Minutes 2009-02-10ITll.l~j~~'~
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2009
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 215 EAST BRANCH STREET
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrara called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:11 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Council: Council Members Chuck Fellows, Jim Guthrie, Ed Arnold, Mayor Pro Tem
Joe Costello, and Mayor Tony Ferrara were present.
City Staff Present: City Manager Steve Adams, City Attorney Tim Carmel, Director of
Administrative ServiceslCity Clerk Kelly Wetmore, Director of Financial
Services Angela Kraetsch, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities Doug
Perrin, Director of Community Development Rob Strong, Chief of Police
Steve Annibali, and Sr. Police Officer Jamie Johnson.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Dan Walter, representing the Arroyo Grande Lions Club, led the Flag Salute.
4. INVOCATION
Dr. Paul E. Jones delivered the invocation.
5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
S.a. .Honorary Proclamation -Recognizing February, 2009 as "Grand Jury Month".
Mayor Ferrara presented an Honorary Proclamation recognizing February, 2009 as "Grand Jury
Month". Robert Mires, former Grand Juror, accepted the Proclamation.
5.b. Honorary Proclamation -Recognizing February 24, 2009 as "Spay Day USA".
Mayor Ferrara presented an Honorary Proclamation recognizing February 24, 2009 as "Spay Day
USA". Mary Buehnerkemper, representing Feline Network, accepted the Proclamation.
6. AGENDA REVIEW
6.a. Ordinances Read in Title Onty.
Council Member Costello moved, Council Member 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.
7. CITIZENS' INPUT. COMMENTS. AND SUGGESTIONS
Judith Bean, representing the Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce, invited the public to assist in
the development of a Tourism Marketing Plan for the City of Arroyo Grande by attending a
workshop on Thursday, February 25, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at the South County Regional Center
located at 800 W. Branch Street.
Marsha Alter, representing Friends of Poems for Endangered Places, thanked the Council for being
good stewards of the City's environment. She stated that as an expression of thanks, the group had
collected book donations and is giving a copy of a book entitled "Poems for Endangered Places" to
the Council. She explained that seven local poets visited areas throughout San Luis Obispo County
to write poems. A member of the group, Marguerite Costigan, then read a poem entitled "Built on
the Bodies of Farms".
Minutes: City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 70, 2009
Page 2
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.
Mayor Ferrara requested that Item 8.d. be pulled.
Council Member Arnold requested that Item 8.c. be pulled for a separate roll-call vote.
Council Member Guthrie requested that Item 8.f. be pulled.
Action: Council Member Fellows moved, and Council Member Arnold seconded the motion to
approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.h., with the exception of Items 8.c., 8.d., and 8.f.,
with recommended courses of action. The motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Fellows, Arnold, Guthrie, Costello, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
8.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification.
Action: Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period January 16, 2009 through
January 31, 2009.
S.b. Authorization To Reject Claim Filed Against The City -Claimant: E. Sverchek.
Action: Rejected the claim and authorized the City Clerk to send a standard rejection letter
to the claimant as recommended by the City's Claims Administrator, Carl Warren &
Company.
8.e. Consideration of Striping and Signage Improvements at the Nevada Street and Le
Point Street Intersection.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 4158 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING INSTALLATION OF A
STOP SIGN ON WESTBOUND LE POINT STREET AND SIGNAGE AND STRIPING
IMPROVEMENTS AT THE NEVADA STREET AND LE POINT STREET INTERSECTION."
8.g. Consideration of Adoption of a Resolution Approving Application for Proposition 40
and 84 -Urban Forestry Grant Program Funds.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 4159 as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR
FUNDING FROM THE URBAN FORESTRY GRANT PROGRAM; "AN URBAN FOREST
FOR EVERY CITY'; AS PROVIDED BY PROPOSITIONS 40 AND 84."
8.h. Consideration of Community Development Director Job Description.
Action: Approved the updated job description for the Director of Community Development
position.
ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
8.c. Consideration of Adoption of an Ordinance to Amend the Design Guidelines and
Standards for Historic Districts to Restrict Design Features for "Spanish Eclectic"
Styles Applicable to Residential Development in the Village D-2.4 Historic Character
Overlay District.
Recommended Action: Adopt an Ordinance to amend the Design Guidelines and
Standards for Historic Districts restricting design features for "Spanish Eclectic" styles
applicable to residential development in the Village D-2.4 Historic Character Overlay District.
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 3
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Council Member Guthrie moved to adopt Ordinance No. 608 as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNC/L OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING DEVELOPMENT CODE
AMENDMENT DCA-OS-0038 TO AMEND THE DESIGN GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FOR
HISTORIC DISTRICTS RESTRICTING DESIGN FEATURES FOR "SPANISH ECLECTIC" STYLES
APPLICABLE TO RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE HISTORIC CHARACTER DESIGN
OVERLAY DISTRICT D-2.4." Council Member Fellows seconded, and the motion passed on the
following roll-call vote, as follows:
AYES: Guthrie, Fellows, Costello, Ferrara
NOES: Arnold
ABSENT: None
8.d. Consideration of a Resolution Granting aOne-Year Time Extension and Approving
Project Phasing for Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 04-004 and Planned Unit
Development No. 04-001; Applicant - DB & M Properties, LLC; Location - 415 E.
Branch Street.
Recommended Action: Adopt a Resolution approving aone-year time extension and
project phasing for Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 04-004 and Planned Unit Development
No. 04-001.
In response to a written request from the applicant, Community Development Director Strong
recommended the Council continue this item to a date uncertain to allow staff time to meet with the
applicant regarding potential modifications to the conditions of approval imposed by the Council as
part of the subdivision map approval. He noted that such a modification would require a duly
noticed public hearing before Council consideration and action.
Mayor Pro Tem Costello moved to continue Item 8.d. to a date uncertain. Council Member Arnold
seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Costello, Arnold, Fellows, Guthrie, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
8.f. Consideration to Revise the Capital Improvement Program to Construct an Additional
Water Storage Reservoir In Lieu of a Connection Between the Rancho Grande and
Oro Pressure Zones.
Recommended Action: 1) Approve the revised Capital Improvement Program to construct
an additional water storage tank in lieu of a connection between the Rancho Grande and
Oro pressure zones; 2) Approve a Second Amendment to the Consultant Services
Agreement with Wallace Group; and 3) Authorize the City Manager to sign the Amendment.
In response to a question by Mayor Pro Tem Costello, Director of Public Works Spagnolo clarified
that the concerns expressed in writing by Mr. Manual Sebastian, Corral Place, regarding low water
pressure and adequate volume and pressure for fire suppression, would be resolved with
construction of the additional water storage reservoir.
Mayor Pro Tem Costello moved to approve Item 8.f., as recommended. Council Member Arnold
seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 4
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
AYES: Costello, Amold, Fellows, Guthrie, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.a. Consideration of Approval of Installation of Sports Lights on Don Roberts Field and
Adoption of a Resolution Adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Sports Lights
on Don Roberts Field.
Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Perrin presented the staff report and recommended the
Council: 1) Approve installation of sports lights on Don Roberts Field; and 2) Adopt a Resolution
adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration for sport lights on Don Roberts Field. Director Perrin
responded to questions from Council concern the existing lights; whether there were any records of
past complaints; whether the mitigation measures would address the concerns expressed by the
public at the previous meeting; and whether the lights were on timers to go off automatically.
Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing.
Susan Pittawav, Noel Street, expressed concern about additional lighting impacts as the area was
well-lit by the lights that are already there. She requested a 9:00 p.m. deadline for the lights to be
turned off.
Tyson Kerr, Dixson Street, spoke in opposition to the proposal and requested the Council shelve
the proposal because it was too cost prohibitive and he wondered if this was the best way for the
City to proceed.
