HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/17/1979M I N U T E S
ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1979 - 12:10 P.M.
COUNCIL HEARING ROOM, CITY HALL, 990 PALM STREET
Roll Call
Councilmembers
PRESENT: Melanie Billig, Alan Bond, Ron Dunin, Jeff Jorgensen and I
Mayor Lynn R. Cooper
'ABSENT: None
City Staff
PRESENT: Lee Walton, Administrative Officer; George Thacher, City
Attorney; J.H. Fitzpatrick, City Clerk; Henry Engen,
Director of Community Development; Henry Romero, Public
Services
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2. The City Council discussed staff report on the Little Theater
Project for the corner'of Monterey and Broad Streets.
Lee Walton, City Administrative Officer, presented a report prepared by
the Community Development Director, regarding how the Little Theater could
be built on the various combinations of land at the corner of Monterey and
Broad Streets. He stated in summary that it appeared that the 4,620 square
foot city parcel was not adequate for a Little Theater building unless the
Council was willing to accept a simple "box" building without any setbacks
or design interest. At the very minimum, therefore, it would be necessary
for the city to acquire a small (2,618 square foot) vacant lot immediately
adjacent to the city property. This would permit a fairly reasonable and
sophisticated structure, but would not allow for integration with Mission
Plaza or with potential commercial development if it should take place on
the adjoining properties. He also submitted two (2) proposals reviewed
by staff:
A. The city would acquire the adjacent vacant lot from Spradlin, plus
the existing 12 foot city easement across the city property.
TOTAL APPROX. COST $50,000
Upon acquisition of this property (7,958 square feet), it would then
be leased in total to the Little Theater for their development.
B. The city would purchase all of the Spradlin property, leasing the
western portion to the Little Theater Association as described. The
remaining eastern portion would then be placed on the open market to
be developed for commercial shops in accordance with a precise plan
developed by the city which would integrate these shops with the Little
Theater complex.
This additional cost would be $145,000
Less estimated value of prop -
sold for commercial use in
after condition 909000 ,
NET COST TO CITY $ 55,000
Lee Walton concluded by stating that alternative B, of course, was highly
speculative, but did indicate that in the long run, it might be the same
net cost to purchase the property in its entirety and resell or lease the
commercial portion. Also, in order to accomplish alternate B., it would
require the cooperation of the present property owner because the city
could not condemn land for a private or commercial venture.
City Council Agenda
December 17, 1979 - 12:10 p.m.
Page 2
Mr. Maynard Houston, architect for the Little Theater-Association, submitted
for the Council's consideration, preliminary conceptual studies of a proposed
Little Theater complex in the City of San Luis Obispo on city -owned land on
the corner of Broad and Monterey Streets. He felt that presently, the city
site was too small for adequate development and that the city should acquire
at least one -half of the adjacent lot in order to make the development
feasible. He felt that in cooperation with the owner of the balance of the
lot, new buildings could be built which would make the theater a much better
facility. He felt the Little Theater should look at other sites besides this
one in order to make the decision a viable operation.
Councilman Dunin agreed that he did not feel that the site presently owned
by the city for development of the Little Theater is adequate. He felt that
either the city should acquire additional land at this site by purchase or
cooperative agreement with owners, or look elsewhere for an alternate adequate
land to develop the theater. He would support development of the Little Theater
building in the Mission Plaza area.
Councilman Jorgensen felt that if additional land could be acquired that
this would make a good addition to downtown. He felt that the key to
development was in cooperation with the adjacent owner although he would
support development of the Little Theater with the acquisition of adjacent
land with a joint venture for development.
Councilwoman Billig felt this was a good project if details could be worked
out. She would go along with the original site and any additions thereto
as suggested under "A ", and she would also support any cooperation with
Spradlin, adjacent property owner.
Councilman Bond said he would support the development of a Little Theater
with the addition of parcel "A "; development should be in the Mission Plaza
area.
' Mayor Cooper agreed with other Councilmemebers and felt that a joint venture
agreement with the adjacent property owner might be the way to go to satisfy
both the city's, Little Theater's and Spradlin's concepts.
Mr. Spradlin stated that he and his family are supportive of the city plans
to expand the Mission Plaza and development of the Little Theater complex.
He stated that he was not interested in selling his property but that he
might be interested in trading his property on Broad Street for some other
city -owned property such as the parking lot on Monterey and Nipomo. He also
felt that one insurmountable problem was the zoning on his lot which is
presently "P.O." which limits his use if the building was lost due to fire.
He felt that if the city could change the zoning to "C.R. ", then a swap
could be considered. While he is not enthusiastic over a joint venture with
the city, he would be pleased to discuss and look into the matter at any time.
On a motion of Councilwoman Billig, seconded by Councilman Bond, the city
staff was directed to: 1) negotiate for additional land either by purchase
or by joint venture; 2) look into the joint venture option with the Little
Theater, the City, and Spradlin's family; and 3) work with Mr. Spradlin and
see if other city -owned land could be traded for his property for acquisition
of parcels "A" and "B ".
The motion was carried.
