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Minutes 2006-07-11 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, JULY 11, 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 7:03 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL City Council: Council Members Jim Dickens, Ed Arnold, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Guthrie and Mayor Tony Ferrara were present. Council Member Joe Costello was absent. City Staff Present: City Manager Steve Adams, City Attorney Tim Carmel, City Clerk Kelly Wetmore, Director of Financial Services Angela Kraetsch, Police Commander Steve Andrews, Assistant City Engineer Mike Linn, and Director of Community Development Rob Strong. 3. FLAG SALUTE Diane Aubachon, representing Rotary Club of Arroyo Grande, led the Flag Salute. 4. INVOCATION Pastor Paul Jones delivered the invocation. 5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS None. 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 Trudv Jarrett, President, League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County (LWV), announced that from October 14th through 22nd, the LWV will host visitors from Ukraine and they look forward to bringing them to Arroyo Grande for a visit. Marnie Barrett, Orcutt Road, asked is she would have an opportunity to speak on Agenda Item 11.a. Mayor Ferrara responded yes. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Ferrara invited members of the public who wished to comment on any Consent Agenda Item to do so at this time. There were no public comments. Council Member Arnold moved, and Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie seconded the motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. and 8.b., with the recommended courses of action. The motion passed on the following roll-call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Arnold, Guthrie, Dickens, Ferrara None Costello Minutes: City CounCil Meeting 'TueSday. July 11, 2006 Page 2 B.a. Cash DiSbursement Ratification Actiqa: Ratified the Iisti f . . 30. -. ng, - ''''''''''"''"" '" "" "-<1 J.... 16 _. ... c_......... Of r"",.yea, ..- , p . ""'" J.... 1037 East Grand Avenue 0 lot Plan Review 04-002' Tried and'" ... A t' o. . ."'. '_. -' '"", "- "" """ 'he '" . . """"''''ion No 3744 ~Yea, """"" of "'" PIa, "_,, 00' . . . . . q,,,..,,,,,,,, by ~HEARINGS None. ~ ConSideration of Ordinance Add' ::,,:::;~~... · r';"~':::.~~~, r~':, 3,,~,~ ".::~ City Manager Adams proPosed d' presented the staff repOrt and ~ ~ ":; ~ing Chap'" 3.22 ~ r"" 3 ~, the eo""", "''"'"'''''' the -""", "", · 'he ""'''' ''''''' "'e ~x ~ be -"""'" by .. S~~ "'""de ~ Coco 1~~~;:~~'t~~:~~~~~~~~nnC::; ~':"::":: ""'. ""'Wing. "" ~,~~:"" -. ~_"", ~ 'he Ci".~ """',.,,'''''~ ,:; ~~~:::~-""" ""bJi, 'aI.". ,.J1ies.~~ "':;;-n. """".... """ " """"'" """ Amen",,, ".th D' b" ~ng, and .., 'sa IIIt'es Act Ma"" F-. """"" ""-'. ""'" .. . "" "Pen -ng '" ""bIic "'-. he"::;:;:":"pdU,ebnt Ce Who WiShed .to be heard On the matter . < -, p''''''. . FOIIOWtng COmments in SUPPOrt of the ~ g~ 3";, ~..-:~ ~'AJy~~,~~ ~~ '" "''"'"'''''' '" ~~~~ ~~~"\~5~t~~"t.~x:;~~:.~: . . , "'" "....., ... ... I"""""", "" AYES: A I . NOES, Nmo d, DICkens, Guthrie, Ferrara . one ABSENT: COstello ~ 11... c_......... of ....."', Of.., .....y . ear ",adar Speed Survey. Minutes: City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 11, 2006 Page 3 Assistant City Engineer Linn presented the staff report and recommended the Council adopt a Resolution certifying the five-year radar speed survey. Staff responded to questions from Council regarding the criteria for establishing speed limits in residential districts; and speed limits as they relate to elevation of various road segments. Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter. Bill McLauahlin, President, Los Robles Homeowners Association, expressed concern on behalf of the neighborhood about the proposed speed limit increases on Rancho Parkway as it relates to public safety. He noted that even at 35 mph, the roadway remains hazardous for pedestrians and automobiles due to its hills and curves; stated that the crossing between Trader Joe's and Albertson's is dangerous; said over the last five years he has never seen any effort to enforce the posted speed limit on Rancho Parkway; suggested there were measures the City could employ to help drivers adhere to posted speed limits such as installing lighted signs, or posting signs that state "Entering a Residential Area, Speed Limits are Strictly Enforced". He requested the Council leave the current speed limits as is and try other remedies to ensure speed limits are observed. He expressed further concern about the elevation of Rancho Parkway as it approaches Palos Secos as it relates to sight distance. He concluded by stating if the City decided to move ahead as proposed, he hoped the City would work to ensure the new speed limits are strictly enforced. Steve McBeth, Refugio/Rancho Parkway, spoke in opposition to increasing the speed limit on Rancho Parkway due to safety issues. He stated the roadway is less than a mile long and the speed limit should stay as is and it should be enforced. Larrv Womack, Via Las Aguilas, agreed with Mr. McLaughlin's comments and spoke in opposition to increasing the