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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/09/1997City Council Meeting Page 2 Wednesday, April 9,1997- 8:30 a.m. ;..;,:.. MULTI -MODAL TRANSIT CENTER WORKSHOP Ronald De Carli, SLOCOG, introduced the item. City Public Works Director McCluskev presented the history and background of the project and a description of the components. He identified issues associated with the site and reviewed four options. He gave an overview of the proposed intermodal plan, including the Multi -modal Center (train station, regional bus center), Transit Superstop (downtown) and Local and Regional Bus System Route Operations. Steve.Devencenzi, SLOCOG Senior Planner, discussed the multi -modal transit center, reviewing the proposed funding sources. He reviewed alternative designs for the center and noted that Alternative #2 is being used to complete the EIR process, as it is the most complex proposal. He clarified that the budget includes the complete project, including aesthetics. City Public Works Director McCluskev clarified that the freight building would be seismically strengthened as part of this project, but that complete restoration of the building would take place later. SLOCOG Senior Planner Devencenzi reviewed specifics of the alternatives, including parking spaces; connectivity between the. train station and transit center, streetscape and aesthetics regarding the location of the freight house. He outlined the status of the ownership and control of the facility. Delegates and Council Members voiced concern regarding duplication of efforts in a joint ownership situation and discussion ensued regarding advantages of sole ownership of the facility by the City, with the critical issue identified as the contract agreement between the parties. Staff clarified that maintenance could be accomplished by having the City maintain the facility through a joint funding contract. Ray Bearing. Counsel for SLORTA & SLOCOG stated that he and City Attorney Jorgensen will draft a contract. SLOCOG Senior Planner Devencenzi presented the conceptual site design and locations for the transit super stop, clarifying that the stop would operate more as a bus stop, rather than a transfer center. Pierre Rademaker. BIA representative and consultant, reviewed the consistency with the downtown concept plan. Pete Rogers, SLOCOG, reviewed the planning study that is currently under way to enhance the public private partnership and gave objectives and the status of the study. He stated that emphasis is being placed on not allowing any partnership formed to compete with existing business. Chairwoman Brackett opened the floor for public comment. Craig Anderson, Sierra Club Representative, spoke in opposition to the proposed location, and said Sierra endorses some ideas proposed by Eugene Jud, such as a light rail system in the downtown. He stated that it is important to have the center of any system in the center of the city, and said that the stakeholders group should include bus riders. He asked that the discussion go back to square one. Eric Greening, Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee Representative, stated that their recommendation is to delay conceptual approval until bus riders have been consulted. City Council Meeting Wednesday, April 9,1997- 8:30 a.m. Page 3 Mary Chambers, Paso Robles, asked that adequate lighting at the train station be provided. Pat Mackey, Paso Robles, stated that the downtown design does not take private transportation services, such as ride on bus into consideration. Duane Leib, County General Services Director, stated that there is a problem with the current situation, which was considered temporary. Marshall Ochvlski clarified that all the stake holders are not in agreement. He noted the JP Andrews building is not air conditioned and that the diesel fumes from the buses would be a problem for the inhabitants. Ray Nordquist, Residents for Quality Neighborhoods, stated that his group is concerned about the impacts to the neighborhoods along Santa Barbara & Osos Streets. Bob Lombardi, Vintage Properties, stated that placing buses in front of the Andrews building will cause a major impact to the tenants and for the building owners. Saro Rizzo, 1020 Railroad Ave., Cafe Roma owner, stated that staff has addressed the parking issues well in the staff report, and spoke in support of the project. Chairwoman Bracket returned the discussion to the Board and Council Members. After discussion, moved by Settle/Williams for City of SLO to proceed with multi modal location plan grant conceptual approval and direct staff to work out the details; motion carried (5 -0). Moved by Iversen /Ryan for SLORTA to endorse multi modal center concept; motion carries (10- 0). Council Member Smith left the meeting at 10:45 a.m. Moved by Laurent/Lady to direct SLOCOG staff to work out details and seek other options for the super stop; motion carried (10 -0). Moved by Settle /Romero to direct City staff to work out details and seek other options for the super stop; motion carried (4 -0, Council Member Smith absent). Moved by Pinard /Laurent to give direction to SLOCOG staff to include a large swath in the noticing process, as well as ridership consultation, site plan development, details regarding contractual relationship and public concerns; motion carried (10 -0). Moved by Settle/Williams to give direction to City staff to include a large swath in the noticing process, as well as ridership consultation, site plan development, details regarding contractual relationship and public concerns; motion carried (4 -0, Smith absent). There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Settle adjourned the meeting at 11:15 a.m. to Tuesday, April 15, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 5/6/97 BG:dr B nie L. Ga , City ¢ erk� C 1 C