HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/11/1983City Council Minutes
Tuesday, Ocotober 11, 1983 - 7:00 p.m.
Page 2
AYES:. Councilmembers Dunin, Settle, Dovey, Griffin and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
:C -3 REPORT ON BIDS - VARIOUS STREET RESURFACING AND RECONSTRUCTION
PROJECTS
Report on bids was received for "VARIOUS STREET RESURFACING AND RECONSTRUC-
TION PROJECTS - FISCAL YEAR 1983/84 "; City Plan No. H -31A; bid estimate
$184,560, . without contingencies.
On motion of Councilman.Dunin, seconded by Councilman Settle, the following
resolution was introduced: Resolution No. 5228 (1983 Series), a resolution
of the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo awarding contract to Madonna
Construction Co. in the amount of $156,343.84.
Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dunin, Settle, Dovey, Griffin and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
G E N E R A L P L A N C O N S E N T C A L E N D A R
A. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS /REZONINGS
Council considered the following General Plan amendments and rezonings:
GP1. APPENDIX A (GP 1090) -- amend Appendix A of the Land Use Element
concerning implementation measures; City of San Luis Obispo,.applicant
(continued from 8/9/83).
GP2. BROAD /SANTA BARBARA STREETS (GP /R 1091) -- amend the Land Use Element
Map and Zoning Map to change the designations from Neighborhood -
Commercial (C -N) to Service - Commercial /Light Industrial (C -S) on
property located at 2110 Broad Street and 2121 Santa Barbara Street;
Jules Rogoff; applicant (continued from.8 /9/83).
GP3.':HATHWAY AVENUE (GP /R 1093 & 1103)
a. (GP /R 1093) -= amend the Land Use Element Map and Zoning Map to
change the designations from Low - Density Residential (R -1) to Medium -
Density Residential (R -2) on property located at 331 Hathway Avenue;
Jessie Norris, applicant (continued from 8/9/83).
"b. (GP /R 1103) -- consideration to amend the Land Use Element Map to
change the designations from Low- Density Residential (R -1) to Medium -
Density Residential (R -2) on property located at 291, 301 and 321
Hathway Avenue; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant (continued from
8/9/83).
GP4. ALICITA COURT AND MARGARITA AVENUE (GP /R 1096 -& 1102)
a. (GP /R.1096) -- amend the Land Use Element Map and Zoning Map to
change the designations from Medium - Density Residential (R -2) to
Medium -high Density Residential (R -3) on property located at 3120
through 3195 Alicita Court; John Wiebe, applicant (continued from
8/9/83).
b. (GP /R 1102) -- amend the Land Use Element.Map and Zoning Map to
change the designations from Medium - Density Residential (R -2 and
R -2 -S) to Medium -high Density Residential (R -3) on property located at
206 and 210 Margarita Avenue; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant
(continued from 8/9/83).
GP5�-FOOTHILL SHOPPING CENTER.(GP /R:1097) -- consideration of request to
amend the Land Use Element Map and Zoning Map to change the
City Council Minutes
Tuesday, Ocotober 11, 1983 - 7:00 p.m.
Page 3
designation of approximately 5 acres from Neighborhood - Commercial
(C -N) to Retail - Commercial (C -R) on property located at 765 -789 (odd)
Foothill Blvd.; Foothill Plaza Associates, applicant (continued'from
8/16/83).
Toby Ross, Community Development Director, reviewed the council agenda
report (see file no. 463) stating that the Council had held public hearings
on each of these items reaching consensus. Tonight's meeting was for the
purpose of taking the legal action required to implement that consensus as
follows:
GPI. Reaffirm consensus vote to delete Appendix A of the Land-Use
Element.
GP2. Reaffirm consensus vote supporting the General Plan amendment and
pass to print the rezoning ordinance.
GP3. Reaffirm consensus vote supporting the General Plan amendment and
pass to print the rezoning ordinance.
GP4. Reach consensus supporting the General Plan amendments and pass
to print both rezoning ordinances "
GP5. Reaffirm previous consensus vote and deny the requested General
Plan amendment and rezoning.
