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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/10/19811 1 M I N U T E S ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1981 - 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 990 PALM STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA STUDY SESSION PLEDGE ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present: GlennaDeane Dovey, Ron Dunin, Robert Griffin, Allen Settle, and Mayor Melanie C. Billig Absent: None City Staff Present: Bill Hanley, Interim Administrative Officer; Pamela Voges, City Clerk; Henry Engen, Community Development Director; Rudy Muravez, Finance Director; Geoff Grote, Legal Assistant; Dave Romero, Public Services Director; Terry Sanville, Senior Planner 1. REPORT OF ACTIVITIES BY STANDING COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES: A. Area Council of Governments Councilwoman Dovey Councilwoman Dovey stated that as an update to the October 8 and November 5 meeting of the Area Council of Governments, the following actions were taken: 1. Certified the EIR for the Regional Transportation Plan. 2. Adopted the plan as amended. 3. Adopted the Transit Development Plan as amended. 4. Established temporary one -way fare of $2 for regional handicapped system and referred issue to the Regional Handicapped Authority and Transit Manager for future report following the consultant's review of the system. 5. Authorized North Coastal Transit Authority to be the lead agency for providing transit service between Atascadero and San Luis Obispo. 6. Adopted policies recommended by Mayors' Council, including continu- ance of COG's current staffing and organization structure. 7. Approve contract with Ron DeCaili for October 1, 1981, through June 30, 1982. 8. Received staff report of their working with.funding agency, County and City toward resolution of land use conflicts involved in grant requests to build sewage collection and treatment facilities in CSA #18. B. County Water Advisory Committee Mayor Billig City Council Minutes November 10, 1981 - 7:00 p.m. Page 2 Mayor Billig stated the State Water Project was still being discussed with the City of Santa Barbara as to what they plan to do with it. It was still in discussion stage. Salinas Dam was also discussed. Other cities are seeking to meet with the Corp of Engineers, but it is also pretty much in limbo; and there really was nothing additional to report at this time as far as decision making. C. North Coastal Transporation Councilman Settle Councilman Settle stated that they would be discussing at the next meeting possible service to Atascadero. D. Parking Committee Councilman Dunin Councilman Dunin stated that they had been meeting more often than necessary to review previous proposals. They had sent out two questionnaires and tabulations had been done. Two subcommittees were working together to come up with additional recommendations to the Council different from the original proposal hoping to scale it down, probably to option "b" or "c" and to extend the boundaries to lessen the assessment. They may not be able to survive the assessments so CPAC is looking to other alternatives. E. Whale Rock Commission Mayor Billig Mayor Billig stated that the Whale Rock Commission has not met since the last Council review of subcommittees. However, Thursday, Whale Rock would be discussing how much to charge the other entities if they go over their water allotment. They.would also be discussing the City's water bill and possibly adding the cost of operating the fishing program to it. They are also discussing changes to next year's fishing regulations. F. Zone 9 Advisory Committee Councilman Dunin ' Councilman Dunin stated that they have not met since the last time but at the last meeting, they had identified about 20 obstructions in the creek. Another recommendation will be coming to the Council from Nolte. 2. DOWNTOWN DESIGN GUIDELINES Presentation by representatives from Charles Hall Page & Associates on proposed guidelines for the downtown area of San Luis Obispo. Henry Engen, Community Development Director, stated . that in December of 1980 the Council approved funding of a contract with the B.I.A. for urban design services for the downtown area with City contribution being $20,000 and the B.I.A. contributing $10,000. Purpose of the contract was to provide design guidelines for: 1) public area improvements and 2) private sector improvements. Representatives of the consultants met over a period of months with a subcommittee of downtown and City representatives to review local design problems and opportunities and to develop proposals unique to the community.. The proposals were also presented at the annual meeting of the B.I.A. with the formal report being scheduled for presentation to the City Council tonight. Staff was recommending that following presentation of the report in response to comments by the consultants that the report be referred with any policy direction the Council chooses to make as follows: 1.. Architecture Review Commission: Refer the report with particular emphasis on the Design Guidelines for Private Sector Improvements to the ARC for incorporation into their design guidelines for downtown projects. 