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Minutes 2005-12-13 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2005 COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 215 EAST BRANCH STREET ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor/Chair Ferrara called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL City Council/RDA: Council/Board Members Dickens, Guthrie, Arnold, and Mayor/Chair Ferrara were present. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Costello was absent. City Staff Present: City Manager Adams, City Attorney Carmel, Director of Administrative . Services/City Clerk Wetmore, Director of Financial Services Kraetsch, Director of Community Development Strong, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Spagnolo, and Associate Planner McClish. 3. FLAG SALUTE Jeff Hicks, representing Rotary Club of Arroyo Grande, led the Flag Salute. 4. INVOCATION Dr. Paul Jones delivered the invocation. 5. SPECIAL PRESENTATION 5.a. Honorary Proclamation Recognizing Mark M. Millis. Mayor Ferrara presented an Honorary Proclamation to Mark Millis recognizing and honoring him for his dedication to promoting family recreational activities within the City, and his dedicated service, leadership, and devotion to family, his civic values and pride. County Board of Supervisor Katcho Achadjian also acknowledged Mr. Millis and thanked him for his service to the community. 5.b. Mayor's Commendations Presented to Jim Bergman, Camela Schaaf, and Raul Juarez. Mayor Ferrara presented Mayor's Commendations to City employees Jim Bergman, Camela Schaaf, and Raul Juarez in recognition of their membership in the Platinum Service Club for service above and beyond the call of duty. Assistant Planner Bergman was not present to accept his Commendation due to illness; however, the Mayor recognized Mr. Bergman. Accounting Clerk Schaaf and Fleet Maintenance Coordinator Juarez accepted the Commendations and thanked the Council. 6. AGENDA REVIEW 6.a. Resolutions and Ordinances Read in Title Only. Council Member Dickens moved, Council Member Guthrie 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. CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2005 PAGE 2 7. CITIZENS' INPUT, COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS None. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Council/Board Member Guthrie moved. and Council/Board Member Arnold seconded the motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.n., with the recommended courses of action. City Attorney Carmel read the title of the Resolution in Item 8.j. as follows: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande denying Vesting Tentative Tract Map Case No. 01-001 (otherwise known as Tract 1998), Planned Unit Development Case No. 01-001, and Lot Line Adjustment Case No. 01-002 Located at James Way and La Canada". The motion passed on the following roll-call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Guthrie, Arnold, Dickens, Ferrara None Costello 8.a. Cash Disbursement Ratification. Action: Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period November 16, 2005 through November 30, 2005. 8.b. Consideration of Approval of Minutes. Action: Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council meeting of October 25, 2005 as submitted. 8.c. Consideration of Acceptance of the Redevelopment Agency's (RDA) Annual Financial Reports [COUNCILlRDA]. Action: Received and filed the Redevelopment Agency's respective Annual Financial Reports for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005. 8.d. Consideration of Annual Financial Report - Fiscal Year 2004-05 Receipt and Use of Water and Sewer Development Fees. Action: Received and filed the annual report of the receipt and use of water and sewer development impact fees and charges, in compliance with Government Code Section 66013. 8.e. Consideration of Resolution Accepting the Status Report on Project Development Impact Fees (AB 1600). Action: Adopted Resolution No. 3889 accepting the status report on the receipt and use of Project Development Impact Fees (AB 1600) during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005. 8.f. Consideration of Approval of an Open Space Easement Agreement for Tract 2616. Action: Adopted Resolution No. 3890 approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute an Open Space Easement Agreement for Tract 2616. 8.g. Consideration of Disposal of Surplus Bicycles. Action: Adopted Resolution No. 3891 declaring the listed bicycles as surplus for donation to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office to be refurbished and donated to needy children. 8.h. Consideration to Approve Final Tract Map 2539 Subdividing Two (2) .49-Acre Parcels into Twelve (12) Parcels Located at 185 and 187 Brisco Road. Action: Approved Final Tract Map 2539, subdividing two (2) .49-acre parcels into twelve (12) parcels. '. CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2005 PAGE 3 8.L Consideration to Approve Final Parcel Map AG 03-0071; Subdividing One (1) Parcel into Four (4) Parcels at 231 Corbett Canyon Road. Action: Approved Parcel Map AG 03-0071, subdividing 1.96 acres into four (4) parcels. 8.j. Consideration of a Resolution Denying Vesting Tentative Tract Map and Planned Unit Development (Case No. 01-001), to Subdivide a 26.9-Acre Property into Twenty-One (21) Residential Lots and a Twenty-Two (22) Permanently Preserved Open Space Parcel. Action: Adopted Resolution No. 3892 Denying Vesting Tentative Tract Map Case No. 01-001 (otherwise known as Tract 1998), Planned Unit Development Case No. 01-001, and Lot Line Adjustment Case No. 01-002 Located at James Way and La Canada. 