HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/04/2007, C1 - MINUTES -ETING AGENDA
DATE ' o1 ITEM # C
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2007 - 7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 990 PALM STREET
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
ROLL CALL:
Council Members
Present: Council Members Paul Brown, Andrew Carter, Allen Settle,
Vice Mayor Christine Mulholland and Mayor Dave Romero
City Staff:
Present: Ken Hampian, City Administrative Officer; Jonathan Lowell,
City Attorney; Audrey Hooper, City Clerk; Shelly Stanwyck,
Assistant City Administrative Officer; John Mandeville,
Community Development Director; Monica Irons, Human
Resources Director; John Callahan, Fire Chief; Jay Walter,
Public Works Director; Brigitte Elke, Principal Administrative
Analyst; Tim Girvin, Chief Building Official; Kim Murry,
Deputy Community Development Director— Long Range
Planning; Michael Codron, Associate Planner; Tim Bochum,
Deputy Director of Public Works; Rachael Hendricks, Human
Resources Analyst
PRESENTATIONS
Public Works Director Walter introduced Cassia Cocina, newly hired
Administrative Assistant in the Parking Division of the Public Works Department.
Mayor Romero presented a proclamation to Dian Sousa proclaiming her as San
Luis Obispo's Poet Laureate for 2008.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Sifu Kelvin Harrison, San Luis Obispo, spoke about his continuing concerns
regarding personal harassment.
Terry Mohan, San Luis Obispo,suggested that permitting development and taller
buildings in the downtown will not eliminate urban sprawl, expressed concern
regarding development interests in the City, and said he has posted a website for
those people interested in his water rate initiative.
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Tuesday, November 6, 2007
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Romero stated that he would abstain on item C1 since he was out of the
country and did not attend the October 2, 2007, Council meeting.
ACTION: Moved by Carter/Brown to approve the Consent Agenda as
indicated below.
C1. MINUTES OF TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2. 2007.
ACTION: Moved by Carter/Brown to waive the oral reading and approve as
amended (memo on file in City Clerk's office); motion carried 4:0:1 (Romero
abstained).
C2. UTILITY TRENCH REPAIR FALL 2007, SPECIFICATION NO. 90798.
ACTION: Moved by Carter/Brown to: 1) Approve plans and specifications
for"Utility Trench Repair Fall 2007," Specification No. 90798. 2) Authorize
staff to advertise for bids and authorize the CAO to award the contract if
the lowest responsible bid is within the Engineer's Estimate of$100,000.
3) Appropriate $100,000 from Water Fund Working Capital to the Water
Distribution System Improvements Main Account to fund estimated project
costs; motion carried 5:0.
C3. HIGUERA STREET PAVING PROJECT FROM MORRO STREET TO
_N_IPOMO STREET, SPECIFICATION NO. 90684 -WATER FUNDING
INCREASE.
ACTION: Moved by Carter/Brown to: 1) Approve a budget transfer of
$81,000 from Water Fund Working Capital to fund additional fire services
and construction related costs. 2) Authorize staff to execute two contract
change orders for additional fire services lateral installations and sewer
lateral repair work with an additional contract cost of$46,000 and $35,000
respectively; motion carried 5:0.
C4. COOPERATIVE PURCHASE OF VAC-CON HYDRO-CLEANER/
COMBINATION TRUCK FOR STORMDRAINMAINTENANCE.
ACTION: Moved by Carter/Brown to authorize the Finance Manager to
issue a purchase order to Municipal Maintenance.Equipment (M.M.E.) in
the amount of$349,162.80 for the purchase of a Vac-Con Combination
Storm Sewer Cleaner pursuant to a City and County of San Francisco
public bid; motion carred 5:0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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Tuesday, November 6, 2007
1. ADOPTION OF LATEST EDITIONS OF THE CONSTRUCTION AND
FIRE PREVENTION CODES AND CONVERSION TO THE
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE.
Chief Building Official Girvin and Fire Chief Callahan presented the agenda
report. Chief Building Official Girvin reviewed the following proposed text
revision which pertains to unreinforced masonry buildings.
Al 15.8. Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems. Buildings within the
scope of this chapter located in the commercial fire zone shown in
Figure 9—A of the California Fire Code, as amended, shall install
an automatic fire sprinkler system in conjunction with level B
strengthening deadlines in accordance with section 903.2.1 of the
California Fire Code, as amended in Municipal Code Section
19.040.090, unless a later deadline is granted by both the
Chief Building Official and the Fire Code Official,
Chief Building Official Girvin and Fire Chief Callahan responded to Council's
questions.
Mayor Romero opened the public hearing.
No comments were forthcoming. ,.
Mayor Romero closed the public hearing.
ACTION: Moved by Carter/Mulholland to waive the first reading and
introduce Ordinance No. 1510 (2007 Series) (1) repealing Chapters 15.02,
15.04, and 15.08 of the Municipal Code, and (2) adopting new Chapters
15.02, 15.04, and adopting the 2007 edition of the Califomia Building,
Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Historical Building, Existing Building,
and Fire Codes, and the 2006 edition of the International Property
Maintenance Code, with the modifications presented earlier; motion carred
5:0.