2. Staff Review: Recommendations for public area improvements should be referred to the Community Development Department for routing to all affected departments for recommendations and transmittal back to the Council the specific resolutions and ordinance activities neces- sary to implement appropriate public area improvement recommendation. Response should also be received from Planning Commission and B.I.A. City Council Minutes November 10, 1981 - 7:00 p.m. Page 3 Bruce Anderson, project manager with Charles Hall Page & Associates, stated that they had tried to come up with as many alternatives as possible and hoped the guidelines would help make the ARC's job easier. He said that San Luis Obispo should continue with the approach of "less is more" because downtown in 'their estimation was already extremely healthy, and we don't want to tamper with that. He stated that overkill would be a terrible mistake. The consultant had attempted to come up with.the basics and address them with,the philosophy of "Less is more ". San Luis Obispo already has Mission Plaza and the creek which are two big pluses. He did not feel that a semi -mall, such as in Santa Cruz, would be appropriate. Jack Shaffer, project designer with Charles Hall Page and Associates, then gave about a 30- minute slide presentation which went through the downtown guidelines on a page -by -page basis explaining issues and opportunities specific public area improvements including sidewalk paving at intersection areas, street trees, tree wells, street furniture, street lighting; design guidelines for the private sector improvements including commercial building facades, store -front areas, rear areas near construction and galleries and mini-malls. Councilman Settle questioned how the traffic would be affected at the intersection with the bulbing out as suggested by the consultants. Bruce Anderson stated that he did not feel that the traffic would be affected that much. He added that it was a curious thing, but the people seem to like congestion. This has been proved in other cities that the sales were increased in the more congested areas. In many plazas where traffic was no problem at all, the malls were also very vacant. Upon question by Councilwoman Dovey with regard to lighting, the . consultants stated that they were not experts in the lighting field, and 1 they would recommend that the Council hire a lighting expert to determine the needs for the City. Councilwoman Dovey also questioned energy conservation methods and if they were being used. Mr. Anderson replied that as the store owners and merchants have such good lighting in their stores, that he did not feel that there was a great need for additional lighting. Councilman Dunin also questioned the traffic flow and did not see that it would be affected or slowed down in any way. He stated that he felt that the added embelishments might not be cost - effective as they would not be slowing the traffic. Bruce Anderson replied that they had not looked to cut Higuera Street down to one or even two lanes because he felt that.three lanes were vital to the downtown area and would recommend that the Council leave it that way. All they were really trying to do was to give the pedestrian a leg up. At this time, the automobile was predominant, which they did not feel appropriate. Frank DuFault, manager of Ross Jewelers, wanted to know how the trucks in the downtown area making deliveries would be able to negotiate the corners with these bulbs sticking out and felt this might be creating a worse problem. Bruce Anderson did not feel that this would cause an additional hardship. Dave Romero, Public Services Director, stating that each intersection must be analyzed prior to installation of a "bulbing solution. He also stated that the Circulation Element would attempt to discourage truck traffic in the downtown area and reduce other vehicular traffic. City Council Minutes November 10, 1981 - 7:00 p.m. Page 4 John Korelich asked whether or not the Council would be adopting the report tonight, as he did not feel that the public had been well notified that this document exists. Mayor Billig stated that the Council would not be adopting, only accepting the report and taking public testimony and then sending it to other commissions and staff for additional report back. She stated there would be several other opportunities for the public to review' -' it and make thher- comments. Sandy Gillespie, Chairperson of the B.I.A. Beautification Committee, stated the committee's overall impression was very favorable. They did question what parts of the report would be used.for new construction, etc., but as far as the guidelines themselves were concerned, they were pleased. She hoped that it would be used by everyone as an educational tool. They hoped the guidelines would also be forwarded to the Tree Committee and other appropriate committees as required. Now that we have the report though, they questioned what will be done and what the next process as far as implementing it would be. Dan Hoffman, former student of Cal Poly, stated that he was speaking for himself, as well as many other students who would like to see San Luis Obispo kept at being a "slow town" and they•are not looking towards SLO becoming a hustle and bustle and would hope that the Council would keep this in mind. Councilman Griffin felt that the document was very liked the scope and the language used in it as it by anyone who would read it.. He would like to see strengthen the downtown, and he could support it. implementation strategies come from staff, B.I.A., public. well prepared. He is easily.understood the guidelines help He would like see ARC, and the general Councilwoman Dovey complimented the consultants. She felt that it was , an easily understood document and could support it. She felt it could be