Greo Underwood, representing Youth Soccer, spoke in favor of the proposal, meeting the needs of
children, accommodating working parents, and in maximizing the use of an existing City facility.
Jeff Ferber, Pecan Place, spoke in support of the proposal and the need for expanded use of the
City's sports facilities during certain times of the year due to loss of daylight.
Mike Pelavo, representing Central Coast Youth Sports and President of Arroyo Grande Valley Little
League, spoke in support of the proposal, the growth in youth programs, and the need for fields for
practice and games.
Susan Flores, E. Branch Street, spoke in support of the proposal and the need to support children
in sports programs.
Sandra Kerr, Dixson Street, spoke of the impacts to the neighboring homes from the existing
lighting and expressed concern with increasing those impacts..
Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public hearing.
Council comments ensued including acknowledgement of the neighbor's concerns; that it was
unfortunate that no other sites in the City were available to add more ball fields; that the project
includes conditions to mitigate lighting impacts; that the lights will be shielded and screened
appropriately to avoid direct impacts; a suggestion to look at the existing poles to see if screening
improvements could be made; confirmation that restrictions are in place, including that the lights will
be turned off at 9:00 p.m.; that maximizing the use of the City's ball fields is critical and provides a
much better value for City residents; that it's important to get people of all ages to be outside; that
the sports wmplex provides opportunities for family activities; that the placement of the lights to
minimize impacts is important; clarification that the project is being funded from the Park
Development Fund; and acknowledgement that those living close to a park should have some
expectation of park uses and lighting.
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 5
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Action: Council Member Arnold moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING A MITIGATED
NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVING INSTALLATION OF SPORTS LIGHTS AT DON
ROBERTS FIELD". Council Member Costello seconded, and the motion passed on the following
roll-call vote:
AYES: Arnold, Costello, Guthrie, Fellows, Ferrara
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
10. CONTINUED BUSINESS ITEMS
10.a. Consideration of Modification to the Rancho Parkway Striping and Signage.
Director of Public Works Spagnolo presented the staff report and recommend the Council approve
the Traffic Commission's recommendation to install striping and signage revisions on northbound
Rancho Parkway near the Five Cities Center entrance. Director Spagnolo, Chief Annibali and Sr.
Police Officer Johnson responded to questions from Council regarding the existing striping,
signage, and provided clarification on the proposed design.
Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter.
Mike McConville, E. Branch Street, suggested that the. signs on W. Branch Street identify specific
tenants with the appropriate directional signage.
Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period.
Council comments ensued regarding the current impacts at the driveway entrance from W. Branch
to the theater; the improvements that have been made in the parking lot to add a right turn lane out
of Phase I to facilitate vehicle access from Phase I to Phase II; whether or not the left-turn from
Rancho Parkway into Phase I should be allowed; and acknowledgement that permanent
modifications have been made on Rancho Parkway to channelize specific traffic movements which
could be problematic and result in congestion if the left-turn lane were re-established.
Further Council and staff discussion ensued concerning the advantages and disadvantages of the
previous left turn pocket on Rancho Parkway into Phase I of the Five Cities Center; and current and
proposed configurations as it relates to traffic flow and impacts, signage, safety, and accident
patterns and statistics. There was discussion about reinstalling the left hand turn lane on Rancho
Parkway into Phase I and observing and monitoring the traffic movements for a period of time and
then re-evaluating the matter before making a final decision on the proposed revisions.
Action: Mayor Ferrara moved to allow the left turn lane from Rancho Parkway into Phase 1 and
that staff monitor the traffic patterns, movements, and incidents, and to return to Council with that
data if determined to be appropriate. Council Member Fellows seconded, and the motion passed
on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferrara, Fellows, Guthrie, Arnold, Costello
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 6
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Mayor Ferrara called.for a break at 9:10 p.m. The Counqil reconvened at 9:19 p.m.
