HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/14/1981City Council Minutes
April 14, 1981 - 7:30 P.M.
Page 2
1. At this time the City Council held a public hearing to consider
a staff report on the precautionary action point on water supply to the City_ under
the provisions of Ordinance No. 839.
Bob Mote, Utilities Engineer, explained the precautionary action point on water
supply to the City under the provisions of Ordinance No. 839, as stated in his
memorandum to Dave Romero dated March 6, 1981 entitled "Possible Water Resource
Deficiency ". He stated that Ordinance 604 -A was passed in 1974 which identified
several areas of concern with respect to the City's available basic resources and
mandated a review and correction procedure intended to avoid overburdening those
resources. Subsequently, Resolution No. 2685 was passed which established criteria
and policies for implementing the Ordinance. Last year this Ordinance was rewritten
into Ordinance No. 839 and recently, the Resolution also was rewritten into
Resolution No. 4379, but the essential elements of each were retained. He continued
that with respect to the City's "Water Supply" the above documents establish a
"Precautionary Action Point" as being that level of usage where 6,500 Acre Feet of
water has been used during the previous 12 -month period; thereupon attention is to
be called to the fact (by public hearing) that the City's water consumption has
approached within 1,150 Acre Feet of the total "allocation" of 7,650 Acre Feet per
year, indicating that this would give the City approximately 10 years in which to
develop additional resources. He explained that the City's total water entitlement
of 7,650 Acre Feet per year was arrived at as follows: Safe Annual Yield from
Santa Margarita Reservoir - 4,800 Acre Feet; Safe Annual Yield from Whale Rock:
City's allocation (55 %) - 2,057 Acre Feet, Cal Poly's domestic (22 %) - 823 Acre
Feet, for a total of 7,680 Acre Feet. He defined the "safe annual yield" of a
reservoir as that amount of water which can be continously withdrawn from the
reservoir over a period during which run -off corresponds to the worst drought
of record, without completely depleting the reservoir storage. Bob Mote continued
that the City's per capita water consumption over the past ten years has fluctuated
from a low of 144 gal /cap. /day in 1978 to a high last year of 162 gal /cap. /day,
and has averaged slightly over 150 gal /cap. /day for the combined City -Cal Poly usage.
This sharp increase evidently reflects a relaxation in individual conservation
efforts and also a trend toward smaller families (fewer persons per dwelling unit).
He said that if we could maintain the 150 gal /cap. /day rate of usage, the 7,680
Acre Feet per year would accommodate approximately 45,700 persons of which about
3,000 would be residents on the Cal Poly Campus (and, thus, not included in the
City's population census). He recommended that the City have a reconsideration of
the method arriving at the total water available to the City by studying the
conjunctive use concept for the two reservoirs. Be stated that the.two reservoirs
are quite different in the respects that: the evaporation of Salinas Valley is
considerably higher than the evaporation at Whale Rock; the storage capacity of
Whale Rock is almost twice as much as the Santa Margarita water, and the drainage
area is only 1/6 as great as Santa Margarita. For those reasons he believed that
the City should consider using as much water as is available from the Salinas Basin
exceeding what we already consider as a safe annual yield, saving the water at
Whale Rock, primarily as a back -up supply for the dry years. He recommended that
a qualified engineering consultant be hired to confirm and quantify the additional
water supply available by-this "conjunctive use" concept. Until that study has
been completed, he suggested that the proposed hearing on the "Precautionary Action
Point" be either postponed or continued to a future date uncertain.
Ron Dunin asked Mr. Mote to explain what the safe annual yield figure actually
means and how he arrives at that figure.
Bob Mote explained that the safe annual yield is arrived at by an engineering
study which takes into consideration the drainage area, the amount of rainfall
experienced in that area over a period of time, the amount of run -off, which
are all put into a computer program to arrive at a figure that means that if this
' amount is withdrawn from that reservoir for a definite period the reservoir will
never be drawn dry - in effect, the amount of water that can be drawn without
completely depleting the water storage.
Henry Engen explained how the study relates to..the City's General Plan capacity.