8.k. Consideration of Determination of Industrial Disability. Action: Adopted Resolution No. 3893 determining that Police Officer Erin Taylor suffers from an industrial disability. 8.1. Consideration of Salary Adjustments for Management Employees. Action: Adopted Resolution No. 3894 approving a salary adjustment for the position of Chief of Police for FY 2005-06 in the Management Salary Classifications. 8.m. Consideration of Confirmation of Appointment of New Chief of Police. Action: Confirmed the appointment of new Chief of Police. 8.n. Consideration of the 2006 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Funding Projects. Action: 1) Approved the projects to be submitted to San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) for competitive funding consideration in the 2006 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP); 2) Approved the adjustments to the City's projects to be funded with Urban State Highway Account (USHA) funds); 3) Adopted Resolution No. 3895 declaring the Council's interest in obtaining 2006 STIP funding and local match commitment for the proposed projects; and 4) Directed staff to forward the Resolution to SLOCOG for funding consideration. City Manager Adams referred to the Council's approval of Item 8.m., the confirmation of appointment of new Chief of Police, and introduced Tony Aeilts as the new Chief of Police effective January 9, 2006. Mr. Aeilts briefly addressed and thanked the Council, staff, and the community. 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS 9.a. Consideration of Pre-Application Review Case No. 05-006; Community Sports Center; Five Cities Community Service Foundation; Location - 400 West Branch Street. Community Development Director Strong presented the staff report and recommended the Council 1) review the Pre-Application and provide input to the applicant regarding the design of the proposed facility; 2) provide consensus support for the concept of the proposed facility contingent upon Brisco/Halcyon - Highway 101 Interchange improvements being underway prior to construction of the facility and establishment of an endowment to fund projected operational and maintenance expenses. Fred Sweenev, representing Five Cities Community Service Foundation, gave a presentation on the proposed multi-purpose community center which would offer programs and classes for all ages; would provide a benefit to the City; would be available for City sponsored activities; and CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2005 PAGE 4 would accommodate current South County youth and adult sports leagues. He then gave an overview of the site plan, floor plans, and elevations of the proposed Center. Mr. Sweeney also talked about the use of sustainable "green" materials in the construction of the project; acknowledged that the property is under a Deed Restriction imposed by the County which limits development of the property for municipal and certain non-profit uses and facilities; addressed concerns about including a full-size pool due to lot size constraints as well as the number of components associated with a pool that would need to be included, such as an equipment room, locker/showers, lifeguards, etc. He noted that a pool would effectively take up most of the site. In response to inquiries by Mayor Ferrara, Mr. Sweeney noted that it would be reasonable to consider a therapy pool in-lieu of a full size pool; stated that an indoor jogging track around the inside perimeter of the building could be incorporated into the plan; and gave further information regarding the use of photovoltaic panels to reduce electrical costs. In response to an inquiry by Council Member Arnold, Mr. Sweeney indicated that there is an ability to provide tennis courts as the Center would have basketball courts, which have larger dimensions than tennis courts and can be made multi purpose. Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing and invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter. Andrea Neimi Vernav, spoke in support of the proposed Community Center and stressed the importance of complying with ADA accessibility requirements for those with special needs. Jim DeCecco, Five Cities Youth Basketball Board Member, spoke in support of the proposed Community Center and noted the need for this type of facility in a central location to serve the community. He also supported the concept of sustainable buildings. Katcho Achadiian, San Luis Obispo County 4th District Board Supervisor, addressed the deed restriction on the property and agreed to continue working as a partner with the City, although he noted he was speaking as one member of the Board. He stated he was supportive of the project; however, there were concerns that need to be addressed such as traffic and parking. He acknowledged that the County has a master. plan for the area; acknowledged that a need for this type of use had previously been identified through the Recreation Subcommittee; and stated that it was important to listen to the concerns of the community members, neighborhood, and the City. Carol Pruett, rural Arroyo Grande resident, provided a historical perspective of the site and the neighboring Royal Oaks subdivision. He