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Minutes 2002-08-13 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2002 COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 215 E. BRANCH STREET ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro Tem Runels called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL City Council: Council Members Dickens, Ferrara, Lubin, and Mayor Pro Tem Runels were present. Mayor Lady was absent. City Staff Present: City Manager Adams; City Attorney Carmel; Director of Administrative Services Wetmore; Police Commander Andrews; Director of Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Hernandez; Director of Public Works Spagnolo; and Director of Community Development Strong. 3. FLAG SALUTE Steve Andrews, President of Arroyo Grande Valley Kiwanis Club, led the Flag Salute. 4. INVOCATION Pastor Paul Jones delivered the invocation. 5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS None. 6. AGENDA REVIEW 6.a. Resolutions and Ordinances Read in Title Only Council Member Ferrara moved, Council Member Dickens seconded, and the motion passed unanimously that all resolutions and ordinances presented at the meeting shall be read in title only and all further reading be waived. 7. CITIZENS' INPUT, COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS Trudy Jarrett, representing The League of Women Voters San Luis Obispo County (LWVSLOC), announced that LWVSLOC is looking for young heroes to honor in the areas of environmental, humanitarian, school government, or civic action. She distributed an informational flyer, which listed the deadline of November 15, 2002 for submitting nominations. Derril Pilkington, representing the Arroyo Grande Valley Car Club, thanked the Council and City Fire, Police, and Parks Departments for its SUPjort during the recent Arroyo Grande Car Shoo He reported that the funds from the 13 annual event would go back into the community for the benefit of youth and senior citizens. n______ CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 13, 2002 PAGE 2 8. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Lubin commented on Consent Agenda Items 8.f., 8.g., and 8.h., stating he wished to congratulate and express appreciation to City staff for purchasing City vehicles from local vendors. Council Member Lubin moved and Council Member Dickens seconded the motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.k., with the recommended courses of action: 8.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification. Action: Approved the listing of cash disbursements for the period July 16, 2002 through July 31,2002. 8.b. Statement of Investment Deposits. Action: Received and filed the report of current investment deposits as of July i i 31,2002. I 8.c. Consideration to Authorize Appropriation of $112,700 for Implementation of I I AGPOA Contract. I Action: Authorized an additional appropriation of $112,700 to be added to the General Fund-Police Budget to implement the AGPOA MOU approved on July I 23, 2002. 8.d. Consideration of Approval of Minutes. i , Action: Approved minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of July 23, 2002 , , I as submitted. I 8.e. Consideration of Authorization to Solicit Bids - Public Works Vehicle. Action: Authorized staff to solicit bids for the purchase of a Yo ton pick up truck as provided in the FY 2002-03 budget. 8.f. Consideration of Authorization to Purchase Two (2) Replacement Unmarked Vehicles and One (1) Replacement Parking Enforcement Truck. Action: Authorized staff to purchase two (2) replacement unmarked vehicles and one (1) replacement parking enforcement truck from Christianson Chevrolet for $50,055.07. 8.g. Consideration of Authorization to Purchase Two (2) Replacement Police Department Patrol Vehicles. Action: Authorized staff to purchase two (2) replacement patrol vehicles from Mullahey Ford for $48,498.46. 8.h. Consideration of Award of Bid - Parks Division Vehicle. Action: Awarded bid to Mullahey Ford for the purchase of a 2002 one-ton dump truck in the amount of $26,789.62. 8.L Consideration of The Paulding History Preservation. Action: Adopted Resolution No. 3614 designating the Paulding History House as a historical landmark of the City and supporting the South County Historical Society's application to State and National Register of Historic Places. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 13, 2002 PAGE 3 8.j. Consideration of an Irrevocable Directive of Draw Procedures Agreement for the Rancho Grande Park Project. Action: Authorized the Mayor to execute an Irrevocable Directive of Draw Procedures agreement as requested by Herrera Engineering for the Rancho Grande Park Project. 8.k. Consideration to Authorize an Appropriation of $15,000 for Paving of a Portion of Noyes Road. Action: Authorized an appropriation of $15,000 from the Construction Tax Fund for paving of a portion of Noyes Road. AYES: Lubin, Dickens, Ferrara, and Runels NOES: None ABSENT: Lady There being 4 AYES, 0 NOES, and 1 ABSENT, the motion is hereby declared to be passed. At the request of City Manager Adams, in order to allow Community Development Department staff additional preparation time, Mayor Pro Tem Runels indicated that Item 9.a. would be heard and considered after Item 11.a. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.a. Presentation by Caltrans - Route 101 Operational Improvements - Phase 2 Study. Director of Public Works Spagnolo introduced Steve Devincenzi, Deputy Director of SLOCOG. Mr. Devincenzi gave a recap of the Major Investment Study completed for the Route 101 corridor from Arroyo Grande to San Luis Obispo which addresses alternatives to improve efficiency of the corridor and provide traffic congestion relief. He then introduced Amy Donatello from Caltrans who proceeded with a review of proposed Phase 2 operational improvements in Arroyo Grande and gave an overview of the project initiation phase. She explained that alternatives had been developed and the Council was being requested to provide direction regarding any alternatives that it would like deleted from the study. EI Campo Improvements Frank Honeycutt, Project Engineer for Caltrans, reviewed proposed improvements located at the EI Campo intersection, which would include extensions of acceleration and deceleration lanes. In response to questions and concerns expressed by Council Members relating to the existing EI Campo Project Study Report (PSR) currently in process and how these proposed improvements would relate or coordinate with future decisions to be made on that project, Mr. Honeycutt acknowledged the EI Campo Intersection PSR currently in process and responded that there was no relation between the two studies. He said if the intersectionlinterchange project at EI Campo were to proceed in the future, these improvements would not be necessary. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 13, 2002 PAGE 4 Council Members Ferrara and Dickens agreed that if an at-grade intersection were to be maintained for safety reasons, this alternative would be favorable. There was discussion regarding funding sources and funding cycles for the studies. Council Member Lubin expressed concerns about spending any money on a study that could be thrown away when another study is in process, until more is known about what is going to be done at this intersection. He stated that if it could be proven that these proposed improvements could help and that we are ten years away from another solution, then maybe it would be necessary. He expressed concerns about the safety of the existing intersection and commented that more needs to be done than just acceleration and deceleration lanes. Mayor Pro Tem Runels stated he supported any safety improvements in this area and commented that an overpass is needed. He further commented that major improvements proposed in the EI Campo PSR could be ten years away and that in the meantime, the alternative being presented tonight deserved to be studied. Council Member Ferrara inquired whether the study for this proposed alternative would be costly. Ms. Donatello responded the costs would be minimal, estimating it would be approximately $10,000. Following further discussion and comments, there was consensus of the Council to leave the EI Campo alternative in for further study. Constructing a Southbound Climbing Lane from Oak Park Blvd. to Halcyon Road Mr. Honeycutt reviewed the next proposed improvement, which would involve constructing a southbound climbing lane from the Oak Park onramp to the Halcyon off ramp. Council Member Lubin reiterated his concerns regarding the Hwy 101/Brisco PSR currently in process. Concerning the proposed alternative, he asked how truck drivers would know to move in and out of the climbing lane. Mr. Honeycutt responded that signage and striping would direct slower traffic into and out of the climbing lane. City Manager Adams commented that these proposed improvements would not conflict with alternatives being studied in the Hwy 101/Brisco PSR. Council Member Dickens commented that this was prudent planning and will provide for better circulation. He supported further studying this alternative. Council Member Ferrara supported this alternative and stated it would do a good job of facilitating traffic flow. He also reiterated concerns regarding conflicts and/or duplication with the existing Hwy 101/Brisco PSR. --~ CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 13, 2002 PAGE 5 Following further discussion and comments, there was consensus of the Council to leave this project in for further study. Grand Avenue/Fair Oaks Southbound Auxiliary Lane Mr. Honeycutt reviewed five alternatives that would involve improving the southbound auxiliary lane between Grand Avenue and Fair Oaks. He explained that Alternative 1 to reconstruct the Fair Oaks off ramp to align with Orchard Avenue was for illustration purposes only, was non-standard, considered unsafe, and he would not recommend this alternative. He gave overviews of Alternative 2, which would construct a new frontage road with a new southbound onramp; Alternative 3, which would construct a new off ramp road and remove the existing off ramp; and Alternatives 4&5, which would create a new local road with a new onramp, and elimination of an existing off-ramp. Council Member Lubin clarified that Alternative 1 was not an option because it has been determined to be unsafe and is not recommended by the Caltrans project engineer. He stated that if he had to choose, Alternative '3 seems to have the least impact and is probably the better alternative than constructing hook ramps as shown in Alternative 2. Mr. Honeycutt advised the Council that another option would be to reject all of the alternatives. Council Member Ferrara stated that he would base his final determination on input from the property owner that would be affected. He commented that of the options presented, he could support doing nothing or Alternative 3. He said he did not perceive the Grand Avenue/Fair Oaks proximity as an issue. He commented that the intersection at the Fair Oaks off ramp is the problematic issue and there was a need to align the Fair Oaks exit with Orchard Avenue. He did not favor Alternative 2. Council Member Dickens agreed that there was a need to address the issue regarding the intersection at the Fair Oaks Avenue exit. He also commented on the need to address land use policies and the willingness of the property owner who could be impacted by some of the proposed alternatives. He stated that agriculture land should not be impacted any more than necessary for public improvements. He supported Alternative 3 as a study alternative. Mayor Pro Tem Runels spoke about current traffic impacts, commented on the need for a frontage road from Grand Avenue to Fair Oaks, and commented on the merits of Alternative 2 to eliminate southbound traffic. Mayor Pro Tem Runels invited comments from the public who wished to be heard on the matter. Adam Saruwatari submitted a letter for the record on behalf of his parents, Leroy and Lorene Saruwatari, regarding the alternatives for a Grand Avenue/Fair Oaks southbound auxiliary lane. He stated that at the time the letter was written, his parents CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 13, 2002 