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city of san Luis owspo
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
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 14, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located at 990 Palm
Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Mayor Manx.
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 Diane Clement, Recording
Secretary, were present at Roll Call. Other staff members presented
reports or responded to questions as indicated in the minutes.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Christianson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
PHI. DRAFT LAND USE ELEMENT REVIEW (GPI /ER 15 -12)
Councilmember Carpenter announced that he owns property within 500' of the
General Hospital Area and recused himself; Councilmember Ashbaugh
announced that he owns property within 500' of the North Side of Foothill Area
(Bishop Knoll) and recused himself; Councilmembers Ashbaugh and Carpenter
left the Chamber at 5:05 p.m.
City Council Meeting Minutes — January 14, 2014
Page 2
City Attorney Dietrick explained the rules for recusal segmentation and the
rationale for Council Member Ashbaugh's recusal on the General Hospital Area
despite the fact he did not have a conflict of interest pertaining to the subject
area; announced staff is recommending continuation of the Airport Area Chapter
to the meeting of January 28, 2014, as staff . has received a potential litigation
threat and will agend.ize the matter for Closed Session.
General Hospital Area
Community Development Director Johnson and Community Development Deputy
Director Murry narrated a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Land Use Element
Legislative Draft" and responded to Council inquires.
Following discussion, MOTION BY VICE MAYOR CHRISTIANSON, SECOND
BY COUNCIL MEMBER SMITH, CARRIED 3 -0 (COUNCILMEMBERS
ASHBAUGH AND CARPENTER ABSTAINING), to adopt Resolution No. 10486
(2014 Series) entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo, California, endorsing the draft Land Use Element to be considered
through the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process (GPI 15 -12) (related to
the General Hospital Area)."
Council Member Carpenter returned to the Chamber at 5:10 p.m.
North Side of Foothill Area (Bishop Knoll) 1
Community Development Deputy Director Murry continued the PowerPoint
presentation focusing on the North Side of Foothill Area (Bishop Knoll) and
responded to Council inquiries.
Marshall Ochvlski, representing the property owner, advised that the adjacent
property owner is unwilling to cooperate in providing circulation connectivity to
Los Cerros; requested that Council delete the requirement to provide connectivity
to Los Cerros Drive.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER SMITH, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR
CHRISTIANSON, CARRIED 4 -0 (COUNCILMEMBER ASHBAUGH
ABSTAINING), to adopt Resolution No. 10487 (2014 Series) entitled "A
Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California,
endorsing the draft Land Use Element to be considered through the
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process (GPI 15 -12) (related to the North
Side of Foothill Area (Bishop Knoll)" as amended to reflect that circulation
connectivity shall be provided to Los Cerros Drive, as feasible.
Council Member Ashbaugh returned to the Chamber at 5:19 p.m.
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City Council Meeting Minutes — January 14, 2014
Land Use Element
Page 3
' Community Development Director Johnson provided introductory comments on
the Land Use. and Circulation Element (LUCE) update process; Community
Development Deputy Director Murry continued the PowerPoint presentation and
responded to Council inquiries.
Emily Ewer, of Oasis Associates, advised that her firm represents several property
owners affected by the LUCE update; commended the LUCE Task Force and staff
for soliciting public input and encouraging community participation.
Stacy White, representing the Chamber of Commerce, asserted that the LUCE
inadequately addresses development of workforce housing; recommended that
Council consider financial incentives, increasing height limits, and allowing
mixed -use projects in the downtown.
Robert Lucas, San Luis Obispo, thanked the LUCE Task Force, Planning
Commission and staff for addressing neighborhood concerns related to Upper
Monterey; spoke on the importance of neighborhood wellness.
Clint Pierce, representing the Chamber of Commerce, stressed the importance of
attracting clean businesses and increasing the housing inventory; voiced support
for increasing residential density.
' Charlene Rosales, representing the Chamber of Commerce, spoke on the need
for affordable housing, head of household jobs, and preservation of
neighborhood character; distributed a letter, dated January 14, 2014, with
recommendations related to tourism and economic development.
Jamie Lopes, San Luis Obispo, summarized his letter, dated January 13, 2014,
which encourages the inclusions of a jobs /housing balance plan to ensure a
sustainable city plan.
Steve Delmartini, representing the San Luis Obispo Association of Realtors,
commended the LUCE Task Force for allowing open dialogue and input on the
LUCE update; spoke on neighborhood compatibility and the difficulty of balancing
high and low density.
Carolyn Smith, San Luis Obispo, voiced support for the LUCE Task Force
Minority Report, dated January 14, 2014, which focuses on neighborhood
preservation; opined that the City should have taken more efforts to seek
community input on the LUCE.
