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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/20/1999MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TUESDAY, JULY 20, 1999 - 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER, 990 PALM STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA ROLL CALL: Council Members Present: Council Members John Ewan, Jan Howell Marx, Ken Schwartz, Vice Mayor Dave Romero, and Mayor Allen K. Settle City Staff: Present: John Dunn, City Administrative Officer; Jeff Jorgensen, City Attorney; Lee Price, City Clerk; Ken Hampian, Assistant City Administrative Officer; Arnold Jonas, Community Development Director; Bill Statler, Finance Director; Ann Slate, Human Resources Director; Jim Gardiner, Police Chief; Bob Neumann, Fire Chief; John Moss, Utilities Director; Mike McCluskey, Public Works Director; Paul LeSage, Parks and Recreation Director; Wendy George, Assistant to the CAO; Jeff Hook, Associate Planner; Pam Ricci, Associate Planner; Terry Sanville, Transportation Planner; Reinie Jones, Engineering Assistant; Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager PRESENTATIONS AWARD TO CITY FROM TRI- COUNTY REGIONAL TEAM, TOBACCO EDUCATION AND PREVENTION. Janet Benner introduced Cynthia Maez who provided background on the project. Tom Jones congratulated the City on nine smoke -free years. Jason Takagi presented the award and balloons to the Council. PRESENTATION BY SAN LUIS OBISPO RAILROAD MUSEUM OF A PROPOSAL FOR RESTORATION AND OPERATION OF THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD FREIGHT HOUSE. Andrew Merriam introduced members of the Committee and provided the presentation. He stated that the next step would be to form a partnership with the City. At the suggestion of City Administrator Dunn, the Council referred the proposal to staff for analysis and gave direction to return to Council for consideration and endorsement at a later date. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT CONFERENCE REGARDING REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.8 Property: 1095 Marsh Street Negotiating Parties: City of San Luis Obispo: Neil Havlik 1 1 1 City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 20, 1999 - 7:00 p.m. Property Owner Representatives: Christopher Gunther Negotiation: Whether to Negotiate /Acquire City Attorney Jorgensen reported that the Councit authorized further negotiations. CONFERENCE REGARDING REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.8 Property: Guidetti Property, Jesperson Road Negotiating Parties: City of San Luis Obispo: Neil Havlik Property Owner Representative: John Guidetti Negotiation: Whether to Negotiate/Acquire City Attorney Jorgensen reported that the Council authorized further negotiations. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA Page 2 ACTION: Moved by Romero /Marx to approve the consent agenda as recommended by the City Administrative Officer, with the exception of C3, C9, C10 and C11; motion carved 5:0. C1. COUNCIL MINUTES Tuesday, July 6, 1999 ACTION: Moved by Romero /Marx to waive oral reading and approve minutes as submitted; motion carried 5:0. C2. PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR 879 MORRO RENOVATION. ACTION: Moved by Romero /Marc to 1) approve plans and specifications for 879 Morro Street Renovation project, Specification No. 9229. 2) Authorize soliciting of bids. 3) Authorize contract award by the City Administrative Officer if the lowest responsible bid is with the project budget of $673,800; motion carried 5:0. C3. SAN LUIS OBISPO CREEK WALK. This matter was pulled for comment by Phil Ashley resident and biologist, who stated that he believed the project would have a serious impact on the creek. He urged the Council to refer it to a natural resources committee. City Attorney Jorgensen, referencing Engineering Assistant Jones' memo, explained that there were two public hearings on this project. In addition, he noted that the project was reviewed by the Architectural Review Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission, and further, that the plans and specs were previously City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 20, 1999 - 7:00 p.m. Page 3 reviewed by the Council. In addition, City Attorney Jorgensen pointed out that a lengthy review was done by federal agencies for permits. Council Member Schwartz noted that there were two community workshops held and the opportunity for citizens to meet with Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Fish & Game, in addition to what staff has already mentioned. City Engineer Peterson summarized work to -date and responded to brief questions from Vice Mayor Romero. ACTION: Moved by Romero /Ewan to 1) award a construction contract to R.M.R. Construction in the amount of $447,474 for "San Luis Obispo Creek Walk, Specification No. 9028." 2) Approve transferring $80,300 to the project budget to cover the cost of the construction contract plus contingencies; motion carried 5:0. C4. ADDITIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE OLD CARNEGIE LIBRARY PROJECT. ACTION: Moved by Romero /Marx to 1) approve an amendment to the agreement with Marwal Construction, Inc. of San Luis Obispo, California, in the amount of $49,760 for construction management and inspection services associated with the Old Carnegie Library Rehabilitation Project. 