HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/16/20001
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2000 - 4:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 990 PALM STREET
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
ROLL CALL:
Council Members
Present: Council Members John Ewan, Jan Howell Marx, Dave Romero, Vice
Mayor Ken Schwartz, and Mayor Allen K. Settle
City Staff:
Present: John Dunn, City Administrative Officer; Jeff Jorgensen, City
Attorney; Lee Price, City Clerk; Ken Hampian, Assistant City
Administrative Officer; Arnold Jonas, Community Development
Director; Bill Statler, Finance Director; Ann Slate, Human Resources
Director; Jim Gardiner, Police Chief; Bob Neumann, Fire Chief; John
Moss, Utilities Director; Mike McCluskey, Public Works Director; Paul
LeSage, Parks and Recreation Director; Wendy George, Assistant to
the CAO; Terry Sanville, Transportation Planner; Whitney Mcllvaine,
Associate Planner; Wayne Peterson, City Engineer; Neil Havlik,
Natural Resources Manager; Karen Jenny, Risk Manager; Gary
Henderson, Water Division Manager; Shelly Stanwyck, Economic
Development Manager
AUTHORIZE ADVERTISING FOR BIDS FOR THE RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION
CENTER (RTC).
Public Works Director McCluskey presented the staff report. Council Member Ewan stated
that he has a business more than 300 feet from the project and that he has determined he
has no conflict of interest. Council questions followed.
Public Comments:
Steve Devencenzi, SLOCOG staff, spoke in support of Staff's recommendation, and
responded to Council's questions relative to SLOCOG participation and parking for Amtrak
customers..
Mike Spangler, 664 Marsh Street, spoke in opposition to using Parking Fund money to help
pay for this project, although he supports the project. He indicated he is concerned that
more raids of the fund will follow and urged the Council to use the fund only for what it's
intended: provide parking in the downtown.
—End of Public Comments.-
, Council discussion followed. Concerns by individual Council Members were expressed
about using Parking Funds.
City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 16, 2000 - 4:00 p.m.
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Council Member Romero voiced objections using the parking and street maintenance
funds, and added that he would not support the staff recommendation. He proposed the
use of General Fund reserves; however, a majority of the Council did not support his
suggestion. Staff agreed to look at the funding again in June and see if there is a way to
pay back those funds. City Administrative Officer John Dunn will put it on the agenda for
General Fund budget discussion on 6120.
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ACTION: Moved by Marx/Ewan to 1) approve plans and specifications for the
Railroad Transportation Center (RTC), Specification No. 99059. 2) Approve
transferring $770,000 from various fund sources to this project's construction
budget. 3) Authorize the Public Works Department to advertise for bids on the
construction contract. 4) Authorize the City Administrative Officer to award the
contract if the accepted bid plus contingencies is within the total project
construction budget of $1,395,000; motion carried 4:1 (Romero).
Community Development Director Jonas presented the staff report.
Public Comments:
Rich Kopeckv, County General Services, appeared ready to field questions about the
design.
—End of Public Comments —
Council Discussion followed.
ACTION: Moved by Schwartz/Romero to affirm the previous Architectural Review
Commission and Community Development Director's recommendations regarding
the proposed project. Council strongly recommended that the parking area be
made available to the public during the evening, on weekends, and other times
when the court is not in session. Additionally, Council strongly recommended that
the County include the relocation of the traffic signal control equipment as part of
the project at their expense; motion carried 5:0.
3. PRESENTATION BY STAFF OF THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE
ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PHASE II PROGRAM.
City Engineer Peterson provided the staff presentation. Brief Council questions followed.
Council Member Marx suggested that ECOSLO, SLO Land Conservancy, Chamber of
Commerce, Sierra Club, Cal Poly and Cuesta College be involved in the public education
process. There were no comments from the public.
ACTION: Report received.
Break called at 5:55 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
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Tuesday, May 16, 2000 - 4:00 p.m.
Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9
' Workers Compensation Claim: John Carson
City Attorney Jorgensen reported that the Council authorized settlement; terms of which were
not disclosed, as settlement is ongoing.
PRESENTATIONS
NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK.
Mayor Settle presented a proclamation to Public Works Director McCluskey and Utilities
Director Moss recognizing May 21 se through May 27th as National Public Works Week. Parks
Supervisor Tolson announced activities planned for "Public Works Week."
NATIONAL BIKE WEEK.
Mayor Settle presented a proclamation to John Donovan from Rideshare recognizing May
W to May 20th as "National Bike Week."
PUBLIC COMMENT
Art Murphy, Rockview Place resident, requested a copy of documentation certifying
compliance relative to the Administrative Use Permit for the Saturn dealership on Broad
Street.
