HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/20/2009MINUTES
' SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2009 - 4:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 990 PALM STREET
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
ROLL CALL:
Council Members
Present: Council Members Andrew Carter, Jan Howell Marx, Vice Mayor Allen K.
Settle, and Mayor Dave Romero
Absent: Council Member John Ashbaugh
City Staff
Present: Ken Hampian, City Manager, Jonathan Lowell, City Attorney, Shelly
Stanwyck, Assistant City Manager, and Audrey Hooper, City Clerk, were
present at Roll Call. Other staff members presented reports or responded
to questions as indicated in the minutes.
BUSINESS ITEMS
' B1. SANTA ROSA SKATE PARK.MASTER PLAN.
Parks & Recreation Director Kiser and RRM Design consultant Mike Sherrod presented
the agenda report and responded to questions.
Public Comments
The following people spoke in support of proceeding with the skate park:
Chris Pontius (Ms. Pontius asked Council to commit $750,000 for this project.)
Johnny Miller, skate park instructor
Jay LaPalm
Derrick Conahan, One Way Boardshop (Mr. Conahan also made a $1,500 donation
from his shop's proceeds for the park and discussed efforts to obtain outside funding.)
Robbie Douglas
Eric Meyer, San Luis Obispo
Cole Robbins
Ethan Bettencourt, Cayucos
Cooper Jamieson
Tim Denham
—end of public comments --
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A brief discussion followed during which Council Members noted their support of the
Skate Park Master Plan and City Manager Hampian explained that the next step in this
process will be for Council to determine whether development of the Skate Park will be
considered as part of the 2009 -11 Financial Plan process.
ACTION: Moved by Settle /Marx to approve the Santa Rosa Skate Park Master Plan;
motion carried 4:0 (Ashbaugh absent).
STUDY SESSIONS
SS1. COMMUNITY GARDEN PROGRAM.
Director of Parks & Recreation Director Kiser introduced Recreation Supervisor Wallace
who presented the agenda report.
Natural Resources Manager Havlik provided an analysis of the Calle Joaquin open
space.
A brief discussion ensued. during which staff responded to questions.
City Manager Hampian indicated that action is not being recommended at this time, but
suggested that Council may want to direct staff, as part of the goal- setting and budget
process, to prepare a conservation plan for the Calle Joaquin open space.
Kathy Kelly made a presentation on the non - profit organization Urban Farming and '
distributed articles and press releases providing additional information (on file in the City
Clerk's office) on the mission, gardens, and programs with which this organization has
been involved.
Public Comments
Paul Rys said that he is involved with organic farming south of the City limits and
suggested that larger garden spaces should be considered outside of the City limits,
that he and other farmers would be willing to donate land for this use, and that efforts
should be made to involve youth in community gardening.
Eric Veinm' San Luis Obispo, supported use of the Calle Joaquin open space for
agricultural purposes and development of a master plan for that property.
—end of public comments—
No action or specific direction was required on this item. However, Council commented
on the various sites and provided suggestions. Following is a brief summary of some of
their suggestions for consideration as this matter is brought forward during the goal -
setting session. I
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Vice Mayor Settle: Supported considering the information shared as part of the goal-
' setting and budget process.
Council Member Marx: Supported expanding the community garden program, involving
the Homeless Shelter /Prado Day Center or Cal Poly in teaching gardening skills, and
including the Human Relations Committee in this endeavor.
Council Member Carter: Supported expanding the space provided for community
gardens, wanted more information regarding where the demands are so as to be able to
meet those demands closest to those areas, questioned the need for portable water,
supported raising fees and varying the size of the plots, and supported pursing the
suggestions made by Mr. Rys and Mr. Meyer.
Mayor Romero: Agreed that consideration should be given to increasing the fees and
suggested that a farming operation rather than community gardens would be a more
appropriate use of the Calle Joaquin site.
ACTION: The report was received. No further action was required.
SS2. CITY OWNED ADOBES.
Assistant City Manager Stanwvck and Principal Administrative Analyst Elke presented a
report on City -owned adobes and responded to questions
Council Member Marx suggested that consideration be given to using the grounds
surrounding some of the adobes for community garden plots.
