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Home My WebLink About06/17/1997, 1C - PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT ON THE PROPOSED 1997 - 2001 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM'S CONFORMITY WITH THE GENERAL PLAN _,aEETING AGENDA DATE p ITEM City of San Luis Obispo Community Development Department MEMORANDUM U�WUNCIL ErJ0DD DIR �AO WIN DIR May 30, 1997 �/1TTOHNEY Op"IN DIRHIEF OrCLERKIORIGrPOLICE CHF ❑ GMT TEAM 19, EC DIR TO: City Council W I__ PUTIL DIR VIA: John Dunn, City Administrative Offic� O PERS DIR FROM: Arnold Jonas, Community Development Director BY: Glen Matteson�Ass�ociate Planner SUBJECT: Planning Commission report on the proposed 1997 - 2001 Capital Improvement Program's conformity with the General Plan INFORMATION The Planning Commission has determined that the proposed 1997 - 2001 Capital Improvement Program conforms with the General Plan. Their report consists of the attached table. BACKGROUND The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a four-year list of the City's proposed construction projects and purchases of land, equipment, and contract services that cost more than $15,000 each. The following table is a brief summary of CIP items. More complete descriptions, and yearly breakdowns of outlays and revenue sources, are available in the "1997-99 Financial Plan —Appendix B, Capital Improvement Plan Projects" (available from the Finance Department), as modified by recent Council direction during budget sessions. State law requires the City to prepare a "coordinated program of proposed public works for the ensuing fiscal year" and to submit the program to its planning agency "for review and report ... as to conformity with the adopted general plan" (California Government Code Section 65401). The City has determined that its multiyear budget approach complies with the intent of this section, and that the report is to be prepared by the Planning Commission with help from planning staff. The Commission's reporting that a proposed CIP item conforms with the General Plan does not necessarily mean that the City endorses the project or program in a particular form. Individual public works projects and most individual program actions still must undergo environmental review and receive Council approval before being carried out. The Council has full discretion in deciding CIP items. There are no specific sanctions in State law if a CIP item is found not to conform with the General Plan. However, a finding of nonconformance could make a project vulnerable to legal challenge (in particular, through the Government Code provisions concerning general plan consistency if the project is somehow tied to a development approval). The CIP's conformity with the General Plan can be evaluated several ways. The Commission considered the following. • Is each program supported by one or more General Plan policies? If a proposed CIP item would support attainment of a General Plan goal, policy, or program, the attached table shows it as conforming. Some CIP items are called for by specific programs in the General Plan, while others have less direct links. As noted in.the table, some CIP items conform with a purpose identified by the General Plan, but design or other details still need to be evaluated for conformity with certain General Plan policies or standards. • Do the CIP's overall content and priorities follow General Plan guidance? The CIP might not conform with the General Plan if it omitted support for an important General Plan goal, policy, or program. However, the General Plan has a time frame of 10 to 20 years, while the City Council prioritizes and allocates limited resources through the budget process every two years. Not all goals or programs may be funded during every four-year CIP interval. The proposed CIP does spread City support among all program areas, including public safety, utilities, various modes of transportation, flood control, parks & recreation, cultural services, social services,natural resources, economic development, and general government. • Would a particular project or the overall amount budgeted for capital projects induce growth beyond the General Plan limits? To the extent that general fund revenues depend on development, an overly ambitious capital spending plan that creates a need for increasing general fund revenues could conflict with the Land Use Element preamble in which City government is directed to "preserve our community's natural environment and control excessive growth detrimental to the long-term sustainability of the community." There is no evidence that the proposed CIP will cause any of the more specific growth-management thresholds in the General Plan to be exceeded. Much of the proposed investment is to replace or refurbish existing street paving,bridges, utility lines, and buildings. • Do the means of funding projects conform with the General Plan? The General Plan calls for new development to pay for the facilities needed to support such development, unless the City chooses to pay for particular facilities to achieve a community benefit. Revenue sources appear to conform with the General Plan. Planning Commission Review The Planning Commission considered a staff report and a draft version of the attached table on May 28, 1997. The attached table reflects the Planning Commission's changes to the draft. Nearly all of the Commission's determinations for individual items were unanimous. There were discussions on several items, and split votes on a few items. There were no public comments. The attached minutes summarize the discussions and votes. The Commission also wanted to send some comments to the Council on issues raised by CIP projects, other than conformity with the General Plan. These comments are also reflected in the