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minutes
city of san LUGS oBispo
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Closed Session - 4:00 P.M.
Special Meeting - 5:00 P.M.
Council Chamber, 990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, California
CALL TO ORDER
A Special Meeting of the San Luis Obispo City Council was called to order on Tuesday,
January 28, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Council Hearing Room, located at 990 Palm
Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Mayor Marx.
ROLL CALL
Council Members
Present: Council Members John Ashbaugh, Dan Carpenter, Kathy Smith, Vice
Mayor Carlyn Christianson, and Mayor Jan Marx
Council Member
Absent: None
City Staff
Present: Katie Lichtig, City Manager, Christine Dietrick, City Attorney, Michael
Codron, Assistant City Manager, and Anthony Mejia, City Clerk, were
present at Roll Call. Other staff members presented reports or responded
to questions as indicated in the minutes.
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Dietrick requested a Closed Session to discuss the item listed on the Closed
Session agenda.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — Anticipated Litigation, Pursuant to
Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(2) and 54956.9(e)(5)
The letter reflecting a statement threatening litigation is available for review at the
Office of the City Clerk, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM
City Attorney Dietrick called for public comment. There was no one present desiring to
speak and the Council recessed to the Closed Session.
City Council Meeting Minutes — January 28, 2014
Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo City Council was called to order on Tuesday, t
January 7, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, located at 990 Palm Street,
San Luis Obispo, California, -by Mayor Marx.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Ashbaugh led the Pledge of Allegiance.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Dietrick advised that Council took no reportable action.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
PH1. DRAFT CIRCULATION ELEMENT POLICY REVIEW (GPI /ER 15 -12)
Airport Area Land Use Chapter
Community Development Director Johnson and Deputy Community Development
Director Murry narrated a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Land Use Element
Legislative Draft" focusing on the Airport Area Land Use Chapter.
In response to Council inquiries, Nick Johnson, of Johnson Aviation, advised that
the Airport Master Plan is the basis for the land use planning around the airport
area; pointed out that plan would not constrain future development of the airport;
explained that the plan uses a fact -based approach with consideration to the
existing Airport Master Plan, best land use planning practices, and improved
technologies, such as GIS mapping and noise projections.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER SMITH, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR
CHRISTIANSON, CARRIED 5 -0, to adopt a Resolution entitled "A Resolution of
the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, endorsing Chapter 7
(Airport) of the draft Land Use Element to be considered through the EIR
Process (GPI 15 -12)" as modified by Council.
Circulation Element
Community Development Director Johnson, Principal Transportation Planner
Mandeville, Traffic Operations Manager Hudson, and Jim Damkowitch, of
Kittelson and Associates, narrated a PowerPoint presentation entitled '
"Circulation Element Legislative Draft" and responded to Council inquires.
City Council Meeting Minutes — January 28, 2014
Page 3
Lea Brooks, San Luis Obispo, urge Council support for the LUCE Task Force
and Planning Commission recommendation; opined that the Circulation Element
' will enhance pedestrian and bicycle circulation.
Myron Amerine, San Luis Obispo, voiced support for the Circulation Element,
noting the positive goal of 20% mode share for bicycles; urged Council to
address excess vehicular speeds, suggesting speeds should not exceed 40 mph.
Anne Wyatt, San Luis Obispo, voiced support for the LUCE Task Force and
Planning Commission recommendations related to multi -modal road sharing.
Ken Kienow, San Luis Obispo, commended the City for prioritizing non - motorized
transportation; urged Council to prioritize funding for bicycle infrastructure
improvements.
Grace Morgan, San Luis Obispo, expressed gratitude to the LUCE Task Force,
Planning Commission, and staff and urged Council support for the Circulation
Element.
Eric Meyer, San Luis Obispo, reported on the condition of Brian Lawler who was
involved in an accident while bicycling on California Boulevard and Taft Street;
representing the LUCE Task Force, cautioned Council from eliminating portions
of the Circulation Element, noting that each section interplays with each other.