After brief discussion it was moved by Councilman Dunin, seconded by
Councilwoman Dovey, to approve the General Plan consent items as recommended
by staff, Councilman Settle voting no on GP5, with individual roll calls on
those ordinances introduced to print as follows:
On motion of Councilman Dunin, seconded by Councilwoman Dovey, the following
ordinance was introduced: Ordinance No. 988 (1983 Series), An ordinance of
the City of San Luis Obispo amending the official Zone Map of the City C -N
to C -S at 2110 Broad Street and 2121 Santa Barbara Avenue (GP /R 1091):
Introduced and passed to print on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dunin, Dovey, Griffin, Settle and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
On motion of Councilman Dunin, seconded by Councilwoman Dovey, the following
ordinance was introduced: Ordinance No. 989 (1983 Series), an ordinance of
the City of San Luis Obispo amending the official Zone Map of the City R -1
to R -2 at 291, 301, 321 and 331 Hathway Avenue (GP /R 1093, GP /R 1103).
Introduced and passed to print on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dunin, Dovey, Griffin, Settle and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
On motion of Councilman Dunin, seconded by Councilwoman Dovey, the following
ordinance was introduced: Ordinance No. 990 (1983 Series), an ordinance of
the City of San Luis Obispo amending the official Zone Map R -2 to R -3 on
property located at 3120 through 3195 Alicita Court (GP /R 1096).
Introduced and passed to print on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dunin, Dovey, Griffin, Settle and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
On motion of Councilman Dunin, seconded by Councilwoman Dovey, the following
ordinance was introduced: Ordinance No. 991 (1983 Series), an ordinance of
City Council Minutes
Tuesday, Ocotober 11, 1983 - 7:00 p.m.
Page 4
the City of San Luis Obispo amending the official Zone Map R -2 to R -3 at
206v.and 210 Margarita Avenue (GP /R 1102).
•.Introduced and-passed to print on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dunin, Dovey, Griffin, Settle and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
1. CASA STREET (GP /R 1115
Council held a public hearing to consider a Planning Commission recommenda-
tion to amend the Land Use Element Map and Zoning Map to change property
designation from Office (0) to High- Density Residential (R -4) on property
located at 60 Casa Street; William and Beatrice Jeong, applicants.
Toby Ross, Community Development Director, reviewed the council agenda
report (see file no. 463) stating the Planning Commission had approved the
rezoning and General Plan Land Use Map amendment on a 6 =0 vote. Staff was
also recommending approval to: 1) concur with the negative declaration on
environmental impact granted by the Director; 2) reach a consensus to
approve the General Plan Land Use Map from Office to High- Density Resi-
dential; and 3) pass to print the ordinance to amend the Official Zone Map
from 0 to R -4.
Mayor Billig declared the public hearing open.
Rob Strong, Planning Consultant and representing the applicant, briefly
reviewed his client's request, stating that as the Poly Motel had become
non - conforming, it was the applicant's intent to remove the existing motel
to build new apartments.
Mayor Billig declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Dunin questioned if there would be any control later for the
Council to control the height of the apartments, which he understood now to
be approximately 45'. He was concerned with the number of stories intended.
Toby Ross, Community Development Director, stated the use permit should be
sufficient to provide that kind of protection, however, an "S" designation
would allow additional approval by Council. Three or four stories would be
allowed depending -,upon the roof slope.
Upon question, Rob Strong stated the applicant's willingness to commit to a
two -story apartment building with four of those units designed as two
floors built over ground floor parking
On motion of Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilman Dunin,-the following
ordinance was introduced: Ordinance No. 992 (1983 Series), an ordinance of
the City of San Luis Obispo amending the Official Zone Map.to rezone
property at 60 Casa Street from 0 to R -4.
Introduced and passed to print on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Settle, Dunin, Dovey, Griffin and Mayor Billig
NOES: None .
ABSENT: None
2. LOS OSOS VALLEY ROAD (AUTOPARK WAY) GP /R 1095
Council considered amending-the Land Use Element Map and,Zoning Map to
change the designation from Service - Commercial /Light Industrial - Planned
Development (C -S -PD) to Tourist Commercial (C -T) on property located at
12300•Los.OsosiValley.Road; Jay.Stream,.applicant (continued from-:8 /9/83).
City Council Minutes
Tuesday, Ocotober 11, 1983 - 7:00 p.m.
