Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/23/1985CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - TUESDAY, JULY 23, 1985 - 7:00 P.M. PAGE 2 1. APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION - PEOPLE'S KITCHEN (File #407) Council held a public hearing to consider an appeal by People's Kitchen, Inc., of a decision by the Planning Commission to deny a use permit at 176 Brook Street to provide free food service, and a lease agreement for property at this location. Geoff Grote, Assistant Administrative Officer, reviewed the agenda report with the recommendation that Council adopt a resolution which would uphold the appeal and the Hearing Officer's original decision to allow the use at ' Brook Street and further, to adopt the resolution approving the lease agreement with People's Kitchen as recommended. Mayor Billig declared the public hearing open. Lt. Carol Anderson, 805 Islay Street and representing the Salvation Army and Hotline, spoke on behalf of the People's Kitchen request urging the Council to allow the move the Brook Street. Sylvia Waters, 186 Brook Street, spoke in support of the people's Kitchen move to Brook Street. Betty Neilsen, 200 Ranchito Lane and chair of the People's Kitchen Board spoke in support of the Council providing space for them at the Brook Street location. She reviewed the purpose and services offered by People's Kitchen, primarily serve one hot meal daily. She explained they needed a permanent residence to apply for grants to obtain necessary foods and be able to store foods. They are serving between 35 -50 people and are beginning to get more and more families. She spoke to the type of individuals that utilize their services and hoped that if the Council could not support this location, that they would find them another place. She further explained that most of these individuals were between the ages of 55 and 90 years old. Eula Gamble, 180 Brook Street, explained that she had lived in the community all her life and was 82 years old. She spoke against allowing ' the People's Kitchen at Brook Street. She felt that the circulation and traffic was poor. The Fire Department would not be able to get in and it would not help the current neighborhood. Gene Gordon, 1214 Apartment B, Mill Street and a member of the People's Kitchen Board, also urged the Council to allow their move. He did not feel that the crime would be increased by their move to this location. He felt that their record at Mitchell Park was good and would urge Council's support. Tom Norwood, 467 Luneta and a member of the Board of Directors for People's Kitchen, spoke in support of the Brook Street location and outlined the differences between their group and other worthwhile organizations. They served on a regular basis, they were helping the homeless and most of these people were not transients but members of the community. Pam Swifel, 1218 Vista del Lago, stated she helped serve meals for the People's Kitchen. She knew that these people were hungry, there were people who were willing to feed them and all they needed was this location to satisfy these needs. Terry Conner, 215 Albert Drive and chairman of the Park & Recreation Commission, stated that it was their recommendation that the People's Kitchen did not belong in a park setting or recreational area. He reviewed how they were no longer able to have the same activities at Mitchell Park as a result of the People's Kitchen move there. He would hope the Council would keep this in mind during their deliberations. Stan Mattson, 1778 Pesenti Drive, retired school administrator and coordinator of many of the People's Kitchen activities with the various churches, reviewed some of the individuals who have been in the food line and how the People's Kitchen has been able to help them find other jobs and make it possible for them to no longer require help. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - TUESDAY, JULY 23, 1985 - 7:00 P.M. PAGE 3 Rick Wiegers, 175 Brook Street, was opposed to allowing the People's Kitchen in the Brook Street area. He did not feel it was a residential area any longer and zoning showed it was commercial. There is a lack of parking, and crime problems would increase as indicated by the Police Department. The restroom recommendation for chemical toilets would not suffice, due to the nature of the People's Kitchen's purpose - -that of serving food. Also, the standards were not consistent with other permits that were being required of the local businessmen. Over 78 businesses had signed a petition against allowing this move. Anthony Lynch, 1431 Paso Robles Street, Oceano and has helped to serve in the food lines, felt that the People's Kitchen did not belong on Brook Street. He suggested that they be given a bus pass and sent somewhere else. He felt that the crime rate would increase. The People's Kitchen has not been able to control the alcoholics and drug addicts that are already there, how would they be able to control additional ones. Yvonne Lewis, 721 Johnson Avenue #22 and a prior resident of Brook Street in 1967 -68, did not feel it was a healthy place to allow children or the elderly to live. She would urge reconsideration of re- locating the People's Kitchen here. Hattie Jones, 178 Brook Street, spoke in opposition to the People's Kitchen relocation to Brook Street. Bill Elkons, 177 Brook Street (owner of an automotive shop in the area) stated he wasn't opposed to the People's Kitchen but felt that this location was inappropriate. There was not sufficient fire protection or traffic circulation. Sheri Shrank, member of Assembly of God Church and a server in