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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/14/1981City Council Minutes September 14, 1981 - 12:10 p.m. Page 2 SUMMARY OF COMMISSION /COMMITTEE COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Planning Commission (Meeting August 19, 1981) A. Parks Planning Scenarios The Planning Commission supported Scenario No. 1 as defined in the technical report but felt that public safety programs should have an overall higher priority in financial planning. B. Priorities for Carrying Out Park Projects The commission supported the priorities listed by staff but felt that the second priority group (complete recreation facilities in district parks) was equally as important as the third priority group (improving existing neighborhood parks). C. Responsibility for Building and Maintaining Parks The commission generally agreed with the strategy presented by staff. There was little discussion of this item. 2. Park and Recreation Commission (August 5, 1981) A. Park Planning Scenario's A majority of the Park and Recreation Commission (five members) favored Scenario No. 1. B. Priorities for Carrying Out Park Projects The commission felt that the priorities listed by staff should be somewhat redefined and rearranged. Their recommendations are as follows: Priority 1 &2. Completion of recreation facilities in existing district and community parks with cessation of development for a given year if a high priority parcel of land became available for acquisition. 3. Improve existing neighborhood parks to better serve the people within their service area. 4. Develop new neighborhood parks that might be acquired under No. 1 above. 5. Acquisition and development of new district and community parks or other special recreation facilities. C. Responsibility for Building and Maintaining Parks The commission felt that the chart prepared by staff showed the primary responsibility for building parks and maintaining them was a good guide. They felt it would need to be further redefined when the Parks and Recreation Element was completed. 3. Laguna Lake Advisory Committee The committee focused their review on the proposed improvements to Laguna Lake Park. Their six specific recommendations were as follows: 1. The plan depicted on page.197 should show the entire Laguna Lake property. Some of the property may be..indicated for passive or future recreation, however, a separate acreage calculation as to type of use should be shown. 2. The committee wished to stress that a previous Council had set aside the peninsula and inlet area for a bird sanctuary with limited public access. 3. The trail system shown on page 207 should include a trail to the high point of the City ownership on the park property and a trail leading toward San Luis Mountain. RECOMMENDED ACTION The City Council should: 1. Review the comments and recommendations made by the two commissions and the Laguna Lake Committee; and 2. Use the attached discussion guide to provide direction to the con - sultants and staff preparing t1fe-Park -and Recreation Element. Councilman Dunin wished to stress that although this calls for a 40- year plan, he felt in actualality it should represent only a 3 or 4 -year plan and there should be some sort of a built -in automatic once -a -year review process. Councilman Settle stated that he felt that Scenario No. 2 would be his preference on a practical basis and that he felt that No. 1 was an ideal plan but not an economical one. Councilwoman Dovey agreed that at first glance Scenario No. 2 would not be the most cost effective but looking at it more closely, felt that there were parts of it that were quite workable. She liked Scenario "1 -1/2," a combination of the two. She would prefer to see the Scenario's broken into "Future developments," vs. "What we already have." She also felt it was important that the City have more family neighborhood or mini "vacant lot" parks to keep the kids out of the street. She would, therefore, lean towards Scenario No. 1. Councilman Settle stated that his main objection to Scenario No. 1 was the maintenance cost factor. Councilman Dunin agreed with both comments by Councilman Settle and Councilwoman Dovey but that he would opt for Scenario 2 -1/2 meaning that he felt that No. 2 would be more practical but add parts of No. 1 into it. He agreed with Councilman Settle that the maintenance cost would be at least $150,000 to $200,000. He used as an example the City of Pasadena having more parks than they could keep up and consequently, the parks were not maintained.! He would, therefore, opt for Scenario No. 2 with part of No. 1 added with concentration on the active parks rather than the passive: He disagreed with Councilwoman Dovey in that he was not at all supportive of mini "vacant lot" parks, as the children do not use them anyway. 