Public Comments
Agatha Reardon, San Luis Obispo, said she was not asking Council to include the
restoration of the Rodriguez Adobe in the 2009 -11 budget process, but asked that it not
be used as a storage shed and that it be restored in the future.
Eric Meyer, San Luis Obispo, expressed concern regarding the La Loma Adobe and
pointed out that the storage shed roof additions are in immediate danger.
—end of public comments—
Mayor Romero, Council Member Carter, and Vice Mayor Settle commented on the
importance of preserving the Adobes. Council may want to consider recommendations
about the Adobes during its 2009 -11 goal- setting session.
ACTION: The reports were received and comments made. No further action was
taken.
1 The Special meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
City Council Meeting
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2009 - 7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 990 PALM STREET
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
ROLL CALL:
Page 4
Council Members
Present: Council Members Andrew Carter, Jan Howell Marx, Vice Mayor Allen K.
Settle and Mayor Dave Romero
Absent: Council Member John Ashbaugh
City Staff
Present: Ken Hampian, City Manager, Jonathan Lowell, City Attorney, Shelly
Stanwyck, Assistant City Manager, and Audrey Hooper, City Clerk, were
present at Roll Call. Other staff members presented reports or responded
to questions as indicated in the minutes.
INTRODUCTION
San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Bruce Gibson introduced himself, noted his desire to t
strengthen City - County relations, referred to subjects on which he and the other
Supervisors who represent the City coordinate, and discussed the emerging need to
consider a regional view of planning.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Romero presented a proclamation to Patrice Sanchez, representing ALPHA, Inc.,
acknowledging their efforts to provide pregnancy counseling and support, as well as
assistance to unwed and /or low- income mothers, and acknowledged its upcoming Pedal -
to -Pier bicycle event.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Paul Ogren, San Luis Obispo, asked Council to find a way to assist the owner of Zackie's
Golden Waffle House in resolving his sign issues.
Gary Fowler, San Luis Obispo, echoed comments by Mr. Ogren. He expressed
disappointment that the citizens who spoke at the public forum last week were not
considering the financial problems with which the City is faced.
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Terry Mohan, San Luis Obispo, also supported Mr. Ogren's comments regarding
Zackie's.
CONSENT AGENDA
ACTION: Moved by Settle /Marx to approve the Consent Agenda as indicated below.
C1. MINUTES OF TUESDAY,. JANUARY 6, 2009:
ACTION: Moved by Settle /Marc to waive oral reading and approve the minutes as
presented; motion carried 4:0 (Ashbaugh absent).
C2. SALE OR LEASE OF CITY PROPERTY.
ACTION: Moved by Settle /Marx to adopt Resolution No. 10052 (2009 Series) setting
policies for the sale or lease of surplus property; motion carried 4:0 (Ashbaugh absent).
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PHI. APPEAL OF THE TREE COMMITTEE'S DECISION TO ALLOW
HOMEOWNERS AT 1256 SYDNEY AND 1268 SYDNEY TO REMOVE STREET
TREES AND REPLACE WITH NEW TREES.
Urban Forest Supervisor Pellemeier and City Arborist Combs presented the agenda
report and responded to questions.
Mayor Romero opened the public hearing.
Applicant Scott Haves, 1256 Sydney, discussed the damage the roots of the tree in front
of his house has caused to his sewer system and the curb and sidewalk, as well as other
nuisances it has created. He explained that he will plant two trees in place of the one that
he is requesting be removed.
Carl Abeloe, 1268 Sydney Street, discussed the damage that the tree in front of his
house has caused to his water line and the curb and concrete in front of his house. He
submitted letters and photos (on file in the City Clerk's office) supporting his request to
have the tree removed.
Appellant Caroline Botwin, San Luis Obispo, spoke on behalf of herself and her husband
in opposition to the removal of the trees particulalry because of the impact said removal
will have on the character of the neighborhood. She submitted a petition (on file in the
City Clerk's office) signed by several people also oposing removal of the trees.
Tent/ Mohan, San Luis Obispo, opposed the removal of the trees and submitted a letter
from Jane Shumaker (on file in the City Clerk's office), who also opposed removal of the
1 trees.