Brett Cross; 1214 Mariner's Cove, asserted that he objected to the Architectural Review
Commission delving into planning and environmental issues. He also voiced concern
about news racks on Higuera Street. Council directed City Attorney Jorgensen to return to
Council with a status report on news racks. In addition, Mr. Cross noted that he opposes
the proposed November 2000 revenue enhancement ballot measure, as well as the
recommendation to a City Biologist.
Josephine Malone. San Luis Obispo citizen, articulated her concerns regarding corporate
advertising on vending machines in City parks and on news racks.
Gary Fowler. 777 Mill Street, noted that the red curbing in his neighborhood is faded and
expressed concern regarding disrepair of painted curbs throughout the City. Council
directed staff to contact Mr. Fowler.
CONSENT AGENDA
ACTION: Moved by Schwartz/Romero to approve the consent agenda as
recommended by the City Administrative Officer; motion carried 5:0.
C1. COUNCIL MINUTES OF TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2000.
ACTION: Moved by SchwartrJRomero to waive oral reading and approve as
submitted; motion carried 5:0.
' C2. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION (HRC) COSPONSORSHIP OF A TRI- COUNTY
HATE CRIME TASK FORCE IN SAN LUIS OBISPO.
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ACTION: Moved by Schwartz/Romero to approve the HRC's request to cosponsor
the Tri- County Hate Crime Task Force Forum to be held in San Luis Obispo on June
8, 2000; motion carried 5:0.
C3. COOPERATIVE PURCHASING — OFFICE SUPPLIES.
ACTION: Moved by Schwartz/Romero to approve cooperative purchasing for office
supplies through the California Communities Purchasing Program/Los Angeles
County Master Agreement, and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Office
Depot; motion carried 5:0.
C4. SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT APPLICATION.
Council Member Romero asked that if the grant is approved, consideration be given to
extending the flashing beacons on Los Osos Valley Road southerly to Royal Way.
ACTION: Moved by Schwartz/Romero to approve Safe Routes to School Grant
Application; motion carried 5:0.
C5. PURCHASE OF GENERAL. PURPOSE VEHICLES FOR 1999 -00.
ACTION: Moved by Schwartz/Romero to authorize Public Works to find suitable
used sedans and pickup trucks to replace existing vehicles scheduled for
replacement in fiscal year 1999 -00; motion carried 5:0.
C6. JANITORIAL. SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS. -
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ACTION: Moved by Schwartz/Romero to approve an amendment to add three rooms
at the Recreation Center on the existing contract to furnish janitorial maintenance
services under Specification No. 9737 (Contractor: Pacific Coast Building
Maintenance. Additional cost: $335 per month.); motion carried 5:0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Human Resources Director Slate provided the staff report.
Mayor Settle opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Mayor Settle
closed the public hearing.
ACTION: Moved by Marx/Ewan to adopt Resolution No. 9043 and introduce
Ordinance No. 1370 approving an amendment to the contract between the Board of
Administration of PERS and the City of San Luis Obispo to provide military service
credit as public service for fire safety members; motion carried 5:0.
5. AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN WATER AND WASTEWATER ELEMENT POLICIES
RELATIVE TO SILTATION AND SAFE ANNUAL YIELD.
Utilities Director Moss and Water Division Manager Henderson presented the staff report
Council questions followed.
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' Mayor Settle opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Mayor Settle
closed the public hearing.
ACTION: Moved by Schwartz/Marx to approve the Planning Commission's
recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 9044 to amend the Water and Wastewater
Management Element of the General Plan to annually account for reductions in safe
annual yield due to situation and approve a negative declaration of environmental
impact; motion carried 5:0.
BUSINESS ITEMS continued
6. CITY'S LONG -TERM FISCAL HEALTH.
Finance Director Statler presented the staff report. Consultants Catherine Lew and Richard
Maullin presented an in -depth report on the results of a November 2000 revenue ballot
measure feasibility study. Council questions followed.
Public Comments:
Bill Storm urged the Council to consider the concept carefully and look at the other issues
on the ballot this year.
Gary Fowler voiced opposition to the possible ballot measure.
Carla Sanders compared to Consultant's survey results with results of a 1988 survey and
concluded that growth and development, and traffic congestion are still the most important
concerns.
Richard Schmidt opposed the concept of spending public funds on this activity and argued
that it is manipulative.
—End of Public Comments.—
Council discussion followed.
ACTION: Report received. No support to proceed with a revenue ballot measure for
November 2000 at this time. Staff directed to bring the matter back for
consideration approximately 12 months before the November 2002 election.
Break 9:50 p.m. Reconvened at 10:05 p.m.
CITY BIOLOGIST POSITION.
Assistant City Administrative Officer Hampian, Natural Resources Manager Havlik and
Human Resources Director Slate presented the staff report.