1 Mayor Billig stated that the guidelines before the Council were to be used as guidelines and perameters only, except that they also had to be realistic. She would like to see a better balance between neigh- borhoods. She felt that No. 1 was not totally realistic due to money but that No. 2 precluded future possibilities. She would prefer taking Option No. 1 and scaling it down. City Council Minutes September 14, 1981 - 12:10 p.m. Page 3 4. It was the feeling of the committee that tennis would not be an appropriate use for this property due to the windy conditions in this area of the community. It was felt that it may not be practical to screen these winds. It was suggested that handball or racquetball might be more appropriate than tennis. 5. It was felt that development of a swimming facility was not likely in the foreseeable future since so much effort and expense remain to complete the Sinsheimer Pool Complex. The Laguna Lake pool might be considered at some far distant time, however, there will still be serious problems with wind and it might be necessary to use only an enclosed pool. 6. Plan shows baseball fields. It might be more appropriate to show these as recreation fields. Soccer would be a more appropriate use than baseball. RECOMMENDED ACTION The City Council should: 1. Review the comments and recommendations made by the two commissions and the Laguna Lake Committee; and 2. Use the attached discussion guide to provide direction to the con - sultants and staff preparing t1fe-Park -and Recreation Element. Councilman Dunin wished to stress that although this calls for a 40- year plan, he felt in actualality it should represent only a 3 or 4 -year plan and there should be some sort of a built -in automatic once -a -year review process. Councilman Settle stated that he felt that Scenario No. 2 would be his preference on a practical basis and that he felt that No. 1 was an ideal plan but not an economical one. Councilwoman Dovey agreed that at first glance Scenario No. 2 would not be the most cost effective but looking at it more closely, felt that there were parts of it that were quite workable. She liked Scenario "1 -1/2," a combination of the two. She would prefer to see the Scenario's broken into "Future developments," vs. "What we already have." She also felt it was important that the City have more family neighborhood or mini "vacant lot" parks to keep the kids out of the street. She would, therefore, lean towards Scenario No. 1. Councilman Settle stated that his main objection to Scenario No. 1 was the maintenance cost factor. Councilman Dunin agreed with both comments by Councilman Settle and Councilwoman Dovey but that he would opt for Scenario 2 -1/2 meaning that he felt that No. 2 would be more practical but add parts of No. 1 into it. He agreed with Councilman Settle that the maintenance cost would be at least $150,000 to $200,000. He used as an example the City of Pasadena having more parks than they could keep up and consequently, the parks were not maintained.! He would, therefore, opt for Scenario No. 2 with part of No. 1 added with concentration on the active parks rather than the passive: He disagreed with Councilwoman Dovey in that he was not at all supportive of mini "vacant lot" parks, as the children do not use them anyway. 1 Mayor Billig stated that the guidelines before the Council were to be used as guidelines and perameters only, except that they also had to be realistic. She would like to see a better balance between neigh- borhoods. She felt that No. 1 was not totally realistic due to money but that No. 2 precluded future possibilities. She would prefer taking Option No. 1 and scaling it down. City-Council Minutes September 14, 1981 - 12:10 p.m. Page 4 Councilman Dunin again stated that he would like to see Scenario No. 2 scaled down from No. :I but possibly add a paragraph with the language that the Park and Recreation Commission could review and make different priorities each year. Terry Sanville stated that he felt that both Scenarios were realistic, although Scenario No. 1 had more to it but felt that both of them were simply a selected number from the original study. Dale Sutcliffe agreed with Terry Sanville's comments stating that Scenario No. 1 was a good plan, No. .2 was simply keeping with the present status quo. He stated that the priorities developed in the plan are the sen- timents expressed, at this point in time, by the community but that these priorities would be changed each time the Council makes'a decision on a new development. Bill Hanley, Interim Administrative Officer, cautioned the Council to not worry so much about the 40 years as that is a long time and to keep in mind this is a plan only, and stated that if too much consideration was given to the finances, it.would probably not be feasible to look at either plan, since with even only a 5 percent inflation per year you are not talking about 13 or 20 million, but something more like 20 to 60 million. He would rather see the Council look more closely at the plan knowing that they are not hemmed in to have the plans completed at any particular time. He also agreed with Councilman Dunin's comments with regard to the "mini parks" as his experience has been with 4 or 5 other cities that they were not effective. Sylvia Drucker, representing the Planning Commission, stated that the Planning Commission had many of the same concerns as the Council and felt that the real difference between Scenarios 1 & 2 and the reason that why they opted for No. 1, was