HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/19/1996City Council Meeting Page 2
Tuesday, March 19, 1996 - 7:00 p.m.. 1
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
P.C.1. Bob Hather. Sequoia Drive, said that the Afuero de Chorro Water Company was entitled to
their share of Nacimiento water and asked Council to reconsider their decision not to wheel water
outside the City.
P.C.2. Larry Pennington, Grove Street, suggested that the City rebuild the Hansen- Gularte Dam to
reduce the flow of water under Higuera Street during periods of heavy rains.
P.C.3. Deborah Quaglino, representing the YMCA, thanked Council for supporting recreational
opportunities for youth.
CONSENT AGENDA
- Moved by Romero/Smith to approve the Consent Agenda as recommended by the City
Administrative Officer, motion carried (5 -0).
C1. COUNCIL MINUTES (CONDON)
Council considered the minutes of:
Monday, February 26, 1996 at 5:00 p.m. (Advisory Body Subcommittee);
Tuesday, February 27, 1996 at 7:00 p.m.;
Tuesday, March 5, 1996 at 5:30 p.m.;
:. Tuesday, March 5, 1996 at 7:00 p.m.;
Thursday, March 7, 1996 at 9:00 a.m. (Advisory Body Subcommittee)
Moved by Romero/Smith to waive oral reading and approve minutes as amended; motion carried
(5-0)•
C2. SANTA ROSA PARK - YMCAICITY RENOVATION (File No. 812)
Council considered an agreement with the YMCA for the purpose of making improvements to the
Santa Rosa Park Multi-use Area for use by the YMCA's Roller Hockey Program, and allocation of
$9,000 from the Youth Feld Improvement Capital Improvement Project to the YMCA for completion
of the YMCA project.
Moved by Romero/Smith to approve and authorize Mayor to execute agreement, and approve
allocation; motion carried (5 -0).
C3. STREET SWEEPER REPLACEMENT (File No. 812)
Council considered single source procurement and award of purchase contract to GLS Inc., in the
amount of. $194,391.99. for a replacement street sweeper.
Moved by Romero/Smith to authorize single-source procurement, award a purchase contract to
GLS, Inc., and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract; motion carried (54). 1
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Tuesday, March 19, 1996 - 7:00 p.m.
C4. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES (Spec. No. 9101.530.554)
Council considered awarding a contract in the amount of $65,600 to MarWal Construction, Inc. for
construction management services on the City Hall Seismic Safety and HVAC Improvements
project
Moved by Romero/Smith to award an "Agreement to Provide Construction Management and
Inspection Services," Specification No. 9101.530.554, to MarWal Construction, Inc., and authorize
the Mayor to execute the agreement; motion carried (5 -0).
C5. THURSDAY NIGHT FARMERS' MARKET RULES REVISION (File No. 476)
_... .._.__ Council considered approving the Business Improvement Association's revised Thursday
Night/Farmers' Market Rules and Regulations. (Continued from 216196.)
Moved by Romero/Smith to adopt Resolution No. 8515 approving the revised rules and regulations;
motion carried (5-0).
Al. BOARD OF APPEALS (File No. 123)
Council considered the appointment recommendations to the Board of Appeals.
Moved by Williams /Romero to reappoint Bryan Gingg and Randy Dettmer to four -year terms to
expire 313112000; motion carried (5 -0). , . ..., ...;
A2. PROMOTIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE (File No. 123)
Council considered the appointment recommendations to the Promotional Coordinating Committee.
Moved by RomeroWilliams to thank Jack Gatz for his years of service, and appoint Carol Ann
Lockary to a four -year term to expire 3/3112000, and Anne Cruikshanks to a three -year term to
expire 3/31199; motion carried (5-0).
A3. HOUSING AUTHORITY (File No. 123)
Council considered the appointment recommendations to the Housing Authority.
Moved by Settle/Williams to thank Leland Balatti and Ruth Wirshup for their service, and appoint
David R. Booker to a four -year term to expire 3131/2000; motion carried (5-0).
A4. CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE (File No. 123)
Council considered the appointment recommendations to the Cultural Heritage Committee.
Council Member Roaiman said that he would abstain from voting due to a conflict of interest
Y -'
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Tuesday, March 19, 1996 - 7:00 p.m.