minutes. Attachments Summary Table - General Plan Conformity Draft Planning Commission minutes - 5-28-97 CIP GP conformity memo City of San Luis Obispo 1997-2001 Capital Improvement Program Summary GENERAL PLAN CONFORMITY Cost ($) Category Item 1997 - 2001 Conformity Reference* Public Police vehicles 447,000 No issue Safety Fire station repair 15,000 No issue. Fire vehicles & equip 75,500 No issue TOTAL 537,500 Utilities Salinas exp. Study 285,000 Conforms WW 6.1.1,6.1.2, 7.1.1 Pennington Crk restoration 125,000 Conforms CO 4.1.5; OS 3.3.1 Water reuse distribution 9,720,000 Conforms WW 10.1.2 WRF landscaping 45,000 Conforms WW 10.1.2 Water treatment upgrades& maintenance;telemetry 2,195,000 Conforms LU Goals 14, 26 Water distribution up-grades, maintenance,vehicles 5,782,800 Conforms LU Goals 14, 26 Wastewater collection up- grades &rehabilitation 2,774,000 Conforms WW 12.1.6 Reclamation facility equip- ment, vehicle replacement 1,519,800 Conforms WW 10.1.1; 12.1.6 Whale Rock upgrades,re- placements, slide mitigation 383,000 Conforms LU Goals 14, 26 TOTAL 22,829,600 Flood Creek bank stabilization 697,000 Purpose conforms; LU 6.4.1 thru 6.4.3 Control details to be checked OS 3.1.1 thru 3.2.4 Storm sewer improvements 547,000 Conforms LU Goals 14, 26 Storm drain improvements 130,000 Conforms LU Goals 14,26 Conejo area storm drain 250,000 Conforms LU Goals 14,26 Higuera St Bridge replace 3,000,000 Purpose conforms; LU 4.11,4.19 details to be checked Flood Management Plan 6307000 Purpose conforms; LU 6.4.1 thru 6.4.3 details to be checked OS 3.1.1 thru 3.2.4 TOTAL 5,254,000 Streets Hwy 101/LOVR inter- change study 120,000 Conforms CI 7.1,Fig 4(Item C.2) Nbad. traffic management 140,000 Conforms Cl 6.0 Reconstruct& resurface 3,630,000 Conforms Cl Goal 3 Orcutt Rd widening 200,000 Conforms Cl 7.1,Fig 4(Item B.2) GIS sign inventory 15,000 No issue Vehicles & equipment 324,000 No issue Traffic signals 650,000 Conforms Cl 6.63 TOTAL 5,079,000 continues next page s , City of S.L.O. 1997-2001 C.I.P. Summary Continued GENERAL PLAN CONFORMITY Cost(S) Category Item 1997 -2001 Conformity Reference* Pedestrian Railroad crossing 100,000 Conforms CI 3.1,3.3,4.2,4.8 & Bicycle Railroad bike path plan 70,000 Conforms CI 3.1,3.3,3.13 Paths Minor bike projects 60,000 Conforms CI 3.1, 3.3 Downtown pedestrian 700,000 Conforms LU 4.5 enhancements Sidewalk construction 225,000 Conforms CI 3.1, 3.3,4.2,4.8 Disabled access 284,000 Conforms CI 4.4, 4.9 TOTAL 1,439,000 Parking Marsh St. garage expansion 3,900,000 Purpose conforms; LU 4.10 See endnote#1 Wells Fargo lot purchase 1,500,000 Purpose conforms; LU 4.10 See endnote#2 Garage renovations, repairs; resealing; meter replace- ment; vehicles;public art 682,400 No issue TOTAL 6,082,400 Transit Bus replacement 260,000 Conforms CI 2.1,2.6 Bus yard and stop improve's 60,000 Conforms Cl 2.1,2.6 Multimodal terminal 600,000 Purpose conforms; CI 2.1,2.12 See endnote#3 TOTAL 920,000 Parks& Youth athletic fields(no 3,000,000 Conforms PR 1.1.10,2.1.1 Recreation specific site) Parks, swim center improve- ments&renovations 1,137,000 Conforms PR 1.1.1, 1.1.5 Neighborhood gymnasiums 150,000 Conforms PR 4.1 Laguna Lake dredging 200,000 Conforms LU 6.4.1;OS 4.1.1 Vehicles& equipment 121,000 No issue TOTAL 4,608,000 Cultural Mission Plaza renovations 135,000 Conforms PR 1.1.1, 1.1.5 Services Murray, Rodriguez adobes 265,000 Conforms LU 6.6.1 Jack House renovations 80,000 Conforms LU 6.6.1 Perf. Arts Cntr. Equipment 70,000 No issue Public art 65,300 Conforms LU Goal 23,Prog. 5.8 TOTAL 615,300 Social Shelters 43,800 Conforms H 8.2.1, 8.3.1 Services Senior home repair 50,000 Conforms H 3.1.1, 3.2.3,3.3.1 Low income housing site 300,000 Conforms H 2.1.1,2.2.2, 2.2.3 Other CDBG projects 218,000 Conforms LU Goals 20, 23,24 TOTAL 611,800 J City of S.L.O. 1997-2001 C.I.P. Summary Continued GENERAL PLAN CONFORMITY Cost($) Category Item 1997-2001 Conformity Reference* Natural Open space protection 925,000 Purpose conforms; LU 6.0.4; OS 1.1.1 thru Resources details to be checked 1.1.4, 1.3.10; 15.2.10, 15.2.11, 15.2.12 TOTAL 925,000 Engineer- Vehicle replacements 65,000 No issue ing TOTAL 65,000 Economic Revolving loan 150,000 Conforms LU Goal 11 Devlop. TOTAL 150,000 General Clerk's records mgmnt. 260,000 Conforms LU Goal 26 Gov'ment. Financial mgmnt. System 460,000 Conforms LU Goal 26 Information systems 842,000 Conforms LU Goal 26 Geodata services 206,000 Conforms LU Goal 26 Building&vehicle maint. 584,000 Conforms LU Goals 14, 26 TOTAL 2,352,000 F III * Policy and program references use the numbering system of the General Plan Digest. Notes: 1. The General Plan does not identify a specific amount of parking to be provided nor specific sites for parking. It does say "Any major increments in parking should take the form of structures, located at the edges of the commercial core." The proposed project conforms with that policy. Other policies involve design and timing issues. The forthcoming Marsh Street Garage Expansion EIR will provide additional information on General Plan conformity. 2. The General Plan does not identify a specific amount of parking to be provided nor specific sites for parking. It does say "Any major increments in parking should take the form of structures, located at the edges of the commercial core." The proposed site conforms with that policy. Other policies involve design and timing issues. The forthcoming Marsh Street Garage Expansion EIR will provide additional information on General Plan conformity. Acquisition of the lot is not an irreversible commitment to developing additional parking there. 