Debbie Farwell, San Luis Obispo, encouraged the community to stay engaged in
the LUCE through the upcoming EIR process..
City Council Meeting Minutes — January 14, 2014
Page 4
Rachel Kovesdi, representing Dalidio (San Luis Ranch), requested that Council
consider inserting into the performance standards the following: "A small portion 1
of onsite open space and agriculture up to 10 acres or 15% of the required open
space and agriculture may be relocated offsite by the City Council through
speck plan approval "; noted that allowing for this flexibility would maximize the
developers ability to provide workforce housing.
In response to Council inquiry, Community Development Director Johnson
advised there is a working definition of workforce housing which is approximately
120% of area median income.
Sandra Rowley, representing the authors of minority report, stressed the
importance of preserving residents' ability to quietly enjoy their property and
neighborhood; voiced objections to increased density or mixed use in residential
areas.
Erik Justensen, representing the Chamber of Commerce, addressed the need for
improving the City's jobs /housing balance and developing design guidelines for
the City's entry points; opined the height limits in the downtown area should be
increased, or at a minimum remain the same; voiced support for allowing open
space flexibility for the Dalidio site.
Marshall Ochylski. representing Dalidio, noted that a pre - application has been
submitted and a specific plan is proposed for the Dalidio site; urged that the 1
proposal to relocate up to 15% of the open space and agriculture requirement be
studied as part of the LUCE EIR process; noted that price points for workforce
housing will be addressed during the Dalidio specific plan process.
RECESS
Council recessed at 6:50 p.m. and reconvened at 7:30 p.m., with all Council Members
present.
Special Focus Areas — Introduction and Policies
By unanimous consent, Council accepted the introduction and policy statements
for the Special Focus Areas, with modification to Policy 8.3.2.1, Percent of Site,
to read as follows "This defines the percent of each site dedicated to open space
(using the gross project site) *" °+ ran be used fQF eaGh Fyne °f land use."
Special Focus Areas — Margarita Specific Plan Update
In response to Council inquiry, Community Development Director Johnson
explained for purpose of preparing the EIR the baseline amount of housing will
be assumed and then evaluated to programmatically determine the range of 1
appropriate capacity that the specific plan can accommodate.
City Council Meeting Minutes — January 14, 2014
Page 5
Council Member Ashbaugh noted for the record his concern that individuals are
purchasing homes based on the existing specific plan and are unaware of the
' LUCE Task Force and Council's deliberations related to the potential for
additional housing in the area.
By unanimous consent, the Council accepted the Margarita Area Specific Plan
Update as presented.
Special Focus Areas — Dalidio Speciric Plan Area
During the course of discussion, Council Members discussed: 1) whether the
performance standards related to Open Space /Agriculture should be modified to
allow for off -site property exchange and whether said property exchange would
be capped at 'a maximum of 5- or 10- acres; 2) verbiage modifications proposed
by Council Member Ashbaugh related to Standards A, B, and C. A hard copy of
Mr. Ashbaugh's email is on file with the City Clerk.
.It was agreed by a Council majority, with Council Member Ashbaugh dissenting,
.that a footnote be added to the Performance Standards as follows:
The City Council may consider allowing up to 10 acres of required open space to
be met through off -site dedication provided.
' a. A substantial multiplier for the amount of open space is provided for the off -
site property exchanged to meet the on -site requirement; and
b. Off -site land is similar to agricultural and visual value to the community; and
c. Off -site land is protected through an easement, dedication or fee title in
perpetuity for agriculture open space.
Council Member Ashbaugh noted for the record that he is comfortable with up to
5 -acres of the open space requirement being exchanged off -site, with a multiplier
of four.
It was agreed by a Council majority, with Council Member Ashbaugh dissenting,
that Standard B be modified to read as: "Connection to Froom Ranch and Calle
Joaquin, if proposed, shall not bifurcate .on -site or neighboring agriculture lands.
Any connection to Calle. Joaquin shall be principally a secondary/emergency
access by design."
By unanimous consent, it was agreed that: 1) "Dalidio" would be referred to as
"San Luis Ranch "; and 2) Standard C would be amended to read as
"Development shall include a transit hub center. Developer shall work with
transit officials to provide express connections to Downtown area.
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City Council Meeting Minutes — January 14, 2014
Page 6
Special Focus Areas — Madonna on Los Osos Valley Road (LOVR) Specific
Plan Area 1
Council discussion ensued relative to developing more workforce housing,
balancing commercial and residential development, and proposed types of
commercial development at the subject site.
In response to Council inquiry, Community Development Director Johnson
explained that the proposed residential zoning for the Madonna area is designed
to attract more workforce housing developments.
