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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-2013 council advisory bodiesSection 2 Recommended City Goals COUNCIL ADVISORY BODIES S 2013-15 Financial Pla n Council Advisory Bod y RECOMMENDED GOAL S • December 14, 201 2 ~ city of san Luis osispo COUNCIL ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDED GOALS TABLE OF CONTENT S Introduction 1 Council Advisory Body Recommended Goal s Architectural Review Commission 2 Bicycle Advisory Committee 3 Cultural Heritage Committee 5 Human Relations Commission 6 Jack House Committee 7 Mass Transportation Committee 8 Parks and Recreation Commission 1 0 Planning Commission 1 1 Promotional Coordinating Committee 1 2 Tourism Business Improvement District Board 1 3 Tree Committee 1 4 The Housing Authority did not provide a goal listing .• • INTRODUCTIO N •This document summarizes advisory body recommendations to the City Council fo r consideration during the 2013-15 Financial Plan process . The goals are listed by advisory bod y in alphabetical order . BACKGROUN D Community input is imperative to the City's budget process . As part of its extensive outreac h effort, the City Council asks its appointed advisory bodies to provide input as to the most important projects and tasks the City should pursue during the next two-year financial plan period. Each advisory body first provides a list of goals independently and is then provided with a summary of all advisory body goals submitted . This process allows each advisory body t o consider what the other bodies deem important objectives to be accomplished over the next tw o years . REVIEW PROCESS In 2012, all City advisory bodies provided the initial listing of goals after their October meeting . The consolidated listing of all recommended draft advisory body goals was sent on Novembe r 14, 2012 for review during the December regular meetings. The final recommendations from each advisory body are provided in alphabetical order in this report . GOAL SUMMAR Y Several of the listed goals appeared on more than one advisory body submittal and are liste d below : •Alternative Transportation (Bicycle &Pedestrian Improvements ) o Architectural Review Commissio n o Bicycle Advisory Committe e o Planning Commissio n o Parks & Recreation Commissio n o Tourism Business Improvement Distric t •Homeless Issues and Affordable Housing o Human Relations Committee o Planning Commissio n o Tourism Business Improvement District Boar d •Beautification o Architectural Review Commissio n o Promotional Coordinating Committe e o Tourism Business Improvement District Boar d • • -1- ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSIO N The Architectural Review Commission (ARC) requests Council consideration of the followin g budget goals in priority order : 1 . Downtown Concept Plan : Update and further expand the Downtown Concept Plan with focus on the following : a.Enlarge and improve Mission Plaza to the Broad Street dogleg . b.Extend and improve facilities along the downtown creek-walk . c.Implement pedestrian plaza in front of Government Center on Monterey Street . 2 .Gateway Projects : Implement three previously-identified City gateway improvements . 3 .Alternative Transportation Incentives : Encourage using in-lieu parking fees and other transportation revenue sources for th e development of bicycle circulation and improvements and encourage the development o f spaces in conventional parking lots and structures to accommodate scooters and othe r alternative transportation vehicles . 4 .Downtown Beautification &Maintenance : a.Provide finding for ongoing "maintenance activities like shrub and flower planting in • landscaped areas and the steam cleaning of sidewalks to improve the appearance of th e downtown . b.Expand the uniform streetscape improvements to other areas . Why It's Importan t a.Improves citizens' enjoyment of community . b.Provides a diversity of experiences . c.Promotes economic distribution throughout the downtown core . d.Makes downtown an attractive environment to encourage mixed-use developments . How to Make it Happe n a.Encourage public-private partnerships with the Downtown Association and individua l businesses to take on the responsibility of downtown maintenance . b.Emphasize low-cost improvements over costly capital projects . • BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTE E .On November 20, 2012, the Bicycle Advisory Committee drafted its recommended FY 2013-1 5 goals for Council consideration. The following table presents the Committee's draft goals whic h are designed to implement Measure Y priorities of Traffic Congestion Relief, maintain the City's silver level "Bicycle Friendly City" designation by the League of American Bicyclists and mak e the best use of the City's limited financial resources . Goals are not listed in any specific order . The Committee recommends that what can be done, should be done . .