2. FORMATION OF A CITYWIDE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT.
CAO Hampian explained that because there is divided support on the.part of the
hotelier industry as to whether to form a City or Countywide Tourism Business
Improvement District (BID), staff recommends that SLO Solutions (aka Creative
Mediation) be asked to assist representatives on both sides of the issues in
gaining consensus. He suggested that, if Council concurred, testimony should
be taken to determine whether the parties are willing to participate in such a
mediation process. He further added that the City would pay for the mediation.
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City Council Meeting — Page 4
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Council concurred to hear public comments on CAO Hampian's suggestion.
Mayor Romero opened the public hearing.
John Conner, member of the Promotional Coordinating Committee, explained
that some of the concerns regarding a County Tourism BID had to do with it not
representing the City's interest and not proceeding quickly enough. He indicated,
however, a willingness to pursue mediation with the goal of developing a
proposal that is best for the local hoteliers.
Tim Billing, Embassy Suites, noted that there is no disagreement that a Tourism
BID is necessary and concurred to pursue mediation in order to come to a
general consensus.
Jesse Norris, SLO, Sands Suites, discussed his support of a City Tourism BID
and said he will not support a County Tourism BID unless Pismo Beach
participates. He asked Council to continue to support using the funds from the
current 10% Transient Occupancy Tax for advertising and tourism promotion
even if a Tourism BID is implemented.
John Solu, owner of Day's Inn in Morro Bay and Co-Chair of the County Tourism
BID, said that Morro Bay, Atascadero and the County support a Countywide
Tourism BID. He asked Council not to forget that the City's contribution would be
1/3 of the total County Tourism BID.
Myraline Morris Whitaker, representing the San Luis Obispo Visitors and
Convention Bureau (VCB), discussed the importance of the communities to come
together on this matter and do what is best for everyone.
Jamie Wallace, Courtyard by Marriott, said that the City needs to be part of a
County Tourism BID, but that she is open to CAO Hampian's suggestion to work
with SLO Solutions.
Pragna Patel, Samta Management Company (Days Inn and Donnington Place),
agreed that the SLO Solutions option should be pursued, but asked for further
clarification.
CAO Hampian clarified that the goal of mediation is to assist the local hoteliers
determine whether to form a City Tourism BID or join a Countywide Tourism BID.
However, County VCB representatives will need to be part of this process.
Kate Norton, Chair of the Promotional Coordinating Committee, supported the
recommendation for mediation services.
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Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Vice Mayor Mulholland made a motion to continue to a date indefinite the
formation of a Citywide BID and direct staff to work with SLO hoteliers and the
County BID Steering Committee to meet in mediation (with SLO Solutions) to
come to a clear decisive program that can be brought back and presented to this
Council as to the wishes of our hoteliers in conjunction with the County BID
Steering Committee.
Council Member Settle seconded the motion.
Discussion followed regarding the importance of getting consensus among the City
hoteliers and the motion was amended as indicated below.
ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Settle to continue this matter to an
indefinite date and direct staff to work with San Luis Obispo City hoteliers
and City hoteliers serving on the Countywide BID Steering Committee to
meet in mediation (using Creative Mediation) and return to Council when a
clear, decisive.proposal can be presented to Council; motion carried 5:0.
BUSINESS ITEMS
3. AMENDMENTS TO THE COMMUNITY DESIGN GUIDELINES
ADDRESSING TALL BUILDINGS IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE AREA
(DOWNTOWN CORE, TA 50-06).
Assistant Planner Codron presented the agenda report. He reviewed the CAO
recommendation and additional language clarifying the intent of"should"
statements, which should be included in Council action. He and Community
Development Director Mandeville responded to questions.
Mayor Romero opened the public hearing.
No comments were forthcoming.
Mayor Romero closed the public hearing.
Council Member Settle moved to adopt the recommendation as presented,
seconded by Mayor Romero for discussion purposes.
Council Member Carter explained why he had concerns regarding the use of the
word "should" in Design Guidelines policy 4.2.B.1.d. He also suggested changes
to the language in Figure 4.3.
Following discussion regarding Council Member Carter's suggestions, the motion
was amended to incorporate the following amendments to the CAO
recommendation:
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Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Section 1.3.6. Guidelines that contain "should" language will be followed unless
not doing so will result in better implementation of other guidelines or General
Plan policies. This sentence replaces the second sentence of the section, In
aRetheF guideline deteFMiRed by the ARG to be meFe impei:tant in the paFt;GU!a
Gase.
Section 4.2.B.1.d. The project provides upper story setbacks from the front
building facade along the street consistent with LUE Policy 4.16.4. At minimum
Portions of the building above 50 feet shall should be set back sufficiently so that
these upper building walls are generally not visible to pedestrians on the
sidewalk along the building's frontage (see Figure 4-3).