Moved by Smith/Romero to thank Wendy Waldron for her service and appoint Astrid Gallagher to
a four -year term to expire 313112000, and Steve McMasters to a three -year tern to expire 3131199;
motion carried (44-1; Council Member Roalman abstaining).
A5. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (File No. 123)
Council considered the appointment recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Moved by. Williams/Roalman to thank Gregory Macedo and Jerry Emery for their years of service,
and appoint Sally Stoner to a three -year term to expire 3131/99, James Neville to a one -year term
to expire 3131/97, and Debbie Black to a four -year term to expire 313112000; motion carried (5 -0).
A6. PLANNING COMMISSION (File No. 123)
Council considered the appointment recommendations to the Planning Commission and thanked
Brett Cross and Gil Hoffman for their years of service.
Moved by Williams/Romero to appoint David Jeffrey to a four -year term to expire 313112000; motion
carried,(4 -1; Council Member Roalman voting no).
Moved by Roalman/Smith to appoint Pat Veesart to a three -year term to expire 3131199; motion
carried (3 -2; Vice Mayor Williams and Council Member Romero voting no).
LIAISON REPORTS
L.R.I. Vice Mayor Williams reported that the Chamber's tourism program was receiving tremendous
response.
LR.2. Council Member Romero said that Wendy George, Assistant to the CAO, attended a meeting
of the Highway 46 Subcommittee On March 11 and reported that the Highway Patrol received a
$100,000 grant to improve safety on the Highway 41/46 corridor between Highway 101 and Interstate
5.
LR.3. Council Member Romero asked that Gary Henderson, Water Division Manager, be appointed
by the Board of Supervisors as an additional alternate to the County Water Resources Advisory
Committee. To be brought back on the April 2, 1996 Consent Agenda. (General consensus.)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. HIGUERA STREET BRIDGE DESIGN DIRECTION (File No. 93-67)
Council held a public hearing to consider replacement or rehabilitation of the Higuera Street Bridge,
Specification No. 93-67.
Mike McCluskev, Public Works Director, reviewed the chronology of steps that have been taken
since Caitrans notified the City in mid - November, 1993, that the bridge was unstable, and the Town
Hall meeting held in February of this year.
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Tuesday, March 19, 1996 - 7:00 p.m.
Barbara Lynch, Civil Engineer, explained the findings of the rehabilitation study and offered various
options for replacement or rehabilitation, and explained the various construction options, including
opening the creek.
Council Member Romero displayed overheads demonstrating the problems with the proposal for
opening the creek through the Court Street area.
_y Mayor Settle opened the public hearing.
Peter Terhune. BIA President, said that although the board had not yet taken an official position
on this matter, the prevailing feeling among downtown business owners was that the ideal project
should be performed in a timely maner with minimal disruption to the downtown.
Wright Watling, owner of the property located at 952 -964 Higuera Street, felt that the cost of fixing
the street should be bome by the entire community and should not fall disproportionately on the
business and property owners on Higuera Street and suggested that offering a bonus incentive to
the contractor for early completion could speed the project.
Dave Schultz, owner of Keep In Contact, disagreed with the staffs recommended option (3b), and
said that the City should relocate and reimburse affected business owners.
Kirby Gordon, an attorney representing Woodstock Enterprises, pointed out that Woodstock's fire
exit onto Higuera Street would be blocked by construction which might force the business to shut
down.
Richard Gould owner of the property at 1011 Higuera Street, argued for minimal disruption and
said that the key factor would be a compensation plan to business owners to mitigate the cost
impacts.
Bill Thoma representing the Chamber of Commerce, urged Council to remember the serious
Impacts on downtown business, and did not support an option that would close Higuera Street.
Phillip Novotny. San Luis Obispo business owner, said that streets did not have to stay open in
order to operate as evidenced by the Downtown Center, and did not favor opening the creek.
Laura Joines. San Luis Obispo, spoke in favor of opening the creek and offered a plan for the
project.
Vincent Wood, a partner in the property located at 952 -964 Higuera, opposed staging construction
in the lot next to the buildings at the comer of Morro and Higuera.
Richard Kresia, resident, said that the creek was a migration path for five native species of fish and
supported the idea of opening the creek.
Lynn. Lyon, President of First Bank, was concerned about vehicle access to the bank and said that
Higuera Street must remain open during the project.
' Brett Weaver. Kennedy Club Fitness, recommended that other options be explored.
Rob Rossi. San Luis Obispo, said that an expert should be brought in to do more studies.
