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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 --------------------------------------------------------=--------------- 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