Figure 4.3, first paragraph. This figure illustrates guidelines 4.2.13.1.d. and
provides guidance on the Fninimum amount of setback Fequired suggested for
upper floor, per the following examples:
Figure 4.3, second paragraph. The table above provide examples of FegaiFed
suggested setbacks for common primary building heights. The Fe9wifed
suggested setback will be based on the actual primary and secondary heights of
the proposed building.
ACTION: Moved by Settle/Romero to, as recommended by the
Architectural Review Commission, adopt Resolution No. 9938 (2007
Series) amending the Community Design Guidelines with new guidelines
addressing tall buildings, including guidelines for architectural transitions
between proposed development and existing buildings downtown. The
motion included the modifications referenced above; motion carried 4:1
(Mulholland opposed).
Council recessed from 8:56 to 9:07 p.m. and reconvened with all members
present.
4. LOS OSOS VALLEY ROAD/US 101 INTERCHANGE PROJECT
UPDATE AND AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF TO.RELEASE A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF WORK.
Public Works Director Walter and.Deputy Director of Public Works Bochum
presented the agenda report.
Staff responded to questions regarding the alternatives proposed, as well as the
cost of the project.
Mayor Romero suggested that if Alternative 3 is pursued, consideration should
be given to slight modifications that are shown on Alternative 6 that would make
the operation more efficient. Specifically, he suggested that instead of having
City Council Meeting - Page 7
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
traffic move through the intersection at the off ramp of Highway 101 and Los
Osos Valley Road, it could begin the right tum prior to the intersection.
In response to Council Member Settle's request for clarification for the record,
Deputy Director of Public Works Bochum explained that the consultants have
determined many of the thresholds of significance used by Caltrans to do the
environmental clearances are not being exceeded that would lead to an
overriding consideration for any of the. elements studied.
Namat Hosseinion, leading Environmental Planner with Dokken Engineering
added that Caltrans is the lead agency under CEQA and under NEPA, and has
jurisdiction and all responsibility for this project. As such, no subsequent
environmental document would be required for the City to ratify or certify as part
of the project itself.
Public Comments
Darren Brown, SLO Council of Governments, said he was available to answer
questions. He noted a decrease in the STIP estimate that has been brought to
SLOCOG's attention since it's last meeting, which will result in fierce competition
for the funds.
—end of public comments—
ACTION: Moved by Settle/Mulholland to: 1) Authorize staff to amend the
existing contract with Dokken Engineering and advance funding from the
existing project budget in order to complete work on the Caltrans Project
Report and Environmental Determination (PA&ED) for the US 101 / Los
Osos Valley Road Interchange project. 2) Authorize staff to circulate a
Request for Proposals (RFP) for design and right of way services for the
project and return to Council with an award of contract: 3) Endorse an
advocacy strategy for pursuing funding through the San Luis Obispo
Council of Governments process; motion carried 5:0.
5. BENCHMARK COMPENSATION REPORT 2007.
CAO Hamaian provided some opening remarks, following which Director of
Human Resources Irons presented the agenda report. They and Human
Resources Analyst Hendricks responded to questions.
Public Comments
Julie Aguilar, Chamber of Commerce, commented in support of the process.
—end of public comments—
City Council Meeting-- ' Page 8
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Council Members commended staff for the process undertaken to develop the
study. Council Member Carter added that he was disappointed that private
sector benefit information was not available.
ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Settle to receive and accept the
Benchmark Compensation Report 2007, and direct staff to return to
Council in January 2008, with recommendations for implementation after
further analysis and appropriate consultation with employee groups;
motion carred 5:0.
6. COUNCIL MEETING CALENDAR FOR THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER
2007 THROUGH JANUARY 2008.
City Clerk Hooper presented the agenda report.
Public Comments
None.
—end of public comments—
ACTION: Moved by Settle/Mulholland to: 1) Proceed with a meeting on
November 20th. 2) Proceed with meetings on the first and third Tuesday
of December. 3) Reschedule the meetings in January to the second and
fourth Tuesday; motion carried 5:0.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS
Council Member Mulholland reported on her attendance, in her role as Vice Chair
on the Air Pollution Control District; with the Director at the South Central Coast
Basin-wide Air Pollution Control Council meeting on October 17th. She also
reported on her attendance at the October 18th Student Community Liaison
Community Meeting. She said the next meeting will be a field trip to the new Poly
Canyon on November 15th. She also attended the October 24th Integrated Waste
Management Executive meeting and the October 31St regular meeting of the
Integrated Waste Management Authority.
Council Member Settle referenced actions taken by the Airport Land Use
Commission at its recent meeting, none of which directly pertained to the City.
Mayor Romero reported on his attendance at a Mayors meeting on November 2"d
COMMUNICATIONS
None..
City Council Meetin Page 9
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Romero
adjourned the meeting at 10:45 p.m.
Audrey Hooper
City Clerk
APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 12/4/07
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