noted that the intent for the propos.ed site was for public use. He spoke in support of the proposed Community Center and stated it was an excellent use for this property. Cesna Zaqa, Arroyo Grande resident, expressed concern about traffic on Larchmont Street and suggested the installation of a traffic signal at W. Branch Street and E. Grand Avenue to alleviate traffic from going up Larchmont. Pamela Hurd, Arroyo Grande resident, expressed concerns about the size of the facility; impacts to the Royal Oaks subdivision; traffic and circulation impacts; potential hours of operation; acknowledged the Brisco Interchange project; noted that other projects have been approved that will add traffic to the area; expressed concern about the cost of the facility to the City; acknowledged that the project would serve a lot of people, however, inquired what percent of those people live in Arroyo Grande. She suggested relocating the project to another site, or reducing the size of the project. James Nonella, Arroyo Grande resident, spoke in support of the proposed Community Center. , CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES DECEMBER 13,2005 PAGE 5 Jim Empey. Arroyo Grande resident. agreed with Mr. Dececco's comments and spoke in support of the proposed Community Center, and also supported the environmental considerations proposed for the project. He stated he was representing the volleyball community and the need for a facility where gym time could be reserved at reasonable hours and club teams could be established in this area. . Fleyta Galberth, spoke in support of the proposed Community Center and stated a facility of this type was also needed for adult volleyball. She stated there was not just a need for youths, there was also a need for a facility for adult sports. She also supported the concept of including a kitchen facility or small snack bar. Barclay Andrews, Arroyo Grande resident, spoke in support of the proposed Community Center. Bill Tappan, Arroyo Grande resident, spoke in support of the proposed Community Center. Vard Ikeda, Arroyo Grande resident, Five Cities Community Service Foundation Board Member, and Arroyo Grande High School Girls varsity basketball coach, spoke in support of the proposed Community Center. He spoke of his father's involvement and fundraising to build the Soto Sports Complex and how much the community has enjoyed the Complex for so many years. He stated he wants to do the same thing by volunteering his time to pursue this proposed facility. Rebecca Crist, Arroyo Grande resident, acknowledged the traffic implications related to the proposed project; however, she supported the proposed project and noted the need for gym time and providing more options for sports. Ta'mmy Lauinqer, Pismo Beach resident, spoke in support of the proposed Community Center and commented favorably on the design of the building. Don Hudet, Arroyo Grande resident, expressed concerns about the proposed Community Center's hours of operation, lights, noise, and traffic. He also expressed concern about the cost to operate the facility and inquired if the building would be leased out for other uses. He stated this project would have a massive impact on the adjoining senior community. Charlie Cabassi, rural Arroyo Grande resident, said there is a history of community pride in this area and spoke in support of the proposed Community Center. Nancy Macy, Arroyo Grande resident, noted that she raised her kids here, but she had to take her kids out of the City to participate in recreational activities and stated this was a real opportunity for the City to build a Community Center for all ages. She supported the proposed project. Eric Johnson, rural Arroyo Grande resident, spoke of the need for additional basketball courts and a pool in the City. He spoke in support of the proposed Community Center. Ross Konqable, Arroyo Grande resident and Chair of the Senior Advisory Committee, commented that he would like to see something that is less concentrated on an activity and expand it into a Center that all ages can use. He inquired about the number of courts proposed for the project and noted that there should be sufficient square footage to provide for additional activities and meeting rooms. . Steve Ross, Arroyo Grande resident, spoke in support of the proposed Community Center. He agreed that the City needs facilities for youth, senior and adult sports, and noted that the City does not have the ability to fund a Center at this time. He said this was an important opportunity for the City to get a facility and to have a community organization provide funding, design, and building expertise. He noted that there could be an endowment fund created to operate the facility. He acknowledged the numerous sports that the gym could accommodate, as well as opportunities for hosting sports tournaments. He suggested that the upstairs mezzanine could be used as a daycare facility. He supported the proposed Community Center. J Johnson, rural Arroyo Grande resident and Board Member of Five Cities Community Service Foundation, stated the Board has spent over four years identifying a need for this type of recreational facility He stated they matched that need with a freeway location; acknowledged CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2005 PAGE 6 that the property is deed restricted for recreational use; stated the project would be built with donations; noted that the Foundation