He stated that the City's current population is 32,400, and 57,500 including major
areas outside the city limits; and that the capacity is predicated on getting
supplementary water. Without supplementary water when the City's population
reaches 40,000, we will have to consider reanalyzing the General Plan.
Councilman Settle asked Bob Mote to what extent the siltation was considered in
both the Santa Margarita and Whale Rock Reservoirs.
City Council Minutes
April 14, 1981 - 7:30 p.m.
Page 3
Mr. Mote replied that a review of the capacity of the Salinas Reservoir was
conducted in 1976, and that there has been a sudden drop as to what had been
considered to be the capacity since that time. He stated that the reservoir
didn't silt up but that nobody had brought the records up to date for the storage
capacity. He said that siltation is a continuing problem in any reservoir.
He continued that the dam was originally proposed to have drum gates but that
they were not put in. He noted that would possibly raise the water table, but
that the Corps of Engineers did a Seismic Study on the dam and they did not
consider drum gates in the study. I
Councilman Dunin stated that with the issues being the availability of water
and the projected time to which we can safely increase the population, he felt
that the projected long -range planning by the Community Development Department
has been a theoretical study, with theoretical figures, and a political football.
He thought that the City was misleading people as far as the availability of
the water was concerned. He recommended ordering the consultant's study because
it would be helpful to the department and also to the future planning of the City.
Councilwoman Dovey stated that any study that is done should of necessity include
the projected monetary figures. She asked if there would be any extra cost or
treatment to the Whale Rock water as it is going to be used for recreational
purposes as it goes through the treatment plant.
Mr. Mote replied that a consultant has tested the background condition of the
water and that he will continue to do that as the facilities are open for fishing.
He didn't anticipate that there would be any significant change in the quality
of the water or any different kind of treatment. He said the fishing will be
limited to 200 people and the facilities will have to be inspected by the Health
Department.
On a question from Mayor Billig, Bob Mote explained how he arrived at the figures
in the study and how they were calculated. He said that the calculations show
how many acre feet of water is in each of the reservoirs at a particular
elevation. He said that topo maps are prepared from aerial photographs, the
contours are measured at each level, and then the amount of water is calculated
from one level to the next. As to the accuracy of the figures, Bob Mote stated
that in hydrology studies there are obviously a lot of areas of discrepancies.
He said that in the original study for Whale Rock, the safe annual yield was con-
siderably greater than the safe annual yield that was later developed, one of the
reasons being that they didn't have accurate records at that time. He said the
records are more accurate at present.
Allen Settle found the safe annual yield figures to be overly optimistic if the
area should be hit with a substantial drought. He favored conservation and the
potential for recycling, and was concerned about costs and the impact on the
recreational situation. He was also concerned about the overdrafting of the
reservoirs, as suggested by Dave Romero in his memorandum to Lee Walton of
March 11, 1981.
Dave Romero responded that the reservoirs could be drafted for 50 to 100 years;
that Los Angeles has been overdrafting their ground water for many years, but
that if it can be avoided it should be.
With respect to the per capita growth increase, Bob Mote said that-there is more
water being used but not as many people using it. He said the usage is going up
as the properties are being developed. He continued that people are not as
conservation - conscious and that more houses being built requires more yards and
thus more landscaping. He informed the council that the Finance Department
prepared a report from March of 1979 to March of 1981 showing the various usages
and the percentages of water used by commercial, industrial, and governmental
entities. Approximate figures follow: residential - 60 percent; commercial -
13 to 14 percent; Cal Poly - 10 to 12 percent; other schools - 2 to 3 percent;
government including city, county, state and federal agencies use an aggregate
of around 4 to 5 percent. He recommended that the Council look toward the future
and what those entities might do with regards to planning and our agreements with
them. Taking those things into consideration added on to the weather, etc.
makes it more incumbent for everyone to plan more conservatively and optimistically.
Bob Mote added that conservation should be attacked tactfully with regards to
future planning. He said that people have to be convinced that there is a real
reason to be conserving water and that the proper strategies should be taken to
accomplish that.
City Council Minutes
April 14, 1981 - 7:30 p.m.
