HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/05/2005, BUS 5 - APPROVAL OF A CONCEPT PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CITY'S ENTRY AREA NEAR THE WATER RECLAMATION FAC council
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CITY O F SAN LUIS O B I S P O
FROM: Wendy George, Assistant City Administrative Officer
Prepared By: Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF A CONCEPT PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE
CITY'S ENTRY AREA NEAR THE WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY,
INCLUDING ALIGNMENT OF A SECTION OF THE BOB JONES CITY TO
SEA BIKEWAY
CAO RECOMMENDATION
As recommended by the Architectural Review Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission
and Promotional Coordinating Committee, approve a concept plan for improvements to the
City's entry area near the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), including alignment of the
incorporated segment of the Bob Jones City to Sea Bikeway.
DISCUSSION
Last summer, concerns were raised by a community member, Cliff Branch, about the unattractive
appearance of the southern entry to the City, along Highway 101 near the WRF. Mr. Branch
volunteered to help raise funds to improve the area, if such improvements could be achieved in a
practical, timely way. In response, using existing financial resources, staff worked with a local
landscape architect to prepare a "concept plan" for the area. The plan is organized around the
Bob Jones City to Sea Bikeway, which will cross the site.
The completed plan was reviewed by an ad-hoc committee of staff, representatives of appropriate
Council advisory bodies and Mr. Branch. At the meeting, the following eight action goals were
agreed upon by the committee:
1. Naming of the site to fit the idea and activities;
2. Enhancing the San Luis Obispo entry sign;
3. Some reshaping of mounds to enhance appearance and preserve view corridors;
4. Completion of the Bikeway through the area as soon as practical;
5. Ancillary short walks to provide interpretive opportunities;
6. Themed landscaping utilizing primarily local native plant species;
7. Appropriate fencing to set off sensitive areas and for safety; and
8. Considering possible future trail connection to the east side of San Luis Obispo Creek
Following its completion, the concept plan was presented to the Parks and Recreation
Commission, Promotional Coordinating Committee, and the Architectural Review Committee.
All have recommended that the City Council approve the plan and proceed with its
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Council Agenda Report—Entry way improvements near the WRF
Page 2
implementation. However, the Architectural Review Commission recommended making two
additional action goals:
1. Incorporate landscape screening on the south side of the existing buildings at the lower or
downstream end of the fields. The Commission stated that the buildings could be
ultimately removed if they are found to be of limited utility to the City.
2. Provide for further separation of the bike path along the Highway 101 corridor by the
provision of additional landscaping, either by shifting the path's location to the east or
using right-of-way area for landscaping with the permission of Caltrans.
The attached concept plan presents a phased approach to site enhancement, allowing for the
proposed bicycle path to proceed as soon as possible (staff anticipates early- to mid-2006), with
other features of the plan designed to be installed independently as grant funding or other
resources are available (e.g., community service projects or offsite environmental mitigations)..
Work on the Water Reuse Project at the WRF has set certain parameters for the Bikeway project,
since many things must await its completion and the reconnection of various irrigation lines that
will supply water to the planned landscaping fronting the highway.
Mr. Branch has already indicated a strong interest in personally improving the area around the
City's entry sign, including raising the sign itself. Improvements to the former oxidation ponds
and creation of new adjacent wetlands will enhance the area as waterfowl habitat, and could be
funded as mitigations for either private or public projects in the City. A viewing and
interpretative area for the ponds would make an excellent service club project. Certain ancillary
features, such as split rail fencing and certain landscaping improvements have already been
installed where they do not conflict with future construction working area needs.
Staff believes that the proposed concept plan creates a functional and attractive area that serves
as a community asset, and that can continue to be enhanced as time goes on. Once it is approved,
staff will aggressively pursue grant and mitigation opportunities, and "advertise" phases of the
improvements as voluntary community service projects. We will return to the Council in the
future regarding naming opportunities, should they arise.
FISCAL EFFECT
The City currently has a grant of$200,000 toward this project, some of which has been used on
ancillary improvements such as landscaping and creekside fencing in anticipation of construction
and to take advantage of a significant offer of volunteer labor from the California Conservation
Corps. Staff is now undertaking certain required environmental studies necessary to secure a
$500,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration. These funds will be used for
construction of the bikeway itself in this area, which as stated above is now expected to occur
next year. The project will entail some increased costs of maintenance and patrol on the part of
City Parks Maintenance staff, the Park Rangers, and Natural Resources staff. The time and
funding amounts are uncertain, but are not expected to be significant.