used for two things: 1) to be looked at for basic policies and guidelines and 2) the private sector can use it to help participate in their future designs and construction. Councilman Dunin was still concerned that it did not address the traffic issue and felt this is very important. He questioned, do we want nice landscaping or slower traffic. He felt the B.I.A. would have to make up their minds as to what degree these changes would be implemented and how they would participate. Councilman Settle stated the document lacked specifics, but it was not designed to do that. It was guidelines only to allow the City and the downtown to work together. He would like to see staff look into the financial implications because that is what is most important; phasing was also important. He hoped the business community would be willing to participate and not just the City. He also agreed that this was guidelines only and hoped that further recommendations would be forthcoming so that this document doesn't end up on the shelf. Mayor Billig was pleased to see the report come to the Council. She felt that the Private Improvement Guidelines were very important. She felt the consultants outline towards.pedestrain orientation is the way to go. If this report is to be more than just a report, it would require more continued cooperation between the downtown and the City with input and implementation. She felt that the two must work together. In this way the merchant will reap benefits as his retail sales will be higher, and the City reap benefits as they will receive the additional taxes. She felt that the traffic question would be addressed in the Circulation Element and now was.not the time., . Upon general consensus the document was referred back to staff for additional report to come back to the Council as soon as possible. City Council Minutes November 10, 1981 - 7:00 p.m. Page 5 8:55 p.m. Mayor Billig declared a recess. 9:10 p.m. City Council reconvened, all Councilmembers present. 3. PURCHASING PROCEDURES Council consideration of staff suggestions for purchasing procedures. Geoff Grote, Legal Assistant, stated that.for a number of years, both City personnel and auditors had perceived that purchasing procedures were inadequate for the City. Under many circumstances any City employee could purchase goods from local stores and in many cases from mail -order houses and out -of -town vendors. During the last couple of months, he, Rudy Muravez and Joe Johnson had put together the outline of a purchasing plan. He then went through the rough draft which he said was only a overview, but did include the possibility of adding an additional position of a purchasing agent. The plan contemplated that the individual would undertake tasks outlined in the plan in addition to tasks related to fixed asset management. Because the City in prior years had .deferred the subject to purchasing, staff had.not specifically addressed the subject of a purchasing agent but both he and the Finance Director believed that implementation of the plan depended upon filling this purchasing position. The purpose of a purchasing plan was to provide an "authorization trail" and accounting documents for posting expenditures into the system. Those documents and the posting make the purchasing procedures of the municipality auditable. That way, they would have fiscal control and hopefully a management tool for assessing the efficiency of our organization. To create those documents, apply business -like purchasing techniques, and consolidate orders, the system requires a skilled and trained purchasing agent. He stated that the position would probably cost the City approximately $40,000 per year. This was not just a base salary, but would include any fringes, etc. He outlined four main goals and objectives: 1) To establish in -house control of purchasing activities by creating a purchasing agent ' position, as well as an authorization trail on all City purchases; 2) to maintain department independence within the frame work of the system; 3) to streamline procedures and encourage planning to make better use of tax dollars; 4) to establish a system to allow for: expansion to a complete centralized purchasing system. He explained that a requisition form would be required in all cases. A purchase order would be used for large purchases over $2,000 and for all capital equipment over $250. Over- the - counter purchases would be made when an employee of the City of San Luis Obispo presents a completed approved requisition to an authorized vendor. Acquiring goods over the counter was permitted for purchases of $2,000 or less and for capital equipment valued at no more than $250. Councilman Dunin questioned whether or not the purchase officer would be located physically in the Finance Department, and if so would Rudy Muravez then be responsible for this person. If he works in that office, would he be responsible for dispersement of supplies. He was concerned that there would be less control in this manner. Rudy Muravez, Finance Director, explained that the person would probably work out of Finance as it was more convenient for accounting, etc., but that supplies would be purchased in the field by that person; and he would not be dispersing them. He stated that in most cities the purchasing officer was housed in the Finance Department and that this would satisfy the internal control problem and would satisfy those concerns in the management letter as outlined by the auditors. Councilman Griffin stated that he would have preferred