that No 1. addressed more of the concerns of the older neighborhoods. Henry Engen stated that sufficient disclaimers or language should be used up front so that the City was looking at this as a plan only. Councilman Dunin stated he was concerned that we didn't get into a "Catch 22" situation so far as consistency with the general plan was concerned. Terry Sanville stated that the plan showed the developments of possible park sites that the Council would be making an individual call on each property. Dale Sutcliffe echoed that the open -space trend is to go towards con- solidating the parks and Conservation Elements. Councilman Settle stated that although he opted for Scenario No. 2 and felt that was probably the most economical, he would not be opposed to starting with Scenario No. 1 and then toning it down. He would make a policy statement that the Council remove all references to the "mini parks" in Option No. 1. This could even go so far as taking out the existing ones, however, if the need was there, to go ahead and leave them. He would rather see the major focus be made on major parks. By removing many of the little ones, the major ones could become more fully developed. Upon general consensus the Council opted for Scenario No. 1 with the I idea of toning it down. Councilwoman Dovey stated that with regard to the small "lot parks," she would disagree with the removal of them. She felt that they were important to the neighborhoods and she would continue to support them. She would suggest the following changes to the "Priorities for Improving the City's Park System," Basic policy to read, "The City will establish and carry out a long -range program of developing park and recreation City Council Minutes September 14, 1981 - 12:10 p.m. Page 5 facilities in San Luis Obispo as finances permit. City will encourage community participation in the financing and labor requirements of park development.." She would also reverse priorities 2 & 3. Addition- ally add "Developer" with City building of passive improvements in District Parks and "Neighborhood" with City to build passive improvements in neighborhood parks. First priority to add... neighborhood parks in "already developed" parts of San Luis Obispo. Council agreed with these changes. Councilman Dunin stated again that he disagreed with Councilwoman Dovey on this issue, and he would be willing to do away with all mini parks and to concentrate on the major district ones. Mayor Billig agreed with the elimination of the mini parks. If it were possible to eliminate those mini parks that are developed in existing tracts, she would like to see that done. Terry Sanville cautioned that this may not be legally possible as the developers had given those properties for park purposes as a require- ment of the subdivision approval, but the staff could look into it. Mayor Billig continued that she was very supportive of how the plan worked around the elementary schools. She did not like the Stenner creek plan as shown. The downtown area she felt was very good. She would not support the mini parks but would like to upgrade Meadow and Laguna parks. She felt that the parks and the in -lieu fees needed to be looked at again and possibly raised. She continued that she would take exception with regard to possible expansion of Sinshiemer Park. She felt that there should be more equitable distribution of the money to all of the parks. Councilman Settle agreed with Mayor Billig's comments especially on this issue. Dick Jordison, representing the Park and Recreation Commission, stated that it was the commission's feeling that the parks already within the city should be finished prior to starting with any new ones. He disagreed with comments made earlier that the kids were using their backyards. He felt that more families were in condominiums without sufficient play area. Councilman Dunin suggested that possibly heavier restrictions should be made for condominiums to allow for larger park areas for children. Mayor Billig stated that she felt the developers should be paying more towards park development. Councilman Dunin suggested that the Planning Commission adopt a policy that with the exception on very few cases should we be accepting land_ for park development purposes as opposed to actual monies for park developments. Councilwoman Dovey stated that she would like to see some sort of standard be developed that no developments be allowed too close to the creeks. She, therefore, could not support trail development along the creeks in developed residential areas because of the strong neighborhood opposition to this. Dale Sutcliffe added that although creek access is always asked for by citizens possibly a compromise would be a broken access so that there is not a steady trail, but would allow for some access. Councilman Settle agreed that access to the creek was necessary, but he would not go along with having trails. He felt that the residential areas needed to be treated differently than the business areas and that some sort of selective access be used. City Council Minutes September 14, 1981 - 12:10 p.m. Page 6 Mayor Billig would like to see the policy clarified wherein property owners