11. NEW BUSINESS ITEMS
11.a. Consideration of City Hall Complex Facility and Property Upgrades.
City Manager Adams presented the staff report and recommended the Council: 1) Review and
provide feedback regarding draft alternatives for upgrade of the City Hall Complex facilities and
existing properties; 2) Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a contract with Phillips Metsch
Sweeney Moore for an amount not to exceed $50,000 to prepare conceptual design and cost
estimating services for renovation of the City Hall building; 3) Approve and authorize the Mayor to
execute a 2-year lease with NKT Commercial for the property at 111 South Mason Street for $1.50
per square foot plus taxes with an option to purchase at any time during the lease term; and 4)
Appropriate $40,000 from Local Sates Tax funds for the cost of the lease for the remainder of FY
2008-09. City Manager Adams responded to questions from Council concerning square footage
and current uses in the existing City Hall building, including the basement; clarification of staffs
recommendations for Council feedback concerning the proposed project alternatives; and
clarification regarding ADA requirements and compliance.
Fred Sweenev, Phillips Metsch Sweeney Moore Architects, responded to Council questions
concerning the structural assessment of City Hall; commented on the development of the original
building and the extensive remodeling that has occurred since the 1950's to accommodate staff;
stated there are a minimal number of things that need to be done to address life/safety issues to
satisfy building codes, specifically ADA compliance issues; and explained that his proposal would
allow him to come back with additional information to assist the Council in making decisions on
whether to move forward with a renovation of the City Hall building.
Staff responded to questions from Council regarding the proposed annual lease cost for the 111 S.
Mason Street building; how a purchase price for the 111 S. Mason Street building would be
determined; ADA improvements that have been made to the existing City Hall building and the
remaining ADA improvements that are needed; what other architectural firms submitted proposals
(RFP), and who evaluated and made the selection; and clarification on staff recommendations and
associated funding sources as it relates to the current financing/market conditions.
Council Member Fellows requested staff provide him with copies of all the proposals that were
submitted for preparation of conceptual design and cost estimating services for renovation of the
City HaII building.
Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter.
Mike McConville, E. Branch Street, expressed concerns about the current recession and
commented that the City should be very cautious if it has to finance the project; expressed concern
about relying on the use of sales tax funds as that revenue could disappear very quickly;
acknowledged the opportunity for use of the building at 111 S. Mason; and stated he does not favor
selling any City property.
Jeff Ferber, Pecan Street, speaking as a private citizen, noted this was an amazing opportunity for
the City; thanked the Council for its concern for taxpayers and keeping the City Hall downtown;
supported the acquisition of the S. Mason St. building; commented on the importance of addressing
ADA issues; noted that civic places are important to a community and supported the use of existing
resources; and stated the proposal is creative and will provide additional Village retail uses.
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Susan Flores, E. Branch Street, liked the idea of the plaza and said it could be easily accomplished
by extending the sidewalk, closing the street, and adding the planters. She referred to the financial
climate and expressed concern with committing sales tax funds that the City does not yet have;
suggested that the square footage and cost of the S. Mason St building should be negotiated lower;
and believed that there was not enough information to show that the proposal is fiscally responsible.
Hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period.
Council Member Arnold provided the following comments:
- Noted that Alternative 2 makes the most sense due to its cost; the availability and condition of
the S. Mason Street building; and the potential redevelopment opportunities on the corner of E.
Branch and Short Street;
- Referred to the report from the Historic Resource Group and agreed that the Building
Department structure did not have historic value; did not believe that every old building qualifies
for historic preservation;
- Noted that if the City Hall and Public Works buildings were saved, they would need to be
restored and in the case of the Public Works building, it would be an advantage to have
someone else be responsible for the restoration and cost;
- Believed the plaza concept with a restaurant on both sides could be a good asset to all the
Village and would be a positive draw to the area;
- With regard to the (ease, he understood related costs while the building is temporarily vacant;
however, the proposal makes sense because it is a very good building that will need a minimal
amount of changes to accommodate several City departments and will allow consolidation of
services;
- Believed that the benefits associated with the project outweigh the costs and would be a wise
financial decision for the City;
- Supported the proposed lease; expressed concern about losing the opportunity to lease the
building now since there is no other office space of this size available;
- Reiterated that Alternative 2 makes the most sense;
- Supported awarding. contract with Phillips Metsch Sweeney Moore;
- Supported directing staff to provide additional information concerning the plaza concept..