to have seen a more comprehensive plan come forward on the objectives for internal and external controls before procurement of a purchasing officer was discussed, as he would also like to see full justification for the additional staff. He felt the most important fact is that the City have cost - effective procurement. These are taxpayers dollars, and we need to have a more developed plan. He looked at it as only a status report for future procedures and guidelines. City Council Minutes November 10, 1981 - 7:00 p.m. Page 6 Councilman Dunin was concerned that $40,000 for a purchasing agent was too much, and he was not sure that the person should work in the Finance Department. He would be more enthusiastic for a half -time position. Councilman Settle felt that the staff was going in the right direction; that this was a procedure manual and was only an overview, not a comprehensive study. Councilwoman Dovey felt that it was important to and have a record of such. She felt we needed a and it makes sense to have a purchasing agent to Department, but agreed that we didn't have to go right away. She felt that one good reason for a was for insurance purposes. know what the City owns t purchasing procedure; zated in the Finance out and hire somebody fixed asset inventory Mayor Billig stated she felt this is an attempt to begin to address the problems that the auditors have brought up. She would also like to see a more comprehensive, intergrated program. She felt it was shocking that we have so little accountability. She understood the $40,000 would really be for starters for a purchasing system. She looked at the program as a very shred of a beginning. Bill Hanley, Interim Administrative Officer, stated that in his opinion the only major gap in the fiscal management of this City was lack of control in the purchasing system. It was one of the first things he noticed when he came, as well as finding that the auditors have discussed this for several years. He stated that he did not ask staff to come up with a comprehensive report at this time, as he felt that it was a basic question that needed to be answered by the Council if they would support such a system and possible additional staffing costs. Previous councils had said no, so he could not see getting something too comprehensive taking alot of staff time if the Council did not generally agree with the basic concepts. He felt that this accountability was necessary regardless of whether a savings would be realized, although he did feel savings would be forthcoming in the future through bulk purchasing, knowing the vendors, suppliers, working arrangements with other cities, the county, etc. He felt it was simply too soon to try to put a price tag on it. After brief discussion and upon general consensus, the Council stated they could support the guidelines as submitted as the beginnings of a purchasing system and felt it should be considered a high priority. Councilman Griffin to meet with Geoff Grote and Rudy Muravez on the broader picture. E -1. RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION After brief discussion is was moved.by Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilman Griffin, the following resolution be introduced: Resolution No. 4667 (1981 Series), a Resolution of Appreciation for Fire Chief Richard Minor thanking him for all his dedication and hard work as Fire Chief for the City of San Luis Obispo. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Settle, Griffin, Dovey, Dunin, and Mayor Billig NOES: None ABSENT: None E -2. EDNA -ISLAY SPECIFIC PLAN (continued) City Council Minutes November 10, 1981 - 7:00 p.m. Page 7 28. Affordable Housin The plan stated that "The Housing Authority says the Edna -Islay area presents a major opportunity for meeting housing needs, but the draft specific plan offers only an illusion of providing affordable home ownership and no assurance that rental housing will be built." Terry Sanville, Senior Planner, asked the Council to take a "Goal" approach, rather than trying to determine the actual number of residential units that the housing project should allow. He stated that Edna -Islay was considered a low- density area not to exceed six units per acre. He stated that the Planning Commission recommended approving housing provisions drafted by staff and the consultants. Twenty -five percent more housing units will be allowed in the Edna Area in return for the provision of low and moderate - income housing (both rentals and owner occupied). Pages 71 through 71b of the redrafted specific plan identify housing policies while figures lb and lc show the location and number.of housing units allowed by density bonuses provided for the plan. In determining the total net residential acreage for buildable housing, the Planning Commission used the formula as outlined in the specific plan on page 6, the summary table. In essence, they subtracted out most of the recreation open space such as neighborhood parks, improved creek area, linear parks, private open- spaced buffers, scenic open space, interim agriculture; and protected creek area to arrive at the total residential units using a base density of six units per acre. This worked out to be 96.5 acres on the Edna side and 96.1 acres on the Islay side. The 25 percent low- moderate bonus would amount to approximately,7.5 units per acre if the Council granted it. As long as the base density was consistent with the general plan, the Council could apply the 25 percent bonus to this. He stated that staff felt the most