speed limit on Rancho Parkway. Mamie Barrett, Orcutt Road, expressed concern about raising the speed limit to 40 mph on E. Grand Avenue from Oak Park Blvd. to Halcyon; expressed concern about vehicles turning left out of driveways on E. Grand going eastbound, and pedestrian safety in the crosswalks. She urged the Council to reconsider raising the speed limit on this portion of E. Grand Avenue. She further stated she spoke with police officials at the City of Grover Beach who indicated they had not received sufficient notice of tonight's meeting in order to participate, and expressed concern about the speed limits being different between the two cities. Dannv Beher, Refugio Place, agreed with Mr. McLaughlin's comments and expressed concerns about raising the speed limit on Rancho Parkway due to the downgrade of the road near Refugio Place, the curves in the road, and pedestrian and vehicle safety. Alexander Vorba, Refugio Place, referred to the transition from Rancho Parkway to Refugio and expressed concern about the safety of the children that are playing in and around Rancho Grande Estates. Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period. Council questions and discussion ensued with regard to State law as it relates to establishing speed limits; the California Vehicle Code definition of a residential area as it relates to the establishment of speed limits; establishing speed limits which can be legally enforced; and various methods that could be used to calm/channel traffic flow. Minutes: City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 11,2006 Page 4 Council Member Arnold stated he could support staff's recommendations with the exception of the segment on W. Branch Street from Vernon to Rancho Parkway. He stated this segment needed to be further studied and examined. With regard to the speed limit on Rancho Parkway, he noted that the Council had approved changes to the flow of traffic between Phase 1 and 2 of the Five Cities Center which had not yet been installed that would help solve some of the traffic issues in that location. Council Member Dickens stated it was appropriate to lower the speed limit on Tally Ho Road as it is defined as a residential neighborhood. With regard to W. Branch Street, he noted that along with the steep grade of portions of the road and the nearby school, there was also a lack of adequate sidewalks along this portion of roadway between Vernon and Rancho Parkway; therefore, he expressed concern about increasing the speed limit to 45 mph due to public/pedestrian safety. He noted that E. Grand would continue to be a problem for pedestrians and discussed looking for methods to alert the public about pedestrians in the crosswalks or perhaps removing crosswalks not located at signaled intersections. With regard to Rancho Parkway, Council Member Dickens questioned why it does not meet the criteria for super-elevation as it approaches northbound towards James Way. He expressed concern about establishing two different speed limits for a road that is less than a mile long, and would prefer to keep the whole segment at 35 mph if it can be justified and enforced. He recommended further study of W. Branch Street, E. Grand Avenue, and Rancho Parkway. Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie supported staff's recommendations as proposed; however, he suggested monitoring the traffic on Rancho Parkway to see if speeds increase as a result of raising the speed limit; suggested reviewing the crosswalks located on E. Grand Avenue and consider removing those at uncontrolled intersections; suggested looking at W. Branch Street to determine if it meets the criteria for super-elevation status; and stressed the importance of enforcing the posted speed limits. Mayor Ferrara referred to the segment of E. Grand from Halcyon to Oak Park and expressed concern with future redevelopment at Elm and E. Grand that will increase the intensity of traffic. He also noted the heavy RV and trailer traffic that travels down E. Grand towards Pismo State Beach which could fall under the category of special and unique circumstances as it relates to the speed limit. He noted that the City should try and coordinate the speed limit with the City of Grover Beach for consistency. Police Commander Andrews and City Manager Adams briefly responded to the varying road circumstances between the cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach, such as the bulb-outs and planters located in the Grover Beach City limits. City Manager Adams noted that staff would review E. Grand Avenue further. Mayor Ferrara supported a continued review of the speed limit on E. Grand Avenue; expressed concern about elevation/design of Rancho Parkway and supported leaving the speed limit at 35 mph and pursuing traffic channelization and signage methods first; supported the recommendation for reducing the speed limit on Tally Ho Road; requested that staff review the warrants for a 3-way stop sign at James Way and Tally Ho Road; and requested further review of W. Branch St. Minutes: City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 11,2006 Page 5 Further discussion ensued regarding additional study and reviewing various alternatives and conditions relating to