HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/04/2002.ROLL CALL:
Council Members
Present: Council Members, John Ewan, Christine Mulholland, Ken Schwartz,
Vice Mayor Jan Howell Marx, and Mayor Allen K. Settle
City Staff:
Present: Ken Hampian, City Administrative Officer; Jeff Jorgensen, City
Attorney; Lee Price, City Clerk; Wendy George, Assistant City
Administrative Officer; John Mandeville, Community Development
Director; Bill Statler, Finance Director; Ann Slate, Human Resources
Director; Jim Gardiner, Police Chief; Bob Neumann, Fire Chief; John
Moss, Utilities Director; Mike McCluskey, Public Works Director; Paul
LeSage, Parks and Recreation Director; Betsy DeJamette, Assistant
to the City Administrative Officer; Jeff Hook, Associate Planner;
Peggy Mandeville, Transportation Planner; Linda Asprion, Revenue
1 Manager
STUDY SESSION
1. IMPLEMENTATION OF GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT POLICIES REGARDING
DOWNTOWN HOUSING CONSERVATION (ER AND GPI 197 -001 .
Associate Planner Hook presented the staff report and recommendation to postpone
implementation of the "no net loss" housing program for consideration as part of the
Housing Element update during 2002 -2003. Council suggestions to the Housing Element
Update work scope followed.
Council discussion ensued.
Council Member Mulholland and Vice Mayor Marx expressed disappointment that the
matter is being recommended for postponement and argued in favor of moving forward.
Council Member Schwartz argued that more information is necessary, including the number
of homes built and lost. Community Development Director Mandeville reported that the
research has been done and that the net result in the large downtown planning area has
been a "zero sum game ". He added that the housing is moving out of the downtown and
out to the periphery.
Public Comments:
' Mary Beth Schroeder expressed concerns about more housing and mixed development in
the downtown. We need more stores in the downtown, she asserted.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2002 - 5:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 990 PALM STREET
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
.ROLL CALL:
Council Members
Present: Council Members, John Ewan, Christine Mulholland, Ken Schwartz,
Vice Mayor Jan Howell Marx, and Mayor Allen K. Settle
City Staff:
Present: Ken Hampian, City Administrative Officer; Jeff Jorgensen, City
Attorney; Lee Price, City Clerk; Wendy George, Assistant City
Administrative Officer; John Mandeville, Community Development
Director; Bill Statler, Finance Director; Ann Slate, Human Resources
Director; Jim Gardiner, Police Chief; Bob Neumann, Fire Chief; John
Moss, Utilities Director; Mike McCluskey, Public Works Director; Paul
LeSage, Parks and Recreation Director; Betsy DeJamette, Assistant
to the City Administrative Officer; Jeff Hook, Associate Planner;
Peggy Mandeville, Transportation Planner; Linda Asprion, Revenue
1 Manager
STUDY SESSION
1. IMPLEMENTATION OF GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT POLICIES REGARDING
DOWNTOWN HOUSING CONSERVATION (ER AND GPI 197 -001 .
Associate Planner Hook presented the staff report and recommendation to postpone
implementation of the "no net loss" housing program for consideration as part of the
Housing Element update during 2002 -2003. Council suggestions to the Housing Element
Update work scope followed.
Council discussion ensued.
Council Member Mulholland and Vice Mayor Marx expressed disappointment that the
matter is being recommended for postponement and argued in favor of moving forward.
Council Member Schwartz argued that more information is necessary, including the number
of homes built and lost. Community Development Director Mandeville reported that the
research has been done and that the net result in the large downtown planning area has
been a "zero sum game ". He added that the housing is moving out of the downtown and
out to the periphery.
Public Comments:
' Mary Beth Schroeder expressed concerns about more housing and mixed development in
the downtown. We need more stores in the downtown, she asserted.
City Council Meeting Page 2
Tuesday, June 4,2002- 5:00 p.m.