flexible approach was to use the performance standard as stated in option "b ", which would be.adopt a performance standard requiring a percentage of total units-to be affordable or low.to moderate - income households, some renter and some owner. Affordability could be defined in terms of monthly rent or certain combinations.of sale price and financing. It would be up to the developer to.arrange a package with or without government subsidy to achieve the stage level of performance. This was the recommendation of the Housing Authority which had called for 20 percent of all dwellings to be rental units affordable to low or moderate- income households. He:also explained option "c ", which would adopt prescriptive standards, such as requiring a certain fraction of the land or units to be made available to the Housing Authority, a certain fraction of the for sale.units.to be "bare bones" dwellings sold at limited profit, and so on. Sandy Merriam, MDW and Associates, stated that he had submitted earlier in the day a letter to the City Council outlining the origin of the plans density recommendations-and how they tied into the proposed 25 percent bonus for affordable housing as this was a complicated -and potentially confusing topic, this would help sort some of the complexities out. The conclusions were: 1) The density.of.the proposed Edna -Islay project represents a carefully balanced compromise of four major objectives, efficient land use, environmental quality, adequacy of urban services and affordable housing, 2) the project has been planned under.-a more restricted set of standards then are generally applied to smaller projects by the City's zoning regulations. If the zoning regulations were applied to the Edna -Islay area as a whole, and it is not suggested that they should be, the permitted density in the Edna -area-without adding the density bonus would be almost identical to the density as proposed under more restricted specific standards with the density bonus, 3) the permitted density of the Edna -Islay area will contribute to the ultimate character of this new neighborhood but .planning concepts in the plan will go even farther than the overall density .to assure that this area be a positive contribution to the community. Chief among these concepts is a dedication of additional park land and open space well beyond the minimum requirements of the City .ranking and defining the residential areas with a linear park system, natural and improved creek corridors, buffer zones, and so forth; and 4) the Edna -Islay area will be developed at a density City Council Minutes November 10, 1981 - 7:00 p.m. Page 8 generally lower than every other neighborhood in the City. Based on 1974 data, other neighborhoods in the City average at least 6.8 units a net acre and residential density, while Edna -Islay will have an overall density of about 6.6 units per net acre. Even taking the-higher density Edna area alone, its density -will be roughly comparable to that in the Laguna neighborhood and lower than the density in the college area: Robert Stern stated that the applicant and planners had done a nice job in developing the plans but there were several areas of the proposed development that were not buildable areas anyway, and he did not feel the developer should be given credit for property that they gave to the City that the City will have to maintain. He did not feel they should be given the maximum building allowable, but rather the minimum. Chuck French disagreed with Mr. Stern stating that he felt most of the land was very buildable and that some of the property given to the City was the best property and in his estimation only four of the ' approximately 20 acres would be unbuildable, further, they had given some prime property to the City. It did not matter to him how many units were allowed but felt it,would matter to those people trying to buy them. If the City wanted moderate cost housing projects, than more density would have to be allowed. Rich Chubon spoke on behalf of the Housing Authority and stated that the Housing Authority totally supported this project. They felt that it would provide an opportunity to address the affordable housing need in our City with a mix of housing for low and moderate - income people. He added that this City is ranked 12th highest of 358 housing areas for cost of a three - bedroom home. The cost income disparity is extremely great compared to the rest of the state. He realizes there are risks that the Council must take, but this opportunity is the only available one left with this large a project and the Council has an opportunity to allow for affordable housing; and he would urge the Council's support. Discussion ensued on how the Planning Commission determined credit and subtracted some of the amenities to arrive at the net acreage. Chuck French, applicant, stated that they had elected to cut back the project so that a larger park area could be allowed. This was not a requirement by the City but was an option they exercises themselves. Dr. DeVincenzo stated that at the time his proposal was made, there were no public swimming pool or tennis courts available in the City, and he felt there was a real need for these and that was why the additional park land. Upon question by Councilwoman Dovey as to whether or not the City support the additional number of households - requiring both financial and natural resources, Terry Sanville stated that he felt the City could. He stated that as of this date at today's prices, it would probably