Dan Rivoire, Executive Director of the San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition,
urged Council support for the LUCE Task Force and Planning Commission
recommended Circulation Element.
Eugene Jud, San Luis Obispo, stressed the importance of identifying assumptions
utilized in the traffic models; recommended the use of traffic simulations to test
various traffic scenarios; recommended that the Circulation Element include
reference to the Urban Street Design Guide. .
Ermina Karim, representing the Chamber of Commerce, opined that the City is
not adequately addressing workforce housing needs; urged that the EIR address
additional housing capacity and building height.
Stacey White, representing the Chamber of Commerce LUCE Task Force,
requested that the Council identify specific height and unit thresholds for key
study areas; addressed the importance of achieving a jobs /housing balance.
James Lopes, San Luis Obispo, summarized the recommendations which he
outlined in his correspondence, dated January 21, 2014, which is on file with the
City Clerk.
City Council Meeting Minutes — January 28, 2014
Page 4
Aaryn Abbott, San Luis Obispo, advised that the Economic Vitality Corporation
will undertake a study on workforce housing; spoke on the importance of
ensuring that the Land Use and Circulation Elements plan for enough housing
supply to meet market demands.
Mila Vuiovich -La Barre, San Luis Obispo, conveyed support for prioritizing the
construction of Class 1 bike paths; encouraged Council to require all pedestrians
and bicyclist to be visible after dusk; urged for a comprehensive EIR for Prado
Road between Madonna and Broad.
RECESS
Council recessed at 6:40 p.m. and reconvened at 7:00 p.m., with all Council Members
present.
Chapter 1— Circulation Element
In response to Council inquiries, staff explained the data collecting process for
determining the modal split objectives, noting that the City last conducted its own
transportation survey in 2008; advised that traffic models do not consider socio-
economic demographics in determining traffic mode preferences.
Council discussion ensued relative to: 1) whether the modal split objective for
transit should be increased; and 2) whether demographic changes over the next I
20 years would support a need for transit types of transportation.
By Council majority, (with Council Member Carpenter and Vice Mayor
Christianson opposed) it was agreed that modal split objectives be modified to
reflect 12% for transit.
Chapter 7 — Traffic Management
In response to Council concern, staff explained that the proposed verbiage for
transportation funding would not limit the City's ability to accept state or regional
funding nor impact the Council's ability to prioritize funding as necessary.
Following discussion it was agreed by Council that no verbiage changes are
necessary.
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City Council Meeting Minutes — January 28, 2014
Page 5
Chapter 16 — Circulation Element Implementation, Program Funding and
Management
t By unanimous consent; Council:
1. Modified the term "fair share" to "proportionate share" throughout the
Circulation Element.
2. Modified .Policy 16.0.4 to read as follows: "Funding for stFeet PFejests -and
parking structures shall not compromise the City's ability to fund its alternative
mode programs or projects."
3. Added a new policy to read as follows: "The City shall encourage SLOCOG
(San Luis Obispo Council of Governments) to consider initiating a county
wide revenue measure devoted to local transportation funding on the basis of
population, so that San Luis Obispo County becomes a 'self help' county."
Chapter 2 — Traffic Reduction
By unanimous consent, Council accepted Chapter 2, Traffic Reduction, as
presented.
Chapter 3 — Transit Service
' By unanimous consent, Council:
1. Modified Program 3.1.2, Bulk Rate Transit Passes, to read as follows: "The
City shall make available bulk rate transit passes to all groups."
2. Modified the title of 3.1.7, Genselidated Regional Transit Center, and the
program description to read as follows: "The City shall work with other
agencies to develop a senselidated regional transit center downtown."
3. Eliminate Program 3.1.8, Shuttle Service.
4. Directed staff to consolidate Program 3.1.3, Downtown Trolley, with 3.1.1.
Transit Plans, and that the Downtown Trolley should be a private /public
partnership.
Council discussed including as a new program to Transit Services that would
direct the City to consider a pilot program that welcomes riders with pets. It was
agreed that such a program would be considered as part of short range transit
plan.