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Tuesday, March 19, 1996 - 7:00 p.m.
Rosemary McKeene, resident, said the project should be planned carefully with a vision of what
the City should be like 50 to 100 years from now.
Mayor Settle closed the public hearing.
After discussion, moved by Williams /Roalman to give staff general direction to pursue rehabilitation
option 3b, deck replacement/repair with new column type supports; motion carried (5 -0).
Council agreed that in future consideration of project alternatives their goal would be to minimize
the issues that are disruptive to the business community.
Moved by Roalman/Williams to authorize staff to request federal funding for environmental review
and design for the reconstruction; motion carried (5 -0).
Moved by Roalman/Smith to direct staff to include creek opening and inside wall strengthening
opening in the environmental review and design phases of the project; motion carried (3 -2; Vice
Mayor Williams and Council Member Romero voting no).
_. 9:12 p.m. Mayor Settle declared a recess.
9:30 p.m. Mayor Settle reconvened the. meeting; all Council Members present.
2. DOWNTOWN HOUSING STUDY REVIEW (File No. 427)
Council held a public hearing to consider the Housing Authority's Community Development Block
Grant- funded Downtown Housing Study.
Jeff Hook. Associate Planner, said that this comprehensive study included 23 recommendations
that Council would consider and then offer direction and follow -up to staff.
Georsae Moylan, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, said that making housing a part of
the downtown would required a commitment on behalf of the City and community.
Andrew Merriam, on of the three consultants who prepared the study, summarized the findings of
the study.
Tom Reay. Architect involved in the study, discussed downtown construction issues.
Mayor Settle opened the public hearing.
Christine McCrary was In favor of downtown housing, but concerned about the direction in the
report regarding development of the Blackstone Hotel due to the high cost, and asked Council to
think carefully about the mix of housing.
Pierre.Rademaker, San Luis Obispo, said that as a representative of the BIA Parking Committee he
looked forward to reviewing the study in more detail, and that as a private citizen he felt it was time
to do something about housing downtown and felt their would be a demand for high -end housing
with dedicated parking.
Don Hubbard, President of the Association of Realtors, agreed with the findings of the study and
looked forward to.its implementation, but said that code modification might become a big issue.
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Tuesday, March 19, 1996 - 7:00 p.m. ` ..
Sean Fitzpatrick, broker at Cornerstone Real Estate, located on the ground floor of the Blackstone
Hotel, said he would both benefit and be hurt if the hotel were renovated and said he was in favor
of housing at the Blackstone, but not subsidized housing.
Alex Goff. 964 Chorro, supported the idea of downtown housing but questioned whether the
Blackstone Hotel was really the right location for low- income housing In the downtown area.
Rosemary McKeene. San Luis Obispo, thought downtown housing an excellent idea and asked
Council to be open to properties coming on the market.
Andrew Merriam returned to the podium to respond to issues raised during the public hearing.
Mayor Settle closed the public hearing.
After discussion, moved by Roalman /Smith to approve staff recommendations 1.1(a) through 1.3(c);
motion carried (5-0).
Moved by Settle /Smith to consider extending hours available for construction in the core area on
a case- by-case basis (Ref. No. 1.4(a)), review and modify construction barrier guidelines on a case-
by-caise basis (Ref. No. 1.4(b), and restripe streets during construction on a case -by -case basis
(Ref. No. 1.4(c)); motion carried (5 -0).
Moved by Williams /Smith to refer to the BIA Parking Committee recommendation 1.4(d), unmetered
parking for construction projects; motion carried (5 -0).
Moved by Roalman/Romero to endorse concept of designating one staff member as a housing
specialist (1.5); motion carried (5 -0).
Moved by Roalman/Williams to accept staff recommendation not to reduce development review and
impact fees for housing downtown; motion carried (5 -0).
Staff recommendation regarding allocation of CDBG funds accepted; general consensus.
No action taken on Ref. Nos. 1.8(a) and 1.8(b). Ref. Nos. 1.8(cd) endorsed; general consensus.
Ref. No. 2(a) to be discussed in further detail at the meeting of Tuesday, April 2, 1996, during
discussion of the Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Plan.
Moved by Roalman/Smith to approve the staff recommendation for Ref. No. 2(b) regarding including
housing as a major component of future development of the City -owned lot between Monterey,
Palm, Chorro and Morro Streets; motion carried (5 -0).