the People's Kitchen food lines, spoke against allowing the People's Kitchen at Brook Street because of safety reasons for the elderly residents that lived there. Dorothy Lewis, 634 Street, stated that people are already inhibited from going to church because of some of the individuals in the area. This would only compound the problem, parking facilities were insufficient, traffic circulation was poor, fire hazard was immediate, and she would ask the Council to consider the 13 homes that have been there since 1953 and these residents' rights. Thomas M. James, 1116 Pismo Street, spoke against the location of Brook Street for the People's Kitchen. He would suggest the Jack House. Jeff Bragg, spoke in support of the People's Kitchen, the need they fill and the importance of their help to the transients. He stated as an epileptic he needed food to go with the drugs he is required to take. Bill Robley, 80 Benton Way, spoke against allowing the People's Kitchen at Brook Street, felt if they moved from one park to another park, it was in violation of the current park ordinance and could not see approval of this application. Maxine Lewis, Director of Grass Roots II, suggested that the 24 churches that are already involved in this effort take approximately two members each and provide them with food service, thereby eliminating the need to feed them at Brook Street. She also felt that many of them were on 1 welfare, few of them were really that hungry, and many were making more money than those who were feeding them. She felt they were only encouraging people to use these services rather than helping them to help themselves. She also felt that the parking was a problem and explained that some people did come in cars. She felt the people should take responsibility for themselves. This is the difference that Grass Roots strives to educate and motivate people rather than just giving handouts. Leslie Tarrif, 27 South Street, who lives in a small garage nearby, stated that these people urinate in the creek, sell drugs, and it is an undesireable place to live now. She would ask that the Council consider the negative impact of serving food to 35 -40 people and disrupting the lives of the 40 -50 people that are already living there. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - TUESDAY, JULY 23, 1985 - 7:00 P.M. PAGE 4 8:55 p.m. Mayor Billig declared a recess. 9:15 p.m. City Council reconvened, all Councilmembers present. Marion Sinsheimer, 1995 Corralitos and employed downtown, stated she knew many of these people and also felt that if the 24 churches would be willing to serve one at a time, it would take two years for them to have to serve a second time. She felt the lots in the Brook Street neighborhood were already too small to accomodate those who are living there. This would only further impact it. She would hope that the Council could look to other alternatives. Reverend Lance Higby, a retired Episcopalian minister, spoke on behalf of the People's Kitchen urging the churches be involved. He thanked Stan Mattson for doing the wonderful job that he has. Marian Morgensen, 1101 Garden Street, spoke on behalf of the People's Kitchen moving to Brook Street as she felt that this would provide necessary regulations that are not currently imposed on the People's Kitchen at Mitchell Park. She felt that this would help their circumstance for all involved. Council's resolution that they adopted two years ago explained that the parks were not an appropriate place for People's Kitchen. She would the Council to uphold the appeal and grant the Brook Street location. John Crivello, 1176 Pismo Street, stated that he had observed the actions of many of those coming to the People's Kitchen at Mitchell Park. They have not been able to use the park as a result of those activities. He knows that the crime has increased. He fears for the safety of his children and would prefer that the Council look at an overall plan to establish a long -range plan to deal with this problem. Cecilia Dundon, 1925 Corralitos and a member of the Board of Directors of the People's Kitchen, reviewed the various areas in the city that they had searched out in an effort to find a permanent location. She felt they were in a catch 22 position and would hope the Council might help them. John Lewis, 1572 Madonna Road, Apt. 65, and a member of the Baptist Church, felt that the people who lived on Brook Street now were frightened people and it was his opinion that frightened people could be more dangerous than hungry people. Graffiti is already written all over in this area. The problem was already too severe and nothing is being done to protect them now. This will only compound the problem. Patricia Ford, 480 Leff Street and a member of Brook Street church, spoke on behalf of the five families that live on Brook Street and have for over 30 years. These people were paying taxes, were good citizens and their welfare must be given a higher priority. The Police Department has tried to patrol there but not with a great deal of success. Most of the people on Brook Street are elderly and are unable to protect themselves. Frank Exter, 755 Skyline Drive, requested all members in tonight's audience that were in support of the People Kitchen to stand up, many did. He felt that the churches could not take up the slack any more than they had. He felt that they had exhausted all other areas and if they were not allowed to move to Brook Street, then where were they to go. Peter DeGroot, 1729 Pinecove, stated he was representing many in the Brook Street area business community and felt the problems with the transient population