Minutes 2007-04-24MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2007
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 275 EAST BRANCH STREET
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor/Chair Ferrara called the Regular City Council/Redevelopment Agency//Public Financing
Authority meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
CC/RDA/PFA: Council/Board Members Joe Costello, Jim Guthrie, Chuck Fellows, Mayor
Pro Tem/Vice Chair Ed Arnold and Mayor/Chair Tony Ferrara were present.
City Staff Present: City Manager Steven Adams, City Attorney Tim Carmel, Director of
Administrative Services/City Clerk Kelly Wetmore, Director of Financial
Services Angela Kraetsch, Interim Parks, Recreation & Facilities Director
Doug Perrin, Director of Public Works Don Spagnolo, Director of Building and
Fire Mike Hubert, and Chief of Police Tony Aeilts.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Alvin Evenson and Allen Olivares, representing American Legion Post 136, led the Flag Salute.
4. INVOCATION
Pastor Robert Banker, Open Door Church, delivered the invocation.
5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
5.a. Honorary Proclamation Recognizing "Arbor Day" -April 27, 2007.
Mayor Ferrara presented an Honorary Proclamation recognizing April 27, 2007 as Arbor Day.
Interim Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities Perrin accepted the Proclamation and
announced Arbor Day activities and tree planting would take place at Elm Street Park on Saturday,
April 26'".
S.b. Honorary Proclamation Recognizing "Bike Month" -May 2007.
Mayor Ferrara presented an Honorary Proclamation declaring May 2007 as "Bike Month", and May
14 to May 18, 2007 as "Bike to Work and School Week". Lisa Quinn, representing RideShare,
accepted the Proclamation and spoke about upcoming bike challenge events to promote the
reduction of vehicular emissions in the County.
S.c. Honorary Proclamation Recognizing "Peace Officers Memorial Month" -May 2007.
Mayor Ferrara presented an Honorary Proclamation declaring May 13-19, 2007 as "National Police
Week" and May 16, 2007 as °Peace Officers Memorial Day". Chief of Police Aeilts accepted the
Proclamation.
6. AGENDA REVIEW
6.a. Ordinances Read in Title Only.
Council/Board Member Costello moved, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Arnold seconded, and the
motion passed unanimously that all ordinances moved for introduction or adoption at the meeting
shall be read in title only and all further reading be waived.
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7. CITIZENS' INPUT. COMMENTS. AND SUGGESTIONS
None.
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. No public comments were received.
Council Member Fellows requested that Item S.i. be pulled.
Mayor Pro Tem Arnold noted that he would abstain from voting on Item 8.d.
Action: Council Member Fellows moved to approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.h., with
the recommended courses of action. Mayor Pro Tem Arnold seconded the motion. The motion
passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fellows, Arnold, Costello, Guthrie, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Arnold (Item 8.d. only)
8.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification.
Action: Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period April 1, 2007 through April
15, 2007.
8.b. Consideration of Statement of Investment Deposits.
Action: Received and filed the report of current investment deposits as of March 31, 2007.
8.c. Consideration of Rejection of Claim -Chad Johnson.
Action: Rejected Claim.
8.d. Consideration of Council Appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Action: Approved the recommendation of Council Member Joe Costello to appoint Kathy
Arnold to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
8.e. Consideration of a Resolution Accepting Public Improvements and Easements for
Tract 2669, Located at the Northwest Corner of Le Point Street and Nevada Street,
Constructed by Fairway Development.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 4007 as follows "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ACCEPTING EASEMENTS AND
IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACT 2669, LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LE
PO/NT STREET AND NEVADA STREET, CONSTRUCTED BY FAIRWAY
DEVELOPMENT."
8.f. Consideration of Award of Bid for Custodial Services to Commercial Maintenance
Service.
Action: Awarded the bid for custodial services to Commercial Maintenance Service in the
amount of $4,050 per month and authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement for
Contractor Services.