already has one million dollars in the bank for the project with more dollars pledged; and noted that before proceeding with additional fundraising, they need conceptual approval from the Council. He gave an overview of his involvement in building various community projects over the last four decades and noted the community support and spirit in completing these projects. He emphasized the need for a recreational center of this type in the Five Cities area. No further public comments were received and Mayor Ferrara closed the public hearing. Council Member Dickens stated that not long after he was elected, he realized there was a significant lack of recreation facilities for the community. He said he had made a commitment to explore the issue and the Council authorized the formation of a Community Recreation Subcommittee. He explained that a site feasibility study and a community recreation needs survey was completed and conceptual ideas were then developed. He stated that there were three areas of concern in the community: a growing senior population that needs a place to meet; a facility for active sports for all generations; and a community pool. He said his goal was to address all three of those issues in one plan; however, there were many challenges to meet all the needs. He stated it was important that the proposed facility provide multi-generational opportunities, and noted that the proposed site had been identified as the site to meet these needs. Council Member Dickens stated that since that time, a private developer is building a project that will include a senior center on Camino Mercado; and the Arroyo Grande High School is building a new pool to meet aquatic needs. He acknowledged that this Foundation has identified a need and applauded their efforts to provide the community witli an asset that would meet a portion of the community's needs. He said his biggest concerns would be traffic and circulation. He said he is committed to pursuing efforts to alleviate traffic problems on Brisco and W. Branch. He suggested conducting a workshop regarding proposed improvements for the Brisco-Halcyon interchange. He said he would need to know how that would be addressed before moving forward. In regard to potential leasable space, he said he was not in favor of any commercial use within the Center; addressed operational costs and stated the City does not have funds in its budget to allocate funds to subsidize the Center. He acknowledged the generous members of the community who have donated to this type of project. He concluded by stating that he was committed to providing for the recreational needs in Arroyo Grande; is committed to this project; stated the size of the project is appropriate for the site; does not believe a pool can be accommodated on this particular site, but if it could be worked in, he could support that. He said this site has been set aside for this use and now is the time to move forward to support this community group in their efforts. Council Member Guthrie acknowledged the traffic at Brisco and stated that improvements would probably not take place for five to seven years. He agreed that the site has been identified for this type of use; there is clearly a demand for this type of use; there is potential for offering multiple activities and sports; and supported designing the Center as functional as possible for diverse uses. He expressed concerns about parking, and encouraged providing as much parking as possible on site; expressed concern about the City's ability to finance the programming and operational costs once the Center is built, and supported the creation of an endowment fund; and supported moving forward with the project concept with an acknowledgment about the traffic issue. He supported the suggestion for conducting a workshop on the interchange improvements. CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2005 PAGE 8 9.b. Consideration to Establish Underground Utility District No. 6 for East Grand Avenue between Halcyon Road and Elm Street. Director of Public Works Spagnolo presented the staff report and recommended the Council adopt a Resolution establishing East Grand Avenue Underground Utility District No.6. Director Spagnolo responded to questions from Council. Mayor Ferrara opened the public hearing and invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter. Hansel Burns, Grand Avenue property owner, stated he was interested in what was being proposed and said he had wondered if some of the work had been done when the street was previously torn up. He expressed concern about how the electrical portion would be handled. Director Spagnolo responded that the transformers would be above ground and the conduits and services to each of the properties would be underground. He noted that the transformers would be spaced out and placed in public rights of way in utility easements. No further public comments were received and Mayor Ferrara closed the public hearing. Following comments in support of the project, Council Member Arnold moved to adopt a Resolution as follows: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande Establishing East Grand Avenue Underground Utility District NO.6". Council Member Guthrie seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Arnold, Guthrie, Dickens, Ferrara None Costello 10. CONTINUED BUSINESS 10.a. Consideration of City Funding Needs Public Education Strategy. City Manager Adams presented the staff report and recommended the Council direct staff to proceed with the proposed public education program and prepare an action item to place a sales tax measure on the ballot to be considered by the City Council in the summer of 2006. Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter. Steve Ross, representing the Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce as a Board Member, stated that the Chamber of Commerce has published position papers on a variety of issues, including taxes. He stated the Chamber does not support a general tax that would go into the City's General Fund; however, the Chamber would be more likely to support a special tax specifically pointed toward certain activities. He stated they understood that a 2/3 vote is difficult to achieve for a special tax; however, it has been done in the past. He noted that providing community education would be a key to the overall success of the ballot measure. He also stated that the Chamber would support some sort of sunset clause. He acknowledged the City's need to potentially fund a number of projects in the future. CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2005 PAGE 9 Hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ferrara closed the public comment period. Council Member Guthrie supported a survey to gauge public opinion about the measure; stressed the need for public education and supported the concept of an educational program on the City's government access channel; and commented that if the public was looking for infrastructure improvements, a special tax may be appropriate. He inquired what the other cities in the County were doing and stated that if a majority of cities in the County were pursuing a general tax, that might be a good reason to go with a general tax in order to avoid public confusion. Council Member Dickens noted that the survey results would be beneficial in determining how to move forward, He commented that providing advisory options on the ballot might also be beneficial. He acknowledged the City's future funding needs and supported moving forward as proposed. Council Member Arnold commented that he was impressed with the draft cable program script and the draft survey. He said he had some initial concerns about the impact to auto sales; however, noted that sales tax is charged based on the rate where the buyer lives. He supported the proposed amount of increase (.5%); opposed a sunset clause, but would consider having the issue reviewed by the Council after a certain amount of time; favored a general tax versus a special tax, noting the difficulty of achieving a 2/3,d,S vote for a special tax; supported an advisory ballot measure for identifying potential projects; agreed that public education is important; and opposed the use of professional consultants. He supported the use of the proposed in-house survey to obtain public feedback. Mayor Ferrara echoed Council Member Arnold's comments; noted that he did not favor sunset clauses because the City needs a steady stream of revenue as a financing source to accomplish long term goals. He was unsure at this time about a general tax versus a special tax; however, he noted that the City has been successful with special taxes in the past. He stressed the need for a good, comprehensive education program. He liked the proposed survey; however, he was not in favor of using a professional consultant. He suggested minor revisions to the structure of the draft survey including a headline grabber at the top such as "We Want Your Feedback!". Council Member Guthrie moved to direct staff to proceed with the proposed public education program and prepare an action item to place a sales tax measure on the ballot. Council Member Arnold seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll-call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Guthrie, Arnold, Dickens, Ferrara None Costello 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.a. Consideration of Selection of Council Member Guthrie as Mayor Pro Tern. City Manager Adams presented the staff report and recommended the Council appoint Council Member Guthrie as the Mayor Pro Tem for the next one-year period. CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2005 PAGE 10 Mayor Ferrara invited comments from those in the audience who wished to be heard on the matter. No public comments were received. Council Member Dickens moved to appoint Council Member Guthrie as the Mayor Pro Tem for the next one-year period. Council Member Arnold seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ". Dickens, Arnold, Guthrie, Ferrara None Costello Mayor Ferrara publicly acknowledged and thanked Joe Costello for his service as Mayor Pro Tem during the past year. 12. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS None. 13. CITY MANAGER ITEMS None. 14. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS None. 15. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS City Manager Adams reminded the public and the Council that the regular City Council meeting scheduled for December 27, 2005 has been cancelled and the next regular meeting would be January 10, 2006. 16. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS None. 17. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council/Redevelopment Agency Board, Mayor/Chair Ferrara adjourned the meeting at 10:39 p.m. ~ ~AA / Tony Ferr , ayor/Chair ATTEST: " ~tV-- (Approved at CC Mtg J. -If-o!' )