was only going to increase. He felt there was already considerable crime- and nuisance - related activities now. He would prefer to see actions taken to resolve these problems before adding additional ones. He felt the Police Department was already limited with what they could do. He would be opposed to having People's Kitchen relocate to Brook Street. He would hope that the city with all of its advisory bodies could come up with a task force or a better means of direction for the People's Kitchen to take. James C. Waton 539 Felton Way, spoke as a previous resident of Brook Street and was against the People's Kitchen move. He felt the traffic circulation was not properly designed. The police protection was insufficient and the homes were already of an inadequate size. C 1 11 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - TUESDAY, JULY 23, 1985 - 7:00 P.M. PAGE 5 Henry Ford, 512 Hathway and associate minister with the Baptist Church spoke against relocation to Brook Street. Terry White, a Deacon with the Southern Baptist Church, also spoke against the proposed move to Brook Street. He felt the negative impacts far outweighed the good. Better police protection was required. Platz Ford, 480 Leff Street and working at Cal Poly, was opposed to the People's Kitchen moving to Brook Street, felt it would create a problem 1 for the current residents, some of these people made more money than the people who served them. Most of these people were not willing to speak tonight because they were afraid they would be found out. Joe Fink, no address, stated he is a transient, and although sympathized with the people on Brook Street felt the alcoholics, drug addicts and others needed to be taken care of and would urge support of the People's Kitchen to this area. He felt that the staff's recommendation would provide better controls than they currently have. Josef Kasparowitz, spoke on behalf of the Human Relations Commission urging support of the People's Kitchen request. Jeff Bragg again urged the Council to allow the People's Kitchen on Brook Street. Mayor Billig declared the public hearing closed. Council then asked various questions of staff. On motion of Councilwoman Dovey, seconded by Mayor Billig, to adopt resolution denying the appeal by People's Kitchen and upholding the action taken by the Planning Commission to deny a use permit at 176 Brook Street subject to the findings and conditions listed in the resolution. ' Councilwoman Dove y stated that she made the motion because she was unable to make the finding that issuance of the use permit would not be detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of persons living or working in the site or in the vicinity. She felt there was poor traffic circulation. She was concerned that city regulations be required of all, rather than exceptions.. She also could not support chemical toilets at this location. She felt this would show preferential treatment. She did not feel it was an appropriate place for this use, although she was very sympathetic to the needs of People's Kitchen. Mayor Billig thanked those who spoke, felt the People's Kitchen deserved the city's gratitude for 1) finding the site and working with the city, and 2) providing this service for the community. She felt that there were several agencies involved and that no easy answer was available. She did not feel it was just a city problem but a county and regional one as well. She also felt the problem was greater than just providing one meal a day. She felt that programs needed to be developed that addressed all the issues. She supported the staff's comments but could not support the Brook Street neighborhood as the appropriate location for this use. She was concerned about traffic circulation, parking problems, the proximity to the creek and sanitary problems. She felt that the city needed to apply the same standards to all applicants. She would hope we could look for a long -range solution. Councilman Griffin also complimented the speakers, staff and advisory 1 bodies. He felt that a use permit would give necessary controls on a trial basis although he would suggest additional conditions to make this so. He felt that it needed technical assistance, more police protection, and would like to evaluate street lighting. He would also entertain an ordinance to prohibit transients in the creek. Councilman Settle felt that there really was no place available at this time that would welcome the People's Kitchen. He would like to continue to review other alternatives. He would support the additional conditions as suggested by Councilman Griffin should the Council be supportive of moving the People's Kitchen to Brook Street, which was his preference. He felt the use permit would allow this as a temporary use and an opportunity for other alternatives and finetuning of the regulations for them in that location. He felt that a neighborhood watch would benefit the area and was supportive of it. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - TUESDAY, JULY. 23, 1985 - 7:00 P.M. PAGE 6 Councilman Dunin felt there were two issues: 1) staff felt that the People's Kitchen was an appropriate use in that location, and 2) that People's Kitchen was a valuable resource and service to the community. The use permit mechanism available to the Council becomes a judgmental decision. People's Kitchen has received considerable support from the community, churches, etc. In talking with many of the users of the food service, it appeared that part of the problem was lack of employment and other needs aside from food. No matter where the People's Kitchen was located, he felt it created problems. He was afraid to have the People's Kitchen take the economic risk on a temporary basis in light of the strong opposition against it. He would recommend the formation of a task force which would be comprised of people representing the community. He suggested the Citizens Advisory Committee with the charge to find a suitable location for the People's Kitchen that could be acceptable for both groups. He felt the task force could also address the suggestions made by Councilman Griffin. He would like to limit the task force to a 3 -4 month duration. He would like to look at the Planning Commission recommendations regarding the use of parks as well. The original motion by Councilwoman Dove y, seconded by Mayor Billie, to adopt Resolution No. 5738 (1985 Series), a resolution of the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo was adopted to deny the appeal by the People's Kitchen and uphold the action by the Planning Commission denying a use permit at 176 Brook Street (3 -2 vote, Councilmembers Griffin and Settle voting no). Steve Henderson, Assistant to the City Administrative Officer, then reported on the task force actions in the last year. Councilman Dunin moved to direct the CAO to put together a task force within two weeks and provide a progress report within four weeks. Motion died for lack of a second. Councilman Griffin stated he could not support any task force. It would only add to the bureaucracy. If the city were actually interested in resolving this, he felt they should engage directly with the People's Kitchen to find them a place. Mayor Billig would prefer to deal with the use of the parks including the Planning Commission three recommendations for moving the use from park to park or rotating from church to church. Councilman Griffin was concerned that some decision be reached with regard to Mitchell Park and its status as he felt those residents needed to know what would be done. Councilman Settle agreed with comments made by Councilman Griffin. Councilman Dunin agreed but he did not want to prolong the decision any longer than necessary for the People's Kitchen. He would suggest that they extend the -use in Mitchell Park to be concurrent with the recommendation to be made by the task force and ultimately the decision made by Council. Councilwoman Dove y stated she could not support a task force. She felt that the city had allowed this illegal use for a long time and it was time to take a firm stand. Maybe the People's Kitchen needs to relook at how they provide their services and to make them more acceptable to the community. She felt that it was important to stay with the current rules and turn the park back to the community. Councilman Dunin objet Council to help them. Mayor Billig suggested CAD, his staff and the Mitchell Park and find Secondly, she felt the the County CAO to look ted feeling that there was an obligation by the forming a Council subcommittee to work with the People's Kitchen to try to resolve the problem of a permanent solution as soon as possible. City should meet with the Board of Supervisors and at the county -wide problem. 1 1 1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - TUESDAY, JULY 23, 1985 - 7:00 P.M. PAGE 7 Councilman Griffin suggested they define the mission of the subcommittee Clearly and consider an interim location. Paul Lanspery, Administrative Officer, upon question, stated that the City, up until now, had been acting as a facilitator and needed clear direction if in fact the city wished to change that and put the city in a more leadership role. Given the contraints of the People's Kitchen, he felt this would be a difficult, if not impossible, task. Betty Neilsen, upon question, stated that she would be willing to cooperate but was hesitant to have the city or county tell them how they must operate and was unable to speak for the full board. Councilman Dunin then suggested that they form a Council Subcommittee of Mayor Billig and Councilman Griffin to work with staff and the County to find a suitable location for the People's Kitchen. On motion of Mayor Billie, seconded by Councilman Griffin, to: 1) form a Council Subcommittee to work with City staff and designated representa- tives of the People's Kitchen to help resolve the issue of finding another location for People's Kitchen and of moving them out of Mitchell Park, and 2) the Subcommittee and staff begin a dialogue with the County on the needs of the homeless in the County for some long -term solutions. After brief discussion, Mayor Billig withdrew her motion. On motion of Councilwoman Dove y, seconded by Councilman Dunin, to adjourn. Mayor Billie stated that the next meeting of the Council would be held on Monday, July 29, 1985, at noon. There being no further business to come beforelltRe.City Council, Mayor Billig adjourned the meeting at 12:10 a.m. to Mond July 29, 1985, at 12:00 noon. ela Voges, Ci APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 10 -15 -85 M I N U T E S ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO MONDAY, JULY 29, 1985 - 12:10 P.M. COUNCIL HEARING ROOM, CITY HALL, 990 PALM STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA STUDY SESSION ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present: GlennaDeane Dovey, Ron Dunin, Robert Griffin (arrived at 12:40 p.m.), Vice -Mayor Allen K. Settle and Mayor Melanie C. Billig 1 Absent: none City Staff Present: Paul Lanspery, Administrative Officer; Roger Picquet, City Attorney; Pamela Voges, City Clerk; Toby Ross, Community Development Director; Geoff Grote, Assistant Administrative Officer; Terry Sanville, Principal Planner