8.g. Consideration of Authorization to Close Branch Mill Road for the Annual Strawberry
Stampede on May 27, 2007.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 4008 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE CLOSURE OF
BRANCH MILL ROAD FOR THE ANNUAL STRAWBERRY STAMPEDE ON MAY 27,
2007".
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8.h. Consideration of Acceptance of the City Hall Reception Area Renovation Project.
Action: 1) Accepted the project improvements, as constructed by Anderson Burton
Construction, Inc., in accordance with the plans and specifications for the City Hall
Reception Area Renovation; 2) Directed staff to file a Notice of Completion; and 3)
Authorized release of the retention of $2,996.90 thirty-five (35) days after the Notice of
Completion has been recorded if no liens have been filed.
8.i. Consideration of Revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of
Arroyo Grande, Lucia Mar Unified School District, J.H. Land Partnership and John
Taylor, Trustee Regarding Land Acquisition and Extension of Castillo Del Mar to
Valley Road.
Recommended Action: 1) Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the revised
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Arroyo Grande, Lucia Mar
Unified School District (District), J.H. Land Partnership and John Taylor, Trustee; and 2)
Appropriate $7,500 for reimbursement to John Taylor, Trustee for expenses related to the
project.
In response to a concern expressed by Council Member Fellows that there was a conflict between
Sections 4Q) and 4(k), and 4(n) of the MOU, City Manager noted that staff had distributed to Council
a proposed revision to Section 4(k) of the MOU as follows: "City and District will jointly determine
the allowed uses of the Remainder Parcel, which will be combined with AGHS facilities and
grounds, and will be generally restricted to agriculture and agricultural education related uses. No
water, sewer, drainage or other utilities relocation or improvements are proposed for the Remainder
Parcel as part of this MOU."
Action: Council Member Fellows moved to approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the
revised MOU between the City of Arroyo Grande, Lucia Mar Unified School District (District), J.H.
Land Partnership and John Taylor, Trustee, as modified; and to appropriate $7,500 for
reimbursement to John Taylor, Trustee for legal expenses related to the project.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.a. Consideration of Adoption of the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Director of Building and Fire Hubert introduced Bob Newman from Category Five Professional
Consultants, Inc. Mr. Newman gave a presentation regarding multi-hazard mitigation planning to
minimize property damage, save lives, and reduce recovery effort spending subsequent to natural
or man-made disasters. He explained that local governments are required to develop and submit
mitigation plans in order to qualify for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program project funds; reviewed
the process for creating aMulti-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan; reviewed mitigation goals for
the City of Arroyo Grande; and ongoing responsibility for monitoring, evaluating, and updating the
Plan.
Council comments and questions ensued regarding the joint efforts for the study between the
participating agencies (Cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach and the Lucia Mar Unified School
District); that the demographic categories for each agency should be consistent (page 14), with
some exception of the School District; how job growth projection figures were determined (page
14); that source information should be extracted directly from the City's documents; that to
accurately portray the City's flooding history, the March 2001 event should be included (page 41 );
that the Multi-Hazard Emergency Response Plan is currently being reviewed and includes the
Continuity of Operations Plan (page 111); concern that there was not enough public attendance or
involvement at the various workshops; concern that there were no elected officials (who represent
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the public's interest) in the Planning Group; concern that Mitigation Action 3.D. proposes to
eliminate the threat of "potentially" hazardous trees and a request to remove the word "potentially"
(page 122); an observation that school campuses are devoid of trees and additional concern about
Mitigation Action 3.D. (page 130); emphasis on the benefits of trees on school campuses; and that
the Plan would benefit from additional public input.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing, and upon hearing no comments, he closed the public
hearing.
Mayor Ferrara inquired whether the Council had the ability to provide comments and
recommendations on the portions of the Plan related to the other agencies (Lucia Mar, Grover
Beach). Mr. Adams noted that the City entered into a partnership to create aMulti-Jurisdictional
Plan and he stated the City could pass on any comments or concerns about the data to the other
affected agencies if it relates to the City's policies and goals.
