Minutes 2006-02-28
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2006
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 215 EAST BRANCH STREET
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor/Chair Ferrara called the Regular City Council/Redevelopment Agency meeting to order at
7:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City.Council/RDA:
Council/Board Members Jim Dickens, Ed Arnold. Mayor Pro TemNice
Chair Jim Guthrie, and Mayor/Chair TOny Ferrara were present.
Council/Board Member Joe Costello was absent.
City Staff Present:
City Manager Steve Adams. City Attorney Tim Carmel, Director of
Administrative Services/City Clerk Kelly Wetmore, Director of Financial
Services Angela Kraetsch, Director of Building and Fire Terry Fibich, Chief
of Police Tony Aeilts, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Don
Spagnolo, Police Commander Craig Hendricks, Assistant Planner Jim
Bergman, and Assistant Planner Ryan Foster.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Alvin Evenson, representing American Legion Post No. 136, led the Flag Salute.
4. INVOCATION
Dr. Mayer-Harnish, Bahai Faith, delivered the invocation.
5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
5.a. Mayor's Commendation Presented to Jim Bergman.
Mayor Ferrara presented a Mayor's Commendation to Assistant Planner Jim Bergman in
recognition of his membership in the City's Platinum Service Club for service above and beyond
the call of duty. Jim Bergman accepted the Commendation.
6. AGENDA REVIEW
6.a. Ordinances Read in Title Only
Council Member Dickens moved, Council Member Arnold seconded, and the motion passed
unanimously that all ordinances presented at the meeting shall be read in title only and all further
reading be waived.
7. CITIZENS' INPUT. COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS
Otis Paqe, Arroyo Grande, referred to previous Council deliberations on the Brisco/101
Interchange project; acknowledged the funding challenges related to the project; and
encouraged the Council to place a measure increasing the City's sales tax rate on the November
ballot. He also suggested the Council consider making a final determination on whether the
project should include a Halcyon overpass or widening the lanes in the underpass. Mr. Page
referred to the City's Agricultural policy and questioned the City Council's intent on whether the
policy applied to prime soils or prime soils and those in open space. He suggested that the City
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
FEBRUARY 28, 2006
PAGE 2
review the meeting tapes from October 9, 2001, December 10, 2002, January 14.2003, and
March 23, 2004 and then firmly establish what the agricultural conservation policy is.
Ray Montana, representing Five Cities Dog Park Association, spoke about the Association's
efforts to establish a dog park in the area.
Dennis Murphy, representing South County Youth Coalition, thanked the Council for its generous
. donation and briefly explained the activities and scholarships that the Youth Coalition provides to
youth in the area.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member Arnold moved, and Council Member Guthrie seconded the motion to approve
Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.e., with the recommended courses of action. The motion
carried on the following roll-call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Arnold, Guthrie, Dickens, Ferrara
None
Costello
8.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification.
Action: Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period February 1, 2006 through
February 15, 2006.
8.b. Statement of Investment Deposits.
Action: Received and filed the report of current investment deposits as of January 31,
2006.
8.c. Consideration of Approval of Minutes.
Action: Approved the minutes of the Special and Regular City Council meetings of
January 24, 2006 as submitted.
8.d. Consideration of Acceptance of Audited Annual Financial Report.
Action: Received and filed the respective Audited Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal
Year ended June 30, 2005.
8.e. Consideration of Award of Consultant Services Agreement to Produce Pre-Disaster
Mitigation Plan and Appropriation for Local Matching Funds.
Action: 1) Authorized the Mayor to execute a Consultant Services Agreement to
produce a multi-agency Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan to Category Five Professional
Consultants, Inc. of San Luis Obispo, for the amount of $65,000; and 2) Approved an
appropriation of $11,625 from the General Fund Unappropriated Fund Balance.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.a. Consideration of Approval of the 2005 Urban Water Management Plan.
Director of Public Works Spagnolo presented a brief status report regarding the preparation of
the 2005 Urban Water Management Plan and requested the City Council continue the public
hearing 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.
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
FEBRUARY 28, 2006
PAGE 3
Council Member Arnold moved to continue the public hearing to the next. Regular Meeting of
March 14, 2006, Council Member Dickens seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll
call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Arnold, Dickens, Guthrie, Ferrara
None
Costello
9,b. Consideration of Adoption of a Resolution Approving Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Projects for Year 2006.
Assistant Planner Bergman presented the staff report and recommended the Council adopt a
Resolution approving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects for Year 2006.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing, and upon hearing no public comments, he closed the
public hearing.