Chris Skiff, Manse on Marsh, asked the Council to consider the "group quarters" density
provisions in the Zoning Regulations as they relate to the proposed Downtown Housing
Conservation Program.
—end of public comments—
Lengthy Council debate ensued.
ACTION: Moved by Settle/Ewan to approve the staff recommendation to postpone
implementation of the "no net loss" housing program, with the exception of the
issue of conversions of less than four units. Staff directed to bring back an
ordinance for consideration that would address that loophole In the current
ordinance. Accepted the amendments to the Housing Element Update Work scope
(specifically Sections 11 E.t.c; E.2d and III B.7). Directed staff to include the "no net
loss" program as an outcome of the Housing Element Update and endorsed the
formation of an ad hoc committee of stakeholders as part of the policy and program
development phase; motion passed 3:2 (Mulholland, Marx').
Vice Mayor Marx clarified for the record that while she Is supportive of amending the
ordinance, she believes the work scope is just too narrow for the next two years.
2. MISSION PLAZA DOGLEG UPDATE.
Transportation Planner Mandeville and Consultant Erik Justesen (RRM Design Group)
presented the report.
Public Comments:
Karen Kvie, SLO Arts Center, endorsed the preferred option adding that it would be a
compliment to the cultural center. She also provided an update on the Arts Center building
project.
Mary Pagel. 669 Palm Street, spoke in opposition to closing the street because it will have
negative impacts to traffic flow and to the safety of residents in the neighborhood. She
voiced concern that there will be an increase In loitering and vandalism. In addition, she
argued that the neighboring property owners and residents weren't contacted ahead of time
and considered as stakeholders prior to developing options.
Dave Romero. 2057 Skylark Lane, questioned some of the engineering design standards
and raised concerns regarding potential problems In the design, specifically the removal
and replacement of trees, parking spaces, handicapped parking spaces, maneuverability of
traffic lanes, and bulb -out design. He suggested that the Council give the staff greater
flexibility to redesign the project.
Gary Fowler, 777 Mill Street, spoke in opposition to the closure and urged the Council to
abandon the idea completely or put it on the ballot to let the public decide.
Mary Beth Schroeder. 2085 Wilding, spoke In opposition.
Deborah Holley, Downtown Association Administrator, urged the Council to consider the
potential Increase in the opportunity to congregate and pointed out that the comer Is
already difficult for businesses in that area. In addition, she pointed out that parking will be
lost on Monterey. She added that the DTA did not endorse the preferred option, but rather
City Council Meeting Page 3
Tuesday, June 4, 2002- 5:00 p.m.
endorsed Option 01. In closing, she assured the Council that all property owners were
' informed and that the Association wants to hear from its' members in that area on this
Issue.
—End of public testimony —
Due to time constraints, the Council continued the study session to June 11th at
5:00 p.m.
Mayor Settle called a break at 6.03 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7.00 p.m. Council
Member Ewan was absent.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9
Existing Litigation, Mardi Gras of San Luis Obispo v. City of San Luis Obispo
City Attorney Jorgensen announced that the closed session was held.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Settle presented proclamations to AI Riuoli, Bill Cataneo, and Tom Martin (accepting
on behalf of Brad Caligan), San Luis Obispo Garbage owners, recognizing the outstanding
service they have provided to the community.
Mila Vuiovich- LaBarre. Community Service Facilitator, presented Community Service
Acknowledgement certificates from the City Council to approximately 30 San Luis Obispo
High School students commending them for their volunteer service to the City of San Luis
Obispo.
National Management Association President Baasch presented the Silver Knight Award to
Police Chief Jim Gardiner.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Carol Nulton inquired about the status of a lawsuit filed by the owners of the Laguna Lake
Mobile Home Estates relevant to the City's Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
Orcutt Area propery owners Nick Muick. Jeanne Anderson and Paul Garay voiced opposition
to being included in the Orcutt Area Specific Plan.