2) Approve an amendment to the agreement with Architectural Resources Group of San Francisco in the amount of $42,704 for construction administration services associated with the Old Carnegie Library Rehabilitation Project. 3) Authorize the City Engineer to execute additional amendments of up to $15,000 for these two contracts as long as the aggregate amount of amendments does not exceed the amount budgeted for contingencies; motion carried 5:0. C5. SEWER LINERS: VARIOUS LOCATIONS PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATES. ACTION: Moved by Romero /Marx to 1) approve plans and specifications for "Sewer Liners: Various Locations, Specification No. 900252" 2) Authorize staff to advertise for bids and authorize the City Administrative Officer to award the contract if the lowest responsible bid is within the budget of $195,000; motion carried 5:0. C6. APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR WATERLINE IMPROVEMENT ON FELTON WAY AND ON ROUGEOT PLACE. SPECIFICATION No. 90031.) ACTION: Moved by Romero/Marx to 1) approve plans and specification for "Water Improvement Project: Felton Lane - Tassajara to Ferrini; Rougeout Place - Chorro to Westerly End, Specification No. 90031." 2) Authorize staff to advertise for bids. 3) Authorize the City Administrative Officer to award the construction contract if the accepted bid is within the engineer's estimate of $190,000; motion carried 5:0. C7. NORTH COUNTY WATER RESOURCES FORUM LOCAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE. ACTION: Moved by Romero /Marx to appoint the Utilities Director for the City of San Luis Obispo as the City's representative on the North County Water Resources Forum Local Oversight Committee; motion carried 5:0. C8. ENGINEERING AND DESIGN SERVICES FOR LAGUNA LIFT STATION AND FORCE MAIN. ACTION: Moved by Romero /Marx to approve the agreement with Brown and Caldwell Engineering in an amount not to exceed $207,000 for engineering design City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 20, 1999 - 7:00 p.m. Page 4 services for the Laguna lift station and force main upgrade and replacement project, and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract; motion carried 5:0. C9. CONTRACT WITH URS GREINER WOODWARD CLYDE CONSULTANTS FOR THE SALINAS RESERVOIR EXPANSION PROJECT. This matter was pulled for comment by Eric Greening, Atascadero resident, who summarized concerns he expressed in his letter to the Council (on file in the City Clerk's Office). He urged the Council to postpone the project, put copies of the documentation in North County libraries, and re- schedule the item to allow for additional public input. Phil Ashlev concurred with Mr. Greening's comments. He felt the public needs more time to discuss the funding issues. Utilities Director Moss clarified that the Council is not being asked to approve the expansion project at this time. He pointed out that the consultant contract is for additional environmental study, including seismic assessment of the dam and added that there has been no change in strategy. Council Member Marx voiced concern about a state commission making decisions about Native American input and stated that she hopes the local Chumash community will have the opportunity to comment. Consultant Robert Ray. Grenier Woodward Clyde, assured the Council that the State will include appropriate consultation with all appropriate organizations including the Chumash community. Attorney Jorgensen commented that the Council is on record to move forward with making the Salinas River Expansion Project a viable option and advised that proceeding with the feasibility studies is necessary and the next step. Eric Greening clarified that what he was asking for was a two to four week delay to notify and receive input from the North County. City Attorney Jorgensen emphasized that this item is an internal administrative contract matter that does not require a public hearing. He added that Exhibit C, which was inadvertently omitted from the Council packet, has now been distributed and recommended that the Council approve the Staffs Recommendation, as amended, to include Exhibit C. Council Member Manx proposed that a public hearing be held on the scoping document. Utilities Director Moss clarified the difference between the scope of services (of the consultant contract) and scoping hearings, which will come later with various components of the EIR and project review. Council Member Marx asserted that more public input should have been received. ACTION: Moved by Romero /Ewan to 1) approve the contract with URS Greiner Woodward Clyde for the Salinas Reservoir Expansion Project for a total compensation not to exceed $828,610. 