Moved by Roalman /Romero to approve the staff recommendation on Nos. 3 and 4.
3. CDBG CONSOLIDATED PLAN REVIEW (File No. 427)
Council held a public hearing to consider Fiscal Year 1996 Community Development Block Grant
' expenditures in the amount of $953,720, recommendations to the County Board of Supervisors for
expenditure of $163,025 in Special Urban Projects funding, and $969,000 in county wide Home
funds, and endorsement of the Urban County Draft Consolidated Plan.
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Tuesday, March 19, 1996 - 7:00 p.m.
This item continued to a date certain; Tuesday, April 2, 1996.
4. BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN AMENDMENT (File No. 462) -
Council held a public hearing to consider amending the 1993 Bicycle Transportation Plan to show
a Class I bicycle path between Santa Barbara Street at the Morro/Upham intersection and the south
end of the Railroad Square parking lot.
Mike.McCluskev, Public Works Director, said this minor amendment to the Bicycle Transportation
Plan was a recommendation of the Bicycle Advisory Committee.
Mayor Settle opened the public hearing.
There was no comment from the audience.
Mayor Settle closed the public hearing.
After discussion, moved by Williams /Romero to adopted Resolution No. 8516 amending the 1993
Bicycle Transportation Plan to add a Class I bicycle path between Santa Barbara Street at the
Morro/Upham Intersection; motion carried (5 -0).
At the suggestion of Council Member Romero, staff directed to return with a report on proceeding
with sidewalk installation on the east side of Santa Barbara Street; general consensus.
5. LEAF BLOWER REPORT AND ORDINANCE AMENDMENT (File No. 738)
Council held a public hearing to consider an amendment to the Municipal Code Noise Regulations
limiting decibel levels of power blowers, requiring certification of blowers used commercially within
the City, and setting forth various performance standards for the use of blowers.
Arnold Jonas, Community Development Director, said that this analysis of the power blower
regulations had been requested by Council at their last review of this issue, and proceeded to
outlined the ordinance proposed this evening.
Mayor Settle opened the public hearing.
Alan Friedman. San Luis Obispo, disagreed with the staff recommendation and urged Council to
ban gas blowers in the City.
Tern Lee. Good Green Earth Landscaping, said he had never had one complaint about use of
blowers and said that pursuing the educational program was a good idea.
Nick Tennis, Camacho and Tennis Landscape, objected to the certification program.
Kevin Holmes, West Coast Landscapes, asked Council to take no further action at this time
regarding the use of blowers.
Mayor Settle closed the public hearing.
After discussion, moved by Williams /Romero to make no make no change to existing regulations;
motion tamed (3 -2; Council Member Roaiman and Mayor Settle voting no).
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' Tuesday, March 19, 1996 - 7:00 p.m.
BUSINESS ITEMS
6. AMBULANCE NEGOTIATIONS (File No. 725)
Council considered developing a new ambulance concept which includes reimbursement for Fire
Department first responders, a rental agreement with San Luis Ambulance for shared use of new
Fire Station #1, and City participation in the Emergency Medical Dispatch Program.
Bob Neumann. Fire Chief, said that this very difficult and complex issue had been in the works for
many years, with many people joined together in the Ambulance Performance Operations
Committee, a county-wide group that is an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors.
Mayor Settle asked if anyone in the audience wanted to speak on this issue.
Gary Fowler, San Luis Obispo, urged Council not to approve the staff recommendation.
Charlie Noffin, San Luis Obispo, said that Increasing ambulance costs was a terrible idea.
Robert Fuller, Vice President of San Luis Ambulance, explained the need for the rate increase and
said that the company delivers fine care.
Mayor Settle returned discussion to the dais.
' Moved by Roalman/Romero to: 1) support the recommendation of the Ambulance Performance
Operations Committee which includes the development of a new ambulance contract; 2) direct staff
to prepare a rental agreement between the City and San Luis Ambulance, Inc. for shared use of the
new Fire Station 91 at an estimated return of, $18,000; 3) approve City participation in the
Emergency Medical Dispatch Program; and 4) appropriate a net amount of $4,800 to complement
the proposed program; motion carried (").
There were no communications.
12:02 a.m. There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Settle
adjourned the meeting to Closed Session in the Council HearinZR.
APPROVED BY COUNCIL: April 2, 1996
Ki Cond ssistant City Clerk
KC:bv
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