Council Member Guthrie provided the following comments:
- Expressed concern with the proposal conceptually;
- Believed it is the wrong configuration; referred to previous concept to consolidate the Council
Chambers and all the City services/departments into a single location, and expressed concern
that this proposal expands operations to three locations which all need to meet ADA
requirements, and would result in redundant space use;
- Expressed concern with the total size/square footage; believed that all existing space is not
being fully utilized;
- Did not believe an increase in space is needed to increase efficiency;
- Referred to the advisory vote which included City Hall services which did not even achieve a
50% vote; believed the public does not think this issue is high on the priority list;
- Acknowledged the opportunity to lease the vacant building on S. Mason Street; however, he
believed moving this project up' on the priority list would impact or delay other high priority
capital projects, and sales tax funds are declining and may not be available to fund all
previously identified projects;
- Could not support the Alternatives as proposed; suggested looking at Alternative #5 to
determine whether the $1 million figure is accurate, and also look at Alternative #3;
- Supported directing staff to provide additional information concerning the plaza coricept;
Minutes: City Council Meefing
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Could not support the lease.
Page 8
Council Member Fellows provided the following comments:
- Agreed with Council Member Guthrie on most issues;
- Noted that previous public polls implore the City to maintain the charm and character of the
Village;
- Noted that the City is working with the Historical Society, Arroyo Grande in Bloom, Village
Improvement Association and Chamber of Commerce in order to attract visitors to the historic
district; stated that he analyzes how projects would affect the charm and. character of the
Village;
- Supported Alternative #5; noted that City Hall is the heart of the Village and the building should
be adaptively reused;
- Believed it was important not to move away from the public's advisory vote regarding use of
sales tax funds on City Hall;
- Supported using the existing City Hall building, expanding the restroom, or enlarge the present
building by expanding toward the street or at the rear;
- Agreed with the Historic Resources Committee recommendations;
- Undecided about the streetscape improvements beyond what is already planned as it relates to
creation of a Centennial Plaza; if moving ahead, would like to ensure that no mature trees are
removed;
- Expressed concern about closure of Short Street as it relates to circulation impacts within
Olahan Alley;
- Referred to existing condition of City Hall roof and acknowledged that some changes may be
required; reiterated that the City Hall building should be adaptively reused, perhaps add to it,
and preserve the charm and character;
- Agreed that the City should not spend money on things that are not needed.
Mayor Pro Tem Costello provided the following comments:
- Acknowledged concerns about the economy;
- Liked Alternative #2 if there were no economic constraints;
- Acknowledged that a number of issues need to be addressed, including ADA compliance,
structural repairs, space requirements, and any life/safety issues;
- Inquired about cost of bringing in modular buildings;
- The lease arrangement is appealing; suggested a 1-year term instead of 2-years;
- Noted if staff needs to be relocated in order to renovate, the exact costs need to be known;
- Stated that the City needs additional square footage for records and equipment storage;
- Could support approval of the lease, but would like to have more information on options if the
lease were not pursued; specifically as it relates to achieving ADA compliance on the existing
buildings;
- Need to move forward in order to know how much the cost will be to renovate City Hall and
bring it up to current standards;
- Supported short-term use of sales tax funds;
- Moving forvvard with the lease will allow time for more evaluation to determine an action plan;
- Liked plaza concept; has no issue of closing off vehicle access to Short Street; wilt be a positive
attraction for the Village.