Page 5
Toby Ross, Community Development Director, reviewed the council agenda
report (see file no. 463), and the 8/9/83 public hearing at which time
staff recommended denial of the requested changes. Staff was still recom-
mending denial but now suggests removal. of .the PD designation which would
limit the site to auto sales and related uses. A letter had been received
from Rob Strong, the applicant's consultant, stating that the representa-
tive for the proposed Holiday Inn had decided to withdraw their application
for hotel development. Apparently due to the delays and the difficulties
with the proposed design, they have decided not to extend their escrow or
revise their ARC application to facilitate further City Council considera-
tions of the proposed Tourist - Commercial development.
Staff would recommend adoption of the resolution denying the requested
General Plan amendment, introduction of an ordinance to rezone the property
from Service - Commercial Planned Development to Service - Commercial; and
direct staff to work with auto dealers to develop financing incentives for
relocation from downtown to Autopark Way; and initiate rezoning to C -T or
other appropriate zone if processing of the development was not underway
within eighteen months.
Mayor Billig asked for public testimony.
Upon question Rob Strong stated he was supportive of the staff recommended
action to drop the PD designation which would allow other automotive;'
related uses. To confine this property's use to an automotive dealership
only did not seem likely as nothing had happened on this property in the
last five years. He did have two possible clients that would provide auto
related uses.
Mayor Billig closed the public portion. "
Councilman Griffin stated he would be reluctant to remove the PD without a
real effort on the part of the City to encourage an autopark way.
Council discussed the pros and cons of dropping the PD and adding an S
designation.
After brief discussion it was moved by Councilman Dunin, seconded'by-
Councilman Settle, to introduce the following ordinance to print: Ordinance
No. 993 (1983 Series), an ordinance of the City of San Luis Obispo amending
the Official Zone Map of the City from C -S -PD to C -S -S at 12300 Los Osos
Valley Road.
Introduced and passed to print on the following roll call vote: .
AYES: Councilmembers Dunin, Settle, Dovey, Griffin and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
8:00 p.m. Mayor Billig declared a recess.
8:15 p.m. City Council reconvened, all Councilmembers present.
3. SAN LUIS MALL (GP /R 1071 & 1072)
a. Council considered amending the Land Use Element Map to change the
designation of approximately 6 acres from Medium - Density Residential
(R -2) and Public Facility (PF) to Retail - Commercial (C -R) on property
located at 353 Madonna Road (continued from 8/16/83).-
b. Council considered amending the Zone Map to change the designation
from C /OS to C -R -PD and preliminary development plan for an approximate
250,000 square foot enclosed mall shopping center (continued.from
8/16/83).
C. Council considered a resolution certifying the Environmental
Impact Report for the proposed San Luis Mall, an amendment of the
General Plan for subject properties shown as items GP 1 -5 and items
1 -3.
City Council Minutes
Tuesday, Ocotober 11, 1983 - 7:00 p.m.
Page 6
Mayor Billig reviewed the procedure that would be followed this evening,
stating that the Council had previously given informal direction to staff
on the -land use issue and rezoning. Council had been concerned at that
time that the anchor store be a full -line, major department store, non -
discount. Of utmost importance was that it would have to be compatible
with the current Madonna Plaza. Council was concerned with traffic circul-
ation and design, and had addressed.each of those with additional direction
to staff. Although several names had been bandied about for the anchor
store, no agreement had been reached with any store. Any store-fitting the
proposed description would be welcomed. Although no public hearing was
required on tonight's meeting, she was going to open it for additional
public testimony if anyone wished to speak.
Toby Ross, Community Development Director, reviewed the agenda report, (see
file no. 416) and the recommended actions explaining the differences of the
.zoning request and land use including the role of the PD district. He
stated the PD was a special zone to allow modification from the primary
zone. Council was currently looking at the preliminary development plan
and would expect in six months to receive the precise plan, should Council
approve it this evening. Any major amendments would require additional
plan changes.. The PD designation.represents' this particular plan and not
just any plan for a mall proposal. The council could act on the General
Plan by itself or on the planned development by itself. He had received a
call••just before tonight's meeting from Stephen Evans, Regional Real Estate
Representative for JC Penney, who said a letter had been sent but had not
arrived in time to be read at the council.meeting, making the following
points: 1) JC Penney had been in the area since 1929; 2) they would have
opposition to the .proposed mall if it only had one major anchor store:
They felt that,JC Penney would•,not be allowed to participate as:the store
is designed primarily for Gottschalk's. ;There would no longer be assurance
Penneys would be able to continue-in the downtown if only one anchor store
was allowed in the mall as it may not be economically feasible. They were
supportive of the mall prospect, but contingent:upon allowing two anchor
stores. ,
Mayor•Billig'stated a letter had.been.received from Gottschalk's; a communi-
cation.from Dr::& Mrs: McMichael, owners of Ye O1d.Candy Shop, who were
opposed to the mall addition; and.a letter received from Mr. James Thomas,
General Partner in Madonna Plaza Associates, opposing the proposal which
would require integration with the existing mall.