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City Council Meeting Minutes — January 28, 2014 Page 6
Chapter 4 — BicVcle Transportation
By unanimous consent, Council modified:
1. Program 4.0.3, Continuous Network, to read as follows: "The City shall
collaborate with SLO County to coordinate planning and development of
County bikeways to support a regional bike network and identify and acquire
additional rights of ways in the city as they become available."
2. The title of 4.0.2 to read as follows: "Campus and School Site Bicycle Trips."
3. Policy 4.0.7, Education and Safety, to read as follows: "The City shall support
education and safety programs aimed at youth, adult, all cyclist and motorist.
4. The new program related to bicycle licensing to read as follows: "The City
should consider expanding its bicycle licensing program to address bicycle
safety, loss and theft problems."
Chapter 5 - Wa/kinp
By unanimous consent, Council modified Program 5.1.2, Pedestrian Network, to
read as follows: "For areas outside of the Downtown, the City shall implement its
program for the installation of a continuous and connected pedestrian network
prioritizing areas with the heaviest pedestrian traffic.
Chapter 6 — Multi -Modal Circulation
In response to Council inquiry, Community. Development Deputy Director Murry
explained that the EIR process will consider building height on a programmatic
approach but will not provide project specific building height information.
By unanimous consent, Council modified Policy 6.0.A, Complete Streets, to read
as follows: "The City shall design and operate city streets to enable safe,
comfortable, and convenient access and travel for all users of the transportation
system including pedestrians, bicyclist, transit users, and motorist of all ages and
abilities.
Chapter 7— Traffic Management
By unanimous consent, Council accepted Chapter 7, Traffic Management, as
presented.
Council Member Ashbaugh noted for the record that reference to the City's
Pavement Management System should be included in the Traffic Management
Chapter.
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City Council Meeting Minutes — January 28, 2014
Chapter 8 — Neighborhood Traffic Management
Page 7
' Following discussion and by unanimous consent, Council:
1. Directed staff to develop a new policy to discourage regional cut - through
traffic on residential arterial streets.
2. Modified Policy 8.0.7 to read as follows: "The City shall not approve
development that impacts the quality of life and livability of residential
neighborhoods by generating traffic conditions that significantly exceed the
thresholds established in Figure #X, except as provided by CEQA. The City
shall also not approve development which feF significantly worsens
already deficient residential neighborhood traffic conditions as established in
Figure #X. New development shall incorporate traffic calming features to
minimize speeding and cut - through traffic," and directed staff to return to
Council to define "thresholds of significance."
3. Modified Program 8.1.3, Quality of Life, to read as follows: "The City shall
analyze residential streets for their livability with regards to multi -modal traffic
noise, volumes and speed. Traffic calming or other intervening measures
may be necessary to maintain the resident's quality of life."
RECESS
' Council recessed at 9:36 p.m. and reconvened at 9:50 p.m., with all Council Members
present.
Chapter 9 — Street Network Chanoes
Following discussion and by unanimous consent, Council modified:
Program 9.1.2, Prado Road Improvements, to read as follows: "The sponsors
of the development projects that contribute to the need for the Prado Road
interchange or overpass (project C.1) will be required to prepare or fund the
preparation of a Project Study Report for the interchange or overpass project.
The Project Study Report shall meet the requirements of the California
Department of Transportation."
2. The title of Program 9.1.5, San Luis Ranch (formerly Dalidio)
Development, and the program description to
read as follows: "As part of any proposal to further develop the San Luis
Ranch (former Dalidio) Dalidie MadORna IVIGBFide Area, the alignment and
design of extensions of Froom Ranch Way and Calle Joaquin' connecting with
Prado Road (west of Route 101) shall be evaluated and established, if
consistent with the Calle Joaquin Agriculture /Open Space Master Plan and
' approved specific plan."
City Council Meeting Minutes — January 28, 2014
Page 8
3. Program 9.1.6(G) to read as follows: "Encourage and where possible,
required undergrounding of overhead utility lines and structures."