Council Member Costello noted that the Plan serves as a compliance document in order to receive
mitigation funding in the event of a disaster; that the goals and objectivess are broad and gives
some room for growth; that the Plan does not need further public review; that additional public
participation in mitigation efforts would be welcome when moving forward; that the Hazard Maps in
the Plan should be more specific to Arroyo Grande rather than the County; and he supported
moving forward with the Plan.
Council Member Guthrie noted that beyond the cost savings of the cooperative effort, it was good to
see the coordinated goals and objectives of all the agencies; agreed that the issue requires a
certain amount of expertise to compile and create the Plan; that he was not opposed to allowing
further public review and comment, however, he noted the public would have additional input when
the City moves forvvard with the goals and objectives; and he supported moving forward with the
minor changes to the Plan as proposed.
Council Member Fellows stated he could not support the Plan as proposed, with input received from
only fifteen (15) members of the public.
Mayor Pro Tem Arnold supported the Plan with the modifications suggested by the Mayor and
Council Member Fellows.
Mayor Ferrara commented that the format of the Plan is mostly mandated by law; information needs
to be inserted and become an institutional standard; that public input is much more valuable during
the implementation phase of some of the mitigation strategies rather than for formulation of the
goals; emphasized that the structure of the Plan itself is in most parts standard; that some
enhancements to the Plan should be made to seek parity with the demographic information for
Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach; and expressed support for the Plan.
Mr. Newman gave a brief overview of the methods used for promoting and advertising the public
workshops.
Action: Council Member Costello moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING A MULTI-
JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN", as submitted, with revisions to the demographic
charts and hazard maps, the elimination of the word "potential" when dealing with tree hazards, and
including information regarding the March 2001 flooding event. Council Member Guthrie seconded,
and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
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AYES: Costello,
NOES: Fellows
ABSENT: None
Guthrie, Arnold, Ferrara
9.b. Consideration of a Proposed Ordinance Amending Section 16.68.050 of the Arroyo
Grande Municipal Code Regarding Underground Utilities.
Assistant Planner Bergman presented the staff report and recommended the Council introduce an
Ordinance amending Municipal Code Section 16.68.050 regarding underground utilities.
Council questions and comments included concern for eliminating the in-lieu fee for a project where
the in-lieu fee would be more than 40% of the project cost, rather than scaling it down; concern
about making exceptions under certain circumstances when there is a benefit to public facilities or
projects; and concern about eliminating in-lieu fees for small commercial projects.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing, and upon hearing no comments, he closed the public
hearing.
Council discussion ensued concerning the criteria for establishing rules for the consideration,
imposition, use and/or exemption of in-lieu fees for underground utilities; that there should be a
certain amount of discretion or flexibility for determining when in-lieu fees are appropriate for certain
projects; a suggestion to implement a sliding scale for in-lieu fees; and the impact of
undergrounding utilities on applicants, particularly deed restricted affordable housing units and
projects with a beneficial public component.
City Attorney Carmel suggested that the item be continued so that staff could further research the
matter based on Council comments and direction.
Action: Council Member Costello moved to continue the item to a date uncertain. Mayor Pro Tem
Arnold seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Costello, Arnold, Guthrie, Fellows, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
10. CONTINUED BUSINESS ITEMS
10.a. Consideration of 10-Year Strategic Plan.
City Manager Adams presented the staff report and recommended the Council adopt a Resolution
approving the proposed 10-Year Strategic Plan (the "Plan").
Mayor Pro Tem Arnold referred to the Affordable Housing goals and strategies on page 2 of the
Plan and requested that language be inserted to address both "for sale" and "rental" affordable
units; expressed concerns about the City's economic ability to provide housing assistance to City
employees; and expressed concern with the City's ability to "fully" implement all programs identified
in the Housing Element within ten (10) years. Mayor Ferrara suggested that the latter goal be
modified to remove the word "fully", to provide clarification that the City's goal is to implement the
programs identified in the Housing Element.