Mayor.Billig asked for-public testimony.
Bill Bird, applicant and developer for Trojan Enterprises, stated that they
had -made a diligent effort to redesign the proposal according to`the City's
wishes. They had gone back to the Planning Commission, receiving unanimous
approval, and to the Architectural Review Commission who also did not
indicate any major faults..-He stated that Gottschalk's.was.prepared.to
become the major department store, that Payless or Savon would be the.:
tenant for the drugstore. With regard to the concerns for connecting to
the existing Madonna.Plaza, the original plan was submitted based on one
major department store and its connection to the existing plaza: No agree -
ment'had been reached at this time;.however, they.were.continuing to.work
toward that as one of the conditions:of the agreement. They'had-reduced
the parking substantially, there was significant reduction off:of.Calle
Joaquin as required•by the City: Pads.on Madonna Road had been reworked,
increased landscaping between Madonna Road and the buildings on the pads,
the windows had-also been revised, however; they-need..a,certainlamount of
1 visibility to the main road or the tenants would not be supportive of it.
They relocated the tire and battery.shop next to.Gottschalk's.as.requested.
Councilman Dunin stated,•the shuttle service requirement was only a temporary
condition to be exercised at.the first Christmas: He hoped for some._.i
assurance that this would-be extendedlon a.permanent•basis.shared with:
,:the. downtown 'and .possibly subsidized: by the City if it•proved to be viable.
He was also concerned with the flood and drainage aspects as'.the condition
allows for both partially opened and closed channels. He would prefer to
have it covered.
City Council Minutes
Tuesday, Ocotober 11, 1983 - 7:00-p.m.'
Page 7
Bill Bird stated he would be willing to look at a permanent shuttle''service
if it proved to be in demand and could be.worked out economically with the
other parties. He felt that the covering of the drainage could probably be
worked out, although'additional maintenance problems would probably result.
Councilman Griffin asked for clarification-of'the' mall's current'sgtiare
footage compared to figures given at the previous Council Meeting.•- 205,000
square feet had been discussed, however, the current condition proposed in
the ordinance showed-250,000 square feet as the total gross building area
including the peripheral buildings but excluding the pedestrian mall
itself... He felt this was extremely confusing and would like to`see'additional
definition or language given to this condition stating exactly what the
total gross building site included.
Toby Ross, Community Development Director, stated the total gross building
area had not changed since the previous council discussion. However, the
calculations used were different than what had been previously shown in
order to show a better comparison for - parking requirements. Using-the new
250,000 square foot gross building area would have reflected approximately
360,000 square feet for the original proposal requested by the applicant.
Upon question, he stated that the square footage of the four pads-had also
remained unchanged.
Jim Thomas, 221 Madonna Road and General Partner in Madonna Road'Plaza;
protested any action taken by Council to approve the mall. He stated that
the Madonna Plaza had invested a great deal'of funds in the-center to help
make it a viable shopping center for the city, there was no agreement with
Trojan Enterprises, he felt that any designs submitted at this time were
premature. He was concerned about the access routes, the effect on existing
businesses. He still had not been shown the plans by the developer; this
should have been worked out before submitting any plans to the city.
Gary Label, 228 North Chorro Street; stated that he had no connection with
any retail outlet, however, he was against the mall because of the - threat
it posed to the lifestyle and the public welfare of San Luis Obispo citizens.
He felt the proposal was similar to a design of an L.A. mall. The congestion
was already bad in this area; it would be much worse with the addition of a
mall. He cautioned the Council not to make San Luis Obispo -a clone of the
San Fernando Valley.