3. In principle, the development of a convenient location and improved facilities for interchange between trains,regional buses, and local buses conforms with the General Plan. Some General Plan policies will apply to site selection and design (mainly those concerning traffic management and safety, and noise). A pending environmental study for the proposed intermodal facility near the railroad station will address the conformity issue in more depth. CIP GP conformity table C i CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY,MAY 289 1997 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The regular meeting of the San Luis Obispo Planning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 1997 in City Hall Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Janet Kourakis, Charles Senn, Mary Whittlesey, Paul Ready, David Jeffrey, John Ewan, and John Ashbaugh Absent: None Staff Present: Associate Planner Glen Matteson, Community Development Director Arnold Jonas, Assistant City Attorney Cindy Clemens, Parks and Recreation Director Paul LeSage, Public Works Director Mike McCluskey, and Recording Secretary Leaha Magee. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted as presented. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: There were no public comments made. PUBLIC HF'ARINGS: 1. General Plan Conformity Report for the City's 1997-2001 Capital Improvement Program: Report to City Council on Capital Improvement Plan conformity with the General Plan. Associate Planner Matteson presented the staff report and asked the Commission make determinations on the 1997-2001 Capital Improvement Program Summary for General Plan conformity. L � Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 28, 1997 Page 2 The Commission discussed the best approach to deal with the many items. The Commission reached consensus on the Public Safety category (Police vehicles, fire station repair, and fire vehicles and equipment)to recommend it to Council as a"No Issue." Commissioner Ready moved to report that the 1997-2001 Capital Improvement Program conforms with the General Plan, excluding the items listed below, which required separate discussions and actions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kourakis. AYES: Commissioners Ready, Kourakis, Ewan, Whittlesey, Jeffrey, Ashbaugh, and Chairman Senn NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION: 1. Flood Control- Creek Bank Stabilization Associate Planner Matteson stated the Open Space Element supports the concept of stabilizing creek banks. The overall purpose conforms, but the designs are yet to evaluated. Commissioner Ashbaugh feels the total dollar amount is'likely to change as a result of the Flood Management Plan Update. He asked if Community Development staff or the Commission will play a role in the Flood Plan update. Associate Planner Matteson stated he doesn't know anything in the Flood Plan update that would result in more or less money being spent in the out years. The Community Development staff has been involved in the update on the initial work scope and will be involved in the environmental review. This proposal can be brought before the Commission for review before it goes to Council. Commissioner Ashbaugh feels the dollar figures are place-holders at this point. Director Jonas noted the Commission isn't considering any particular dollar amounts, but only conformity with the General Plan. Associate Planner Matteson said that when actual plans for creek projects come forward, they'll be subject to environmental review. Commissioner Whittlesey moved to report that the purpose of the Creek Bank Stabilization Program conforms to the General Plan. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ready. AYES: Commissioners Whittlesey, Ready, Ewan, Kourakis, Jeffrey, Ashbaugh, and Chairman Senn NOES: None U � Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 28, 1997 Page 3 ABSTAIN: None 2. Flood control- Conejo Area Storm Drain Commissioner Ashbaugh asked staff what the difference is between the $30,000 spent to date and the $250,000 projected to be spent. He's not comfortable isolating this from the overall Flood Management Plan and asked why this particular storm drain is being singled out in the CIP. Associate Planner Matteson stated this is probably seen as a more urgent type of activity. This project is different from creek modifications. The existing storm drain pipe has had capacity and clogging problems. The work described on Page 133 will put in a larger pipe, but won't effect the amount of water that flows in the creek or the creek environment. Commissioner Ashbaugh moved to report that the Conejo area storm drain project conforms with the General Plan. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jeffrey. AYES: Commissioners Ashbaugh, Jeffrey, Ewan, Kourakis, Whittlesey, Ready, and Chairman Senn NOES: None ABSTAIN: None 3. Flood control-Higuera St.Bridge Replacement Associate Planner Matteson stated the basic purpose is consistent, but there are some questions about the resulting channel capacity and character of the area. Commissioner Whittlesey noted there are some land use issues, especially with the Court Street area. Commissioner Ewan moved to report that the Higuera St. bridge replacement conforms. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ready. Commissioner Whittlesey asked if the Commission will be seeing this item in terms of its land use impacts to the Court St. area. Associate Planner Matteson stated most CIP project like bridge replacements do not come to the Commission. Commissioner Ewan stated Council has asked for staff to look at the replacement and potential opening of the creek. He understands that a day lighting or a bridge will be changing the creek and would come before the Commission. i 9 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 28, 1997 Page 4 Associate Planner Matteson stated. if there is no rezoning, General Plan amendment, or use . permit, a project would not routinely come before the Commission. Commissioner Ashbaugh views this project as having immense significance to the downtown. This may have urban design consequences and should be reviewed by the Planning Commission. Chairman Senn asked staff if this is better suited to be reviewed by the Architectural Review Commission (ARC). Director Jonas stated design issues go to the ARC. If the use conforms to the land use plan in terms of the use of the site, then there really isn't any issue for the Planning Commission to be involved with. If the concern is for the design implementation of the project, then it would go to the ARC for review. Commissioner Ashbaugh suggested communicating to the Council that the Commission encourages consideration of land use issues, including the use of the parking lot. He is concerned about how the parking lot could be redeveloped. AYES: Commissioners Ewan, Ready, Kourakis, Whittlesey, Jeffrey, Ashbaugh, and Chairman Senn NOES: None ABSTAIN: None 4. Flood control- Flood Management Plan Associate Planner Matteson stated having a flood management plan conforms with the General Plan. There are always questions of the specific measures that are proposed. The items listed on Page 106 are examples of measures to stabilize creek banks and are generally consistent with . Open Space Element. Commissioner Ashbaugh moved to report that the Flood Management Plan CIP item conforms with the General Plan. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Whittlesey. AYES: Commissioners Ashbaugh, Whittlesey, Ewan, Kourakis, Ready, Jeffrey, and Chairman Senn NOES: None ABSTAIN: None 5. Pedestrian &Bicycle Paths -Minor Bike Projects D Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 28, 1997 Page 5 Commissioner Ewan noted there isn't any mention of continuation of bike lanes from the Santa Barbara/Osos St. area into downtown. Associate Planner Matteson said he was not aware of any General Plan prescription for where the various kinds of bike lanes and paths will be installed. There is a separate bicycle facilities plan that is not part of the General Plan that has this level of detail. Director Jonas said that two important plans being prepared are for the multimodal transit center and for the Railroad Square area. Both of these will address to some degree the issue of circulation in the area and safely provide for bicycle circulation through the area. Also, there is a Bicycle Advisory Committee which advises the Council on bike paths. Commissioner Ready moved to report that the Minor Bike Projects CIP item conforms with the General Plan. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jeffrey. AYES: Commissioners Ready, Jeffrey, Ewan, Kourakis, Whittlesey, Ashbaugh, and Chairman Senn NOES: None ABSTAIN: None 6. Pedestrian & Bicycle Paths -Morro St. Closing. Commissioner Ready refrained from participation due to a potential conflict of interest. Commissioner Kourakis said that the Circulation Element, pages 28-30, shows Garden, Broad, and Monterey as closures. The closing of Morro St. isn't in the Circulation Element. Director McCluskey stated Council changed the scope of the CIP item to be a generalized category is called Downtown Pedestrian Enhancements Associate Planner Matteson stated the closure of Morro is a component of the CIP and is subject to the test of General Plan conformity. The Downtown Plan, which is not part of the General Plan, does show the pedestrian enhancement of Morro St. Commissioner Kourakis stated pedestrian enhancement is easily covered in the General Plan, but closing a street is a little different. The Downtown Plan has never become an element of the General Plan. Commissioner Kourakis suggested crossing out "Garden, Morro, and Broad" and writing in "Downtown Pedestrian Enhancements," and referencing Page 51 of the LUE, policy 4.5. Chairman Senn doesn't feel LUE Policy 4.19 goes far enough to be a General Plan reference for closing Morro St. or Broad St. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 28, 1997 Page 6 Commissioner Kourakis moved to strike "Garden St., Morro St., and Broad St." and replace it with "Downtown Pedestrian Enhancements" at $700,000 and to report that it conforms, with reference to LUE Police 4.5. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jeffrey. AYES: Commissioner Kourakis, Jeffrey, Ewan, Whittlesey, Ashbaugh, and Chairman Senn NOES: None ABSTAIN: None 7. Parking-Marsh St. Garage Expansion Associate Planner Matteson stated the General Plan doesn't have any explicit policies on expanding or not expanding the structure. The forthcoming EIR will provide discussion on the issue. Commissioner Ashbaugh asked staff what role the Commission has in providing comments on the EIR. Associate Planner Matteson believes a use permit is required for parking structures in the Office Zone. There is also an issue of exceeding the height limit, so the Commission will see the project and the EIR. Commissioner Jeffrey noted there is community concern regarding this issue. Commissioner Ashbaugh suggested changing the reference from "Marsh St. parking garage" to "parking expansion and mitigation" without a reference to a particular site. Commissioner Ready moved to report that this CIP item conforms, subject to Endnote #1 as set forth in the staff report. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kourakis. Commissioner Ashbaugh feels some aspects of the project may not conform with the General Plan. Commissioner Ready amended his motion to make the reference to Land Use Element policy 4.10. Commissioner Kourakis accepted the amendment to the motion. Commissioner Ashbaugh would like a sentence added to Endnote #1 stating, based upon any additional information in the EIR, the City may find elements of the project not in conformance. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 28, 1997 Page 7 Commissioner Ewan expressed a concern about this project being funded before the downtown access study is completed. Associate Planner Matteson stated Council's determination was that the Circulation Element policy concerning the study was not binding and that it didn't apply to the expansion. However, Council did want to proceed with the access study parallel to preliminary work on expanding the structure. Assistant City Attorney Clemens stated reservations could be addressed by using the language, "The purpose conforms; designs to be checked." Commissioner Ewan stated this refers to "Marsh St." rather than "parking expansion." He feels this will be saying that Marsh St. conforms, not a general situation. This is referring to a specific project without completion of the EIR. Commissioner Ashbaugh suggested making reference in the endnote that in addition to the EIR, the access study be completed. Commissioner Jeffrey feels based upon LUE 4.10, this does meet the criteria. He cansupportthe motion. AYES: Commissioners Ready, Kourakis, Jeffrey, and Chairman Senn NOES: Commissioners Ewan, Whittlesey, and Ashbaugh ABSTAIN: None 8. Parking- Wells Fargo Lot Purchase Commissioner Ashbaugh asked if the building will also be purchased. Director Jonas stated there are no structures involved. Commissioner Whittlesey stated the Commission is being asked to approve the acquisition of two parcels for development of additional parking to serve the downtown. We have parking there now. She asked where the additional parking would coming from, if not a structure. Associate Planner Matteson stated the staff evaluation assumed that the City was acquiring the site with a structure in mind some day. One intermediate possibility is that a publicly owned and operated parking lot might be used more efficiently than a privately owned one, with the net effect being more parking availability. Commissioner Ashbaugh moved to report that this CIP item conforms, subject to Endnote #2, and with reference to Land Use Element policy 4.10. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ewan. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 28, 1997 Page 8 AYES: Commissioners Ashbaugh, Ewan, Kourakis, Whittlesey, Ready, Jeffrey, and Chairman Senn NOES: None ABSTAIN: None 9. Transit-Multimodal transit center Associate Planner Matteson stated the purpose conforms, but the details are still to be checked. Commissioner Ashbaugh asked what the $900,000 has been spent on, Page 147. Director McCluskey stated these are funds that have been budgeted in previous years. They have not been spent. Commissioner Ewan moved to report that this CIP item conforms, with reference to Endnote #3. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ready. Chairman Senn could support the motion. He referred to Section 2.2 of the Circulation Element. He believes the City has said numerous times that the bus station should be downtown. The entire thrust of our General Plan is that we should be trying to focus services in the downtown. Choosing a location that is out of the downtown because of funding availability isn't justified. He doesn't find this in compliance with the General Plan. Commissioner Ewan stated a"super stop" will be maintained downtown. The Multimodal Center will eliminate the bus parking next to City Hall and the County Government Center. The location of the Multimodal Center does not reduce the level of transit service downtown and it will hopefully improve the air, sound, and visual quality of downtown. Commissioner Jeffrey expressed a concern regarding the location of this proposal. Commissioner Ewan withdrew his motion due to the proximity of his business to site of this project and refrained from further participation. Commissioner Ashbaugh moved to report that this CIP item conforms with the General Plan, subject to Endnote #3, and recommend that the Commission take a closer look when the development plan is available. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kourakis. AYES: Commissioners Ashbaugh, Kourakis, and Ready NOES: Commissioners Whittlesey, Jeffrey, and Chairman Senn ABSTAIN: None Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 28, 1997 Page 9 Commissioner Whittlesey moved to find the Multimodal Terminal conforms with the General Plan and to incorporate Endnote #3 in the report to Council. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kourakis. AYES: Commissioners Whittlesey, Kourakis, Ready, and Ashbaugh NOES: Commissioner Jeffrey and Chairman Senn ABSTAIN: None 10. Parks & Recreation -Youth Athletic Fields Associate Planner Matteson explained that the Parks and Recreation Element calls for a certain amount of youth sports fields, but the potential location on the Cal Poly campus may not conform with land use policies for the greenbelt. Also, one Parks and Recreation Element policy appears to eliminate state-owned land from potential sites. Commissioner Ready moved to find that the suggested youth athletic fields as they appear conform, striking reference to Parks & Recreation 2.2 and including reference to Parks & Recreation 1.1.10. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ewan. Commissioner Jeffrey asked staff to address properties outside the Urban Reserve Line and properties not owned by Cal Poly. Commissioner Kourakis asked staff to also address Parks & Recreations Master Plan, Page 15, Policy 2.21.3. Director Le Sage stated the referenced policies were placed in the element to allow city projects on privately owned land, since one was contemplated at the time. It was not the intent to exclude Cal Poly land. He cited the Parks and Recreation Master Plan summary, page 2, "The focused efforts shall be on the development of youth athletic fields and sports facilities." He referred to other sections of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan concerning joint use programs and other agencies, enabling use of shared public and private facilities Commissioner Ready cited Page 12, 1.40.5. Director LeSage said the Council had recently changed the CIP item description so that it refers to sports fields generically, not to specific locations. Commissioner Ready restated his motion to report that Park& Recreation Youth Athletic Fields, including the generic availability of the $3 million budgeted funds, conforms, striking reference to 2.1 and citing 1.1.10 in the General Plan Digest which references 1.40.9 of the Parks and Recreation Element, and additionally incorporating the other provisions of the Land Use Element and the Parks and Recreation Element that have been cited by Mr. Le Sage. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ewan. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 28, 1997 Page 11 Commissioner Ready moved to find conformity based on upon LUE 6.4.1 and OSE 4.1.1. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kourakis. AYES: Commissioners Ready, Kourakis, Ewan, Whittlesey, Jeffrey, Ashbaugh, and Chairman Senn NOES: None ABSTAIN: None 12. Social Services- Other CDBG Projects Director Jonas stated this is debt service for the Section 108 loan program that will be used to fund the improvements to the Historical Museum and provide $1 million worth of funding to the Housing Authority for below-market housing. Commissioner Kourakis moved to report that "Other CDBG Projects" conforms, with reference to Land Use Goals 20, 23, and 24. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jeffrey. AYES: Commissioner Kourakis, Jeffrey, Ewan, Whittlesey, Ready, Ashbaugh, and Chairman Senn NOES: None ABSTAIN: None 13. Natural Resources - Open Space Protection Director Jonas commented the goal of the Council was to begin setting aside funding so that when the opportunities arose we could accommodate that opportunity. There are no specific proposals in mind at the moment. Commissioner Ashbaugh moved to report that this item conforms. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ewan. AYES: Commissioner Ashbaugh, Ewan, Kourakis, Whittlesey, Ready, Jeffrey, and Chairman Senn NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Commissioner Ewan expressed a concern regarding minor bike projects. He cited Page CI-24 of the General Plan Digest, Figure 4-B. When we're looking at conformity to the General Plan, we should be looking at conformance with what the plan spells out as things to be done. The area of concern is the Santa Barbara/Osos St./Morro St. to downtown. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 28, 1997 Page 12 Commissioner Kourakis is having trouble with the Conceptual Physical Plan For the City's Center. It's not part of the General Plan; it has a strange status and it seems we're basing many decisions on the downtown concept plan. She asked if this has been through CEQA review. Director Jonas replied yes. It's used as a guideline. If a conflict arose, the General Plan would be overriding. Commissioner Kourakis questions the status of the downtown concept plan. Commissioner Whittlesey stated she voted no on Parking, Marsh St. garage expansion because she feels it's too specific a project to really say it's conforming. She would have been more comfortable if the CIP item had been related to parking in general. Commissioners Ewan and Ashbaugh concurred. Commissioner Jeffrey would like to see the Multimodal Transit Center brought before the Commission. He would also like to see some public comment before we get too far along in the process in terms of selecting a site. There is considerable concern in the community regarding this item. Chairman Senn feels that the multimodal center will not serve its purpose anywhere but in the downtown. Commissioner Jeffrey would like to encourage Council to formulate an advisory committee for open space acquisition. Commissioners Ashbaugh and Ready agreed. Commissioner Ashbaugh stated since Council has directed the Higuera St. bridge expansion project be examined in conjunction with possibly opening up the creek, it has opened up a lot of land use and urban design issues he feels falls under the Commission's jurisdiction. The Commission should approach Council about the possibility of somehow looking at the Court St. center site for additional underground parking that could be developed in conjunction with this project. Chairman Senn stated if staff determines there will be significant land use implications, this issue can be brought to the Commission for input. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 2. Staff: A. Agenda Forecast: Potential agenda items for the meetings of June 11 and June 25 and the month of July were discussed. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 28, 1997 Page 13 3. Commission: Commissioner Whittlesey noted the Commission's retreat is scheduled for June 11 with a Southwestern potluck theme. ADJOURNED at 9:40 p.m. to a regular meeting of the Planning Commission, scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California. Respectfully submitted, Leaha K. Magee Recording Secretary Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 28, 1997 Page 10 Commissioner Kourakis cannot support the motion because she wasn't able to fully follow Mr. Le Sage's citations. Commissioner Ready amended the motion to include Policy 1.40.5,Page 12. Commissioner Ewan accepted the amendment. AYES: Commissioners Ready, Ewan, Whittlesey, Jeffrey, and Chairman Senn NOES: Commissioners Kourakis and Ashbaugh ABSTAIN: None 11. Parks & Recreation-Laguna Lake Dredging Commissioner Kourakis stated the Park Master Plan has four phases. None of the phases involve dredging. She doesn't object to the dredging, but