he expressed concern with the potential for a maximum building height of 40 ft.
for commercial and mixed use projects; expressed concern regarding maximum building size;
and requested that staff review and clarify these issues as they pertain to potential size, scale,
and massing. He aJso referred to the hotel graphic displayed on page 19 of the Design
Guidelines .and Standards and requested it be replaced with a better example.
Mayor Pro Tem Lubin also acknowledged that the hospitaJ could potentially expand in the future
and that maximum building size should be Jarger than 50,000 square feet.
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Council Member Dickens moved to continue the item to the October 12, 2004 City Council
meeting. Council Member Costello seconded the motion, and on the following roll call vote:
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 28, 2004
f)AGE 7
AYES: Dickens, Costello, Runels, Lubin, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
There being 5 A YES and 0 NOES, the motion is hereby declared to be passed.
10. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS
None.
12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
a. MAYOR TONY M. FERRARA:
(1) San Luis Obispo Council of Governments/San Luis Obispo Regional Transit
Authority (SLOCOG/SLORT A). No report.
(2) Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA). Met 9/8104; Reported that
the County has adopted a Construqtion and Demolition Waste Ordinance which
will help the JPA improve the diversion rate; and reported that the City of Paso
RobJes is deveJoping a similar ordinance. There was also a presentation on
alternative fueJ vehicles;
(3) Other. None.
b. MAYOR PRO TEM SANDY LUBIN:
(1) South County Area Transit (SCAT). No report.
(2) Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC). Met 9/22/04; Received report on Mid
State Fair which indicated the Fair was highly successful; next year will be the
Fair's 16th Anniversary. Reported that the EVC Executive Director, Ray Johnson,
will be retiring January 1st. Discussion was held regarding ADA issues. .
(3) CJPIA..August and September financial reports given to staff.
(4) Other. None.
c. COUNCIL MEM~ER THOMAS A. RUNELS:
(1) Zone 3 Water Advisory Board. Met last week; Reported lake eJevation is at
45%; recreation area revenues reached $250;000 for 2 months; attendance in
July react1ed 68,000 and 59,000 in August. The Health Department gave a report
. on the water slide, which was recently shut down, tested, and chJorinated.
Received quarterly budget review. Reported that the water treatment plant
upgrade design was approved.
(2) County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC). No report.
(3) Other. None.
d. COUNCIL MEMBER JIM DICKENS:
(1) San Luis Obispo Council of Governments/San Luis Obispo Regional Transit
Authority (SLOCOG/SLORT A). None.
(2) South County Youth Coalition. No report.
(3) South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD). Met 9/1 and
9/15/04; The Plant continues to maintain its discharge requirements; continues to
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 28, 2004
PAGE 8
operate well; the Regional Water Quality Board is proposing that the District
increase its discharge requirements, specifically in one area, however it is
anticipated that the requirements will be met; approved a plan to work with staff
and Wallace and Associates to meet the new Regional Water Quality Board
annual reporting requirements; and reported that Council had received invitations
to a District Open House BBQ on October 6th which would include a plant tour.
(4) Other. None.
e. COUNCIL MEMBER JOE COST-=LLO:
(1) Air Pollution Control District (APCD). Met Jast week; gave out five pollution
prevention awards to organizations and businesses for efforts made over the last
year; and reported that the fee scheduJe on permits for Jarge engines had been
amended and approved.
(2) Other. None.
13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS:
Mayor Pro Tem Lubin requested, and the Council concurred, to direct staff to place on a future
City Council agenda alternatives for urging State.legislation regarding. ADA requirements.
14. CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
None.
15. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayo(Ferrara reported that he attended the League of California Cities Annual Conference. He
stated that he was sworn in as the Channel Counties Vice President for the coming year. He
extended congratulations to the community of volunteers for making the annual Harvest Festival
one of the best events ever and stated that it was a great success.
16.. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
City Manager Adams reported that there was no apparent damage from the recent earthquake.
He announced that on October 6, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. there would be a groundbreaking
ceremony for the Courtland Senior Housing project. He also thanked all of the Harvest Festival
volunteers for making the event such a success.
17. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS:
Nancv Castle, AGP Video,. reported that the City of Morro Bay City Council recentJy discussed
the ADA issue and directed staff to conduct a workshop. She referred to Morro Bay City
Attorney Rob Schultz as a resource of information regarding this topic. She aJso reported that
AGP Video recently traveled to Davis, California to videotape the California Performance Review
and that it would be rebroadcast on County Government Channel 21 in the coming weeks.
18. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ferrara adjourned the meeting at 11 :08 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 28, 2004
PAGE 9
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Tony . rara, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Kelly W tm e, Director of Administrative Services!
Deputy City Clerk
(Approved at CC Mtg /O~ZI;.uI)