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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/20/1999MINUTES STUDY SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 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 and Wendy George, Assistant to the CAO STUDY SESSION 1. CONCEPT FOR THE COURT STREET- PALM/MORRO AREA. The Council received a presentation by Tom and Jim Copeland of San Luis Obispo of "Chinatown -Court Street, Unpaving Paradise ", a concept for developing the Court Street - Palm/Morro Area. Mark Rawson, APS Architects Inc., provided an overview of the proposal, which would include a mixed use of retail, residential, public office space and parking. Joe Scanga" Calthorpe Associates, presented some slides of other cities with similar design concepts to demonstrate the vision. Pierre Rademaker of Pierre Rademaker Design was also on hand to respond to questions. Mayor Settle opened the meeting for public comment. Brian Reynolds. County Library Director, asked the Council to allow the County to be involved in the planning process. He indicated that the County would like the opportunity to free up more library space on the top floor of the library, which is now being used for administrative uses, and would be interested in considering moving the administrative offices next door. Pat Veesart. Director of ECOSLO, commented that he is excited about the project and hopes the Council will support moving forward. He noted that his only concern is the fast time -line proposed to complete the project and urged the Council to ensure meaningful public input. David Blakeley observed that the project is consistent with the vision of downtown and is a good example of smart growth with compact urban form and mixed uses. He also recommended that the Council seek public input. Deborah Holley, Downtown Association Administrator, commented that the Board of Directors supports the proposal and the time -line. City Council Meeting Page 2 Monday, September 20, 1999 - 7:00 p.m. Andrew Merriam strongly urged support by the Council, adding that the Downtown Centre is proof that the Copelands can complete the project. Michael Nuno, Garden Street property owner, said he was impressed particularly with the mixed uses and emphasis for Chinatown theme. Dave Garth, Chamber Director, stated that the Board feels the project is consistent with many policies developed by the economic development team. He added that mixed use in the downtown area is critical to viability and emphasized that government offices should remain in the downtown. Nancy Howard Scott , Director of County Museum, spoke in support of the vision. William Watson, local physician and grandson of Ah Louis, expressed appreciation for the Chinatown theme. He reported that the Chinese community is very much in favor of the proposal and encourages the Council to proceed. John Gong, President of Chinese Professional Association, expressed support but pointed out that the Association is concerned about adequate parking. He suggested that the Palm St. Parking Structure support the retail area and that another structure should be establish at another location. Steve Yung, Palm Street property owner, voiced support and urged the Council to proceed with the 120 day study period requested by the Copelands. Professor David Brody asked if the proposal is a reaction to the proposed development south of downtown and whether there is enough retail square footage in the proposal to counter that development. He encouraged the Council to proceed quickly. Fred Sweeney, architect, observed that the government office space component is an important one. Randy Podel commented in favor of the proposal and urged the Council to consider zoning on the outskirts of town to prevent a draw away from the downtown. Mayor Settle returned discussion to the dais. Council questions followed. In response to query from Council Member Schwartz, Pierre Rademaker noted that the proposal does not suggest any changes to the Downtown Physical Concept Plan. Council Member Schwartz noted that a quick accommodation will be necessary for City offices currently located at 955 Morro Street. He suggested that consideration be given to whether the property presently owned by Steve Yung should be included in the project. He also recommended that some consideration be given to a pedestrian passageway in the vicinity of Court Street and the proposed parking facility. In general, he commented that he supports the proposal. Mark Rawson, in response to inquiry by Council Member Ewan, outlined the public involvement process. He indicated that there would be public workshops held to allow the community the opportunity to provide input on the project. A series of workshops are envisioned to develop design alternatives and get feedback. ' Council Member Marx asked if there are any plans to tear down the two existing buildings on Palm Street owned by Steve Yung. Joe Scanga replied that there was not. City Council Meeting Page 3 Monday, September 20, 1999 - 7:00 p.m. Vice Mayor Romero spoke in favor of moving ahead but cautioned that the process will take more time than what is proposed because of the complexity of issues. He suggested , preliminary plans to expand City Hall will have to be re- thought and consideration given to another location for the Public Works Department. He voiced disappointment about the fact that the property owned by Steve Yung is not included. Council Member Ewan expressed support for the concept as it will create a civic center, better utilize space, increase sales tax revenue, help fund parking demand reduction, and provide innovative mixed use with no City funding. Council Member Marx voiced approval and urged outreach to the Chinese community for their input. Mayor Settle emphasized the need to move immediately with public workshops, including going into the neighborhoods. CAD Dunn outlined the major land use and planning issues: 1. Consistency and relationship with adopted City Plans (General Plan, Downtown Plan and others). 2. Approval of site plans 3. Examination of relevant City policies: a) Exclusive negotiations vs. open and competitive process b) City property management policies and procedures C) Long -term Civic Center /City Hall expansion goals d) A number of parking issues e) Coordination with the Higuera Street Bridge project f) Resolution of San Luis Creek/Court Street issue g) Separation of City's regulatory vs. proprietary roles h) Sale vs. ground lease of City properties i) Who negotiates for the City? j) Who pays for the cost of negotiations? k) Is the proposed time frame realistic in terms of policy issues needing resolution and defined public agency review processes? 1) Is there consistency with historical/architectural qualities of the area? The CAO then outlined the recommended next steps, as follows: 1) Direct staff to return to Council on October 19th with a report addressing the narrow question of: Should the City enter into "exclusive negotiations" (as requested) or proceed through a formal request for proposals (existing City policy)? At the same time, the City would "introduce" (but not resolve) other policy issues needing subsequent resolution. 2) Direct staff to bring other issues needing addressing back at a later Council meeting (after 10/19/99): This will include thoughts and suggestions on how to approach discussions and proceed with the review of the proposal. ACTION: Moved by Schwartz/Ewan to direct staff to proceed with the next steps, as recommended; motion carried 5:0. r L.4 There being no further business to come before the City Council Mao le adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m. to Tuesday, September 21, 1999 at .00 .m in t C ncil Chamber, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 10119/99 Lee Price, C.M.C. ' City Clerk dr