Council provided direction that the EIR should evaluate a potential increase in
residential and decrease in commercial, noting there was concern regarding the
amount of commercial envisioned for the site.
Special Focus Areas — Avila Ranch Specific Plan Area
Council discussed the propriety of exchanging a reduction of the open space
requirement in proportion to the amount of affordable housing provided on -site.
Following discussion, it was agreed by a Council majority, with Council Member
Ashbaugh and Mayor Marx dissenting, to accept the Avila Ranch Specific Plan
Area, as presented.
Mayor Marx noted for the record that it is bad planning policy to trade -off open
space for affordable housing, pointing out that both issues must be provided for
to ensure a healthy community.
Special Planning Areas — Foothill Boulevard(Santa Rosa Area & Upper
Monterey
By unanimous consent, Council accepted the Foothill Boulevard /Santa Rosa and
Upper Monterey Areas, with modification to Upper Monterey Standard F to read
as follows: "the City will work with local hotels and Cal Poly to develop enhanced
meeting rooms and conference facilities. These types of facilities would not be
located envisiened on. the east side of Monterey north of California Street. No
stand -alone conference center is appropriate foreevisiened in this area."
Special Planning Areas — Mid- Higuera Area & Caltrans Site
By unanimous consent, Council accepted the Mid - Higuera Area and Caltrans
Site, as presented.
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City Council Meeting Minutes — January 14, 2014 Page 7
Special Planning Areas — Sunset Drive-in Theater /Prado.Road Area
' By unanimous consent, Council modified: 1) the title area to read as "Sunset
Drive -In Theater/Prado Road Area" to make clearer the area addressed by the
subsequent standards; and 2) the standard to read as "Property within the area
The sate may need to be designated to accommodate the Homeless Services
Center."
Special Planning Areas - Pack Beach Site
Council discussed whether to eliminate the statement that a portion of the site be
maintained as a Park designation. By unanimous consent, Council agreed to
accept the Pack Beach site, as presented.
RECESS
Council recessed at 9:05 p.m. and reconvened at 9:20 p.m., with all Council Members
present.
Introduction and Goals
Following discussion and by unanimous consent, Council directed that:
' 1. Goal No. 34 be amended to read as follows: "Where appropriate, create
compact, mixed use neighborhoods that locate housing, jobs, recreation, and
other daily need in close proximity to one another, while protecting the Quality
of life in established neighborhoods."
2. Table 1: HDR (High Density Residential) Purpose and Application, be
amended to read as follows: "This designation provides for primarily attached
dwellings in two and three story buildings, with common outdoor areas and
very compact private outdoor spaces. This type of development is
appropriate in some locations near Cal Poly, in the Downtown core, near
employment concentrations, and near transit corridors and nodes.
3. Table 1: O (Office) Purpose and Application, be amended to distinguish
residential and mixed -use projects as separate possible uses.
Growth Management
Council discussed whether Policy 1.11.1 (Water and Sewer Service) should be
amended to eliminate the term "potable" water to ensure that neither potable nor
recycled water can be delivered to the areas outlined in the policy; whether
allowing for the transport of recycled water to areas outside of the City limits
could lead to urban sprawl.
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City Council Meeting Minutes — January 14, 2014
Page 8
It was agreed by a Council majority, with Mayor Marx dissenting, that Policy
1.11.1 (Water and Sewer Service) be accepted, as presented.
Following iscussion and b unanimous consent Council directed that:
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1. The EIR evaluate impacts of allowing use of recycled water outside of the City
limits and urban reserve line.
2. Policy 1.4 (Jobs /Housing Relationship) be retained in the LUCE document.
Conservation and Development of Residential Neighborhoods
Following discussion and by unanimous consent, Council directed:
1. Policy 2.1.3 (Neighborhood Traffic) be amended to read as follows:
"Neighborhoods should be protected from intrusive traffic. All neighborhood
street and circulation improvements should favor pedestrians, bicyclists, and
local traffic. Vehicle traffic on residential streets should be slow. To foster
suitable traffic speed, street design should include 2 measures such as narrow
lanes, landscaped parkways, traffic circles, textured crosswalks, and, if
necessary, stop signs, speed humps, bollards, and on- street parking and
sidewalks."
2. Policy 2.2.9(H) (Housing Diversity) be amended to read as follows: "A mix of
housing types, and a range of density within a neighborhood is generally
desirable."
3. Policy 2.5.4 (Location) be amended to read as follows: `The City shall
encourage the development of housing likely to attract faculty, staff, and
students to locate close to Cal Poly. The City shall work with Cal Poly to
facilitate faculty and staff ownina or rentina housina in adiacent
neighborhoods."