2) Approve, advancing project funding identified as second year Capital Improvement Project funding for this project in the amount of $351,200; motion carried 4:1 (Marx). C10. AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY ( ECOSLO). Vice Mayor Romero pulled this item to request some assurance from the ECOSLO that they will follow the terms of the contract for the two -year period. He expressed concerns that this has not been the case in the past. City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 20, 1999 - 7:00 p.m. Page 5 Pat Veesart, Executive Director for ECOSLO, addressed concerns expressed regarding reporting requirements. He indicated a willingness to provide more information, if that is necessary. Vice Mayor Romero said he is interested in seeing what has been done for the City included in written reports. Amy Shores, Environmental Services Coordinator for ECOSLO, asked for specific direction about what isn't included. Vice Mayor Romero suggested that she work with Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager, to be more specific about programs for the City. Council Member Marx commented that many of the programs invite and include participation from others in addition to local residents. Council Member Schwartz provided a suggestion about how to organize the report. Vice Mayor Romero also expressed concern regarding the re- location of the office without Council approval, and voiced disapproval of the fact that the office is upstairs and not readily available to handicapped. Mr. Veesart noted that staff has always been apprised of their office location and works hard to accommodate anyone with any disability. Natural Resources Manager Havlik commented that it was his office that overlooked the reporting requirements, but once brought to his attention, ECOSLO rectified the problem. He stated that 40 out of 53 programs have direct impact on and for the City. Staff did not consider a move of a half a block a substantive move and, therefore, did not bring the matter to Council. ACTION: Moved by Settle /Marx to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a two - year professional services agreement with the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo County ( ECOSLO), for public information and retainer services of up to $26,500 in 1999 -2000 and $24,500 in 2000 -2001, for a total of $51,000 over the two - year life of the agreement; motion carried 5:0. C11. AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH LAND CONSERVANCY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY. This matter was pulled for comment by Phil Ashley, who urged the Council to postpone action and set a public hearing. Natural Resources Manager Havlik commented in support of the staffs recommendation. Ray Belknap. Land Conservancy of SLO, spoke in favor of the recommendation. ACTION: Moved by Marx/Ewan to approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a two -year professional services agreement with the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, for continued professional services of up to $15,000 per year, for a total of $30,000 over the two -year life of the agreement; motion carried 5:0. C12. PROPERTY AT 1016 WALNUT STREET. ACTION: Moved by Romero /Marx to 1) approve purchase agreement and authorize City Administrative Officer to sign agreement and escrow document. 2) Appropriate an additional $54,500 for this purchase, which is the difference between the amount approved in the 1999 -01 Financial Plan ($259,000) and the actual purchase price ($313,500). As set forth in the Financial Plan, this purchase will be debt financed; motion carried 5:0. CI3. USE OF PROMOTIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE (PCQ ENHANCED PROMOTIONAL FUNDS. City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 20,1999 - 7:00 p.m. Page 6 ACTION: Moved by Romero /Marx to allocate $2,500 of Enhanced Promotional Funds to pay the cost of direct expenses for a visitor profile survey. 2) Allocate $2,000 of Enhanced Promotional Funds to the Chamber of Commerce for the creation of a photo compact disk (CD) to be used for City tourism promotion. 3) Allocate $1,800 of Enhanced Promotional Funds to pay the cost of "virtual reality" on the Chamber of Commerce website; motion carried 5:0. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS SAN LUIS OBISPO REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY (SLORTA) /SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS ( SLOCOG). SLORTA and SLOCOG held a joint meeting on July 7, 1999. Vice Mayor Romero reported that the Cuesta Grade improvement contract has been awarded and construction will begin after the conclusion of the Mid State Fair. He also noted that the Cuesta Grade supplemental bus service will begin on August 9`". SLOCOG has learned that cities in San Luis Obispo Country are evenly split over the amount of funds they want allocated to the Census Count. There may be some state funds available to augment local funding. SLOCOG staff is planning to modify their efforts to meet the desires of each agency in accordance with the funds available. INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY MEETING (IWMA). Vice Mayor Romero reported on the July 14, 1999 meeting of the IWMA. He noted that waste diversion rates for 1998 have dropped