Charles Pasquini, Jr., 255 Elks Lane and representing Valley Vista Land
Corporation, is the fee owner of the land underlying the Madonna Road Plaza
Shopping Center. He stated that no one from Trojan Enterprises had contacted
him concerning the new proposal and that there would be no support for
providing for abandonment of Calle Joaquin or an easement for connecting
the proposed mall to the existing one.
Doug Warschauer, owner of Et Cetera,'spoke in opposition to the mall. He
felt that if the Council were to approve it, they were only sealing'the
fate.of the - downtown. He for one would have to investigate moving out of
the downtown and possibly going either into the proposed new mall or the
Foothill shopping center. He countered previous arguments that the business
would recapture any great amount from the Santa Maria area for either
Gottschalk's or the drug store. He also felt that it would turn San Luis
Obispo into a San Fernando Valley. After reading the Strategic Planning
Program, he.also felt the city should wait until its implementation:
Councilman Dunin stated he objected to the comments made by both speakers
regarding the current Council's attempt to turn San Luis Obispo into the
likes-of any other larger size city.
Bob Corcoran, 220 Kentucky Avenue, read a letter into the record stating
his opposition to the mall for various reasons. He felt that the downtown
would have to be able to prove first that it could accommodate the new "mall
and the beautification program'should also be completed: He reminded the
Council that 97 percent of the businesses are independently owned and -could
not compete with the chain stores proposed- for.the mall.
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Tuesday, Ocotober 11, 1983 - 7:00 p.m.
Page 8
Dave Garth, Executive Manager of the-Chamber of Commerce, again reviewed
that the Retail Committee and the Board of Directors supported the concept
of the mall as proposed. They felt this center would keep San Luis Obispo
viable. He too responded to comments made that San Luis Obispo would look
like another larger city and stated that the main reason he.did not feel
this would be true is that there were very few cities that have the same
kind of a market place as San Luis Obispo as a tourist and government
center base. Santa Maria was thinking about remodeling their center and
are holding up their expansion because of the possibility of the City of
' San Luis Obispo proposing its mall because they too felt that 50 percent of
the Santa Maria's draw was from San Luis Obispo.
Bob Douglas, 1323 Fernwood, and a business owner in the downtown, stated he
was opposed to the proposed shopping center. '
Dean Hall, 1325 Portola, was thinking about building a business in San Luis
Obispo but is seriously considering doing otherwise if the mall did not go
in. He was supportive of the mall and would urge Council's support.
Ken'Porche, 865 Higuera and 267 E1 Cerrito, questioned the Chamber of
Commerce's unanimous position when the Madonna Plaza and downtown merchants
were speaking in opposition. His primary concern was the letter that is
being submitted by JC Penny and the possibility of their moving out of the
downtown. He felt that would cause the downtown irreparable harm.
Dennis Kazade, 235 Madonna Plaza and a merchant in'the Plaza, stated his
opposition to the mall. He felt the mall would seriously jeopardize his
business.
Eric Wand,- 221A Madonna Road, then,read several letters into.the record as
follows:
Letter #1'from Hull's Children's Shop: "In regard to the proposed
San Luis Mall at Madonna Road, as an owner /manager, I am in
opposition to the present plans.
.Let this letter'stand as a no vote as I cannot attend the-November
11 meeting. Sincerely, Adele Hull."
Letter #2 from Moyne's Styling: "San Luis Obispo City Council:
I am definitely in favor,of the new mall. Competition breeds
good retail traffic.
Our customers tell us that even now they go out of town for their
"Basic- Need" shopping at the enclosed mall. .
:,We need-more variety of stores where our everyday shopping:can be
done. Not more boutiques. Catering to the tourist trade.is
fine, but those of us who live here need the convenience and
lower.prices that a new mall would provide. Sincerely, Moyne Ann
Waldmeyer."
Letter #3 from All American Video Shop: "City Council of S.L.O.
" As a business in the city of San Luis Obispo, I wish to state
:that:I object to the plan as submitted'in the development of the
enclosed mall purely on the basis that the rights of individual
ownership of property is not to be circumvented by any special
group, be it political or otherwise:. As a' capitalist who believes
1 in our free enterprise system I cannot accept -a decision of any
group that'usurps.the inherent rights of any individual. In this
sitiiation the plan as I understand it denies these rights to the
legal owners of:some of the.property involved. I feel strongly
that the rights of.the property.owners should be respected and a
.new plan protecting those:rights.be submitted for consideration.