Discussion ensued as to whether Policy 2.4.2 (Density Change) would negatively
impact established neighborhoods by allowing higher density uses; it was
suggested that the policy should amended to ensure that density changes have
no impact or improve levels of service on the neighborhood.
By a Council majority, with Mayor Marx dissenting, Policy 2.4.2 (Density
Changes) shall be modified to read as follows: "The City shall approve re- zonings
that increase density in existing residential areas only if it finds that the following
are not adversely impacts: neighborhood character and identity; compatibility of
land use; impact on level of service and facilities (including schools). In addition,
the, the City shall find that proposed density changes meet policies related to 1
neighborhood amenities (Policy 2.1.7); compatible development (Policy 2.2.9)
and residential project objectives (Policy 2.2.11).
City Council Meeting Minutes — January 14, 2014
Commercial and Industrial Development
Page 9
' Council discussed whether Program 3.5.7.3 (Dependent Care) should be
eliminated, as it was pointed out that providing such incentives are a method of
employee recruitment and retention by private companies.
By unanimous consent, Council directed that Policy 3.5.7.5 (Auto Sale
Relocation) be amended to read as follows: "The City shall provide incentives to
encourage relocation of vehicle sales to et#eF compatible areas."
For clarification purposes, it was agreed that 3.5.7.8 (Tourism) be amended to
read as follows: "The City shall review zoning regulations to consider allowing
visitor - service uses in office zones adjacent to community commercial zones in
the Downtown and adiacent to Monterey Street seuthwest e# between Johnson
areas and Santa Rosa."
In response to Council inquiry, Assistant City Manager Codron advised that the
recommendations rose by the Chamber of Commerce's letter, dated January 14,
2014, are addressed by the reference in 3.5.7.8 to the implementation of the
Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Downtown
' By unanimous consent, Council modified Policy 4.0.6 (Open Places and Views)
to include: "The City shall increase Downtown green space and public parks,
including pocket parks, as the number of people living Downtown increases."
Public and Cultural Facilities -
By unanimous consent, Council determined to include a new program as follows:
"The City shall consider incentives to establish social service facilities throughout
the City."
Resource Protection
By unanimous consent, Council amended Program 6.3.3 (Community Design
Guidelines) to read as follows: "Consistent with the Community Design
guidelines, ffesumes that all hillside areas are considered
erg sensitive sites, and Where architectural review is required for new
development 06 Fequired. The Community Development Director will screen all
proposals to identify any which do not need architectural review. The City will
mitigate the visual impacts of hillside structures, including revising the way
maximum building height is determined."
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City Council Meeting Minutes — January 14, 2014
Sustainability
Following discussion and by unanimous consent, Council directed:
Page 10
1. Policy 9.3.3 (Sustainability Coordination) be amended to read as follows: "The
City shall review SLOCOG's Regional Transportation Plan, including the
Sustainable Communities Strategy, as it prepares and reviews updates to the
General Plan, General Plan Amendments, specific plans, changes in zoning
regulations, capital improvement plans and other infrastructure plans to
determine consistency and eligibility for
State transportation funding."
2. Policy 9.3.7, Section D, (Sustainable Design, Plumbing) be amended to read
as follows: "Utilize plumbing fixtures that conserve or reuse water such as low
flow faucets or grey water fesysl+ng systems."
3. Policy 9.3.7, Section E (Sustainable Design, Efficient Landscaping) be
amended to read as follows: "Include landscaping that reduces water use
through use of drought - tolerant/native plant species, high- efficiency irrigation
(drip irrigation), and reduction or elimination of the use of turf. Collection and
use of site runoff and rainwater harvesting in landscape irrigation is
encouraged.
4. Policy 9.3.7 (Sustainable Design) be amended to include a new subsection as '
follows: "Renew the urban forest: Develop a long term tree planting program to
beautify the City, migrate increase residential density, address die -off, and
combat air pollution and global warming."
5. The inclusion of a new program as follows: "Urban Forest. Update master tree
plan and develop recommendations to renew and maintain the urban forest
and plant more trees."
Healthy Community
Following discussion and by unanimous consent, Council amended Policy 10.3:5
(Healthy Environment) to read as follows: "The City shall protect and maintain
clear air, the urban forest, and natural open spaces.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ASHBAUGH, SECOND BY COUNCIL
MEMBER SMITH, CARRIED 5 -0, to adopt Resolution No. 10490 (2014 Series)
entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo,
California, endorsing the draft Land Use Element to be considered through the
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process (GPI 15 -12)."
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City Council Meeting Minutes — January 14, 2014 Page 11
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
1 None.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 11:05 p.m., to a Study Session to be held on Tuesday,
January 21, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. to discuss Infrastructure Financing Alternatives. The
Regular meeting will commence at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California.
APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 02/18/14
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