the speed limit recommendations on Rancho Parkway, E. Grand Avenue and W. Branch Street. Council Member Arnold moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ESTABLISHING SPEED LIMITS ON VARIOUS CITY STREETS" with the exception of E. Grand Avenue (Halcyon to Oak Park) and W. Branch Street (Vernon to Rancho Parkway) for further study; and that the traffic calming measures for Rancho Parkway be accelerated. The motion died for lack of a second. Council Member Dickens moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ESTABLISHING SPEED LIMITS ON VARIOUS CITY STREETS" with the exception of Rancho Parkway (Camino Mercado to James Way), W. Branch Street (Vernon to Rancho Parkway), and E. Grand Avenue (Halcyon to Oak Park); and to direct staff to further study alternatives and conditions regarding the speed limit recommendations on Rancho Parkway, E. Grand Avenue and W. Branch Street. Mayor Ferrara seconded and the motion passed on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Dickens, Ferrara, Guthrie, Arnold None Costello 11.b. Consideration of Community Request Regarding Citizen Appeal of Staff Decisions and Recommendations. City Manager Adams presented the staff report and recommended the Council review and discuss the request made by the Mike Titus Memorial Committee and direct staff to proceed with the proposed actions outlined in the staff report. Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter. Colleen Martin, Olive Street, representing the Mike Titus Memorial Committee, distributed a letter dated July 11, 2006 to the Council (on file in the Administrative Services Department) and spoke regarding the establishment of a citizen's appeal process of staff decisions and recommendations as it relates to administration of the General Plan. Steve Ross, Garden Street, expressed concern about the proposed process as it relates to a citizen's ability to appeal staff reports in that it could open the process up to frivolous appeals. Otis Paae, Myrtle Street, clarified that the proposed citizen appeal process would relate only to appeals of General Plan Amendments. Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period. Council comments and discussion ensued regarding the Committee's desire to establish a citizen appeal process; clarification that the Committee's intent was to apply the process solely to projects Minutes: City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 11,2006 Page 6 including a General Plan amendment; acknowledgment of the Council's role as elected representatives of the community, to review information in staff reports, to encourage public participation, and to appoint competent and productive advisory body members; that the existing process has worked; acknowledgment that the Development Code could be modified to clarify language regarding appeals; and support for staffs recommendations regarding modifying Development Code language, establishment of a formal complaint procedure, and establishment of practices and policies to address review of staff materials. It was suggested that staff reports be completed one week in advance in order to provide for adequate public review; extending the time limit for public comment when new information is presented, and to create formal guidelines regarding public comment. Mayor Ferrara opened up the discussion for further public comment: Colleen Martin, Olive Street, suggested that the City provide a one page form to complete which would include information about how citizens can participate in the process. Trudv Jarratt, President, League of Women Voters, expressed concern with the proposal, which would not allow citizens access to information that has been changed once it has been distributed. She expressed concern that this process would open the doors to special interest groups to change information in staff reports. Otis Paae, Myrtle Street, reiterated that this proposal limits the process to only address General Plan amendments. Following further discussion, staff was directed to prepare recommendations regarding an informal administrative review process for the City Manager to consider citizen complaints related to information presented in staff reports. There was no formal action on this item. 12. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS a) Request for discussion of establishing goals and timelines for Advisory Body review and consideration of project applications (ARNOLD) Council Member Arnold requested discussion regarding the establishment of goals and timelines as it relates to advisory body review and consideration of project applications. After brief discussion, Mayor Ferrara suggested, and the Council concurred, to direct staff to schedule a joint meeting between the City Council, Planning Commission, and Architectural Review Committee. 13. CITY MANAGER ITEMS None. 14. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS None. 15. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS None. Minutes: City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 11,2006 Page 7 16. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS None. 17. ADJOURNMENT M'YO~ F""~"~::ti"~t 1010 pm. Tony Ferrari! ~r ~ ATTEST: vh +WZa City Clerk (Approved at CC Mtg r- ~-1oG'o)