add close to 10 percent to the City's budget to allow for this development but 1) this would be a phased development and if you were take into account other developments throughout the City, they also have an added burden;; and he could not give the percentages for what that amount might be. He said if the property was developed, it could provide up to 40 to 65 percent of the City's potential development out. Mayor Billig cautioned the other Councilmembers that they would be. identified with the Edna -Islay project in the future and that this was definitely a policy determination and precedent setting on how the formula was derived to determine net acreage and base density. Councilman Griffin felt that the most important aspect was the size and impact on the City and its resources-. He would like to see a balance of density on the high side of current regulations and the need for this project to be of exemplary quality for a single - family area. He was very concerned with how the net acreage on the high side was determined. He felt four or five would be appropriate. City Council Minutes November 10, 1981 - 7:00 p.m. Page 9 Councilman Settle stated that this is a fundamentally good project and needed for housing. Density should not exceed the general plan but he had a problem with using seven units per acre in a relatively suburban area. The base density he felt should be lower in this area, maybe to five. He would hope that space would be allowed for the Housing Authority. He felt this was one project that they could really participate in and because this would be done over a period of time, it allowed flexibility. Councilman Dunin stated the City desperately needed low -cost housing. He said there is no neighborhood that is now being created so there is no problem on an existing neighborhood. This project can supply housing to all levels of the community. The economic impact of 25 percent for low -cost housing can be very significant if the density is artificially reduced. He felt 8 percent would be a possible number for this development which would include the bonus. Because the development was being done in incremental stages, the City was always in control and could take steps if the service capabilities looked to being exceeded. He felt the City should take advantage of what is probably the last ch-ance to help the needy people to afford the so called American dream, "a house ". This is the last land that he felt could really be built economically because of the passage of Measure G. All the rest of the City has only infill. He would like this project go with the highest possible allowed density. Councilwoman Dovey felt that this by the general plan, and she felt meant that young people could buy longer needed a large home, would Councilman Griffin stated he.coul approach to the density.. area was designated as low residential that "affordable low -cost housing" a first home or older people, who no be able to buy something smaller. 3 support the: Planning Commissioti.'s Councilman Settle, Councilman Dunin, and Councilwoman Dovey agreed. Mayor Billig asked for additional clarification as to the Planning Commission's action and if the Council was supporting the idea that all amenities be subtracted to determine net acreage or if some should remain. The Council then held a lengthy discussion on trying to determine the best methodology for determining net acreage and a base density, using the Planning Commission approach, the 25 percent bonus factor, etc. After lengthy discussion, it was moved by Councilman Griffin, seconded by Councilman Settle, to direct staff to prepare a revised table using the methodology for calculating net acreage as contained on page 6 of e the specific plan with the base density to be 4.5 to 5.5 for the perimeters on the Edna side based on phased development, and 5.0 to 5.5 on the Islay side perimeters of the phase development. Further, direct staff to consider a net - acreage formula that also would be based on the more traditional method of calculating the figure in order to yield what the results will be. Motion carried, 4 -1, Councilman Dunin voting no. Councilman Griffin then raised the issue of discussing the 25 percent bonus. Chuck French, applicant, stated that the bonus issue request was being withdrawn. Geoff Grote, Legal Assistant, then stated that even though the applicant might withdraw his request, that the Council could grant a bonus up to 25 percent anytime during any phase of the project. Terry Sanville, Senior Planner, then stated the City does have the mechanism to require certain housing as a part of the tract map approval on the individual projects.! City Council. Minutes November 10, 1981 - 7:00 p.m. Page 10 Mayor Billig again stressed the fact.that the decisions the.Council was making this evening were not permanent, they were not adopting the plan, they were only trying to get some general consensus.and that this.was still to go back to staff for further review; the Council would.be looking at it again, and there were still plenty of opportunities to make additional-changes. Councilman Dunin asked that the record reflect that he did not feel that the City was taking a legal approach. He felt it was unethical, and he wished to have no part of it. Councilman Griffin stated that he would go for.option "b" although he had not made up his mind as to what the housing program will be. Councilman Settle also supported option "b ", using the performance standard. Councilwoman Dovey could not support option "b" as presented. Mayor Billig stated that she could go with option "b" with some sort of continuing provision as to what we have now. There was general consensus 3 -2. The Council then reconsidered item 3. 