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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/16/2007MINUTES ' SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2007 - 4:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER, 990 PALM STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA ROLL CALL Council Members Present: Council Members Andrew Carter, Allen Settle, Vice Mayor Christine Mulholland and Mayor Dave Romero were present at Roll Call. Council Member Brown was seated at 5:10 p.m. City Staff: Present: Ken Hampian, City Administrative Officer; Audrey Hooper, City Clerk; Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Administrative Officer; Christine Dietrick, Assistant City Manager; Monica Irons, Human Resources Director; April Richardson, Administrative Assistant I----------------------------------- - - - - -- -STUDY SESSION SS1. SUCCESSION PLANNING: PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION. Introductory Remarks were made by CAO Hampian, following which Assistant CAO Stanwyck provided a background framing the issue of a workforce in transition, Palo Alto City Manager Dr. Frank Benest spoke on addressing the challenge of the changing workforce, and Assistant CAO Stanwyck reviewed steps the City is already taking as well as the next steps in success planning. The workshop was interactive. Following are comments or suggestions made by Council Members during the workshop. • The average person wants to work within 100 miles of where he /she already lives. In this regard, the City has an advantage because of the presence of Cal Poly and Cuesta College. • There is a need to encourage private sector employees to transition to public sector positions. • There is a need for the media and local press to partner with the City and to share the City's success stories and the positive differences it makes in ' the community. • It is important to communicate the rewards of working in public employment. City Council Meeting Page 2 Tuesday, October 16, 2007 • Succession planning is as important in the private sector as in the public sector. Mayor Romero called for comments from the public and staff at this time. Dave Garth, Chamber of Commerce, concurred that the private sector is facing the same challenges as the City, including housing costs. He also pointed out, later in the discussion, that the non - profit sector faces increased challenges, including that it is difficult for them to offer competitive salaries and benefits. Julie Aguilar, SLO Personnel Services, indicated that the same problems exist in recruiting for both large and small companies throughout San Luis Obispo County. Chip Visci, President and Publisher of The Tribune, pointed out that while senior managers have a great deal of experience, they didn't always and it's important to allow for mistakes as less experienced employees step into these positions. He suggested that there is a need to consider immigration policies that would bring more talent into the country. Public Works Director Walter noted that the City has lost employees to other public agencies that are closer to their homes and stressed that this is an issue that needs to be considered. Housing Programs Manager Brown referenced his progression from an advisory body member for the City, as well as a former member of a regional planning agency, to becoming an employee. He discussed the need to have a dialogue about retaining lower and mid level employees who think they must go elsewhere in order to advance their careers. Utilities Director Moss discussed the succession planning programs that were implemented in his department and the difference that they have made in recruiting and keeping employees. He said that the Utilities staff is very engaged in succession planning. Council Member Settle said that it is important not to overlook the need to fill leadership, finance, planning, City Manager and other management positions with women. ACTION: Because this item was a workshop, no action was taken. CLOSED SESSION Assistant City Attorney Dietrick announced the following Closed Session topics and adjourned to the Closed Session at 6:00 p.m., following a brief recess. City Council Meeting Page 3 Tuesday, October 16, 2007 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE § 54956.9 DALIDIO FAMILY TRUST, by and through Ernest Dalidio, its Trustee, THELMA PEROZZI TRUST, by and through Ernest Dalidio, its Trustee, and SAN LUIS OBISPO MARKETPLACE, LLC, a California limited liability company v. SAN LUIS OBISPO DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION, an unknown California entity, RESPONSIBLE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT, LLC, a California limited liability company, and DOES 1 -500 San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Case No: CV 070763 CONFERENCES WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE § 54956.9 Charles D. Riedel v. City of San Luis Obispo United States District Court, Central District, Case No. CV 07 -2701 -And - Barbara Sims v. City of San Luis Obispo United States District Court, Central District, Case No. CV 07 -2702 Assistant City Attorney Dietrick reported on the Closed Session at the commencement of the regular meeting. The three existing litigation conferences were held as indicated. No reportable action was taken on them. The Closed Session adjourned at 7:00 p.m. MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 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; Audrey Hooper, City Clerk; Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Administrative Officer; John Mandeville, Community Development Director; John Moss, Utilities Director; Jay Walter, Public Works City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Page 4 Director; Christine Dietrick, Assistant City Attorney; Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager; David Hix, Wastewater Division Manager; Doug Davidson, Deputy Director of Community Development — Development Review; Jaime Hill, Associate Planner CLOSED SESSION REPORT Assistant City Attorney Dietrick reported that a Closed Session was held at 6:00 p.m. Three conferences were held on the existing litigation items indicated earlier in the minutes. There was no reportable action on any of the conferences. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Romero presented a proclamation to Community Development Director Mandeville acknowledging October 2007 as National Community Planning Month. PUBLIC COMMENT Throughout the Public Comment period, a number of residents spoke on the subject of the Caltrans South Street "Road Diet' project. Their comments are summarized following comments made by other members of the public on other issues. Cherie Aispuro, Legislative Assistant to Supervisor Gibson, distributed fliers about and invited Council Members to attend the 2007 San Luis Obispo County Library Summit at the Atascadero Lake Pavilion on November 3, 2007. Sifu Kelvin Harrison, San Luis Obispo, discussed his continuing concerns regarding personal harassment. Tim Golden, SLO Blues Baseball Team, asked Council to reconsider its decision on October 2, 2007, related to the use of the stadium. He said that Council's decision will make it infeasible for the SLO Blues to continue to contribute to the community. He indicated that the issue is not one of economics, but of room at the stadium. Rich Reynolds, former SLO Blues employee, also spoke in opposition to the Council's decision regarding the use of the stadium. He additionally expressed concern that the Men's Baseball League will not continue to play in San Luis Obispo as a result of Council's action. The following residents spoke in support of the proposed Caltrans improvement , project (aka "South Street Road Diet ") for the South Street Corridor. The improvements were recommended by the South Street Task Force and City Council Meeting Page 5 Tuesday, October 16, 2007 ' supported by the Council in 2006 as a result of the death of a child on Halloween in 2005. They commented, in part, on the research efforts, public outreach and number of meetings that were held in developing the recommendation. They also noted that the project will naturally slow traffic to 35 mph, after which the road can be resurveyed and the speed limit changed if appropriate. Jim Clark, Board member of the Woodridge Homeowners Association, member of the South Street Task Force Thomas Athanasion, member of the South Street Task Force Tom Forselles, President of the Exposition Park Condominium Homeowners Association, Member of the South Street Task Force Codev Reinsheimer, stakeholder The following residents spoke in opposition to the proposed project. Some of their comments included that the project was premature and that it should be implemented with the Prado Road project in order to divert traffic; that efforts should be made to work in concert with the State to modify the Vehicle Code or mitigate to reduce the speed limit to 30 or 35 mph; that South Street should be striped for the "Road Diet," but there should not be a raised median; and that a traffic master plan and financing element should be implemented. They suggested that the proposed project is too costly, will increase congestion, and will decrease safety. They also expressed concern that public notice and outreach regarding the South Street Task Force meetings was not broad enough. Concern was also expressed regarding the impact of the Lawrence Drive project on South Street. Jim Killian Connie Langer Dodie Williams (also representing Ira Alport) Dan Caldon Bob Williams Terry Mohan Mary Jenny At the request of Council, Public Works Director Walter explained why staff supported the proposed "Road Diet," explained why the speed limit cannot be reduced, and responded to Council's questions. Colin Jones, Public Affairs Manager for CalTrans, responded to questions related to public outreach. There was not a consensus to agendize this matter for further discussion. CONSENT AGENDA ACTION: Moved by Settle /Brown to approve the Consent Agenda as indicated below. C1. MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2007, MEETING. City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Page 6 ACTION: Moved by Settle /Brown to waive oral reading and approve as 1 amended (red file item available in City Clerk's office); motion carried 4:0:1 (Mayor Romero abstained because he was not present at the September 18, 2007, meeting). C2. TRANSIT FUND TRANSFER FOR BUS ENGINE REPAIR. ACTION: Moved by Settle /Brown to approve the transfer of $22,665.36 from the 2006 -07 Transit Fund Balance to the 2007 -08 Transit Fund operating account to complete an unanticipated transit vehicle engine repair; motion carried 5:0. C3. TRANSIT VEHICLE DIESEL ENGINE PARTICULATE TRAP RETROFIT. ACTION: Moved by Settle /Brown to authorize the CAO to execute a Purchase Order with Cummins West for the purchase and installation of transit vehicle diesel engine particulate trap retrofit devices; motion carried 5:0. C4. MILLS ACT CONTRACT FOR THE HISTORIC ASTON HOME -1746 CHORRO (CHC 97 -07). ACTION: Moved by Settle /Brown to adopt Resolution No. 9934 (2007 Series ) approving a Mills Act Contract for the historic Aston Home located at 1746 Chorro Street (CHC 97 -07); motion carried 5:0. C5. AUTHORIZE PREPARATION OF A FISCAL IMPACT ANALYSIS OF THE PROPOSED CHINATOWN PROJECT. ACTION: Moved by Settle /Brown to authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Allan D. Kotin and Associates for preparation of a Fiscal Impact Analysis of the proposed Chinatown project as outlined in AD Kotin and Associates' Memorandum of August 6, 2007; motion carried 5:0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. R REZONING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AT 300 LAWRENCE DRIVE (TR/PD /ER 77 -07). Associate Planner Hill presented the staff report. She, Natural Resources Manager Havlik and Public Works Director Walter responded to questions. Mayor Romero opened the public hearing. City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Page 7 Michael Coss, owner and developer, described the project and responded to questions raised by Council Members. Michael Cripe, Principle of Oasis Associates Landscape Architects, said he was representing Dan and Linda Caldon, neighbors of the project. He reviewed concerns raised in the Caldon's letter of October 9, 2007 (on file in the City