Public Comments:
Richard Kreisa asked the Council to discuss the Natural Resources Inventory separately
from the position of City Biologist. Council agreed to bifurcate the discussion. Dr. Kreisa
voiced support for the recommendation (as modified by deleting "and initial priorities
including the approach to completing the Natural Resource Inventory"), 2, 3 an 4." He
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Tuesday, May 16, 2000 - 4:00 p.m.
argued, however, for greater educational qualifications and summarized recommendations
submitted by members of the Environmental Quality Task Force.
Gary Fowler asserted that the position may not be needed at this time and asked what the
overall cost of the position will be.
Phil Ashley expressed concerns about the inventory and the qualifications for the biologist.
He argued that the qualifications will yield an apprentice biologist and spoke in favor of the
hiring of a fisheries and wildlife biologist. He suggested that the job description be
amended by adding a responsibility to establish habitat protection and management plans.
Ray Belnap. Land Conservancy, said he supports the position and emphasized that the
timing is right due to the City's recent acquisition of open space.
Patricia Wilmore , SLO Chamber of Commerce, reported that the Board questions the
expenditure mid -year. She proposed that it is fiscally irresponsible at this time and
requested the Council delay approval until after the budget process.
Carla Sanders remarked that open space is a priority and reminded the Council that
protection is a goal set by Council five years ago.
Kurt Kupper commented in support of the position and Dr. Krejsa's proposed
modifications.
—End of Public Comments—
Council discussion ensued.
Council Member Romero objected to adding this position at mid year, and proposed that the
issue be deferred until the goal setting and budget approval process.
Vice Mayor Schwartz proposed that the employment standards for the position be amended
by adding a qualification that the individual have knowledge of urban and regional
planning. The amendment to the job description was agreed to by a majority of the Council.
8.
ACTION: Moved by Ewan/ Marx to 1) approve the establishment of the position of
City Biologist, including its recommended organizational placement and overall
scope of responsibilities as amended. Direct staff to include an appropriation of
$68,800 in the 2000 -01 budget to support salary and benefits ($48,800 prorated for
nine months), general budget support ($11,500) and "one- time" setup costs ($8,500)
necessary for the position. 3) Direct staff to return with a policy resolution that
reinforces the stewardship responsibilities of all City employees relative to major
areas of shared responsibility. 4) Concur with the annual distribution of a
"sustainable city progress report"; motion carried 4:1 (Romero).
City Administrative Officer Dunn provided the staff report. There were no public comments.
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ACTION: Moved by Romero/Ewan to 1) authorize the Mayor to execute the Second
1 Amendment to the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Chinatown -Court
Street Partners, LLC in order to extend the ENA's term for an additional 45 -days. 2)
Appropriate $25,000 from the Unappropriated General Fund balance to fund added
consultant services necessary to complete the negotiations; motion carried 5:0.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS ( SLOCOG)
Council Member Romero provided an overview of the May 3 r meeting of SLOCOG (see
written report on file with the City Clerk). He summarized the draft business plan for a
proposed high -speed rail system, which would provide service between San Diego at the
southern end to Sacramento and San Francisco at the northern end. The SLOCOG and
APCD boards viewed a presentation regarding PLACE'S (Planning for Community Energy,
Economic, and Environmental Sustainability) GIS system overlay maps and tentatively
approved the conceptual program. The SLOCOG board endorsed the state- of- the-art
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). Council Member Romero noted that the City of San
Luis Obispo will receive approximately $250,000 from the Governor's Transportation
Initiative.
INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
Council Member Ewan reported on the May 10`° meeting of the San Luis Obispo County
Integrated Waste Management Authority. Council Member Romero reported that IWMA
recently received approval for a grant that will utilize ground up tires that can be used as a
protective base on the playground at the Children's Museum. He also reported that he and
Vice Mayor Schwartz attended a tour of the new Materials Recovery Facility (MFR) at the
Cold Canyon Landfill.
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD (APCD)
Council Member Ewan reported that the APCD will meet on Wednesday, May 17, 2000.
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (PAC)
Council Member Romero reported that the PAC Facilities Committee has reviewed a report
from its consultant to prioritize (on a cost - benefit basis) a series of actions to improve all
facets of operations at the PAC. City Administrative Officer Dunn announced that a joint
meeting of the City Council, PAC Board and the Cal Poly Foundation Board will take place
on June 15"'.
COMMUNICATIONS
TURNING POINT ACADEMY
Mayor Settle announced that he and Vice Mayor Schwartz met with Colonel Neven and his
assistant from Turning Point Academy to discuss issues of mutual concern.
OBISPO BEAUTIFUL
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Vice Mayor Schwartz announced that on June 18` at 6:00 p.m. at the Monday Club three
"Obispo Beautiful" awards will be presented to the City. Thirty -five projects in the
community will be recognized, he added.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Settle adjourned the
meeting at approximately 11:30 p.m. to Tuesday, June 6, 2000 � at 7:00 p.nf. in a Council
Chamber, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. A /'
Lee Prit6, C.M.C.
City Clerk
APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 6120100
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