believes the citation needs to be straightened out. Commissioner Ewan cited PR 11.1.4. Associate Planner Matteson doesn't know of any General Plan policies that directly address dredging. Director Jonas stated this is essentially a maintenance program for the lake. Commissioner Kourakis feels this may be more appropriate under the categories of Utilities or Flood Control. Associate Planner Matteson reviewed the Open Space Element and didn't find anything relating to dredging. Neither the Laguna Lake Master Plan nor the earlier Laguna Lake Management Plan are part of the General Plan. The Master Plan did address treatment of material removed from the lake. Commissioner Ready expressed a concern that we're dealing with a degraded wetland that has turned into a lake. Dredging may be violating the provisions of the Open Space Element that says degraded wetlands are to be restored. Associate Planner Matteson noted the history of the lake, and that most of the silt comes from Prefumo Creek. Commissioner Kourakis suggested referencing Page 71 of the LUE, 6.4.1. Commissioner Ready suggested referencing OSE 4.1.1. °'`ETING AGENDA to„fE —/7—0 ITEM # �— June 107 1997 MEMORANDUM TO: Council Colleagues FROM: Dave Romero 4) SUBJECT: Proposed 1997-99 Budget During the past several years, the City has suffered hard financial times and has balanced its budgets, in part, by rather severe reductions in street maintenance. Deferring street maintenance does not reduce the need, and in fact leads to faster deterioration. The City has made virtually no effort to reduce street congestion during the past five years, and has taken some actions which create more congestion (travel lane reduction on Higuera between High and Marsh). Five years of neglect are showing up in poor street conditions and increased congestion at many locations. With money a little easier this year, I had hoped to increase street funds to the point where we might start to catch up. However, maintenance funds are merely returned to their previous level and there are no funds allocated to relieve congestion. We were able to find $200,000/year to purchase open space, $700,000 to modify and beautify several downtown streets, money for public art, neighborhood enhancement, major bike path improvements and broadened social programs, all with the aim of improving our"quality of life." I submit that the one most important quality of life improvement for most of us is congestion free, well maintained streets. Even bus riders and bicycle riders benefit from improved streets. Although I support many of the quality of life projects in our budget, we must keep the perspective that basics like street maintenance and traffic congestion management must be emphasized. I believe the proposed budget loses sight of the most important priorities and "emphasizes frills over fundamentals." Therefore, unless some change in emphasis can be made, I will vote against the proposed budget. a _ N NCiL ' AAj �DIR � �CHIEF EY e PMVDIR RI9PUGECH, ❑ MG . €GEIYEQ MT TEAM ram DIR ❑ c�dE D FILE mak' 'L r)IR JUN 1 1 1997 SLO CITY COUNCIL J o � FENNO ® ® o 0 0 0 LLJLLJ � c c 0 0 0 0 wz M N FJ4 z W W W ! gyp, . O O M� M LUV W O •'/ ® O G¢V¢V p C n n n M o� J 0 Z RWH 1 pC�FJO� W ® O O1 GN O O t O � ON N O \p N 424 � fA r _ a Oa � Op" ago a op" t� L PC 6 'O "C 'C O QPC py W.-= PC o c� 6 PON 09 LI. 4 C7 UV' + 35'46 $ 00554430:: R05'OCTTI Conram; r.01 M.,-TING AGENDA DATE6�r ITEM # John kossetti 1065 Higucra Otrcct, ouitc 301 San Luis Obispo, CA 53401 805.544.3900 June 17, 1997 SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 RE: Budget Items-Youth Athletic Funds Dear Council Members: As you consider this item I would like to request that you consider facilities within any complex you design, for skating. By skating I am referring to skateboarding, in-line skating, and roller hockey. The existing facilities at Santa Rose Park and any planned expansion are an Improvement over what we've had in the past, but they Are somewhat of a short term solution. In the long term they will be outgrown. I realize this is somewhat premature, but I felt It was a good time to bring It up. Thanks for taking the time to listen. Sincerely, 6 b-A_ John Rossetti �AOCOUNCIL O:ER �AO OIEF ORNEY l CLERYJORIa CHF pUOUT ®' R p IR A Er IG 1?-q AGENDA DATE I _coo. �ITEM # June 13, 1997 R UNCIL � D DIR Councilman Bill Roalman 0 DIR City Hall AO FIRE CHIEF 990 Palm Street iORN'cY O DIR San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 CLERKMAIG LICE CHF O MGMT TEAM C REC DIR O 13 UTIL DIR D PERS DIR Dear Bill: On May 16 of this year, in the very early hours of the morning, I suffered a severe angina attack. My wife, Nancy, called 911 and within minutes the team from Fire Station 2 was on the spot. In less than 40 minutes from the beginning of the attack I was stabilizxed and in the emergency room of French Hospital. On monday May 19 I underwent triple bypass surgery. Today I am up and about in really very good health. I am indebted to Chief Zimmerman, all of the emergency team members, and the 911 system of this city. I cannot fully express the superb professionalism and care I received from each person involved. I know that this kind of assistance is not without a hefty budgetary cost. I do, however, want you to know that the system works, it is worth the costs, and I want you and each councilperson to know just how well spent the tax dollars are. I shall be fully supportive of any and all tax dollars earmarked for these services. After all, I owe my life to them. Sincerel (Rev. ) Tom Norwood co-director, The People' s Kitchen Minister, Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of San Luis Obispo County DECEIVED JU14 1 o 1997 SLO CITY COUNCIL TE�bGAGENDA � r l ITEM # June 17, 1997 MEMORANDUM FfLERKIORIG D DIR DIR TO: Council Colleagues E CHIEF WEL IR FROM: David F. Romero fl . D RCE CHF DIR SUBJECT: Proposed 1997-99 Budget DIR In the interest of moving positively to address my concerns regarding lack of funds budgeted for street maintenance and traffic congestion relief, I suggest the Council consider the following sources: a) Neighborhood Tr c Management Mg. 93 -Appendix B) Staff has been directed to prepare guidelines for presentation to the City Council. After those are prepared and adopted we may(or may not)have requests for projects. I believe with such lack of clear demand, we could reduce this fund to $10,000/year over the four years. Savings $100,000 b) Garden Street, Morro Street, Broad Street Renovation T . 