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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 ensued in support of the Plan with minor modifications in the language regarding
tactical goals and strategies for affordable housing, as discussed; acknowledged the additional time
provided for public review and input, some of which was incorporated into the Plan; emphasis on
the importance of the document as a 10-year Strategic Plan that established future goals and
direction and is not intended to identify specific projects or project implementation; asuggestion to
place stronger emphasis on requiring payment of in-lieu fees for low and very-low rental units; that
the Plan identifies realistic goals, however, the Plan does not prioritize the goals; commending staff
for completing the Plan in-house using existing studies and resources; and that the Plan will provide
strategic guidance and direction for the City's future.
Action: Council Member Costello moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING A CITY 10-YEAR
STRATEGIC PLAN" as modified. Council Member Fellows seconded, and the motion passed on
the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Costello, Fellows, Guthrie, Arnold, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Ferrara called for a break at 8:50 p.m. The Council reconvened at 9:05 a.m.
11. NEW BUSINESS ITEMS
11.a. Consideration of Issuance of Redevelopment Agency Tax Allocation Bonds in a
Principal Amount Not To Exceed $7,000,000. [COUNCIL/RDA/PFA]
City Manager/Executive Director Adams presented the staff report and recommended the City
Council, RDA Board, and Public Financing Authority Board adopt Resolutions by the City,
Redevelopment Agency, and the Public Financing Authority, respectively, as follows: 1) A
Resolution of the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande Approving the Issuance by the Arroyo
Grande Redevelopment Agency of its Arroyo Grande Redevelopment Project Area, 2007 Tax
Allocation Bonds and Making Certain Determinations Relating Thereto; 2) A Resolution of the
Board of Directors of the Arroyo Grande Redevelopment Agency Authorizing the Issuance of 2007
Tax Allocation Bonds of Said Agency in a Principal Amount of Not to Exceed Seven Million Dollars
($7,000,000) to Finance a Portion of the Costs of a Redevelopment Project Known as the Arroyo
Grande Redevelopment Project Area and Approving Certain Documents and Taking Certain Other
Actions in Connection Therewith; and 3) A Resolution of the Arroyo Grande Public Financing
Authority Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of a Purchase Contract By and Among the Arroyo
Grande Redevelopment Agency, the Arroyo Grande Public Financing Authority, and E. J. De La
Rosa & Co., Inc.
City Manager/Executive Director Adams introduced the City's Redevelopment Agency Consultant,
Tim Mulrenan, from Tierra West Advisors.
Mr. Mulrenan gave an overview of the bond issuance process and the costs related to issuing the
bonds; noted that the actual amount of bonds would be $6,325,000 which would be issued in one
series; explained that they would be Federally taxable bonds due to overall cost considerations
associated with the financial terms of the bonds and flexibility in how the proceeds could be spent;
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explained that the Agency requested other taxing agencies to subordinate to the lien of the bonds
and the agencies agreed; noted that the County of San Luis Obispo would enter into a Repayment
Agreement with the Redevelopment Agency; stated that the bonds would be rated and insured;
reviewed the current estimates of the debt service and interest rates; and highlighted the proposed
use of the bond proceeds, which would include paying back internal borrowing, undergrounding
utility projects, billboard removals, streetscape projects, and affordable housing projects. He then
introduced Eric Scriven, from E.J. De La Rosa & Co., the bond underwriter.
Mr. Scriven gave a brief description on the underwriting and insurance aspects associated with
issuance of the bonds. He explained that the City had received an A- credit rating, which will save
significantly on bond insurance costs.
Mr. Stan Wolcott, Rutan & Tucker, said these are Federally taxable bonds, that the interest is not
excludable on Federal tax returns; however, they would be tax exempt on the California income tax
return. He explained the necessary actions required by the Council, RDA Board of Directors, and
Public Financing Authority Board of Directors to issue the bonds.
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.