Page 4
Mayor Billig stated that'the City has put money aside in the budget to try to foster
water conservation and that the City should start developing some kind of program
of incentives to encourage and inform people. She encouraged staff to come up
with some innovative ideas. Her two basic concerns were: 1) whether the Council
wants to go ahead with another water study, what it will cost and what the City
will gain; and 2) the timeliness of the reporting procedure to the Council needs
to be improved. She also felt the language could be refined, the figures made
more current, less confusing and less contradictory. -She thought the Council
might want to consider directing the Community Development Department to draft
a rewrite on the section on goals and land use to give added clarity to those
sections. She said the concept of energy conservation should also be addressed.
Mayor Billig declared the public hearing open.
thought that in the future the city shouldn't accept
any new developments without a complete environmental study stating that the
city has enough:water, and that the developers should not be given any guarantees.
Don Smith suggested that the City look at its 1977 water supply study and referred
to pages 1 - 2 which states that the ground water supply has a safe annual yield of
2300 acre feet. The report shows an overdraft on ground water supply and he
thought that the City should look at its existing record of what there is available.
Mayor Billig declared the public hearing closed.
Councilwoman Dovey recommended that the staff look into programs that have been
successful in the past in this city, and also to look into what other communities
have done in terms of general conservation to keep down both the use and the cost
to consumers. She didn't feel a study was necessary, but that staff should do
some research to come up with suggestions to convince the citizens that water
conservation is a good thing. She also suggested that the City newsletter could
be used to keep the citizens aware, and that the Finance Director could suggest
ways to show people on their water bills what their water consumption is.
Councilman Dunin stated that the Council should be getting more accurate reports
and more often. This would keep the city appraised of any possibly shortage, and
would prevent suddenly getting into a situation where there is no water. He
felt that a study by the engineering consultant could be done and that the City
look into a water conservation project. He said that a program for conservation
and public relations is an important factor in informing the public. He also
thought that the water should not be used as a controlling factor in growth,
but that an ordinance should be adopted projecting the water availability for
the next 50 - 100 years. He said that a policy should be established for the
Architectural Review Commission suggesting landscaping approaches to conservation.
Bob Mote showed on a chart prepared from records at the water treatment plant
the amount of water that has been drawn from Salinas, Whale Rock, and from the
creeks. This source document showed that for the past two years the City has
been overdrawing our safe annual yield from Salinas Reservoir taking 6,440 acre
feet in 1979, and 5,399 last year, which is over the safe yield. In a sense,
the City is already using the two reservoirs conjunctively.
Councilman Settle was not opposed to the idea of conjunctive use conceptually.
He preferred to postpone the water study until refinements in the General Plan
are cleared up in terms of the population calculations, water availability,
and consumption. He favored encouraging the Architectual Review Commission
to consider landscaping alternatives as a means of conservation, and to develop
strategies to motivate people to conserve water.
Mayor Billig stated that the city should be notified at its first regular meeting
when a precautionary point is reached. She said it would be important for the
City to have quarterly reports on consumption, which would include population
figures and a breakdown of areas of greatest usage. She supported a refinement
in the language and the figures in the General Plan to make them more current.
She said the Council should be concerned about the types and mixes of land uses
that we are encouraging or discouraging in terms of having an impact on our
water resources. She also suggested developing a brochure for the public
showing types of landscaping and water conservation that could be used; identifying
vegetation that is drought resistent or low in water usage; and explaining to
people the importance of drip systems and how advantageous they can be. She
reiterated that the Council could give some direction to the Planning Commission
and Architectural Review Commission on types of uses and landscaping they should
City Council Minutes
April 14, 1981 - 7:30 p.m.
Page 5
encourage. Her idea was to form an ad -hoc committee to handle the public relations
and develop the brochure, instead of having the staff handle it. She concluded
that it appeared that the majority of the Council did not want a study.and
suggested that it be brought up again at budget hearings, giving the Council needed
time to gain more perspective on the water issue. She again stressed the importance
of staff giving timely reporting on the precautionary levels.
Councilman Settle stated since the issue of water will be a political issue, the
faster that the data is collected and forwarded to the council the better.
