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.
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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.
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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