„.-'i -:--ssLases-1_4 — Maintain time Principa l Transportation Planne r position and as the City's fiscal health improves, restore funding to 1 .0 FTE . The Principal Transportation Planne r position oversees th e City's bicycl e transportation program . Direct relationship : Traffic Congestio n Relief Also support s Preservation o f Essential Services an d Fiscal Health -General Fund Maintain ¼ time temporary staffin g position for Transportatio n Program s Implementation and a s the City's fiscal healt h improves, restore fundin g to 0 .50 FTE and make the position permanent . This position seeks ou t and applies for grants a s well as assists in th e implementation of th e Bicycle Transportatio n Plan. Direct relationship : Traffic Congestio n Relief Also support s Preservation o f Essential Services an d Fiscal Health -General Fund Continue improving th e maintenance &safety o f bicycling &pedestrian facilities in conjunction with Pavement Management projects . ($25,000 annually). Increases the usability & safety of bicycle & pedestrian facilitie s which promote s alternative transport . Including these improvements in the Pavement Management cycle results i n substantial cost savings . Direct relationship : Traffic Congestio n Relief Also supports Infrastructure Maintenance - Traffic Impact fee s Continue design and construction of the Railroad Safety Trail : Taft to Pepper. This goal provides a huge safety enhancement for a large volume o f bicyclists, a safe bike route to the University , schools, & parks : implements General Pla n goals to increase bicycl e use and supports Gran d Jury recommendations t o close gaps . Direct relationship : Traffic Congestio n Relief Also supports Climat e Protection General Fund BTA grants STIP fundin g City debt financin g for constructio n Fundraising effort s -- :s:-s--, BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE iii 11 ira ra $~'-aby $~7fH'na > r l9 r ..:~a~y}'I".G City Coal g "r Sl as .m ~,4 -tal ~j .m'=` Continue design an d construction of the Bo b Jones City to Sea Trail . This project continues t o be a high priority amon g residents and SL O County is movin g forward with their sectio n of the trail . Direct relationship : Traffic Congestion Relie f Also supports Climat e Protection - Grant s Maintain $7,500 i n funding for Bicyclin g Safety Education . Education efforts reduc e collisions . Also support s Grand Jury goal o f promoting safe cycling. Direct relationship : Traffic Congestio n Relief - Transportatio n Development Ac t (TDA) fund s Fund the design an d construction of Bicycl e Boulevards. Bike boulevards are relatively inexpensive t o construct and increas e ridership as they appea l to risk-averse , inexperienced an d younger bicyclists . Direct relationship : Traffic Congestio n Relief and Neighborhoo d Wellness Also supports Climat e Protection - General Fun d - Traffic Impact fee s Implement multiple lowe r cost Bicycle Transportation Pla n projects . The City's bicycl e infrastructure can be greatly expanded fo r minimal costs if many small projects in th e Bike Plan ar e implemented . Direct relationship : Traffic Congestio n Relief Also supports Climat e Protection - General Fund - Traffic Impact fees • • CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTE E 1.Historic Context Statement : With the assistance of a consultant, complete the Historic Context Statement that has bee n funded by a Certified Local Government grant ; and as time and resources are available , consider updates to the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines to incorporate the Contex t Statement . 2.Historic Resource Surveys : In alignment with the City's status as a Certified Local Government, continue histori c resource survey efforts . 3.Historic District Boundaries : Following completion of the context statement, examine the boundaries of existing histori c districts to determine if amendments are needed and seek final approval and funding for th e installation of historic district identification signs . 4.City owned Adobes : Focus efforts on the preservation of the La Loma adobe and seek grants and grass roots efforts to support this effort . Assign this effort to a specific City department outside o f administration such as Community Development or Natural Resources . 