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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/11/1996City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 11, 1996 - 7:00 p.m. Page 2 PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD P.C.1. Christine Mulholland said the Performing Arts Center should be called the San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center, expressed continued concern over lack of policy for preliminary review of development proposals outside the urban reserve line, and was distressed that an important issue regarding a general plan amendment on the June 18 agenda was to be considered so late in the meeting. LIAISON REPORTS L.R.I. Vice Mayor Williams reported that she had attended the BIA board meeting this morning. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. OPEN SPACE FINANCING TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS (File No. 462) Consideration of and action upon Open Space Financing Task Force report and recommendations. • RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff to move forward with preparation of an advisory ballot measure regarding support for a community-wide assessment district to fund up to $1.5 annually - for open space acquisition and park capital improvement projects as recommended by the Open Space Financing Task Force. John Dunn, City Administrative Officer, made opening statements and called on the Chair of the Task Force, Penny Rappa. Penny Rappa, OSFTF Chair, introduced the members of the task force and summarized the OSFTF's mission and the review process utilized in arriving at the findings and recommendations presented in the final report Pat Veesart, OSFTF member, outlined the key assumptions and principles adopted by the task force which formed the foundation for the specific recommendations set forth in the final report. Lauren Brown, OSFTF member, summarized the possible funding options considered by the task Force and the impacts of those options. Carol Florence. OSFTF member, reiterated the Task Force's recommendations and asked for the City Council's support. Mayor Settle opened the public hearing. Andrew Merriam, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce's Land Use Task Force, said the Chamber task force favored the recommendations of the OSFTF. Geoffrey Land, Executive Director of ECOSLO, stressed the importance of retaining open space and urged Council to adopt the OSFTF's recommendations. Diane Hull, City resident, was opposed to forming an assessment district to acquire open space. Gary Fowler. Mill Street, did not support the city-wide assessment district or an increase in the utility users tax. Alana Reynolds, a San Luis Obispo property owner, expressed her opposition to the assessment district. Victor Barbosa. San Luis Obispo, said there are already too many "modest" taxes and opposed the assessment district. City Council Meeting Page -3 Tuesday, June 11, 1996 - 7:00 p.m. Jerry Holland. City resident, urged Council to pass the advisory measure on a two- thirds vote. Joe Cardoza, San Luis Obispo, opposed the assessment district. John Ewan, City resident, encouraged the Council to take this opportunity to acquire open space. Vicki Janssen, San Luis Obispo, urged Council to consider the negative impacts on homeowners - if this assessment district is formed. Marge Johnson, a 53 -year resident of San Luis Obispo, encouraged the Council to place the proposed measure on the November ballot. Ray Belknap, Benton Way, said federal and state monies were drying up for these types of purchases, adding that open space absorbs storm waters. Phil Ashley, La Cita Court, supported this as an investment in a better environment for the future not only for man, but wildlife species who have a home in open space. Nancy Warner. Mitchell Drive, supported the Task Force's recommendation and said she would gladly pay.-to preserve open space. Dave Garth, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber members supported this action and that the assessment district is fair. Christine Mulholland. San Luis Obispo, said that though she respected the task force's work, the Council should move forward to establish the assessment district, only for open space acquisition and not parkland development, without an advisory vote. Marilyn Britton, speaking on behalf of the Farm Bureau, expressed the concerns of the agricultural community regarding this proposal. John Ashbaugh, San Luis Obispo, supported the OSFTF recommendations. Maggie Cox, speaking on behalf of the Association of Manufacturers, supported placement of this advisory measure on the November ballot. Anna Barbosa, San Luis Obispo, was opposed to forming a city-wide assessment district. Elinor Bonin, Del Mar Court, said she believed in protecting open space, but was opposed to any spending on parkland acquisition or improvements. Gregory Frank. San Luis Obispo, said open space acquisition would have long -term benefits and supported the proposal. Pat Demsev, La Entrada, said the costs of an assessment district would ultimately be passed on to tenants. Evelyn DelMartini, San Luis Obispo, asked Council to require two -thirds voter approval and expressed concern about more taxes. Mayor Settle closed the public hearing. Penny Raopa, OSFTF Chair, clarified several key points of concern raised this evening. After discussion, moved by Roalman/Romero to direct staff to move forward with preparation of a ballot measure for a city-wide assessment district to raise up to $1 million annually for open space acquisition and park capital improvement projects, as recommended by the Open Space City Council Meeting Page 4 Tuesday, June 11, 1996 - 7:1110 p.m. Financing Task Force, Council to review on an annual basis as part of the assessment district process, with a comprehensive review every four years to determine if the district should continue; motion carried (4-1, Mayor Settle voting no). COMMUNICATIONS Comm. 1. Council Member Smith asked that an item be agendized to discuss professional mediation of neighborhood issues related to traffic calming. Delegated to the City Administrative Officer for further examination, including input from the Public Works Department regarding possible solutions. Comm. 2. Vice Mayor Williams said she had learned the status of several State Senate bills at a meeting held by Senator O'Connell and his aides at the Board of Education offices. Comm. 3. Mayor Settle briefly updated Council on the status of the dialogue between the City and Cal Poly concerning the naming of the Performing Arts Center. After discussion, Council concurred that this issue should be placed on the June 18 or July 2 agenda. Comm. 4. Mayor Settle said the entire Council would be attending a meeting at the Cal Poly Alumni House on June 20, 1996 at 7:00 p.m., when university officials will meet with concerned neighbors regarding the new Cal Poly parking structure. 10:35 p.m. There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Settle adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, June 18, 1996 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Conference Room, 995 Palm Street. r APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 7/2196 KC:bv Kinf Condo A sistant City Clerk Cl 1 �n