Council comments and questions ensued regarding HUD guidelines for determining distribution
of funds among local jurisdictions; clarification that the formula for determining the number of
overcrowded houses is based on 2000 census data; concern about the lack of equity of
proposed funding among the organizations; a suggestion to revise the method of how funds are
allocated next year; as well as a suggestion that funds be allocated next year by category of
service.
Council Member Arnold moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROJECTS FOR YEAR 2006". Mayor Pro Tem
Guthrie seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Arnold, Guthrie, Ferrara
Dickens
Costello
g.c. Consideration of Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Peddling and Soliciting
Activities.
City Attorney Carmel presented the staff report and recommended the Council introduce an
Ordinance adding Chapter 5.76 to the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code establishing regulations
for peddling and soliciting activities.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing, and upon hearing no public comments, he closed the
public hearing.
Council comments and questions ensued regarding the solicitation permit application fee as it
relates to covering all of the costs to the City associated with processing the permit; clarification
concerning the posting of "No Soliciting" signs and how it impacts non-profit and/or
charitable/religious organizations; and clarification concerning the applicability of the permit
exemption clause for charitable/religious activities. There was further discussion regarding hours
of operation for peddlers and solicitors and Mayor Ferrara suggested amending Section 5.76.080
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
FEBRUARY 28, 2006
PAGE 4
as follows: "It is unlawful for any person described in this chapter, whether permitted or
unpermitted, to enter upon any residential premises between the hours of eiW'H seven p.m. and
nine a.m.". Following discussion, there was consensus of the Council to amend Section
5.76.080 as proposed.
Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie moved to introduce an Ordinance by title only, as amended, as follows:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADDING
CHAPTER 5.76 TO THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING
REGULATIONS FOR PEDDLING AND SOLICITING ACTIVITIES". Council Member Arnold
seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Guthrie, Arnold, Dickens, Ferrara
None
Costello
10. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS
11.a. Consideration of Fiscal Year 2005-06 Mid-Year Budqet Report [COUNCILlRDA]
Director of Financial Services Kraetsch presented the staff report and recommended the
Council/RDA: 1) Approve detailed budget adjustments in the Mid-Year budget report; 2) Approve
Schedule A; and 3) Approve (Deny) requests for additional appropriations in the General Fund.
Staff responded to questions from Council regarding the City's liability insurance program; and
clarifications regarding how appropriate adjustments are made to the Bi-Annual Budget at the
end of the first fiscal year.
Mayor/Chair 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/Board Members Dickens and Arnold supported staff's recommendations as proposed.
Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Guthrie expressed concern and hesitation about approving some of
the additional appropriations; specifically the additional $17.000 for scanning old City documents
(Public Works records) and stated that he preferred to wait and review the budget status for the
whole year to see if the City is on target before allocating any additional funds. Mayor Ferrara
noted that due to issues of emergency management and continuity of government. there is an
immediate need to ensure preservation and archiving of all vital City records. He noted that the
City should start budgeting now for doing this for all City departments. specifically for those rights
and interest records. City Manager Adams also noted that this task is a follow up to the
development review process which identified a number of automation improvements to
streamline that process.
Council/Board Member Dickens moved to: 1) Approve detailed budget adjustments in the Mid-
Year budget report; 2) Approve Schedule A; and 3) Approve the requests for additional
appropriations in the General Fund. Council Member Arnold seconded, and the motion passed
on the following roll-call vote:
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
FEBRUARY 28, 2006
PAGE 5
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Dickens, Arnold, Guthrie, Ferrara
None
Costello
11.b. Consideration of Site Plan and Additional Appropriation for Police Department
Expansion Project.
Police Commander Hendricks noted that he was the project manager for the Police Department
modular office expansion and explained that the Community Development Department staff
assisted the Police Department in the process to obtain the required use permits. Assistant
Planner Foster presented the staff report and recommended the Council: 1) Appropriate an
additional $4,200 for the Police Station modular unit due to design recommendations of the
Architectural Review Committee (ARC); 2) Delay installation of exterior enhancements to the
modular units until November 2006; and 3) Approve the proposed removal of all eucalyptus trees
along the northern property line to enable location of the modular unit at the proposed location.
Staff responded to questions from Council concerning the proposed placement of the modular
building on the site; parking and building code requirements; how the Police Department
intended to use the modular building; and the approximate age of the trees.