Chapter 10 — Truck Transportation
By unanimous consent, Council accepted Chapter 10, Truck Transportation, as
presented.
Chapter 11— Air Transportation
By unanimous consent, Council accepted Chapter 11, Air Transportation, as
presented.
Chapter 12 — Rail Transportation
Council requested that staff determine whether the City can impose regulations
on idling train engines.
By unanimous consent, Council modified:
1. The introduction section to read as follows: "The Union Pacific owns and
maintains a— railroad tracks that primarily moves freight trains through the
county. AMTRAK uses the Union Pacific line to provide passenger service to
San Luis Obispo with connections to the San Francisco and Los Angeles
metropolitan areas, and other coastal cities."
2. Policy 12.0.1, Rail Service, to read as follows: "The City shall support the
increased availability of passenger rail service for travel within the county,
state and among states."
3. The title of Policy 12.0.2, Regional, State and Federal Programs, and the
policy description to read as follows: "The City shall support regional, state
and federal programs for the expansion of passenger rail service to San Luis
Obispo.
4. The title of Policy 12.0.3, Train Station and Transit Service Connections, and
the policy description to read as follows: "The City will work with the train
station management to upgrade the facility and visitor services and shall
provide transit service to and from the train station in accordance to the short
range transit plan."
5. The title of Policy 12.0.4, Intra- and Inter -city Transportation Needs, and the
policy description to read as follows: "The City supports using the railroad
right -of -way to help meet multi -modal intra- and inter -city transportation
needs."
City Council Meeting Minutes — January 28, 2014
Page 9
6. Program 12.1.1, Daily Train Connections, to read as follows: `The City
supports maintaining and increasing daily train service connecting San Luis
' Obispo with points north and south, with departure and arrivals in the
morning, mid - afternoon, and evening."
Chapter 13 — Parkina Management
By unanimous consent, Council accepted Chapter 13, Parking Management, as
presented.
Chapter 14 — Neighborhood Parking Management
Following discussion and by unanimous consent, Council modified new policy
"Neighborhood Protections" to read as follows: "Neigh!98Fheeds shall be
pretested The City shall develop strategies to protect residential neighborhoods
from spill -over parking from adjacent high density intensity uses."
It was noted that the Parking District Formation Guidelines should explore
methods for reducing the impacts of spill -over parking caused by the creation of
parking districts.
Chapter 15 — Scenic Roadways
Mayor Marx distributed to Council a memo entitled "Wheeling Water Outside Our
City Limits: Circulation Issues." A hard copy of the memo, dated January 28,
2014, is on file with the City Clerk.
Council discussion ensued relative to whether providing water service (potable or
recycled water) outside of the city limits would facilitate urban sprawl, encourage
development outside of the Urban Reserve Line (URL), and /or have impacts on
the circulation and traffic.
Mayor Marx expressed disappointment that the Land Use Task Force and
Planning Commission did not discuss the potential impacts of "water wheeling" in
relation to the Land Use or Circulation Elements and that this issue was not given
adequate analysis prior to inclusion into the subject documents.
Community Development Director Johnson advised that the EIR will evaluate
whether the policy change may facilitate subdivision or new development that
would otherwise not be permitted in the areas outside the city limits.
Endorsing Resolution
It was noted that Council supports staffs recommended revisions as outlined in
the Council memorandum, dated January 28, 2014, unless otherwise modified.
City Council Meeting Minutes — January 28, 2014
Page 10
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER SMITH, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR
CHRISTIANSON, CARRIED 5 -0, to adopt a Resolution entitled "A Resolution of
the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, endorsing the draft
Circulation Element to be considered through the Environmental. Impact Report
(EIR) process (GPI 15 -12)" as amended.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
In response to Council inquiry, Community Development Director Johnson advised that
staff will provide an update to Council as soon as Cal Poly releases its revised draft EIR
on the student housing project.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 10:50 p.m., to a Regular Meeting to be held on Tuesday,
February 4, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis
Obispo, California.
Anthony J. ejia
City Clerk
APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 03/04/14
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