3.- Access to Land East of the Railroad at the Base of Is Hill The plan states "The property has no current access. Access from the east through adjacent properties was not possible. The nine -acre Hillside area is suitable for limited agriculture use and a single home. The Islay Hill project could provide access to this homesite." . Terry Sanville explained that the Council when they considered this issue before, they had reached general consensus to go with option "b ", which was to provide no access to the Jekel.property east of the. . railroad. The slopes of the property exceed 20 percent. Grading required for building a single house on the property and necessary driveways could scar the hillside. The hillside would remain as open space for grazing. This property would continue in its landlocked position. William Jekel, property owner, requested.that the Council look at-this again as he did not feel it was fair not to allow some access to the property and would urge the Council to reconsider their position.. Mayor Billig stated that she felt she could go with option "c ", which basically allowed an access, and stated,. "The specific plan could provide special provisions for limited access via an easement to the Jekel property. In return for access, development on the Jekel property could be limited to one house. ARC approval of the design and.location of any structure on the property could be a condition of the City providing access. This type of arrangement would require special. recorded agreements between Dr. Jekel, the City and County." Dr. DeVincenzo stated that Mr. Jekel knew when he bought this property, that it was landlocked, and the Council's action to give access would increase the property value a great deal. Terry Sanville stated that if the City would go for option "c ", they should consider the following conditions: 1) Along City limits, the City should establish an access control easement; 2) an agreement be made between Mr. Jekel and the City to establish an.access to provide a single - family house and limited agricultural use; 3) location of the house should be as close to the Islay Hill looped street as possible, the general intent being close to the road. The schematic design would be to the approval of the ARC; 4) any development of major structures on the property would not occur prior to the Islay Hill project, which was approximately Phase 9; 5) meet the City open -space intent that once ARC f S f City Council Minutes November 10, 1981 - 7:00 p.m. Page 11 has passed the schematic design of the house site, property owners be required to enter into an agreement to establish a permanent open space easement and not allow any additional development. Geoff Grote, Legal Assistant, stated that we may be able to require ARC approval but the accessed easement would be okay. Also, we can require easements and state what they can be used for. He did not see that the location of.the homesite would be a problem. Councilman Dunin felt that at the first opportunity the City could provide an access to the site, we should do so and not make the property owner wait until Phase 9 was developed. He felt the City was going too far not to allow some access to the site. Councilwoman Dovey questioned if the City had an easement that ran parallel to somebody's property if we would normally allow another easement across that. Terry Sanville explained that we hadn't had a situation such as this before the City before but that the Council could certainly grant one if it so wished. Upon general consensus the Council opted for option "c" (3 -2). Further, with regard to reconsideration of item #4, Council would support the Planning Commission recommendation of Option 4 -A which reads, "Deny any access to the Jekel property west of the railroad. Current access from Highway 227 would be continued. This would avoid extending the Edna loop street system for allowing additional traffic in the neighborhood." Mayor Billig again explained that this was not a. permanent decision by the Council; there was still opportunity for additional input be made but that the Council was generally of this feeling at this point. 29. Additional Environmental Review Henry Engen, Community Development Director, explained that a new state law states that when a specific plan was approved for which an EIR was prepared, future housing projects found consistent with the plan do not have to undergo further environmental analysis. Parts of the specific plan should be changed to reflect this new law. He was requesting that the Council, if they had anything else that they felt might be needed to be discussed at a later date, that they should make their comments at this time. Geoff Grote further explained that the Council needed to make the determination as to whether or not the EIR was adequate, not at this meeting, but at the time the Council set the public hearing and whether they felt that more information might be required of other specific areas. After brief discussion Council continued the Specific Plan for the Edna -Islay area to a future study session for further staff report. There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Billig adjourned the meeting at 12:40 a.m. to Monday, November 16, at 12 :10 p.m. 1 amela Voges, I Clerk APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 12/1/81