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tom Weinschenk, San Luis Obispo, also opposed the removal of the trees.
Curt Lowgren, San Luis Obispo, supported of removal of the trees. '
Mayor Romero closed the public hearing.
Vice Mayor Settle, Council Member Carter, and Mayor Romero supported removal of
the trees because of the damage they were doing to water and sewer lines.
Council Member Marx opposed removal of the trees and expressed concern regarding
the trees that were removed in this neighborhood and have not been replaced.
Council Member Marx moved to direct staff to prepare a plan to address the tree issues
in this neighborhood and to return to Council with said plan within the next six months.
Motion failed due to lack of a second.
ACTION: Moved by Settle /Carter to adopt: 1) Resolution No. 10053 (2009 Series)
denying the appeal of the Tree Committee's decision to allow the removal of one
Shamel Ash (Fraxinus Uhdei) tree at 1256 Sydney Street, thereby authorizing removal
of the tree. 2) Resolution No. 10054 (2009 Series) denying the appeal of the Tree
Committee's decision to allow the removal of one Shamel Ash (Fraxinus Uhdei) tree at
1268 Sydney Street, thereby authorizing removal of the tree; motion carried 3:1 (Marx
opposed, Ashbaugh absent).
Vice Mayor Settle moved to support Council Member Marx's request that staff begin
preparation toward a master plan for tree replacement. Motion failed due to lack of a
second.
A brief discussion followed during which Council concurred that a master plan would be
a matter that should be considered during the goal- setting process. In the meantime,
staff will visit the area of concern on Sydney Street and determine whether there is an
opportunity to replace any of the trees that have been removed.
BUSINESS ITEMS
B2. 10 -YEAR PLAN TO END HOMELESSNESS IN SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY.
Principal Administrative Analyst Elke introduced this item, following which Dana Lilley
with the County Planning Department presented the report. He and staff responded to
questions.
The following representatives of the Transition Team were also in attendance: Paul
Brown (former Council Member and Liaison to the Leadership Council), Dee Torres
(EOC Homeless Services Director) , Mike Ball (County Mental Health), and Amy Gilman
(Legislative Assistant to Supervisor Jim Patterson). 1
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Public Comments
Paul Brown, former Council Member and resident, spoke in support of the Plan and
recommended that Council appoint Council Member John Ashbaugh as the City's liaison
to the newly established governing board responsible for overseeing the implementation
of the 10 -Year Plan.
Dee Tores, Director of EOC Homeless Services and Manager of the Prado Day Center,
also spoke in support of the Plan.
--end of public comments - --
Council Members spoke in support of the Plan and the recommendations.
ACTION: Moved by Settle /Marc to: 1. Receive the 10 -Year Plan to End
Homelessness, as prepared under the guidance of the countywide San Luis Obispo
Leadership Council. 2. Endorse the Guiding Principles that underlie the 10 -Year Plan,
as approved by the Leadership Council. 3. Utilize the 10 -Year Plan and the Guiding
Principles as a point of departure in our future efforts, both within cities and among the
regional partners, to address and prevent homelessness in the County of San Luis
Obispo. 4. Appoint Council Member Ashbaugh as City Council Liaison to serve on the
newly established governing board to oversee the implementation of the 10 -Year Plan
to End Homelessness in San Luis Obispo County; motion carried 4:0 (Ashbaugh
absent).
Council recessed at 9:25 p.m. and reconvened at 9:35 p.m. with the same members
present.
B3.
Economic Development Manager Clark presented the agenda report. She, Chief Building
Official Girvin, City Manager Hampian and Citv Attorney Lowell responded to questions.
Public Comments
Kay and George Kartsioulcas, owner of property at 1131 Broad Street, requested an
extension until July 1, 2010.. Ms. Kartsioulcas explained that although they have always
intended to do the retrofit, they did not expect to find themselves in the difficulty where
they are unable to fund the retrofit until they can sell other properties. She said they will
continue to work diligently to sell their properties and get the work done on this building.
Carol Florence, Principal Planner for Oasis Associates and representative for SLO
Investments, discussed a development project that is underway at 1120 Morro Street.