Respectfully,:J. Vanni."
Letter #4 from Central Coast Sewing Center: "San Luis Obispo
City Council, I favor the new proposed mall because: 1 -there
exists a strong need for additional retail space (demonstrated by
City Council Minutes
Tuesday, Ocotober 11, 1983 - 7:OO p.m.
Page 9
increasing rent factors). 2 -The new mall would enhance the
entire retail community and provide a selection demanded by local
consumers.. 3 -A regional type retail community would cut down'
retail leakage to neighboring communities. Sincerely, Jerry
Borges."
Letter #5 from Straw Hat Pizza: "Dear .City Council:. .Concerning
:the mall across from Madonna Plaza-, please be sure it is feasible
before.you permit construction. Competition and free enterprise .
are the way of life in America. Yet fairness counts. too. Hence'.
Government. You musn't allow people to force their way into a..
place they are neither wanted or needed. Business should be
welcomed where it is going, and if there is unhappiness, it,
should be researched and the cause discussed. If there is good ..
reason for the unhappiness, it is Government's duty to step in
and assist. matters.
For the new mall to infringe on the rights of the present owners: _
of the Madonna Road Plaza is causing unhappiness. It is up to
you to be an arbitrator to either-reconcile the parties or don't''
allow the new mall until there is -no longer unhappiness. Sincerely,
James Rockwood."
Letter #6 from Mervyn's: "Dear Mr. Ross, L am, writing to.express:
my concern, and that of the Company I represent, over the proposed
mall at Calle-Joaquin and Madonna Road.
I do not oppose the competition that this new mall would bring.
On the contrary, I welcome it, but, I do object to the current
proposal on the layout of this.mall. The traffic flow.to our
location will be seriously impeded if the attachment is made at
Sears. In addition, the abandonment of Calle Joaquin would force
our employees, emergency ;vehicles, 'and our merchandise trucks to
enter from Zorba Way. This would be a big inconvenience, and at
times, our access could be completely blocked.
Another area of concern if Calle Joaquin is abandoned and made
into a private road is the increase of our common area costs for
road maintenance.
It appears to me that the only merchant to benefit from the
current proposal would be Sears. The vast,.majority.of.merchants
at Madonna Plaza would be hurt by this new enclosed mall.
My recommendation is that any,new mall should be consistent.with
the current structural layout of Madonna Plaza. The new mall
should be open air and unattached to leave Calle Joaquin as our
major thoroughfare. .. _ •
Your consideration in this matter is greatly appreciated..
Sincerely, Michael Murray, Store Director." .
John Cleeves, 2132 Harris, was opposed to the mall for similar reasons
stated earlier.. He, too, cited the.Strategic Plan, as showing that 179 of
the city's revenue was derived from the tourists who would probably not
come to San Luis Obispo if the mall was present.
Ellen Gillam Puryear, 762 Higuera Street and owner of Creekside Toys,
stated that she also had.a. shop in Santa Maria and was moving it to the
south end of Santa Maria because,the clientele was no longer in the mall
area there. The rents in the new mall would probably be prohibitive. She
did'not see any similarity between San Luis Obispo and Carmel, as she felt
that people who shopped in Carmel would spend thousands of dollars at a
clip and these were not.the kind of shoppers-you had in San Luis Obispo.
Madonna Plaza was trying to upgrade their stores. Her'last concern was
that Calle Joaquin should not be abandoned.
Fred Johnson, co -owner of Johnson's for Children, stated his opposition to
the mall. He also had a store in Bakersfield and had seen a similar
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Tuesday, Ocotober 11, 1983 - 7:00 p.m.
Page 10
problem when JC Penney had moved out of the area and how.it affected the
businesses in that area.
-Don Andreason, 1316 Laurel Lane 412 and owner of Friedman's Microwave Ovens,
stated that he was.from Visalia and had also seen a similar problem when
' Fashion Fair Mall was built and how it negatively affected their downtown.
Dave:Cox, 270 Foothill Blvd., stated that he did not think that a mall
would be a detriment. He cited a similar. situation using.the City of Chico
as the analogy. That particular city showed how well a mall could enhance
,the downtown and it worked well there:
Mayor'Billig'declared the public portion closed.