CITY COUNCIL:
Action: Council Member Guthrie moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE
ISSUANCE BY THE ARROYO GRANDE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF ITS ARROYO
GRANDE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA, 2007 TAX ALLOCATION BONDS AND
MAKING CERTAIN DETERMINATIONS RELATING THERETO". Council Member Costello
seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Guthrie, Costello, Fellows, Arnold, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY:
Action: Board Member Guthrie moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ARROYO GRANDE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF 2007 TAX ALLOCATION BONDS OF SAID AGENCY IN A
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS ($7,000,000) TO
FINANCE A PORTION OF THE COSTS OF A REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT KNOWN AS THE
ARROYO GRANDE REDEVLOPMENT PROJECT AREA AND APPROVING CERTAIN
DOCUMENTS AND TAKING CERTAIN OTHER ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH".
Board Member Costello seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Guthrie, Costello, Fellows, Arnold, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY:
Action: Board Member Guthrie moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE
ARROYO GRANDE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY OF A PURCHASE CONTRACT 8Y AND AMONG THE ARROYO GRANDE
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE ARROYO GRANDE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY, AND
E. J. DE LA ROSA & CO., INC.". Board Member Costello seconded, and the motion passed on the
following roll-call vote:
AYES: Guthrie, Costello, Fellows, Arnold, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
11.b. Consideration of Revisions to SLOCOG Traffic Model Population and Employment
Projections.
Community Development Director Strong presented the staff report and requested the Mayor, as
the City's SLOCOG representative, to advise the SLOCOG economic consultant to reconsider and
reduce employment projections for Arroyo Grande used in the 2030 Traffic Model. He then
introduced Steve Devencenzi from San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG).
Steve Devencenzi, representing SLOCOG, presented a Summary of Findings of the Long Range
Socio-Economic Projections (2005-2030) conducted by Economic Research Associates to develop
estimates of future population and employment growth, in five-year increments, to be used in the
SLOCOG Regional Transportation Model for the year 2030. He reviewed the allocation
methodology and data sources for population and employment projections; reviewed how
population and employment allocations were determined by region; and concluded by noting that
the SLOCOG Board modified the Arroyo Grande estimated employment growth rate from 1.ti% to
1% at its April meeting. Mr. Devicenzi and Mr. Mike Harmon from SLOCOG staff responded to
questions from Council.
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.
Mayor Ferrara indicated he brought this subject up at the last Mayor's meeting to clarify the reason
for the City's concern with the employment projection figures. He expressed concerns about
consulting firms or the State of California making projections that represent the City, either
demographic or some other category, where the City is held accountable for those projections. He
stated he was concerned about having a Regional Traffic Model that portrayed the City of Arroyo
Grande unrealistically. He proposed that when participating in any regional study that is driven by
demographics from member agencies that comprise SLOCOG, there needs to be a more accurate,
factual assessment of figures and forecasts that come from an agency's General Plan and not from
a consultant or State agency. He stated he was comfortable with the 1 % rate if the Council agreed
and requested feedback from the Council regarding the origin of data for future regional studies.
Council Member Guthrie stated he could support the 1%/yr employment growth rate; noted it is
counterintuitive that jobs would grow one and a half times faster than population in Arroyo Grande
as portrayed in SLOCOG's figures; acknowledged that locally, job growth is hard to predict;
believed that 1 % is a more appropriate employment growth rate for Arroyo Grande; and suggested
a policy should be developed that the City have early input on demographic information prior to
SLOCOG approving any regional study.
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Council Member Costello agreed that the 1% employment growth rate is a more reasonable
projection and that it seems reasonable and consistent with the City's data for regional studies.
Council Member Fellows supported the 1% employment growth rate and agreed that consultants
should work directly with City staff for data used in regional studies.
Mayor Pro Tem Arnold agreed that data used should be generated internally; supported the 1%
employment growth rate, although 0.9% or less is more realistic.