I AYES: Councilmembers Billig, Bond, Dunin, Jorgensen, and Mayor Cooper.
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
3. The Council consider a report by Geoff Grote on the Pigeon Related
Problems in San Luis Obispo and Review of Control Alternatives.
City Council Minutes
December 17, 1979 - 12:10 p.m.
Page 3
Geoff Grote, Assistant City Attorney /Administrative Officer, submitted a
report dealing with research on the subject of Pigeon Control in the City
of San Luis Obispo, particularly the health hazards involved wherever there
is a large pigeon population in an area. He also submitted various alter-
natives for controlling this problem.
The first possible solution would be the exclusion of pigeons from the city
by placing nets or other obstructions in every possible nook and cranny so ,
that they could not multiply.
Secondly, a chemical treatment of nesting sites. These chemicals have a
limited effectiveness on other birds than pigeons as they create a burning
sensation on the bird's feet and thereby drive the bird off the site.
Thirdly, the use of poisons; but this would not be too well received by
the population.
Fourthly, the use of oral toxicants. Toxic material may be introduced into
the bird's feed and set out at various locations in the city. A number of
cities found this to be an effective method but does not appear to be too
practical in San Luis Obispo.
Other methods were shooting, trapping, etc.
One of the most promising methods was the Chemical Sterilants, which render
a percentage of the birds sterile. This drug is administered through feed
set out for the pigeons. The feed used in this method is whole kernal corn
which is placed in feed troughs in various locations around the city. Those
pigeons consuming adequate quantities of the drug will be unable to reproduce.
Properly administered, this program will reduce the pigeon population to
acceptable levels in approximately two years and maintain it at that level.
He continued that this drug is effective over the long run in reducing the '
population, however, the effectiveness of this method depends upon at least
a two -year commitment. Some of the advantages given for this method are as
follows:
1. No pigeons are killed and thus, there is no problem with collection
or disposal of carcasses.
2. Only pigeons eat whole kernal corn; other birds would not be
affected by the drug.
3. The drug has no effect upon animals or people should they come in
contact with the pigeons.
4. The long -term result is a reduction in the pigeon population.
5. The costs of administering the program are relatively modest as
tending the feed troughs is less frequent and less complicated
than tending traps.
6. The costs of the chemical can reasonably be projected to go down
as the pigeon population diminishes.
He concluded his comments by stating that the School of Agriculture at Cal
Poly has a great interest in pigeon control. They see the interests of the
university and the city as coextensive in the area. This is important as I
the use of their expertise can be an important factor in keep our costs
down.
Conversations with the faculty of the School of Agriculture indicate that
a joint program is possible. Expert services which could be made available
to the city include the following:
1. An accurate estimation of the current pigeon population in the
City of San Luis Obispo.
City Council Minutes
December 17, 1979 - 12:10 p.m.
Page 4
2. Expert advice as to the appropriate sites for the placement of
traps and feed troughs.
3. Monitoring of the effectiveness of the chemical sterilant program
through the use of student labor from the School of Agriculture.
4. Coordination of the city's pigeon control program with an independent
control program used by the university.
The City staff was directed to proceed with the Chemical Sterilants Program
as outlined in cooperation with Cal Poly with a prior notice to Pigeon Clubs,
the Business Improvement Area, and that the matter be set for a public hearing
prior to the institution of the program.
4. The City Council to discuss the continuation of the Newsletter
Format and Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 1979 -80.
Lee Walton, City Administrative Officer, reviewed the present city program
with the Newsletter going out with the water bills and which he feels has
been a very successful program. But that to date, the additional funds would
have to be augmented if they are to continue the Newsletter through June of
1980.
Mr. Walton reminded the Council that
July of 1979, the Newsletter budget
that the original plan was to try it
Council for their consideration. He
a questionnaire asking the residents
the Newsletter. He felt that $1,500
the balance of the Fiscal Year.
due to the budget pressures in June and
was reduced substantially. He continued
for six months and come back to the City
stated that the January issue would have
what they think of the new format of
would be sufficient to carry the program
_Councilman Dunin questioned the continued production of the Newsletter.
' Councilman Bond felt the Newsletter was the one way for the citizens to be
informed about what the city was doing.
Councilman Jorgensen felt that the city was responsible'to communicate its
actions to the public. He would support continuing issuance of the
Newsletter, even if subject matter were to become more controversial.
Mayor Cooper felt the Newsletter was an excellent method to communicate
with the public.
After discussion by the City Council, it was a consensus to continue the
Newsletter through June 30, 1980, that controversial items were to be
covered in the Newsletter with the City Council being given . an opportunity
to review prior to publication for comments, and that the main thrust was
to get the city's point of view before the public.
The action was approved by consensus.
Councilman Dunin opposed.
5. Sewer Service Area Plan was continued to Tuesday, December 18, 1979
at 4:00 p.m.
6. Small Lot Planned Devel
' 1979, at 4:00 p.m.
There being no further business
Cooper adjourned the meeting to
APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON: 2/19/80
mp ents was continued to Tuesday, December 18,
to come before the City Council, Mayor
4:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 18, 1979.
J . Vl� atrick, City Clerk