She said the retrofit will not be able to be completed by its deadline of July 2009 and
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009
asked for flexibility with this deadline particularly in light of the current economic
conditions. 1
Leslie Halls, representing the Springfield Missionary Baptist Church, discussed the
progress that has been made on the Church's retrofit project and noted that the
congregation is trying to meet the deadline. The main obstacle for the Church is funding.
Pierre Rademaker, Chair of the Chamber's Seismic Task Force, spoke in support of the
work accomplished within the Seismic program as well as of continued flexibility.
Ermina Karim, Chamber of Commerce and staff representative on the Chamber Task
Force, supported the staffs efforts and recommendations.
Mike Spangler, owner of 664 Marsh, an 800 square foot building, said that he will be
unable to retrofit his building because of the cost and will have to leave the downtown. He
expressed concern that the URM Program was implemented during a different economic
climate and suggested there is a need for additional staff assistance on behalf of property
owners to obtain funding or they may be unable to comply with the program.
John Fagnani, owner of the URM building at 1127 Broad Street, discussed concerns he
had regarding the exorbitant costs construction companies are charging for this work, but
said that the work on his building should be done by March 1, with the installation of
sprinklers occurring during the following two or three weeks.
John Fowler, San Luis Obispo, said two phases of the work at the Mission have been
completed. Subsequent, non -URM repairs are in the process of being completed at the
Mission. In addition, the Mission Prep School has been completely strengthened, well
ahead of the scheduled deadline. He said he serves on the URM Task Force and urged
Council to continue with the program and maintain flexibility.
—end of public comments - --
Economic Development Manager Clark welcomed Mr. Spangler's suggestions but noted
staff has worked with banks in the past to explore financing programs for URMs but that
financing is not "one size fits all" in the case of retrofits. Economic Development Manager
Clark also noted that the Springfield Baptist Church already has a deadline of 2010 so
they have some time to prepare.
Council discussion ensued, during which Council concurred that while staff should
continue to be as flexible as possible related to the July 1, 2009, deadline, work must be
accomplished no later than July 1, 2010, in accordance with the Program. Council
affirmed the use of penalties and requested indemnification of the City in the event a
deadline is not met. Staff assured the Council that all efforts would be made to meet with
any property owner who needs flexibility beyond the July 1, 2009 deadline to discuss the
circumstances under which flexibility could be allowed. 1
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009
ACTION: Moved by Carter /Marc to: 1. Receive the report on the status of the
' Unreinforced Masonry Hazard Mitigation (URM) Program. 2. Acknowledge use of
existing enforcement tools by the Chief Building Official as outlined in the staff report. 3.
Acknowledge potential use of penalties in the event building owners fail to comply;
motion carried 4:0 (Ashbaugh absent).
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS
Vice Mayor Settle noted his attendance at a recent Performing Art Center meeting with
the Mayor and reported on the recent LAFCO meeting.
Council Member Carter reported on his attendance at the recent Mayor's Quarterly
meeting with Advisory Body Chairpersons.
Mayor Romero reported on the January 15 Performing Arts Center meeting. He also
reported the he attended the Student Community Liaison Committee meeting with Vice
Mayor Settle.
Council. Member Carter reported on his attendance at the Tourism Business Improvement
District (TBID) Board meeting on January 14 and said he will attend the joint meeting of
the TBID Board and the Promotional Coordinating Committee that will be held on
Thursday.
1 Council Member Marx said that she will be meeting with Kim Murry, Deputy Director of
Community Development — Long Range Plan, on January 23 at which time she and
Supervisor Adam Hill will receive an up -to -date on how the City has followed smart
Growth principles as well as the transit situation.
COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Hampian said that the appointed officials' evaluations will be held on March
16 instead of March 12.
In response to Vice Mayor Settle, City Manager Hampian discussed the assistance staff
has provided Zaki Shabbar in an attempt to help him resolve his sign issue, but that Mr.
Shabbar must still submit a sign application.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Romero
adjourned the meeting at 11:10 p.m.
Audrey Hoo r
City Clerk
1 APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 02/17/09