Upon question by Councilwoman Dovey, Toby Ross stated that the developer
had-met Finding 413 of the Zoning Regulations, Statements 2,..3 and 4 in
particular on.page 65 of the Zoning:Regulations.
Councilman Dunin questioned Condition 4148, he wanted to be sure that the
lights for the parking lot would stay on for safety purposes. Condition
4119, he was concerned about the 25 year design standard for flood control
and if it was sufficient.
Toby-.Ross, Community Development Director, stated that it was consistent
with the Flood Plan recently adopted by Council.
Council then discussed the adequacy of the Environmental Impact Report for
the proposed mall:
Councilwoman Dovey stated that she still had concerns with traffic and
circulation. . . . .
Mayor:Billig agreed.
After.brief discussion and-upon general consensus that the Environmental
Impact Report. and Economic Study for the proposed San-Luis Mall was.ade-
quate. Motion carried, Councilwoman Dovey voting no.
Mayor Billig and Councilmembers Dovey and Griffin stated they still had
concerns relative to mitigating various traffic and circulation problems.
Councilman Griffin stated that he was very supportive of the downtown.. He
renewed his.commitment -,to the downtown and Madonna Plaza to continue its
viability, but felt the Council was.•limited as to what it could do to.
continue'to make the downtown successful. He was prepared to participate
in that effort. He was supportive of the General Plan amendment as proposed,
the downtown is first in his heart, no abandonment of the downtown.was
intended. He felt -urban sprawl and lack of commitment by councils in other
cities caused those malls to cause the problems that were cited this
evening. He did not feel this was the case in San Luis Obispo. The
Council could not save the downtown but it could stay committed to it. The
Strategic Plan outcome would not be prejudiced by this project. There was
still a lot of work that this community must do and felt that they need to
work together.. He would support the proposal as requested.
Councilman Settle - stated that the downtown made the community economically
viable--and he too felt it was.most important. The EIR in his opinion would
only.advise.the City as to the problems, the.conditions for its.mitigation
were those outlined.in the Planned Development. Traffic and circulation he
felt could be mitigated; we must look at the- whole_picture including the
economics of the City. He remembered that when Madonna Plaza was first
proposed-it too met with -a.great. deal of oppositions but.has proved to be
good for the, community, :. and: he- felt: as::long-,as::the. mall,was .looked at
carefully -by the_CouncilAt: too would not :be hurting the downtown. Most
important, he felt that-the applicant.had•worked well with staff and the
property owner in a way not -to'augment.but rather keep both viable and
working together.
City Council Minutes
Tuesday, Ocotober 11, 1983 - 7:00 p.m.
Page 11
Councilwoman Dovey was sorry all the,General Plan amendments were-in-one
resolution because she had nothing against the other. land use changes;T'she
just doesn't like malls. She was concerned about the downtown because she
had seen a lot of them•go down. She agreed with some of the comments made
this evening that perhaps the reasons were different. She felt the downtown
could do a lot.of things to maintain their.viability, and she felt.ithe' city
could do a lot to assist. She was concerned about the traffic situation
and felt.there was nothing that would.mitigate it other than a.complete
revamping of the circulation in .that area and the offramp at Madonna Road.
She stated the main reason people want•a mall in San.-Luis Obispo is to
capture the money people are spending elsewhere. This is.the same`.argument
that was always used for every proposal for a shopping mall that she has
ever seen. Overall, she felt she would have to vote -for the resolution
because she didn't want to turn down all the others but wanted everyone to
understand that she was against the amendment for a mall: She felt the
land use decision at this point was too early and would like to wait for
the strategic planning policies to come about and decide what..the.needs of
the city really are and what will give us the financial independence that
we're looking for and perhap "s.the mall will be part.of it.