5.Historical tours and outreach media : • Support the development and implementation of historical tours of the City by public entitie s and volunteer efforts, employing various media . Utilize these tours and associated medi a (maps, brochure, podcasts, interactive web based GIS mapping of site-specific historical , cultural, social, economic, architectural and archeological information to be made availabl e to the public on the City website) to support heritage tourism efforts . • HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSIO N The Human Relations Commission (HRC) makes recommendations to the City Council and staf f on how to best address social concerns and human needs in San Luis Obispo . The HRC serve s as a conduit for input from community members and social service organizations and has th e opportunity to encourage cooperation and collaboration between nonprofit agencies and cit y departments . Why? A community's moral value is determined by how it treats its most vulnerable members . Therefore, the HRC recommends to the Council that the support of basic human needs b e established as a major city goal for 2013-15 . What ? Although there are many worthwhile needs such as senior services, hunger prevention, suppor t for youth at risk and others, given the current fiscal constraints we encourage the city to focus o n homeless prevention, supportive services and transitional housing . Homeless Prevention and Transition Pla n Continue to support a long-term, comprehensive, proactive, sustainable program that addresse s homelessness and focuses on transitioning children, families and individuals out o f homelessness . How : 1.Continue to work with the County and other local municipalities in implementing the Sa n Luis Obispo Countywide 10-year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness . 2.Support the development of a comprehensive homeless services facility that includes th e implementation of a Good Neighbor Plan and requires case management enrollment . 3.Balance needs of the homeless population and neighborhood wellness e .g . expanded safe parking program, transitional programs, meals, etc . 4.Explore ways to increase the affordable and transitional housing inventory using creativ e financing, master leasing, and purchase programs . 5.Increase the Grants in Aid budget and General Fund support . • JACK HOUSE COMMITTE E •1 .Gazebo restoration : The Gazebo is an important landmark element in the Jack House Gardens, but has been classifie d as being in questionable condition by the Department of Public Works . Parks and Recreation i s working in conjunction with Public Works to submit a CIP for Gazebo Restoration in th e upcoming fiscal cycle . 2.Bay Window restoration and elevator shaft removal : The bay window on the south side of the house used to serve the first floor dining room and th e second floor master bedroom . The bay window was removed and replaced with an exterio r elevator shaft to serve the resident at the time . Removing the elevator shaft and restoring the bay window would restore the south side of the house to its original charm and grace . It would als o restore the missing south light quality to the dining room and master bedroom . Hopefully some of the funding of this restoration could be provided for through the recent trust endowment fo r Jack House restoration projects . 3.Annual outdoor maintenance : To passer-byers and visitors alike, the house appears dirty and dingy on the outside . The Committee would like to see that it receive an annual cleaning of dirt and debris, including th e fence that lines Marsh Street before wedding season begins in April . In addition to the annua l clean, the house should be painted on an 8-year cycle, as recommended by Public Works . 4.Buggy Shed makeover and updating for public use : The Buggy Shed is an integral part of the Jack House Gardens . Several years ago it had a seismi c structural upgrade which made it safe for public use . With minimal funding and anticipate d volunteer work the front half of the facility can be open to the public as a display space fo r historic artifacts and/or a small meeting facility . The back half of the facility will remain a storage space for tables and chairs used in the Gardens . • MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTE E In order of priority =`# *a~tt y'".F 08(j.S Ba P6J .4r ~'d$~~i pp ' '"r s '_A r "A J(18 Yu 1°pp>e"°M '~°' e d/di (I a f .a a a etff e thecommunity – _"resource perspective, 1 . Maintain part-time temporary staffin g position for Transportatio n Program s Implementatio n (approximately $38,000 annually) • This bicycle/transit funded positio n seeks out and applies for grant s as well as assists in th e