CONSENT AGENDA
ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Schwartz to approve the consent agenda as
recommended by the City Administrative Officer; motion carried 4:0 (Ewan absent)
C1. MINUTES OF TUESDAY MAY 14, 2002.
' ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Schwartz to waive oral reading and approve as
presented; motion carried 5:0.
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Tuesday, June 4,2002- 5:00 p.m.
C2. FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1416 TO IMPLEMENT ONE -YEAR FINAL
COMPENSATION WHEN CALCULATING RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR POLICE
SAFETY EMPLOYEES.
ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Schwartz to grant final passage to Ordinance No.
1416 (2002 Series); motion carried 4:0.
C3. COUNCIL COMPENSATION REVIEW PROCESS FOR 2002.
ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Schwartz to waive the 2002 Review Process for
Council Compensation; motion carried 4:0.
C4. APPROVAL OF WATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS. PROJECT REQUEST
FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) — CITY SPECIFICATION NO. 90225.
C5.
ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Schwartz to approve the Request for Proposals for
the Water Treatment Plant Improvements Project, authorize staff to solicit
proposals, and authorize contract award by the City Administrative Officer if the
contract amount negotiated with the selected consultant is less than the available
budget of $125,000; motion carried 4:0
RETROFIT — CITY SPECIFICATION NO. 99831. (MCCLUSKEY /
ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Schwartz to: 1) As recommended by the Cultural
Heritage Committee, approve plans and specifications for the "Murray Adobe
Seismic Retrofit," Specification No. 99831. 2) Authorize staff to advertise for bids
and authorize the City Administrative Officer to award the contract if the lowest
responsible bid is within the engineer's estimate of $67,000. 3) Approve transfer of
$15,000 from the Capital Outlay Fund, Completed Projects Account to the project
account; motion carried 4:0.
C6. 2002 STREET SLURRY SEAL— CITY SPECIFICATION NO. 90324.
ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Schwartz to: 1) Approve plans and specifications
for 2002 Street Slurry Seal Project, Specification No. 90324. 2) Authorize staff to
advertise for bids. 3) Authorize the City Administrative Officer to award the
contract if the lowest responsible bid is within the engineer's estimate of $215,000;
motion carried 4:0.
C7. DRIVEWAY IMPROVEMENTS FOR FIRE STATION NO. THREE.
ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Schwartz to: 1) Authorize the Mayor to sign a Letter
of Understanding with the Augusta Street Partners (ASP) that outlines
Improvements to be made at Fire Station No. Three. 2) Allocate $15,400 from the
Capital Reserve account to fund Fire Station No. Three driveway improvements;
motion carried 4:0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION REDUCING WATER IMPACT FEES.
Utilities Director Moss presented the staff report. Mayor Settle opened the public hearing.
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City Council Meeting
Tuesday, June 4, 2002- 5:00 p.m.
There were no public comments. Mayor Settle closed the public hearing.
4.
Page 5
ACTION: Moved by Marx/Mulholland to adopt Resolution No. 9318 (2002 Series)
reducing the planned Increase In City-wide water Impact fees by $3,191 per
equivalent dwelling unit effective July 1, 2002; motion carried 4:0.
Community Development Director Mandeville presented the staff reporL Mayor Settle .
opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Mayor Settle closed the public
hearing.
Council Member Schwartz suggested a minor revision to Section 2.48.050A. There were no
objections to the suggestion. (Change first sentence to read: "Architectural review will be
required for all structures and physical Improvements except single- family dwellings
individually built'.
ACTION: Moved by Schwartz/Marx to: 1) As recommended by the Architectural
Review Commission: 1) Introduce Ordinance No. 1417 (2002 Series). with a minor
revision, to amend Chapter 2.48 of the Municipal Code as it pertains to the
Architectural Review Commission Bylaws, duties and functions. 2) Adopt
Resolution No. 9319 (2002 Series) approving a revised set of Bylaws for the ARC;
motion carried 4:0.