Mayor Ferrara provided the following comment:
- In response to a question about how long it would take to prepare conceptual design and cost
estimate for the renovation, Mr. Sweeney replied it could be done by April;
- Could not provide direction on the Alternatives because there are too many questions and not
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 9
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
enough information;
- Noted the historic value of the Public Works building; however, a final determination has not
been made on the Building Department structure;
- Need to balance an information void and a schedule for obtaining additional information versus
potentially. missing an opportunity;
- Noted if it is determined to be more cost effective to move into the S. Mason Street building and
then the opportunity is no longer there, the City misses out;
- Would be more supportive going forward with staffs recommendations tonight if a 1-year lease
is considered instead of a 2-year lease;
- Believed the plaza concept is an absolute winner; noted the merchants are excited about it; and
would be a wonderful asset to the City; acknowledged that traffic circulation and control would
need to tre addressed but is not insurmountable;
- Concerned about comments made about the sales tax advisory measures; acknowledged that
City Hall renovations were last on the list, however, given the sales tax revenue and other
funding sources that are being combined with it, the question is whether the City is satisfying the
other higher priorities.
City Manager Adams clarified that based on the City's current 10-Year projection, which he noted
would need to be adjusted based on the economy, the original projected cost for this project option
was $2 million. He spoke about financing the project over a 20-year period and noted that the 10-
Year projection of sales tax funds would be able to meet all the identified needs. He stated that
financing has gone up and the cost of the project has gone up, which presents a challenge. He
concluded that additional time was needed to determine better cost estimates.
Mayor Ferrara asked Mr. Tompkins if he would be willing to discuss the potential fora 1-year lease.
Mr. Tompkins responded he would work with City Manager Adams to provide flexibility within the
lease to meet the City's constraints and concerns. He requested enough lead time be included for
him if it is determined the building is no longer needed, so that he also has future flexibility.
Mayor Ferrara summarized by reiterating he could not provide any detailed feedback regarding
draft Alternatives until more information is available; he could support approval of the contract with
Phillips Metsch Sweeney Moore Architects to obtain valuable information for the decision making
process; could support moving forward with the lease with the potential for a shorter term; and
could support the appropriation of $40,000 now, but would like to see long-term sales tax
projections.
City Manager Adams noted that in response to Council comments regarding potential expansion of
the City Hall building, the contract could include provisions to analyze some options for expansion.
Action: Mayor Ferrara moved to: 1) approve a lease agreement between the City of Arroyo Grande
and NKT Commercial for the property at 111 South Mason Street for a period not to exceed one
year and with appropriate opt-out language for both the City and for NKT Commercial, 2) approve
the $1.50 per square foot plus taxes with an option to purchase at any time during the lease term,
and 3) appropriate $40,000 from Local Sales Tax funds for the cost of the lease for the remainder of
FY 2008-09. Council Member Arnold seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll call
vote:
AYES: Ferrara, Arnold, Costello
NOES: Guthrie, Fellows
ABSENT: None
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 10
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Action: Council Member Guthrie moved to approve and execute a contract with Phillips Metsch
Sweeney Moore for an amount not to exceed $50,000 to prepare conceptual design and cost
estimates for renovation of the current City Hall building, including options for an addition or
expansion of City Hall; and to provide a conceptual design and cost estimate if City Hall were to be
replaced with a new 7,000 square foot building. Council Member Arnold seconded, and the motion
passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Guthrie, Arnold, Costello, Ferrara
NOES: Fellows '
ABSENT: None
There was unanimous consensus of the Council to direct staff to return with revised 10-year local
sales projections and to direct staff to pursue and provide additional information on the Centennial
Plaza concept.
12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
a. MAYOR TONY FERRARA:
(1) San Luis Obispo Council of Governments/San Luis Obispo Regional Transit
Authority (SLOCOG/SLORTA). Due to State Budget issues, there has .been a
considerable negative impact on transportation funding, including potential
termination of the senior shuttle and other evening and Sunday bus services; was
able to negotiate some additional funding to keep the senior shuttle running and
exploring additional funding sources for evening and Sunday bus service. Caltrans
announced that operational improvements for southbound Highway 101 between
Pismo Beach and Arroyo Grande have been put on hold indefinitely.