After some discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that the reporting
regarding status of water and sewer facilities be done in a timely manner, on a
quarterly basis; and the idea of a future study be kept open and be considered at
budget hearings. Also, that the Council is in agreement to give direction to the
Planning Commission and Architectural Review Commission to adopt standards regarding
landscaping to encourage water conservation. Lastly, that staff prepare a list
of positive incentives which might be presented to the public to encourage water
conservation.
At 9:45 p.m. the City Council took a 15- minute recess. The meeting resumed at
10:00 P.M.
2. At this time the City Council discussed the proposed draft of
Committee. Commission Handbook.
Geoff Grote, Legal Assistant, reviewed the changes to the
Handbook. He presented a memorandum from the Promotional
asking for a minor amendment under "Purpose ", and also a
from the Citizens Advisory Committee with their proposed
the proposed changes to the draft in detail and said that
questions the Council might have.
Mayor Billig declared the public hearing open.
Draft Commission /Committee
Coordinating Committee
memorandum to Lee Walton
changes. He then explained
he would answer any
John Carsel, representing the Human Relations Commission, commented that the
commission didn't receive the draft until the 9th of April and are asking for a
continuance of the discussion until the commission has had a chance to review.
He stated that there has been a dispute as to whether the HRC should have 9 or
12 members, and was opposed to approving the handbook since that issue had not
been resolved. Under "Functions" he added that it should read that the
"committee /commission make studies under the direction of the City Council ".
He favored 2 -year terms for commission members.
1
Councilman Dunin favored adopting the handbook and giving the commissions,
committees, and boards a chance to review it again with the City Council in six
months. On the general format of the document, he favored shortening the terms
of the commission members to 2 - 3 years, that if an appointment is made for more
than half of a term then it becomes a full term, and favored having the least
number of people on the committees as possible, with a maximum of 9 members. He
also noted that all the commissions are directly responsible to the Council and
not to the Department Heads or CAO, with the exception of technical Committees.
He felt the Ethics_ section .was_good.and.long.overdue.
Councilman Settle also felt the document was good and long overdue.
2 -year terms for members, but the Chairperson.should not be-.limited
secutive terms. He thought the Ethics section was good and was not
the PCC's recommended statement of purpose. He favored leaving.the
at 12, and did not want to postpone approving the handbook because
discrepancy.
He favored
to two con -
opposed to
HRC membership
of that
Councilwoman Dovey endorsed the handbook, thought there should be some .specific
direction in the "Goals" section, and also that the consistency of the format
and the wording could be improved. She said the Ethics section was good and
favored the terms be limited to 2 years. She was not opposed to having the
Chairpersons serve 2 one -year terms. She favored requiring annual reports, liked
the PCC's statement of purpose, and added her feeling that their primary purpose
1
would be to enhance the quality of life for the City. She had no problems with the
HRC having 12 members of the 2 -year terms of appointment. She suggested that the
handbook should be part of the screening process for people applying to a
commission, that when applying they verify that they have read the handbook.
City Council Minutes
April 14, 1981 - 7:30 p.m.
Page 6
Mayor Billig agreed with Councilwoman Dovey's suggestion of having the applicants
read the handbook, thought the 2 -year terms were good, and also noted that the
committees and commissions were responsible to the Council. She felt the PCC's
statement of purpose was good, and questioned the understanding of the relation-
ship between the committees /commissions and the Council itself. She didn't have
strong feelings about the HRC at its present membership at 12, and that the
commissions have a chance to review the handbook. She suggested that the draft
supersede the ordinances knowing that there might be some deviations.
In response to Mayor Billig's comment, George Thacher stated that the Municipal
Code purpose was to create the advisory bodies by ordinance, that the handbook
can be revised periodically.
Under suspension and dismissal, there was a discussion on what constituted rude
behavior and Geoff Grote clarified that rude behavior was not well- defined and
left that determination to the Council. He said that insulting the public or
a person's behavior who has gotten out of hand would be rude behavior.
There was a discussion on the wording of the PCC's goals, and it was resolved
their purpose would be "...to improve the quality of life for city residents,
to promote the development of San Luis Obispo as a regional trading center, and
to promote recreation and tourism."