123 -Appendix B) These projects will be time consuming for staff, complicated, and controversial. I don't believe it is possible to develop all three in the 1999-2000 year. I propose we leave Garden Street in 1999- 2000, move Morro to 2000-01, and shift Broad Street out of the four year CIP cycle. Savings $500,000 c) Enhanced Advertising for Neighborhood Services During our June 30 meeting the Council added $30,000 to the original staff recommendation for a neighborhood advertising program, though the City has not received a request for such a program, nor do we have a clear idea of how the funds will.be used: I believe it would be more prudent to wait until we have a request from a significant segment of the community, and budget funds at that time in direct response to the need. Savings$30,000 d) Open Space Projection Fund(Pg. 18-Appendix B) The original draft of the budget contained $100,000/year for open space acquisition, however, this figure was increased to $200,000/year during budget deliberations. The City is never going to have enough funds to acquire the 30,000 acres of open space shown for greenbelt, but must rely primarily on grants and development agreements over a very long period of time. Meanwhile, we must adequately maintain existing facilities such as streets which affect all of our lives on a daily basis. Considering the current condition of our streets, I believe our priority must first be to bring them up to a reasonable standard. Some needed funds could be freed up by returning to the original staff recommendations. Four Year Savings $400,000 e) Sales Tax Projection (See graph from Q&of SLO Sales Tax Newsletter) On June 5, 1997 the Council received information from our Finance Director indicating a 13 quarter sales tax trend of+15.6%. This works out at 4.8%/yr. UCSB has recently projected sales tax in SLO County to increase 4.9% in 1997-98 and 5.2% in 1998-99. Our Finance Director, being very cautious, has projected City sales tax increases of 3 '/2% in 1997-98 and 4% in 1998- 99. I submit that we would be taking an insignificant risk if we projected sales tax at 4 '/2 % in 1997-98 and 5% in 1998-99, thus projecting increased revenues of around $65,000/year. 4th Qtr Ist Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr 1 st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr '93 '94 '94 '94 '94 '95 195 '95 '95 '96 '96 '96 '96 1.645.00( 1.410.00( City 13 Quarter Trend= +15.6% 1.175.00i 9s 705.000 470,000 235.000 0 Four Year Increase$260,000 Total Funds (Four Years) - $1,290,000 I believe all of the funds indicated could be assigned to street maintenance and congestion relief without sacrificing any program or taking undue financial risk. The additional $320,000+/year expenditure would go a long way toward catching up on our backlog. I believe this is the one best thing we can do to enhance the"Quality of Life" for all our citizens. DFR:ss ING �- 97AGENDA DATElk / L - 97ITEM # COUNCILDIR r IN DIR A¢AO ❑ FIjFrCHIEF T-NK DPW DIR ERKIORIG O POLICE CHF 0 MGMT TEAM O REC DIR O G UTIL DIR O O PERS DIR !o/iS/cr7 ,ea, ca/.�- . DECEIVED JUN 1 6 1991 SLO CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA _ L. ,c "`� ITEM #�. Mayor and City Council Members, Being a 49 year resident of our great city, I find that one of the most disheartening conditions that exists in a profound way is the ruinous condition of our city streets. Dave Romero is a champion in his valiant effort to free up more funding for our dilapidated streets and addressing the stress on congestion, some self inflicted(ie. Higuera to South sts.). The county has seen the light on the newly paved road, will our city council. I have followed our mayor in his car from Madonna Road to Chorro then left only to observe has classic Cadillac bounce and contort like an "E" ride at Disneyland. Behind Allan at a stop light at Chorro and Higuera Sts., I had the urge to leave my car and run to his and ask him if he was proud of our • streets, as our mayor and citizen, or did he just absolutely enjoy this gyration. Leaders of our city, the time is now to take Daves' lead and advice and run with it. It is time to quit doing the feel good, looks good, PC items and and thrust ahead with with this "unique" idea. It is time to stop placating the bicycle minority. 98% of bikers are recreational. A $20 fee on all bikes sold in the county would help fund their needs, not money taken out of engineering. It is time, we will all appreciate it. Stev6 Bo 1311 Higuera St. 544-2142 13 PO DIR NOIR O JIBE CHIEF ORNEY PW DIR CLERYJORIG ❑ POUCE CHF [103 MGMT TEAM ❑ REC DIR O ❑ UTIL DIR ❑ ❑ PERS DIR RECEIVED J U N 1 6 1997 SLO CITY COUNCIL �MN IDA uATE �-17- l� TEM # __ June 13, 1997 MEMORANDUM TO: Dave Romero 99��JJ FROM: Allen Settle alCpf/dn SUBJECT: Road Maintenance With regard to your memorandum on road improvements, may I suggest that you talk with Bill Statler about alternate or additional sources of revenue that could be used for roads, allowing the City to still have a balanced budget. NCIL O CpIR IN DIR jFAO� ERKIDRIG OO POLIPW ICE FDRE CHIEF CHF p� ❑ REC DIR O UTIL-'DIR% 3 O PERS;DIR