implementation of the Bicycl e Transportation Plan and Short Range Transit Plan . • Traffic Congestion Relief & Bikeway Improvement s • Public Safety Service Levels & Downtown Improvements •'/2 General Fund •'/2 Transit Fun d 2 . Maintain existin g service level s including Evenin g service . • Improve accessibility throughout the City . • Federal Transit dollar s • Transportation Development Act dollar s • Shelter and bench advertisin g • Measure Y 3 . Develop an d implement a comprehensiv e marketing campaig n for fixed route an d trolley operations . • Increase ridership, revenues an d farebox recovery ratios • Federal Transit dollar s • Transportation Developmen t Act dollar s • Shelter and bench advertising 4 . Add a Full Time city staff position wit h responsibilities for marketing an d outreach . • Promotes economic goals and reduces the likelihood of fare increases or service reduction s • Increased revenue • Federal Transit dollar s • Transportation Developmen t Act dollars • Shelter and bench advertising • Measure Y 5 . Complete physical infrastructure t o support convenien t ridership, including schedule and medi a information, AD A access, lighting, bik e capacity, electroni c AVL signage an d increased bus stop passenger amenities . • Improve accessibility throughout the City. • Increase convenient bus service . • Increase ridership •Capital improvement progra m • Federal Transit dollar s • Transportation Development Act dollar s • Prop IB-CAL EMA • • MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTE E 6 . Complete Transi t CIP infrastructur e projects includin g Transit facility fue l tanks, Transit facility expansio n and Transit facility bus was h modification . • Improve Transit system reliabilit y • Reduce operating costs by reducin g fuel costs via bulk purchases •Capital improvement program • Federal Transit dollar s • Transportation Development Act dollars • Prop 1B-CAL EM A 7 . Conduct a Joint Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) updat e for SLO Transit and RTA . • Improve Transit system reliabilit y and efficiency •Improve Transit system coordination of services • Federal Transit dollar s • Transportation Development Act dollars 8 . Support SLOCO G Coordinated Transi t Center EIR • Next step in the process to construc t a joint transit hub for SLO Transit & RTA •Capital improvement program • Federal Transit dollar s • Transportation Development Act dollars • Prop 1B-CAL EM A 9 . Reduce Greenhouse gas emissions by us e of alternate fuel o r hybrid electri c Transit vehicles . • Improve air quality • Federal Cap & Trade fund s • Federal Transit dollar s • Transportation Development Act dollars Prop 1 B 10 . Support congestio n relief and long ter m fiscal health throug h transit-supportiv e land use strategie s and revising parkin g requirements nea r transit routes • Land use is the most important lon g term influence on ridershi p levels . • Puts land use into more revenu e producing uses . • Policy change s • Municipal code changes . • PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIO N The 2012 Adopted Major City Goal Recommendation for the Parks and Recreation Commissio n is as follows : Provide for Active and Healthy Lifestyles for our City residents through furthe r investment in plans, programs and facilities . Objectives 1 . Commit financial support for recreational facilities, activities and program s •Increase Ranger Staffing to improve public safety and neighborhood wellnes s •Implement Sinsheimer Stadium Study Recommendation s •Construct the Santa Rosa Skate Par k •Construct lit tennis courts at Emerson Par k •Fund an update of the Parks and Recreation Elemen t •Complete the Railroad Safety Trail, Bob Jones multi-use trail, and bike boulevard s 2 . Expand recreational opportunities (for example): •Form community partnerships to increase sports programmin g •Build additional open space trail s •Support Parkway development • • PLANNING COMMISSIO N On November 28, 2012, the Planning Commission amended its draft goals for the 2013-1 5 Financial Plan and finalized its submittal : •Increase support for non-auto related transportation alternatives in plan and projec t approvals as well as program implementation through budgeting priorities . •Implement the Economic Development Strategic Plan, including a focused attention t o retail uses in the downtown . •Maintain a sustainable City budget and level of services by focusing o n infrastructure maintenance, new revenue sources, and renewal of Measure Y . •Emphasize affordable housing programs and homeless services and Housing Elemen t implementation . •Stress early implementation of the updated Land Use