Council Agenda Report—Entry way improvements near the WRF
Page 3
ALTERNATIVE
Reject the concept plan. This is not recommended as the plan represents earlier stated wishes of
the Council in response to a citizen's complaint, and includes the input of a large number of
advisory body members.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Concept plan
2. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
3. Architectural Review Commission Minutes
4. Promotional Coordinating Committee Minutes
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Parks and Recreation Commission
MINUTES
City Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street
Wednesday, April 6, 2005 7:00 p.m._
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Peter Dunan called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m..
ROLL CALL: Chair Pete Dunan, Commissioners: Gary Clay, Bill Pyper, Don Dollar, Ty
Griffin,Jill Lemieux and John Knight.
ABSENT:. None.
STAFF: Director Paul LeSage,Todd Beights,Robin Perrin and Ashley Blake.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the February 2, 2005 meetings were approved as sub ed.
1. Volunteer of the Month
Chair Dunan presented Robin Covey as the Volunteer of the Mo h.
2. Oath of Office
Audrey Hooper, City Clerk, swore in Bill Pyper to the C ssion.
3. Therapy Pool
Robin Perrin, Aquatic Recreation Supervisor,p ented this staff report.
Commission discussed the item.
Recommendation:
Endorse the design concept of the herapy Pool and the SLO Swim Center and forward to the City
Council for approval.
(Pyper/Clay).
4. San Luis Obispo oad Museum Presentation
Brad LaRose, Pre ' ent of the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, informed the Commission on the
Freight House storation project and the progress of the Railroad Museum.
Commissi discussed having future Railroad items come back as an action item before going to
Counci .
( fm Lemieux) Pyper abstained from discussion and vote due to being on the Board of Directors.
5. Bob Jones Bikeway and Environs at the Wastewater Reclamation Facility
Paul L.eSage presented this staff report.
Commission discussed the item.
Recommendation:
Recommend to the City Council that the Concept Plan for the Bob Jones Bikeway and Environs at
the Wastewater Reclamation Facility be approved, including:
C.'IOOCUME-115;bLWr140C44 S Il rempl04.06.05 minut dx
Parks and Recreation Commission p
Minutes for April 6, 2005 ATTN Eff ry 6
Page 2
1. Naming of the site to fit the idea and activities;
2. Enhancing the San Luis Obispo entry sign;
3. Some reshaping of the mounds to enhance appearance and preserve view corridors;
4. Completion of the Bikeway through the area as soon as practical;
5. Ancillary short walks to provide interpretive opportunities;
6. Themed landscaping utilizing primarily local native plant species;
7. Appropriate fencing to set off sensitive areas and for safety; and
8. Considering possible future trail connection to the east side of San Luis Obispo Creek
(Knight/Pyper) Clay abstained.
6. Directors Report
LeSage riefed the Commission on the following projects:
■ Reorganization Chart
Parkimprovement Projects
Commission di ussed items.
7. Staff Report
Todd Beights update the Commission on Park Maintenance projects and issues.
8. Committee Repo
Commissioners gave repo on Committees they attended.
• Tree Committ — Dollar ■ Joint Use Committee—Knight
r Mayors Youth k Force— ® Jack House Committee—Pyper
Open Space—Dol and Clay ® Golf-
■ Therapy Pool— ■ Landscape Parkways- Griffin,Dollar
and Clay
9. Communications
Pyper discussed position on the art jury for blic art at the Damon-Garcia Sports Fields. The jury
narrowed artwork down to the top four and will ick on April 20 the work which will be forwarded on
to the ARC.
Dollar stated how the Commissioner's Training Wo r hop was very beneficial, especially the panel
discussion.
10. Election
Pete Dunanwas reelected as the Commission's Chair.
(Knight/Pyper)
Bill Pyper was reelected as the Commission's Vice-Chair.
(Lemieux/Griffin).
11. Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at 8:44 pm to the May 4, 2005 meeting.
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ATTACHMOff 3
DRAFT j
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES
June 6, 2005
ROLL CALL:
Present: Commrs. Allen Root, Jim Lopes, David Smith, Greg Wilhelm, Charles
Stevenson, Vice-Chair Michael Boudreau, and Chairman Zeljka Howard
Absent: None
Staff: Senior Planner Pam Ricci, Associate Planner Tyler Corey, Natural
Resources Manager Neil Havlik, and Recording Secretary Kim Main
ACEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:.