Councilman'Dunin stated there.are.no arguments that the.•land-use.of -this
property is proper at this location. He felt the.loss of the prime agri-
cultural land in that area and in the other areas in the valley are things
the city should consider. 'Most of the concerns from the public were about
the livelihood. He felt.the- responsibility to.maintain.the viability of
the downtown should be a dual effort. First, the downtown should develop a
program and project for what the downtown should be looking like down•the
road 15 -20 years from now. The city could become a partner-and help the
downtown. He stated the city has started a Strategic Planning Program
which-probably would be a part of this projected-future. Instead of
concentrating on an effort to prevent the competition, the emphasis should
be in the direction of how can we compete and become more viable. The
city's responsibility is to the community and despite the fact that-there
was only one merchant that was supportive of the proposed mall, the community
needs service in both areas of commerce and professional services. ,The
council is striving-to see this community as a regional center.and• the
whole commercial community would be integral part of the regional
center, including downtown, University Square, the proposed mall and
Madonna Plaza's existing mall. If the project is approved, the main
concern of this,Council, the Architectural Review Board and staff should be
developing a controlled end product, how this project will fit into the
community, the neighborhood and into..commercial structure.of the existing
commercial mix.: It was his hope that the developer - understood that his
responsibility towards this community.is much greater than just .coming in
to build the buildings and - taking the.profit.. In .developing the.mix! for
the proposed shopping center, the developer•should.take into consideration
the needs in the community and should not-duplicate-stores in the .downtown
but bring non-existing-services and products: He supported the.rezoning
and the General Plan-amendment and that the Land Use of this..area was
proper as proposed.'
Mayor Billig felt the Council was looking at the overall communityJand not
just the special interests. She stated she has had a long -time cof3mittment
to all of the existing retail areas in the city and their.viability:-. -She
strongly supported and encouraged the retention of San Luis Obispo as the
retail-hub of-the Community and County,..and felt:Council had worked very
strongly in that regard and encouraged cooperation'between. city and the
business community not achieved by other Councils. She reviewed the -
property designation. She felt the city had long been concerned with this
area being the-last large.piece of commercial- retail property in this
community. The Land Use on this property is Commercial - Retail; PF and
Residential. It would not be inconsistent with the city's philosophy-,to
make the General Plan change which she would support as she felt the
long -term goal for the property was for some kind of additional commercial -
retail in the community. Timing and design were not the issue when talking
about General Plan amendment changes. Council would be acting upon a
designation of the General Plan Map to make it consistent with-what-the
city has long talked about, additional commercial - retail space in the
community.
1
1
City Council Minutes
Tuesday, Ocotober 11, 1983 - 7:00 p.m.
Page 12
On motion of Councilman Settle, seconded-by-Councilman Dunin, the following
resolution was introduced: Resolution No. 5229 (1983 Series), a resolution
of the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo amending the General Plan
Land Use Element Text and Map for the various locations:as amended.
Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Settle, Dunin, Dovey, Griffin and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
10:10 p.m. Mayor Billig declared a.recess. : .
10:25 p.m. City Council reconvened, all Councilmembers present.
The Council then reviewed, page by page, the proposed ordinance with 51
conditions, making considerable changes to existing proposed conditions and
adding an additional four (please see Exhibit 5 in the City Clerk's Office
for individual word changes and additional language).
Upon guestion.by Councilman Dunin, Bill Bird also gave his word and assurance
of good faith to keep the stores different in the mall from the downtown so
that they would not be competitive.. He also suggested that in response to
Councilwoman Dovey's suggestion to the revamping of the Madonna Road
offramp, that the City look at a possible redevelopment..-
After brief discussion it was moved by Councilman Griffin, seconded by
Councilman Settle, to refer the ordinance to staff to be revised and
returned to the Council-at its earliest opportunity in November or December.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote:
tAYES: Councilmembers Griffin, Settle, Dovey, Dunin and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: • .None
C O M M U N I C A T I O N S
Council congratulated Councilman Settle on his upcoming appointment as
President of the Channel Counties Division of League of-California Cities.
11:30.p.m. Mayor.Billig adjourned the - Council to Closed Session to discuss
Personnel /Litigation matters.
12:05 a.m. City Council reconvened in-Open Session.
After.brief discussion it was moved by Councilman Griff-in,•seconded by
Councilman Settle, the following resolution.was introduced: Resolution No.
5230 (1983 Series), a resolution of the Council of.the City of San Luis
Obipso adjusting the Assistant City Attorney's salary from $2400 /month to
$2625 /month. „.
Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote:.i
- AYES: 1-Councilmembers-.Griffin,,--Settle', Dovey,-, Dunin- and Mayor-•Bill-ig- -
NOES: .None
ABSENT: None
There being no further business to come before the fty Council, Mayor
Billig adjourned the meeting at 12:10 a.m.
APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 12/13/83 if -
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