Mayor Ferrara suggested that staff generate a letter to SLOCOG indicating the City's position on
the employment growth rate and the interest in having City staff coordinate employment and
economic projections with the City.
Action: Council Member Guthrie moved to request that the Mayor carry forth to SLOCOG the
City's recommendation that a 1% employment growth rate projection be used for the City in the
Regional Traffic Model and that the City have an opportunity to provide its own demographic data
for future regional studies. Mayor Pro Tem Arnold seconded, and the motion passed on the
following roll-call vote:
AYES: Guthrie, Arnold, Costello, Fellows, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
11.c. Consideration to Authorize Staff to Pursue Temporary Closure of Northbound
Brisco/Route 101 On/Off Ramps with Caltrans.
Director of Public Works Spagnolo presented the staff report and 'recommended the Council
authorize Staff to pursue temporary closure of the northbound Brisco/Route 101 on/off ramps with
Caltrans.
Council Member Guthrie asked if traffic counts would be conducted at the northbound Oak Park
Blvd. off-ramp and asked why the City was not proposing alternative routes. Director Spagnolo
responded that the City would provide information on alternative routes on traffic signs; however,
detour signs would not be posted in order to avoid impacting traffic counts.
Mayor Ferrara emphasized the need to explain the temporary closure as much as possible in the
signage, such as including language stating "Traffic Study Underway" and listing the dates. Director
Spagnolo agreed and stated staff was also considering implementation of an information hotline.
Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter.
John Keen, N. Elm Street, stated that in the big picture, the two off ramps should be closed. He
asked what the traffic counts would accomplish and how they would help. He recognized it would
indicate where the traffic is going to go during construction, but otherwise he did not think it would
tell us anything. He said if this were to see if the current traffic system would handle the traffic if the
hook ramps were not installed, it did not seem logical on a functional basis. He said he did not
understand the benefit of the closure.
Director Spagnolo responded that the major goal for the temporary closure was to see where the
traffic would go; what the impacts will be; and if, in the project, the City is addressing those impacts
adequately. He noted there were proposals at Grand Avenue and Camino Mercado that would be
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included as part of this project and this test was to see if those are adequate to deal with future
impacts. He also noted this will help determine how and when the hook ramp alternative will fit in.
Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period.
Council comments included support for the temporary closure, which would provide valuable data
for the Brisco/Halcyon Interchange project; acknowledgement of the inconvenience to the public;
emphasis on the need for obtaining accurate data to make good decisions in the future; an
observation that this proposal closes 1 of 4 northbound ramps and 1 of 3 southbound ramps in the
local vicinity; and recognizing that staff is taking a progressive approach by continuing to work
closely with Caltrans District 5 on the Brisco/Halcyon Interchange project.
Action: Council Member Fellows moved to authorize staff to pursue temporary closure of the
northbound Brisco/Route 101 on/off ramps, and to include traffic counts at Oak Park Blvd. Mayor
Pro Tem Arnold seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fellows, Arnold, Costello, Guthrie, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
11.d. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 8.08 of the Arroyo Grande
Municipal Code Relating to the Sale and Use of Fireworks.
City Manager Adams presented the staff report and recommended the Council introduce an
Ordinance amending Chapter 8.08 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code relating to the use and
sale of fireworks. He also referred to supplemental information distributed to Council amending
Section 8.08.040.1. relating to the eligibility requirements for applicant organizations as it relates to
fireworks stand permits and recommended the Ordinance be introduced, as modified.
Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter.
Tom Lebens, AYCO Commissioner and Vice President of the Central Coast Youth Sports
Association, spoke in favor of the proposed amendments to the Ordinance.
Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period.
Council comments included support for the proposed Ordinance, with the modified language; that it
would allow non-profits organizations the ability to more efficiently plan their annual budgets; and
that the proposed rotation would be an equitable solution for all organizations.