The agenda was accepted as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
There were no comments made from the public.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Sewer Plant. ARC 84-05; Review of a concept plan for landscaping and access
improvements to the City's Reclamation Facility; C/OS-20 zone; City of San Luis
Obispo, applicant. (Neil Havlik)
Natural Resource Manager Neil Havlik presented the staff report recommending the
Commission review the Concept Plan and recommend approval to the City Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There were no comments made from the public.
COMMISSION COMMENTS:
On motion by Commr. Stevenson to recommend approval of the concept plan to the
City Council with the following suggestions: 1) Incorporate landscape screening on the
south side of the existing buildings. The Commission stated that the buildings could.be
ultimately removed if they are found to be of limited utility to the City, and 2) Provide for
further separation of the bike path along the Highway 101 corridor by the provision- of
additional landscaping, either by shifting the pat h's_location to the east.or using right-of-
way area for landscaping with .the permission of- -Caltrans. Seconded- .by Commr:.
Boudreau. - _
S- r1
Draft ARC Minutes MACHOI 3
June 6,.2005
Page 2
AYES: Commrs. Root, Lopes, Smith, Wilhelm, Stevenson, Boudreau and Howard
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion carried on a 7:0 vote.
2. 1231 Laurel Lane. ARC 180-04; Review of a 7-unit multi-family residential
development project; R-4 zone; Paul Nagy, applicant. (Tyler Corey)
Associate Planner Tyler Corey presented the staff report recommending denial of the
project, based on findings which he outlined.
Tim Woodle, applicant's representative, expressed concerns with the City's agenda
report's focus on the General Plan policy issue regarding the site plan including
detached building, based on the ARC's support for the plan given on March 14, 2005.
He read into the record excerpts from Commission comments made at that meeting
which supported his position. He noted that there is a significant liability issue with
attached condominiums and that the situation has not appreciably improved. He
pointed out that the project, as designed, meets the private open space requirements
outlined in the Condominium Regulations. He concluded by noting that the plans had
been updated to address the ARC's previous direction.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There were no comments made from the public.
COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Commr Stevenson commented that smaller units in attached buildings would be more
consistent with the site's R-4 zoning and relevant General Plan policies.
Commr. Howard suggested that the ARC make a finding that the project is consistent
with the General Plan, given the Commission's prior direction at the last meeting. She
expressed support for higher density housing in this community.
Commr. Wilhelm felt the Commission made a decision to approve the project with
direction on desired changes to the plans at the March 14th meeting.
Commr Boudreau asked for clarification of attached and unattached structures.
Commr. Lopes would like to see the maximum number of units provided that the R-4
density allows.
Commr. Root felt that the site plan with detached units could be found consistent with
the General Plan, given the "should" language in LUE Policy 2.4.8.
Promotional Coordinating Committee ATTACHMEIVI 4
Draft
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
5:30 p.m.
City Hall
Council Hearing Room
990 Palm Street
CALL TO ORDER: Chair, Debby Nicklas 5:33 p.m.
PRESENT: Griffin, Justice, Newland, Nicklas, Norton, Rosene
Hunt Roberts (5:45 p.m.)
STAFF PRESENT: Shelly Stanwyck, Economic Development Manager
PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
ACTION: Moved by Rosene/Griffin to accept the Consent Agenda; Motion carried 6:0
COMMITTEE & BUDGET ITEMS
Item 1. REVIEW WASTEWATER RECLAMATION FACILITY (WRF) BEAUTIFICATION
PLAN (Stanwyck)
Dr. Neil Havlik provided an overview presentation of this project. The cost for a bike trail
through the WRF would be $700,000. In response to a citizen complaint about the WRF a
draft beautification plan that recommends sign repositioning and landscape enhancements,
has been created. The plan provides opportunities for private participation. The plan
recommends creating a more natural shaped pond with a wildlife island funded by mitigation
money. There has been some discussion to include a bird observation area, and to use plants
large enough to withstand the wind and the poor soil conditions.
The plan has already been approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission, it will be
presented to the Architectural Review Commission next and finally to City Council for approval
and funding.
ACTION: Griffin/Newland to approve plan as presented; Motion carried 7-0.
PCC MeetinngMinutes
May 11,2005
Page 1