give creek access. She was concerned with creeks often owned by private property owners and questioned appropriateness of vast trail system. She continued that she felt that maintenance and security problems were very real along the creek and.needed to be adressed. She disagreed with Nolte's report of putting in paths all along the creek. She felt that Cal Poly students would no longer be able to study the habitat along the creek as the natural habitat would be destroyed. Some areas of the creek, downtown, are appropriate for trails and other portions of the creeks should be left as is, (except for drainage concerns). Wayne Peterson, City Engineer, stated that he was anxious that some paths be established along the creek as he felt that this has been too long a garbage dump in many of these areas and needs to be cleaned up, espe- cially in the area below Broad Street. He felt that this has been a garbage area for a long time and that paths in this area would help discourage that. Councilwoman Dovey and Councilman Settle stated that they would like to see the park in the Veterans area removed altogether. 2:10 p.m. City Council adjourned for a break. 2:40 p.m. the Council reconvened, all Councilmembers present. 2. Communitv Parking Advisory Committee Don Kahn, Kahn & Associates presented the proposed promotional packets that the Community Parking Committee had considered and was today (1) asking Council to approve the brochure and promotional program; and (2) to discuss CPAC not having to send a petition; and (3) requesting City funds to pay for the promotional packets. The Council discussed in length the "Summary of Community Parking.Pro- jects," making changes in grammar and similar changes. There were several suggestions for changes to the two questionnaires proposed. There was discussion about whether there should be a complete mail - out to all City residents, phone surveys, or other ways of getting the questionnaire.across. John French suggested that the B.I.A. receive copies of the questionnaires to be given out to both the employer and the employee, to be given to the shoppers (to have some sort of phone random sampling); possibly have questionnaires available at City Hall. Use of the newsletter was also suggested, but due to time constraints, this would not be feasible. Ron Dunin suggested that Councilman Settle use this as a class project. Councilman Settle would be willing to take it on and would also suggest this to other members of the faculty. Upon general consensus it was agreed that this questionnaire should be mailed out to all the citizens in the City, but in addition, to try some of these other ways of distributing it. On motion of Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilman Dunin, to approve the proposed promotional brochure. Motion carried, all ayes. On motion of Councilman Dunin, seconded by Councilwoman Dovey, to accept the request of CPAC not to require the petition being sent out. Motion carried, all ayes. On motion of Councilman Dunin, seconded by Mayor Billig, to approve the funding for the promotional brochure to come out of the parking district fund. Motion carried, all ayes. Staff was also directed to bring back a resolution appropriating the necessary monies. 1 1 City Council Minutes September 14, 1981 - 12:10 p.m. Page 7 After brief discussion Councilman Dunin stated that he would request the B.I.A. to reimburse the City for those funds. He would also request that the B.I.A. start setting aside monies for these purposes. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Billig adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m. �amela Voges, c y Clerk APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 10/6/81 M I N U T E S REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1981 - 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 990 PALM STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present: GlennaDeane Dovey, Ron Dunin, Allen Settle, and Mayor Melanie C. Billig Absent: One vacancy City Staff Present: Bill Hanley, Interim Administrative Officer; George Thacher, City Attorney; Pamela Voges, City Clerk; Henry Engen, Community Development Director; Jim Stockton, Recreation Director; Don Englert, Police Captain C O N S E N T I T E M S C -1. COUNCIL MINUTES On motion of Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilman Dunin, minutes of August 31, 1981, at 12:10 p.m. and September 1, 1981, at 7:00 p.m. were approved as amended. Motion carried, all ayes. C -2. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY - RAY F. KEOHEN On motion of Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilman Dunin, claim against the City in the amount of $1,420.00 for damage to claimant's property due to alleged blockage in sewer lateral caused by 115" sag in lateral was denied. Motion carried, all ayes. ' C -3. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY - DANIEL A. MCFARLAND On motion of Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilman Dunin, claim against the City in the amount of $1,500.00 for injuries sustained to claimant due to alleged excessive force used by police officers during his arrest was denied. Motion carried, all ayes.