Action: Mayor Pro Tem Arnold moved to introduce an Ordinance, as follows: "AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING CHAPTER 8.08 OF
THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE SALE AND USE OF
FIREWORKS" including the modification to Section 8.08.040.1. as recommended by staff. Council
Member Costello seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Arnold, Costello, Guthrie, Fellows, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
a. MAYOR TONY FERRARA:
(1) San Luis Obispo Council of Governments/San Luis Obispo Regional Transit
Authority (SLOCOG/SLORTA). SLORTA continues to move towards a joint use
maintenance facility for SLORTA and RideOn which will be located on S. Higuera in
San Luis Obispo.
(2) South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD). The sewage
treatment plant continues to operate within required standards and limits; the Board
and staff were very complimentary of the City's Public Works staff for the assistance
in clearing the sewer line along Bakeman Lane.
(3) Other. None.
b. MAYOR PRO TEM ED ARNOLD:
(1) Integrated Waste Management Authority Board (IWMA). No report.
(2) Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC). Meets tomorrow; the Annual Retreat is
coming up in May where goals will be discussed and encourage Council Members to
provide input prior to the Retreat.
(3) Other. None.
c. COUNCIL MEMBER JOE COSTELLO:
(1) Zone 3 Water Advisory Board. Budget expenditures are on target; Awaiting the
implementation of the Habitat Conservation Plan.
(2) Air Pollution Control District (APCD). Received follow up information on the
Mower Exchange Program; Efforts are undervuay for replacement of diesel engines
and APCD is seeking grants to help fund the replacements; Reviewed the APCD
goals and strategic plan update of the 5-Year Plan.
(3) Fire Oversight Committee. Met on April 6'h with the new Fire Chief; Cooperation
between Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach Fire Departments continues to be
exceptional with a heavy emphasis on training.
(4) Fire Consolidation Oversight Committee. No report.
(5) Other. None.
d. COUNCIL MEMBER JIM GUTHRIE:
(1) South County Area Transit (SCAT). Announced that the new hybrid bus is in
operation which has been successful so far in fuel efficiency; Working on funding
plan for improvements to bus stops; Announced significant schedule change
targeted for August 1s` to move RTA routes to hourly and realigning the local SCAT
system to fit with the RTA routes.
(2) California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA). No report.
(3) Other. None.
e. COUNCIL MEMBER CHUCK FELLOWS:
(1) South County Youth Coalition. Meets on Thursday.
(2) County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC). Nipomo Community
Services Districts presented the draft version of the State Water Resources Control
guidelines; Discussed the importance of reviewing California Supreme Court ruling
on the Vineyard Area Citizen's for Responsible Growth vs. City of Rancho Cordova;
Announced that Waterfest 2007 is scheduled for May 5`" at the Irish Hills Plaza in
San Luis Obispo; Reported that Lopez Lake is at 33% average rainfall and at 82%
capacity as of 30 days ago; Received summary of water supply on the Nipomo
Mesa; and the Santa Margarita Ranch Draft EIR was discussed.
Minutes: City Council/Redevelopment Agency/Public Financing Authority Meeting Page 12
Tuesday, Apri124, 2007
e. COUNCIL MEMBER CHUCK FELLOWS (cont'd):
(3) Other. None.
13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS:
None.
14. CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
None.
15. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Ferrara reported he met with a local farm family regarding potential new State regulations as
a result of the recent contamination in the spinach crops and suggested that the City may need to
meet with legislative representatives Sam Blakeslee and/or Abel Maldonado to determine the
impact of the proposed legislation on the City and its agricultural community.
16. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
None.
17. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS:
John Keen, N. EIm Street, thanked Randy Robinson and the Public Works street crew for the good
job in replacing a lot of curb, gutter and sidewalk in the N. Elm Street neighborhood.
18. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor/Chair Ferrara adjourned the meeting at 10:45 p.m.
Tony Ferrara ~/Chair
ATTEST:
t'I~UU/t-Q~
Kelly Wet or City Clerk/Secretary
(Approved at CC Mtg 5' ola-aoo'7 1