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Minutes 2006-01-24 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2006 COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 215 EAST BRANCH STREET ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA ' 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Ferrara called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL City Council: Council Members Jim Dickens, Joe Costello, Ed Arnold, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Guthrie, and Mayor Tony Ferrara were present. City Staff Present: City Manager Steve Adams, City Attorney Tim Carmel, Director of Administrative Services/City Clerk Kelly Wetmore, Director of Financiai Services Angela Kraetsch, Director of Building and Fire Terry Fibich, Director of Parks, Recreation & Facilities Daniel Hernandez, Director of Public Works/City Engineer pon Spagnolo, Assistant City Engineer Mike Linn, Police Commander Steve Andrews, and Assistant Planner Ryan Foster. 3. FLAG SALUTE Daniel Jimenez, representing Knights of Columbus, led the Flag Salute. 4. INVOCATION Rabbi Norman Mendel, Congregation Beth David, delivered the invocation. 5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 5.a. Proclamation — Grand Jury Awareness Month. Mayor Ferrara presented an Honorary Proclamation declaring February 2006 as Grand Jury Awareness Month. Val McClure and Robert Mires accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury. 6. AGENDA REVIEW 6.a. Ordinances Read in Title Oniy Council Member Dickens moved, Council Member Costello seconded, and the motion passed unanimously that all ordinances presented at the meeting shali be read in title only and all further reading be waived. 7. CITIZENS' INPUT, COMMENTS. AND SUGGESTIONS Tom Martin, representing South County Sanitary Service, announced that a new San Luis Obispo County phone book had been issue and referred to page 56 which included comprehensive information regarding recycling programs; announced that customers could now pay their bill online at www.wasteconnections.com; and announced that April 10-14, 2006 is Spring Clean-up Week. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Costello pulled item 8.e. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 24, 2006 PAGE 2 Council Member Arnold moved, and Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie seconded the motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.d., with the recommended courses of action. The motion carried on the following roll-call vote: AYES: Arnold, Guthrie, Dickens, Costello, Ferrara NOES: None ABSENT: None 8.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification. Action: Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period November 16, 2005 through November 30, 2005. 8.b. Statement of Investment Deposits. Action: Received and filed the report of current investment deposits as of December 31, 2005. 8.c. Consideration of Approval of Minutes. Action: Approved the minutes of the Special and Regular City Council meetings of November 22, 2005 and the Special City Council meeting of December 8, 2006, as submitted. 8.d. Consideration of Rejection of Claim Against City— C. Vanderlinden. Action: Rejected claim. 8.e. Consideration of Temporary Use Permit 06-001; Street Closures; Amgen Tour of California Bike Race. Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution approving Temporary Use Permit Case No. 06-001 authorizing the closure of various streets associated with the Amgen Tour of California Bike Race. In response to questions by Council Member Costello, Police Commander Andrews reviewed the bike route which would go through the City of Arroyo Grande; noted that there would be no pedestrian crossing in the Village for a short period of time; and clarified that Valley Road and Fair Oaks Boulevard would be subject to rolling closures. Council Member Costello moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING TEMPORARY USE PERMIT CASE NO. 06-001 AUTHORIZING THE CLOSURE OF VARIOUS STREETS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA BIKE RACE". Council Member Dickens seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote: AYES: Costello, Dickens, Guthrie, Arnold, Ferrara NOES: None ABSENT: None 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS 9.a. Consideration of Appeal of Planning Commission Denial of Plot Plan Review 05- 008 to Allow Two (2) Second-Floor Apartments in an Existing Two-Story Office Building. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 24, 2006 PAGE 3 At the applicant/appellanYs request, Assistant Planner Foster recommended the Council continue this item to the Regular City Council meeting of March 14, 2006. Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing, and upon hearing no public comments, he closed the public hearing. Council Member Arnold moved to continue the public hearing to the regular meeting of March 14, 2006. Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote: AYES: Arnold, Guthrie, Dickens, Costello, Ferrara NOES: None ABSENT: None 10. CONTINUED BUSINESS 10.a. Consideration of the Village Green Master Plan Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities Hernandez presented the staff report and recommended the Council approve the revised Master Plan for the Village Green area. He then introduced Jeff Ferber from RRM Design Group. Jeff Ferber, RRM Design Group, reviewed the amendments to the Master Plan which included reducing the number of street trees from 22 to 11, elimination of one of the new trees proposed within the park, including parkways around the perimeter of the park, eliminating some of the granite walkways; and adding a small walkway to the Bandstand. Discussion ensued regarding the walkway behind the Bandstand as it relates to potential tree impacts, and regarding the movement or undergrounding of the SBC phone lines. Mr. Ferber also noted that the revised plan shows ten new trees around the perimeter of the park; however, it was also proposed to include a new tree in front of Ruby's House. Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter. Kristen Barneich, representing Tree Guild of Arroyo Grande, spoke in support of the Master Plan; stated that the Tree Guild was happy with the addition of new trees, but noted that the plan shows 10 new trees, not 11; and referred to Section 16.68.050 of the City's Municipal Code regarding underground utilities and stated these regulations should apply to a City project; and lastly, she suggested adding two new street trees in front of the Santa Manuela Schoolhouse and putting a new street tree in front of Ruby's House. Jane Line, representing South County Historical Society, thanked everyone for their support and direction, and noted that the collaborative process on creating a Master Plan was successful. Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period. Council Member Costello supported the proposed revisions; agreed that undergrounding the utilities warranted further discussion; stated he was pleased with the facilitation of the parties CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 24, 2006 PAGE 4 involved in the project; supported adding street trees as long as the security of the park was not compromised. Council Member Dickens thanked staff, RRM Design Group, and all those who collaborated on this effort. He stated this was the start of an outstanding Master Plan that can move forward. He recommended that the City be required to comply with the underground utility requirement; noted that tree selection would be important so that they are tall enough and would not enclose the Village Green area; agreed that it was appropriate to add trees in front of the Santa Manuela Schoolhouse and Ruby's House as suggested by the Tree Guild, which would not impact the Village Green area; encouraged coordination of effort regarding the walkways and other improvements with the Historical Society; and supported the proposal as presented with a few minor modifications as noted. Council Member Arnold agreed that undergrounding of the utilities is very important and should be included in this project, othenvise tree selection would depend on the height of the overhead lines above them. He suggested perhaps the lines could be moved across the street. He supported the Tree Guild's suggestion for two additional trees, stated that the proposal will be a nice enhancement to the area, and supported moving forward with the Master Plan. In response to a concern expressed by Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie that costs associated with undergrounding the existing utilities might outweigh the proposed improvements, City Manager Adams responded that he believed that the utility lines were owned by SBC and did not involve other utilities. He indicated he would contact and negotiate with SBC regarding the undergrounding of its phone lines. Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie suggested phasing the project until further information is received regarding costs for undergrounding the utilities. He supported the Tree Guild's suggestion for adding two more trees; supported the proposed underground watering (irrigation) system and suggested incorporating this system into the City's retrofit program. He supported moving forward with the Master Plan, particularly with regard to the undergrounding of utilities. Mayor Ferrara agreed with Council Member Dickens' comments on most of the issues, particularly about the project as it relates to the surrounding neighborhood. He agreed that this area should be as open as possible, and supported the suggestion to underground the utilities. He supported the recommendations of the Tree Guild to add two more trees and also acknowledged everyone who had collaborated on the Master Plan. Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie moved to approve the Village Green Master Plan with the provision that staff look at the cost of undergrounding the utilities; approve the two additional trees as suggested by the Tree Guild; as well as phase the Master Plan so that the appropriate tree size and species could be determined based on moving forward with the undergrounding. Council Member Arnold seconded, and the motion carried on the following roll call vote. AYES: Guthrie, Arnold, Dickens, Costello, Ferrara NOES: None ABSENT: None CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 24, 2006 PAGE 5 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.a. Consideration of Pre-Application of Revised Conceptual Plans for Pad "I", Including Expansion of Pad "M" for Phase II of the Five Cities Center. Assistant Planner Foster presented the staff report and recommended the Council review the revised conceptual plans for Pad "I", including expansion of Pad "M" for Phase II of the Five Cities Center and provide direction to staff and the applicant. Staff responded to questions from Council regarding whether the proposed expansion of the existing restaurant pad reduces any of the existing parking (staff responded that the expansion would be in an area where there is currently no parking); clarification on the circulation patterns surrounding the proposed new buildings; whether or not build out of Phase 1 could be conditioned as part of the approval of Phase 2 (City Attorney Carmel responded there was not a condition dealing specifically with sequence of development and he did not think the Council could condition this particular project with a requirement to also build out in Phase 1); an inquiry about the small retail building elevation from the driveway looking north(west) onto Rancho Parkway; clarification regarding the next steps in the application and approval process; and an inquiry about who generated the parking calculations (staff responded the parking calculations were provided by the applicant). Mayor Ferrara stated it was important to note that Phase 2 has been through considerable modifications since its original approval as it relates to intensity of use and resulting impacts to circulation and parking. Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter. Carol Florence, Principal Planner from Oasis Associates representing Investec, presented a comprehensive program for Phase 2 of the Five Cities Center which they believe address the Council's previous comments regarding building size, location, parking, and circulation. She explained that Investec has continued negotiations with potential tenants for Phase 2; and has been revising the site plan based on the Council's comments. She noted a new 4,500 square foot building proposed on Rancho Parkway; however, building elevations have not yet been developed. She then presented and reviewed a site plan comparison of the original proposal versus the modified proposal; displayed and reviewed proposed elevations and screening for the PetCo building; and displayed and reviewed proposed elevations and floor plan for a Chili's Restaurant in the previous Vigneto's Restaurant location. She noted that they have addressed many of the comments made at the Council's February 8, 2006 meeting and requested specific direction this evening that would enable them to work with staff in order to submit a formal application for the Conditional Use Permit. Ms. Florence then responded to questions from Council. Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period. Council Member Arnold noted that Chili's Restaurant is an excellent addition; however, there could be some concern with the related traffic impact. He referred to the PetCo sign on the tower element and stated he did not want to have a sign that can be seen by the homes, and his preference would be to not have a sign that is visible from the freeway. He expressed concern that development of Phase 2 is being considered before completion of Phase 1 and encouraged the applicant to get Phase 1 built out. He supported the trellis design concept. He noted that CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 24, 2006 PAGE 6 traffic mitigation would be an integral part of this being a successful project. He also expressed concern with another pharmacy in the area; and noted that PetCo and Chili's would be successful tenants that would generate additional traffic. Council Member Costello noted that traffic flow and circulation would be key issues; addressed access issues to Phase 2; noted concerns regarding parking lot circulation and layout; noted that if SavOn has a drive-through it may be hard to add parking; commented on the position of the loading docks and its potentiai conflict with the flow of circulation around the drive through at SavOn. He agreed that a Chili's Restaurant would be very successful at the proposed location; however, he expressed concern about the parking layout and the location for overflow parking. As far as the signs, Councii Member Costello stated he did not favor placement or visibility of signage from the freeway; although he said he was not opposed by the signage proposed for the PetCo building. Council Member Dickens expressed concern that the project would be under parked; stated he would be looking at potential impacts behind SavOn and PetCo as it relates to the proximity of the loading docks to the surrounding neighborhood; stated he was not in favor of signage on the rear of the buildings; noted that circulation patterns would be important; stated he liked the architecture and that it fits in; and stated he was pleased with what has been presented so far. Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie noted that traffic and circulation issues are significant, particularly with the addition of new retail buildings; expressed concerns about the truck loading in the back and its potential impact to the proposed drive-through; expressed concern about parking availability for Trader Joe's and Chili's; and expressed concern about the additional retail sign and how it would affect visibility. He commented that the best location for SavOn would have been in Phase 1; however, he acknowledged that the City could not direct where tenants are located. He also referred to prior discussions regarding traffic mitigation measures and expressed concern about whether or not an extra lane could be added next to Quizno's in Phase 1. Mayor Ferrara noted he did not have an opportunity to participate in the discussions regarding traffic mitigation at a prior meeting; however, he noted that Rancho Parkway is going to continue to be problematic because of the increased intensity of use. He referred back to the mitigation measure that Council Member Arnold had suggested previously regarding a second rear entrance on Camino Mercado to Phase 1 to accommodate vehicle traffic, but not truck traffic. He noted this would be a good solution to divert traffic and also suggested adding directional signage from Rancho Parkway. He stated he was not in favor of roundabouts. As far as the proposal for Phase 2, he referred to and commented on the parking calculations and stated he could support a more cautious, progressive approach by approving the proposed two new buildings and the extension to the restaurant, in order to observe the parking availability and traffic patterns. He said he would not support the smaller, multi-tenant retail building at this time. Mayor Ferrara also noted that he would like to follow up with the City Attorney at a later time regarding the City's ability to enforce build out of Phase 1. Upon conclusion of Council comments, Mayor Ferrara ensured that the applicant had received sufficient feedback and direction with regard to the proposed project. There was no formal action on this item. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 24, 2006 PAGE 7 11.b. Discussion of City of Pismo Beach Fire Consolidation Study. Director of Building and Fire Fibich presented the staff report and recommended the Council review the Fire Department Consolidation Feasibility Analysis and Supplemental Report prepared for the City of Pismo Beach and consider staff recommendations to be carried forward to a joint meeting with Pismo Beach, Grover Beach and the Oceano Community Services District on January 30, 2006, as follows: 1) Establish a committee of one elected official and the manager from each jurisdiction to pursue future joint fire efforts; 2) Determine a means of sharing a position responsible for overseeing joint training between all the South County agencies; 3) Support the establishment of a multi-agency funded aerial ladder truck replacement program; and 4) Further investigate options for development of a singie multi-agency emergency dispatch center. Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter, and upon hearing no public comments, he closed the public comment period. Council comments and discussion ensued in support of staff's recommendations to establish a committee to pursue future joint fire efforts, increase level of training and preparedness, jointly funding an aerial ladder truck, and pursuing options for a single multi-agency emergency dispatch center; acknowledgement of the costs related to full consolidation, and consensus that it is not fiscally feasible to fully consolidate the affected fire departments. There was acknowledgement of the current temporary arrangement between the City of Arroyo Grande and City of Grover Beach and a suggestion to formalize that arrangement; a suggestion to refine the City's own Volunteer Firefighter Program; and a suggestion to create an action plan to establish a Public Safety Answering Point system. Following discussio'n, there was unanimous consensus of the City Council to approve staff's recommendations as presented. 11.c. Consideration to Approve Signage and Striping Improvements at the Treffic Way/Station Way Intersection. Assistant City Engineer Linn presented the staff report and recommended the Council approve the signage and striping improvements for Traffic Way as recommended by the Traffic Commission. Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter. Steve Ross, Arroyo Grande Traffic Commissioner, stated that the Traffic Commission had deliberated this issue over three separate meetings and none of the Commissioners were happy about losing a lane on Traffic Way. He acknowledged the concern about an increase in traffic due to the relocation of the Post Office; however, he noted that the Traffic Way/Station Way intersection does not have enough traffic to warrant the installation of a traffic signal. He indicated that the Commission did not want to transfer risk from one intersection to another; and that hopefully that would not happen with the proposed signage for W. Branch Street and Traffic Way. He also referred to the bridge and suggested modifications to make pedestrian access safer. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 24, 2006 PAGE 8 Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period. Discussion ensued regarding signal timing and synchronization issues at the Traffic Way/Branch Street intersection; vehicle transition issues stemming from the merge of two lanes into one lane going southbound on Traffic Way; concern that yield signs would be disregarded; sight distance issues for vehicles turning left from Station Way onto Traffic Way; keeping all options open and modifying options as necessary; monitoring traffic/driver behavior prior to determining whether or not a traffic signal is warranted at Traffic Way and W. Branch Street; whether or not the bridge fence rail along Traffic Way could be modified in any way to resolve sight and visibility issues; and whether or not the Post Office was approached to contribute to a traffic signal at Station and Traffic Way. Further discussion ensued regarding raised medians as it relates to impacting emergency access vehicles and the evacuation route, and using temporary delineators for the purpose of observing traffic behavior prior to installing permanent barriers. Council Member Dickens moved to approve the signage and striping improvements for Traffic Way as recommended by the Traffic Commission, with the understanding that if Option 5 does not work that the City look at the other alternatives presented. Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie seconded the motion, and on the following roll call vote: AYES: Dickens, Guthrie, Costello, Ferrara NOES: Arnold ABSENT: None 12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS a. MAYOR TONY M. FERRARA: (1) San Luis Obispo Council of Governments/San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (SLOCOG/SLORTA). At the request of Mayor Ferrara, City Manager Adams gave a brief update on proposed STIP funding which includes a recommendation from SLOCOG staff for funding the Village Streetscape project, and $5 million associated with the auxiliary lanes for the Brisco Rd/101 interchange. (2) South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD). Reported on routine maintenance issues and congratulated District staff for their work during the recent storm. (3) Other. None. b. MAYOR PRO TEM JIM GUTHRIE: (1) Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC). Held Annual EVC party in December; Reported on data collection sub-committee activities which include looking at doing some economic impact reports with the help of Cal Poly as it relates to jobs, housing and other services. (2) Other. Attended the SCAT meeting and reported on preparation of budget for next year; tying in the Avila Trolley with the existing SCAT service; looking for additional bus shelters for some of the bus stops. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 24, 2006 PAGE 9 c. COUNCIL MEMBER JIM DICKENS: (1) South County Area Transit (SCAT). Given by Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie. (2) South County Youth Coalition. No report. (3) Other. None. d. COUNCIL MEMBER JOE COSTELLO: (1) Zone 3 Water Advisory Board. No report. Will discuss issues relating to Lopez Water Treatment Plan Upgrade financing alternatives under Agenda Item 13. (2) Air Pollution Controi District (APCD). No report. Next meeting is tomorrow. (3) Fire Oversight Committee. Next meeting is February 10"'. Cooperation between the two City Departments continues to move forward in a favorable manner. Continue to invite Oceano Community Services District to participate in training. (4) Other. None. e. COUNCIL MEMBER ED ARNOLD: (1) Integrated Waste Management Authority Board (IWMA). Meeting canceled. (2) County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC). No report. (3) California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA). No report. (4) Other. None 13, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS: a) Discussion of Financina Alternatives for the Lopez Water Treatment Plant Upqrade Proiect (COSTELLO) Council Member Costello reviewed the four financing options under consideration for the Lopez Water Treatment Plant and requested feedback from the Council regarding the options. Following brief discussion, there was consensus from the Council to direct staff to place the issue with more detailed information on a future City Council agenda for review and discussion. b) Discussion of Habitat Conservation Plan (COSTE�LO) Council Member Costello noted that there has been difficulty getting the various Federal agencies to approve the Habitat Conservation Plan. Following brief discussion, there was consensus from the Council to direct staff to place the issue with more detailed information on a future City Council agenda for review and discussion. 14. CITY MANAGER ITEMS: None. 15. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: None. 16. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS: None. 17. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS: None. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 24, 2006 PAGE 10 18. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Ferrara adjourned the meeting at 10:44 p.m. � ,�.�.c� Tony Ferr or ATTEST: �/ CK�`�UU/ZQ.� Kelly Wet ore, ty Clerk (Approved at CC Mtgo�—a8-c�)