Clerk's office) and responded to Council's questions. Dan Caldon, San Luis Obispo, expanded on the concerns expressed by Mr. Cripe and cited issues further outlined in his letter of October 16, 2007 (on file in the City Clerk's office). His main concern related to the lot line adjustment to Lot 10 and the loss of privacy that will impact his property. Shawn McNabb, San Luis Obispo, questioned why the zoning was changed to Planned Development, why it is being proposed at a higher density, what the benefits are to the surrounding community that outweigh what might be lost, and why the project could not be developed under current General Plan guidelines. Marshal Ochylski, developer's representative, explained that Lot 10 needed to be adjusted to reduce impacts on natural plant resources. He explained that no exception is being requested for density, but that the Planned Development relates to the natural resources. He did not object to conditions 1-4 recommended by Oasis Associates in its October 9, 2007, letter (on file), but said that the decorative block wall must be at the property line due to the existing access easement. In addition, he opposed Oasis' proposed Condition #6 since there is no requirement this project be taken to the ARC. He responded to questions. Mayor Romero closed the public hearing. Council discussion ensued during which staff responded to questions. Mayor Romero made a number of recommendations which are recapped in the motion which follows. Council Member Carter recommended closing the Meadow Street alley and only allowing access by emergency vehicles. Council Member Settle provided comments in support of the project, with which Council Member Brown concurred. Vice Mayor Mulholland said that she would not support the motion because she preferred a lower density and that she couldn't make all of the findings required to approve the proposal. ACTION: Moved by Brown /Settle to adopt Resolution No. 9935 (2007 Series ), approving a vesting tentative tract map, Planned Development rezone, and environmental review for a residential development including nine (9) single - family residential lots, two (2) open space lots, one (1) lot containing common area, and a lot line adjustment of an existing City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Page 8 residential lot, on R -1 & C /OS -40 zoned property located at the westerly terminus of Lawrence Drive (Tract 2723) (TR/PD /ER 77 -07). The motion included the following changes to the resolution: • New Condition No. 29: A 6 -foot tall decorative wall shall be constructed along the northerly property line from the north -east corner of the site to the point where the public access trail turns southward away from the neighboring properties. Landscape planting and maintenance shall be reviewed and approved by the Natural Resource Manager. • Modification of Mitigation Measure No. 20: Improvement plans shall show construction of a 24 -inch storm drain from the outlet from the on- site drainage facility out - letting to the swale in the open space above Cima Court and extending to the intersection of Woodbridge and Meadow Drive, where it discharges into the creek in Meadow Park, subject to calculations. • Correction of typo in Mitigation Measure No. 25: The specific alignment, width, and tread and substrate material of the public access trail shall be determined in the field by the City's Natural Resource Manager and Planning Division. • Modification of Mitigation Measure No. 27: All construction traffic shall be restricted to the use of Lawrence Drive and Broad Street so construction traffic won't impact the rest of the neighborhood, excepting for traffic associated with improvements to the northern portion of the site off of Meadow Extension. The motion carried 4:1 (Mulholland opposed). BUSINESS ITEMS 2. SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN. Utilities Director Moss and Wastewater Division Manager Hix presented the staff report. Council Members Settle, Brown and Mayor Romero spoke in support of the staff recommendation. In response to Vice Mayor Mulholland, Wastewater Division Manager Hix clarified that the dates throughout the Sewer System Management Plan should coincide with the dates on page 2 -3 of the Agenda Report. I City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Page 9 Public Comments Mary Jenn y, S an Luis Obispo, complimented Ci ty staff on the work they do for the City. ---end of public comments— ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Settle to approve the Development Plan and Schedule for the City's Sewer System Management Plan; motion carried 5:0. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS Vice Mayor Mulholland reported on her attendance at the October 3`d Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting, the October 4t' Central Coast Performing Arts Center Committee meeting, and a recent Mayors meeting in the Mayor's absence. Mayor Romero commented on the October 11th Nacimiento Project committee meeting. Council Member Settle reported on his attendance at a recent Channel Counties 1 Division meeting. He noted that he will be attending the Airport Land Use Commission meeting on October 17"' and the LAFCO meeting on October 18th. Council Member Brown noted his attendance at a recent SLOCOG meeting. COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Romero referred to his red file memorandum regarding the Sunrise Powerlink Project and explained that San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG &E) is asking for Council support of this project which will enable SDG &E to import into the San Diego region electricity from renewable energy sources. There was consensus to encourage the Mayor to send a letter supporting the project. Council Member Carter, Mayor Romero and Vice Mayor Mulholland acknowledged the new buses. Council Member Carter commended the Assistant City Attorney for the role she played at this meeting. 1 City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Page 10 There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Romero I adjourned the meeting at 10:13 p.m. Audrey City CIE APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 11/20/07 i 1