Mr. Wes Conner, certified arborist and landscape architect, explained that the trees are very old,
approximately 50-75 years; some have been cut and have regrown; and some are multi-trunk
"shrubby" trees. He explained that one tree is leaning and creating a hazard and that he did not
think the trees have been properly maintained.
Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the
matter.
Gary ScherQuist, co-chair of the Tree Guild of Arroyo Grande, stated he had researched the
issues regarding the. trees. He noted that the tree species are included in the City's approved
tree lists. He agreed that the trees need to be pruned and cut back, and he encouraged the
Council to save the trees.
Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period.
Council discussion and comments ensued which included opposition to removing the trees as
proposed; reference to the City's Tree City USA status; reference to the City's revised
Community Tree Ordinance and the importance of providing a consistent standard within the
City; support for trimming and pruning the trees; a suggestion to consider reconfiguring
placement of the building; acknowledgement that the modular office building is meant to be a
temporary structure; agreement to defer the installation of exterior enhancements to the modular
unit until November 2006; and acknowledgement of the proposed redevelopment of the adjacent
property by the VCA South County Animal Hospital and a suggestion that the issue of the trees
be revisited when that project comes forth for review.
Council Member Arnold moved to approve a flexible site plan for the Police Station allowing for
some potential movement of the modular building if a better parking arrangement can be
proposed, appropriate an additional $3,600 to trim and maintain the trees, and delete .the
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
FEBRUARY 28, 2006
PAGE 6
addition of the arbor structure with the understanding that it may be revisited in November 2006.
Council Member Guthrie seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Arnold, Guthrie, Dickens, Ferrara
None
Costello
12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
a. MAYOR TONY M. FERRARA:
(1) . San Luis Obispo Council of Governments/San Luis Obispo Regional Transit
Authority (SLOCOG/SLORTA). 1) Reported that $56 million had been
appropriated for 65 projects and encouraged Council Members to read the
SLOCOG newsletter, The Coordinator, to obtain detailed information regarding
Board discussions and actions; and, 2) Elected new officers.
(2) South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD). Plant
continues to operate in good condition.
(3) Other. Attending Zone 1/1A meetings; referred to Arroyo Grande Creek Erosion,
Sedimentation and Flooding Alternatives Study and distributed a copy of the
Study to staff for staff and public review.
b. MAYOR PRO TEM JIM GUTHRIE:
(1) Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC). Continuing to work on economic impact
reports based on various industries. Report should be coming to the City soon.
(2) Other. None.
c. COUNCIL MEMBER JIM DICKENS:
(1) South County Area Transit (SCAT). No report.
(2) South County Youth Coalition. No report.
(3) Other. None.
d. COUNCIL MEMBER JOE COSTELLO: (ABSENT)
(1) Zone 3 Water Advisory Board. No report.
(2) Air Pollution Control District (APCD). No repo~.
(3) Fire Oversight Committee. No report.
(4) Other. None.
e. COUNCIL MEMBER ED ARNOLD:
(1) Integrated Waste Management Authority Board (IWMA). No report. Meets next
week.
(2) California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA). No report.
(3) County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC). The Committee has
been studying the additional capacity of the State pipeline and what, if any, is
available for the South County; and also the possibility of banking some extra
water above the Cuesta Grade.
(4) Other. None.
13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS:
None.
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
FEBRUARY 28, 2006
PAGE 7
14. CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
None.
15. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Ferrara reported on the activities of the City Selection Committee and its nominations and
appointments to LAFCO and the California Coastal Commission. He noted that the Committee
is required to select one or more members from the City Councils and Board of Supervisors to
serve on these Commissions. He reported that Supervisor Achadjian was nominated and
appointed to the Coastal Commission; however, the City Selection Committee will be meeting
again on March 13, 2006 to recommend the nomination and appointment of a City Council
Member to the Coastal Commission. He stated if anyone on the Council was interested in
serving on the Coastal Commission .to submit a resume or bio to Vicki Shelby at the County
Clerk's office.
Council Member Arnold thanked the City for its efforts involved in showcasing the City of Arroyo
Grande during the successful Amgen Tour of California Bike Race. He also referred to the
Rotary Bandstand dedication ceremony, noted that the Bandstand is an excellent addition to the
City, and thanked City staff for its involvement in this successful project.
16. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
None.
17. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS:
None.
18. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor/Chair Ferrara adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m.
T',;"Y~:::' ./
ATTEST:
ItL-
, City Clerk/Agency Secretary
(Approved at CC Mtg 3-/'I-200ip)