Under CAC's purpose, Councilwoman Dovey recommended that one of their functions
would be "to initiate and conduct any studies of matters they think are important
and to report to the Council on the results of those studies." She also stated
that on page 25 on CAC section, that the last sentence read: "The meetings of
the subcommittees need not be open to the public."
Councilman Dunin supported that the CAC's purpose was to advise the City Council,
and reiterated that the CAC is serving at the pleasure of the Council.
Geoff Grote was directed to amend the draft as discussed and bring it back to
Council for final adoption.
3. Council consideration of request for recommendation on public
testimony submitted before the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments regarding
unmet transportation needs.
Dave Romero, Public Service Director, stated it was a requirement of the Transit
Development Program that the SLOCOG review the unmet needs of the community prior
to budgeting funds set aside for transit purposes. He continued that there was
a preliminary hearing on-February 25, 1981 and he has referred certain items to
the two Transit Committees, the North Coastal Transit Board and the City Transporta-
tion Committee. He reviewed a report from the North Coastal Transit Authority
and stated that the Council was not required to take any action on the "unmet
needs ", since the Transit Authority decided unanimously not to extend the services
outlined in the report. Dave Romero then reviewed a report from the Mass
Transportation Committee listing 8 "unmet needs" items,.7 of which are inside
the city. He said that the committee has had detailed discussion on each of the
items and as to what is a need, want, and reasonable. It was the consensus of
the committee that most of the items were "wants ". He concluded that the report
will be forwarded to SLOCOG.
Helen.Carlovich stated that she rode the transit system everyday and spoke
on Route 2, that the students at Laguna Lake will be relying on the bus system
so the City should plan ahead. She recommended extending the shuttle..bus from
Foothill Blvd. to Higuera and the Laguna Lake area.
Mayor Billig agreed
that if the CAC has an
issue or concern, that they submit it
to the Council for
a study session in the
form of a memorandum and that the
Council act as the
policy administrator.
She reiterated that the Commissions
should be informed
that the Council is open
and available to discuss any concerns
they might have.
Geoff Grote was directed to amend the draft as discussed and bring it back to
Council for final adoption.
3. Council consideration of request for recommendation on public
testimony submitted before the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments regarding
unmet transportation needs.
Dave Romero, Public Service Director, stated it was a requirement of the Transit
Development Program that the SLOCOG review the unmet needs of the community prior
to budgeting funds set aside for transit purposes. He continued that there was
a preliminary hearing on-February 25, 1981 and he has referred certain items to
the two Transit Committees, the North Coastal Transit Board and the City Transporta-
tion Committee. He reviewed a report from the North Coastal Transit Authority
and stated that the Council was not required to take any action on the "unmet
needs ", since the Transit Authority decided unanimously not to extend the services
outlined in the report. Dave Romero then reviewed a report from the Mass
Transportation Committee listing 8 "unmet needs" items,.7 of which are inside
the city. He said that the committee has had detailed discussion on each of the
items and as to what is a need, want, and reasonable. It was the consensus of
the committee that most of the items were "wants ". He concluded that the report
will be forwarded to SLOCOG.
Helen.Carlovich stated that she rode the transit system everyday and spoke
on Route 2, that the students at Laguna Lake will be relying on the bus system
so the City should plan ahead. She recommended extending the shuttle..bus from
Foothill Blvd. to Higuera and the Laguna Lake area.
City Council Minutes
April 14, 1981 - 7:30 p.m.
Page 7
Dave Romero commented that a route which followed main streets from City Hall
via Higuera.Street, Madonna Road, Los Osos Valley Road, Foothill Blvd. to Cal
Poly and return to City Hall would be 10 miles in length and could be traversed
in a 30- minute period, thus could be initiated on the basis of two runs per hour.
If this were put into effect for the normal 12 -hour day or 5 -days per week at
the $2.55 rate which will become effective April 1, the total yearly cost will
be approximately $160,000. This route would provide new service to only those
few residents in the County who reside near This Ole House on Foothill Blvd.
It was the unanimous recommendation of the Mass Transportation Committee that
the City not go into that service at this time.
Councilman Settle suggested the Council list their recommendations and submit
to Dave Romero.
Councilwoman Dovey concurred with the Mass Transportation Committee findings and
recommended forwarding them to SLOCOG.