PAGE 6 were not aware that there was an option of doing nothing and were under the assumption that one of the alternatives would have to be chosen. Mr. Saruwatari indicated that the letter stated a preference for Alternative 3 because it would provide the most protective plan for their farmland. He inquired whether signage and striping would improve this area instead. I I Hearing no further public comments, Mayor Pro Tem Runels brought the item back to I Council for consideration. Council Member Ferrara asked why the City would pursue studying Alternative 2 if the property owner will not support it. Ms. Donatello gave a recap on the process of presenting the alternatives in public hearings for review and input, the process of eliminating certain alternatives from further study, and the project timeline and funding issues. Following further Council comments and discussion regarding the proposed Alternatives for a Grand Avenue/Fair Oaks southbound auxiliary lane, there was consensus to include Alternatives 2 & 3 for further study and to eliminate Alternatives 1, 4 & 5. Mayor Pro Tern Runels called a break at 8:40 p.m. Council reconvened at 8:48 p.m. 9. PUBLIC HEARING 9.a. Consideration of Planned Sign Program 02-002; Proposal to Amend the Existing Planned Sign Program for the Five Cities Center Regarding Signage for Buildings OIL" and "M". Community Development Director Strong presented the staff report, responded to questions from Council clarifying placement and type of signs proposed, and recommended the Council adopt a Resolution approving Planned Sign Program 02-002. Council Member Ferrara commented that a precedent was set when the request from Trader Joe's for an amended planned sign program was approved. Mayor Pro Tem Runels opened the public hearing and invited comments from those who wished to be heard on the matter. Steve Havens, representative of Signtech, clarified that there was concern about the readability of signs on Building M from Branch Street. Council Member Ferrara asked what the rationale was for the sign facing the parking lot. Mr. Havens responded the purpose of the sign on the front of the building was to indicate there was a restaurant there for the people who may be in the shopping area/parking lot near Trader Joe's. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 13, 2002 PAGE 7 In response to inquiries and suggestions from Council Member Dickens regarding the construction and material of the signs, Mr. Havens displayed and described a rendering showing the proposed restaurant signs for all elevations. Hearing no further public comments, Mayor Pro Tem Runels closed the public hearing and brought the item back to Council for consideration. Council Member Lubin commented that the square footage and illumination are within the parameters of the Planned Sign Program and expressed support for the amendment. Council Member Ferrara stated he found it difficult to say no when the Council said yes to Trader Joe's. He commented that there was a long and hard fight to get the original Planned Sign Program approved; however precedence has already been set and he asked for assurance this would be the last request for an amended sign program. Council Member Dickens agreed and indicated there had been a tremendous amount of public input regarding signage for the Center. He stated that the restaurant would benefit from the proposed placement of signage and felt it would blend in nicely with the architecture. He stated he reluctantly supported the amendment. Mayor Pro Tem Runels expressed support for the amended sign program. Council Member Lubin moved to adopt a Resolution approving Planned Sign Program Case No. 02-002, applied for by Signtech, for Buildings "L and "M", located in the Five Cities Center. Council Member Ferrara seconded the motion, and on the following roll- call vote, to wit: AYES: Lubin, Ferrara, Dickens, and Runels NOES: None ABSENT: Lady There being 4 AYES, 0 NOES, and 1 ABSENT, the motion is hereby declared to be passed. 10. CONTINUED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS (continued): 11.b. Housing Element Update. Director of Community Development Strong presented the staff report, responded to questions from Council, and recommended the Council 1) Review the work program to update the City's Housing Element and direct staff to proceed with public workshops as CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 13, 2002 PAGE 8 outlined, and 2) Form an ad-hoc Local Housing Task Force to advise the Planning Commission and City Council on the Housing Element Update. Following Council discussion regarding the timeline for the Housing Element Update, the proposed make-up of the ad-hoc Local Housing Task Force, and the process of recruiting and appointing members, Council directed staff to proceed with the Housing Element process by working with the Planning Commission to advertise, recruit, and select members for the Housing Task Force. Staff was further directed to .provide the Planning Commission's recommendations to the City Council for review and comment. 12. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS None. 13. CITY MANAGER ITEMS None. 14. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Pro Tem Runels reported he had received inquiries from citizens regarding the status of the Oak Park Boulevard Widening project. City Manager Adams gave an update on the project and reported that the City was working with Pacific Bell to expedite the work they need to complete so that the paving could proceed. Council Member Ferrara asked about concerns that have been expressed by Rancho Grande residents regarding Via Bandolero and portions of Via Vaquero not being included in the slurry seal project. He requested a written response from staff. City Manager Adams said a response would be prepared and sent to the Council and the Rancho Grande Homeowners Association. 15. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS None. 16. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Pro Tem unels adjourned the meeting at 10:16 p.m. Michael ATTEST: t/w.OJt;- re, Director of Administrative Servicesl Deputy City Clerk