for all agencies in the County due to the increased generation of waste caused by construction during these prosperous times. He ' also noted that the City may have difficulty meeting the 50% diversion rate by the year 2000. Currently IWMA staff is working with the state Waste Board in an attempt to revise our base rate. Mayor Settle called a break at 8:45 p.m. for a break. He reconvened the meeting at 8:57 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. PREFUMO ARM - DREDGING PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 90026. City Engineer Peterson presented the staff report. Mayor Settle opened the public hearing. Brett Cross, 1217 Mariner's Cove, commented that the project would not be adequate to do what needs to be done at the lake. He suggested that, to re- establish the arm of the lake, that silt needs to be trapped closer to Los Osos Valley Road, willows removed, the arm widened and spoils dredged. He expressed concern about the decreased number of fish and wildlife habitat and urged the Council to give direction to staff to put together a study session to discuss what needs to be done at the lake. Harold Wright expressed concern that silt and vegetation buildup may cause flooding. He stated that staff should start dredging and move the project into the lake. Mayor Settle closed the public hearing. ACTION: Moved by Romero /Ewan to 1) adopt Resolution No. 8953 approving a Mitigated Negative Declaration (ER 91 -97) for "Creek Bank Repair Project, City Plans 90026." 2) Approve plans and specifications for "Prefumo Arm- Dredging Project, City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 20, 1999 - 7:00 p.m. Page 7 Specification No. 90026." 3) Authorize staff to advertise for bids for "Prefumo Arm - Dredging Project Specification No. 90026." 4) Authorize the City Administrative 1 Officer to award a contract to the lowest bidder if bids are within the budget of $90,000; motion carried 5:0. 2. REQUEST BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO AMEND THE 1996 AND 1997 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMS. Associate Planner Hook presented the staff report and responded to questions from Council. Mayor Settle opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. ACTION: Moved by Marx /Schwartz to approve the proposed amendments and forward the Council's funding recommendations to the Board of Supervisors; motion carried 5:0. 3. APPEAL OF USE PERMIT #A 32 -99 ALLOWING POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT USES FOR AN EXISTING NON - CONFORMING USE AT 467 HILL STREET (FORMERLY KSBY STUDIO). Mayor Settle announced that Item #3 has been removed as the appellant has withdrawn the appeal. ACTION: Moved by Romero /Ewan to accept the withdrawal of the appeal; motion carried 5:0. COMMUNICATIONS There were no communication items. BUSINESS ITEM 4. BRIZZOLARA STREET SOUND WALL FEASIBILITY STUDY. Transoortation Planner Sanville presented the staff report. Senior Consultant Pablo Deroux. Wilson, Ihrig & Associates, provided an in -depth overview of the Sound Wall Feasibility Study. Council questions followed. Wayne Mills, Environmental Engineer for CalTrans, described the retrofit soundwall program and noted that this soundwall was given number one priority by CalTrans. He noted that CalTrans may not approve a landscaped wall because of maintenance issues and described preferred design standards. In addition, he displayed a sample of a new construction material for this type of wall. Ron DeCarli. Executive Director of SLOCOG, discussed design and funding alternatives. Mayor Settle opened the meeting for public comment. Tom Lowell, property owner, spoke in favor of the soundwall, adding that the neighborhood needs the help now. Brett Cross. 1217 Mariners Cove, urged the Council not to build the soundwall. He stated that it would be too easy to build another one, and that he has concerns about aesthetics. He commented that he would prefer a retrofit project rather than the soundwall, particularly because it would be less costly. i 1 1 City Council Meeting Page 8 Tuesday, July 20, 1999 - 7:00 p.m. Mayor Settle returned discussion to the dais. City Administrator Dunn recommended that the City attempt to get approval from CalTrans for the gabian wall (consultant's recommendation) and short of that a modular wall that is consistent with CalTrans' standards. Ron DeCarli proposed that the Council challenge the CalTrans standard, and further, that the City find out what might be acceptable alternatives to CalTrans, including a landscaped wall. Council discussion followed. ACTION: Moved by Ewan /Marx to approve the staff recommendation, thereby supporting the construction of a 10 -to -12 -foot high, 2,100 foot long landscaped wall along the southeastern edge of State Route 101 adjacent to Brizzolara Street; motion carried 5:0. _ There being no further business to come before the City ( meeting at 11:30 p.m. to Tuesday, August 17,1999 at 4:00 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. n APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 917/99 LP:dr Lee Price; C.M.C. City Clerk ad the '990