and Circulation Element high - priority programs . • PROMOTIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTE E The PCC had a lively discussion during its October 2012 regular meeting regarding goal settin g for the 2013-15 Financial Plan . Consistent with its assigned role, the adopted goals concentrat e on improvements and enhancements that would make the City of San Luis Obispo an even bette r place to reside and visit . The PCC did not weigh the goals since the members felt that they wer e equally important . Goals •Beautificatio n o Concentrate on median beautification and create an "Adopt a Median" program . o Include all business districts (Railroad, Old Town, China Town) in beautificatio n instead of concentrating solely on Downtown . •Create signage for bicycle trails with a distinct look so they visually link together . Utilize green paint for street marking of bike lane . •Enhance and increase capacity, awareness, and information about all modes of publi c transportations in and around San Luis Obispo . •Support collaboration with local cultural, recreational and competitive sports events t o drive visitors to San Luis Obispo . o Establish a process to make event organization and permitting easy, cost effective , and user friendly . As a City embrace and facilitate events as much as possible . •Install proper pedestrian lighting on residential and perimeter streets to increase safety . Consider implementing an "Adopt a Street Light" program for this purpose . •Finish the build-out of the directional wayfinding program . • • TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOAR D The Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) board reviewed its 2011-13 goals and fel t that they were still valid . The board recommended some updates and additions and the member s hope that some of the goals will make it into the 2013-15 work program to improve the visito r experience in San Luis Obispo . The TBID board did not weigh its goals, keeping them al l equally important . Goals •San Luis Obispo Events Establish a process to make event organization and permitting easy, cost effective, an d user friendly. As a City embrace and facilitate events as much as possible . •SLO Airport Support the San Luis Obispo Airport in its efforts to keep airline services in town an d assist with marketing efforts to bring visitors to San Luis Obispo by plane . Encourage the upgrade of the arrival area in the airport as well as the expansion of the regional airport . •Establish a City shuttle service to outer areas (LOVR, Madonna, Airport) as well as th e train station to facilitate visits to Downtown San Luis Obispo . •Increase funding for the Promotional Coordinating Committee in its efforts to promot e cultural, recreational, and social events that bring and keep tourists in San Luis Obispo . •Beautification of City Gateways and the City's downtown core . •Enhance security relative to transient populations throughout the City so residents an d tourists can feel safe while enjoying activities in San Luis Obispo . •Increase emphasis on completion of the Bob Jones bike path as a connection betwee n San Luis Obispo and the beach . S TREE COMMITTE E Tree Committee Goal Suggestion for 2013-15 : Increase the operating budget and staffing for the Urban Forest (Program 50220 Tre e Maintenance ) Why ? To ensure the vitality of our urban forest, where trees are trimmed on a regular basis, trees are replaced, new trees are planted and all the trees within the city are cared for in a manner that adds valu e to the city . San Luis Obispo has been a Tree City USA, for 29 consecutive years now since 1983 . How? a.Increase staffing by adding a third full time position to the Tree Crew . Three people is the industry standard size crew for most efficient tree trimming . b.Increase staffing by converting the young tree care specialist to a full time position . This position has been a temporary worker for 11 years . c.Increase budget for one year to purchase a stump grinder for Tree Crew for $30,000 . d.Increase the tree budget by $10,000 .00 a year to keep up with necessary, tools, training , education and operating expenses . The city currently has four certified arborists on staff . All 3 full time positions and one "temporary" worker are certified arborists . These increases will help to bring the city closer to parity with other cities of a similar population an d number of trees . The City has almost 19,000 street and park trees that are cared for by the Urba n Forestry Crew . Many cities with a similar population or number of trees under their care have muc h larger budgets and personnel for the Urban Forest.