(2) South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD). Continuing to
move towards recycled water to be used for farm irrigation, and would benefit the
City because they would not be taking well water.
(3) Brisco/Halcyon/Hwy 101 Interchange Project Subcommittee. Deferred to staff;
City Manager Adams provided a status update.
(4) Other. Reported that the Recreation Center Subcommittee has its first meeting
tomorrow.
b. MAYOR PRO TEM JOE COSTELLO:
(1) Zone 3 Water Advisory Board. Met January 15`h; did not attend; however, it was a
brief meeting and there was no reportable action.
(2) Air Pollution Control District (APCD). Selected new Chair; the Board continues to
address. budget issues and find long term solutions; the Board approved fee
increases.
(3) Fire Oversight Committee. Meets next week; nothing new to report. Continued
operations and training among the agencies is working well.
(4) Other. None.
c. COUNCIL MEMBER JIM GUTHRIE:
(1) South County Area Transit (SCAT). Board is dealing with similar State issues with
funding and will be looking at potential rate increases.
(2) California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA). No report.
(3) Other. Attended the Tourism Committee meeting. A public workshop will be held an
February 26`h at the South County Regional Center.
Minutes: City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Page 11
d. COUNCIL MEMBER ED ARNOLD:
(1) Integrated Waste Management Authority Board (IWMA). The IWMA received a
grant to provide containers to pharmacies for disposal of sharps.
(2) Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC). Reorganization meeting held; Supervisor
Adam Hill is on the Board and will be the EVC representative at the Supervisor level.
Also discussed the airport expansion.
(3) Other. None.
e. MAYOR PRO TEM CHUCK FELLOWS:
(1) South County Youth Coalition.
(2) County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC). There have been three
meetings since last report. With regard to the Laetitia Ranch Development project,
the WRAC formed a subcommittee to review the Draft EIR and a subsequent report
was prepared and sent to the SLO County Water Resources Engineer. With regard
to Quagga mussels, there has been no discovery of mussels in the local lakes. The
water at Lopez Lake is at 61 % of capacity compared to 67% last year at this time.
(3) Other. None.
13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS:
None.
14. CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
None.
15. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Ferrara distributed a packet of letters sent to the Governor, Assembly Members, Senators,
and the State Controller regarding Assembly Bill 38, combining the Office of Emergency Services
and the Office of Homeland Security. He referred to the temporary appointment of Matthew
Bettenhausen as Secretary of the new agency, Cal EMA, which contradicts the guidance that was
given by two analyses that were done on combining the two agencies. He expressed concern about
the takeover of all emergency management functions in the State by the California Military
Department, which was not the intended outcome of AB-38.
Mayor Ferrara also noted he distributed a copy of a response letter he wrote to a citizen who sent in
a letter regarding Wal-Mart and the vacant lot next to it. He stated that The Tribune had published
her letter prior to his communications with her, and said that The Tribune would be doing afollow-
up article on the matter.
Council Member Amold thanked staff for providing the grant tracking status report.
Council Member Fellows reported that Public Works had held a public workshop concerning City
sidewalk projects and it was well attended.
Mayor Ferrara report that Bob Lund and Director Spagnolo went door to door with the Centennial
Plaza concept to gain feedback from the Village merchants. He stated the merchants were
appreciative of the contact and information.
16. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
City Manager Adams reported that the water workshop on March 5°i has been postponed.
Minutes: City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
17. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS:
None.
18. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ferrara adjourned the meeting at 11:23 p.m.
Tony Ferr , J1A yor
ATTEST:
4~
Kelly Wets ore ity Clerk/Agency Secretary
(Approved at CC Mtg 3-/o aoo9
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