Councilman Dunin supported the staff recommendation.
Mayor Billig stated a productivity committee has been established to look into
concerns to try to bring about better service within the region. She said that
for monetary reasons there is a question of being able to facilitate and that it
might be helpful to have one or two Councilmembers sit in on the MTC meetings.
On motion.of Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilwoman Dovey, that the
recommendations of the MTC be approved and staff directed to forward Council
action to SLOCOG. Motion carried.
AYES: Councilmembers Settle, Dovey, Dunin, and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Bond
4. At this time the City Council considered adoption of the
1980 General Employee Salary Resolution and superseding previous resolutions
in conflict.
Ann McKibbin, Personnel Director, stated that the resolution to amend the M.O.U.
between the City and the San Luis Obispo Employees Association include negotiated
contract revisions affecting wages and benefits for term of January through
December 1981. She explained that the revisions include a 3% increase in salaries
retroactive to January, 1981, a provision to have the City pay the employees'
7% P.E.R.S. contribution in accordance with I.R.S. regulations, and the rewording
of the Workers' Compensation Leave to insure use only for temporary disability.
Additionally, changes were made to the medical benefits to allow the City to
offer medical coverage through self insurance plan, a cash payoff for unused
benefit monies, and the deletion of cafeteria benefits. She then reviewed an
amendment to a salary resolution to increase salary range amounts to provide a
3% increase in salary retroactive to January 1, 1981 to employees in the affected
classifications.
On a question from Mayor Billig, Rudy Muravez explained that the P.E.R.S. pick -up
is a relatively new benefit being provided by California cities, and as a new
benefit there have been questions as to who is going to be res
recording it as income and who is responsible for control. He
when an employee terminates he is issued a Form 1099R which in
that the City has contributed a certain amount of money on his
employee then has the option of withdrawing the money, leaving
or taking it in a series of payments. This benefit is subject
in writing from the I.R.S. on the procedure, and added that it
increase to the employee with a lower net cost to the city.
:)onsible for
explained that
effect tells him
behalf. The
it in the fund,
to confirmation
would mean an
On motion of Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilman Dunin, the following
resolution was introduced: Resolution No. 4455 (1981 Series), a resolution amending
Resolution 4272 (1980 Series) establishing salary ranges for employee classification:
specifying methods of advancement and superceding previous salary resolutions in
conflict. Motion carried.
AYES: Councilmembers Settle, Dunin, Dovey, and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Bond
City Council Minutes
April 14, 1981 - 7:30 p.m.
Page 8
On motion of Councilman Dunin, seconded by Councilman Settle, the following
resolution was introduced: Resolution No. 4456 (1981 Series), a resolution
amending Memoranda of Understanding between the City Council and San Luis Obispo
Employees Association. Motion carried.
AYES: Councilmembers Dunin, Settle, Dovey, and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Bond
On motion of Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilman Dunin, to approve Contract
Revisions to Memoranda of Understanding between the City and the San Luis Obispo
Employees Association effective January 1, 1981 through December 31, 1981.
Motion carried.
AYES: Councilmembers Settle, Dunin, Dovey, and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Bond
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting
was adjourned at 11:45 p.m. to April 21, 1981 at 7:00 p.m.
Pamela Voges, Acting City Clerk.
.1
t% 1J'Q a - rlpq� el �J � �
By 1 via Gran ecording Secretary
1 ----------------------------------------------------
M I N U T E S
ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1981 - 7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 990 PALM STREET
Pledge
Roll Call
Councilmembers
Present: Alan Bond, GlennaDeane Dovey, Ron Dunin, Allen Settle,
and Mayor Melanie Billig
Absent: None
City Staff
Present: Lee Walton, Administrative Officer; George Thacher, City
Attorney; Pamela Voges, Acting City Clerk; Henry Engen,
Community Development Director; Richard Minor, Fire Chief;
Geoff Grote, Legal Assistant; Roger Neuman, Police Chief;
Dave Romero, Public Services Director; Ann McKibbin,
Personnel Director; Lane Wilson, Parks Supervisor; and
Olivia Grande, Recording Secretary