5. APPROVAL OF A MINOR SUBDIVISION WITH EXCEPTIONS AT 497 ISLAY STREET:
RORY MUNIZ. APPLICANT (MS 34 -02).
Community Development Director Mandeville presented the staff reporL
Mayor Settle opened the public hearing.
John Shoals. EDA (representing the owner /applicant), urged the Council to approve the
project
Mayor Settle closed the public hearing.
Council Member Mulholland pointed out that the property is for sale and noted that there is
a historic home on the property. She requested that the matter be referred to the Cultural
Heritage Committee (CHC).
Community Development Director Mandeville explained that the proposed lot split would
not significantly impact the historic home and for this reason the matter was not referred to
the CHC. He explained that the project will go to the Architectural Review Committee
(ARC).
Council Member Mulholland argued that once the lot split is approved, the project will have
an impact on the historic home. She added that the CHC Chair indicated that the
Committee would like to see the project
' Council Member Schwartz noted that he has been watching the restoration of the historic
home for a few years and complimented the owner for the work. He added that he doesn't
agree that the CHC should see it at this point because if they had had concerns they would
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Tuesday, June 4,2002- 5:00 p.m.
have asked to review It sooner. In closing, he argued that the the character of the older I
home will be preserved_ through the ARC review process. Vice Mayor Marx and Mayor
Settle concurred.
ACTION: Moved by Marx/Schwartz to adopt Resolution No. 9320 (2002 Series)
approving the tentative parcel map with exceptions to the subdivision and zoning
regulations, based on findings and subject to conditions; motion passed 3:1
(Mulholland).
Mayor Settle adjourned the meeting at 7.50 p.m. to the annual meeting of the Capital
Improvement Board.
6. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD. .
City Administrative Officer Hampian presented the staff report. There were no public
comments.
ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Marx to: 1) Approve the minutes of the meeting
held October 16, 2001. 2) Mayor Settle and Vice Mayor Marx were elected as the
President and Vice President of the Capital Improvement Board; motion carried 4:0
(Ewan absent).
At 8:52 p.m. Mayor Settle reconvened the Council meeting.
7. DESIGNATION OF THE CITY AS THE TENANT OF THE PALM -MORRO
PARKINGIOFFICE STRUCTURE.
CAO Hampian introduced the item emphasizing that the City is acting in the capacity of the
property owner in this matter. He summarized the primary and secondary purpose of the
item and revised the CAO recommendations by eliminating Recommendation #1. Econo-
mic Development Manager Stanwvck presented the staff report. Council questions
followed.
Public Comments:
Wendy Eidson. Executive Director of the SLO Little Theater, pointed out that the City uses
spaces in the old City library for storage and asked that consideration be given to allowing the
Little Theater to use that space if it should become available.
—end of public comments —
Council discussion ensued.
Council Member Mulholland referenced the list of the Council's Major City Goals and
observed that the current project is not what is described in the Goal, nor has it been
abandoned or revised. She argued that the building will net only half of the office space
needed and the multi -story parking structure Is not what was previously envisioned at that
location. She asserted that there will be negative environmental impacts that will not be
mitigated and explained that she hopes that the Council will have the opportunity to make
changes to the design of the building and to re- examine the funding arrangements. Council
Member Mulholland asked the Council to consider taking a step back and to look at the
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Tuesday, June 4,2002- 5:00 p.m.
whole project to determkne if parking can be accommodated elsewhere. She suggested that
' the Council move ahead more quickly with the concept of a parking facility In the North
Area Regional Facility (NARF) area.
Vice Mayor Marx voiced support for the staff recommendations but remarked that parking
should not drive the design of the new structure. She pointed out that the issue before the
Council Is what the office building will be used for.
City Attorney Jorgensen clarified that the Council adopted the Major City Goal under the
original Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Copelands. He summarized the
history of this project and noted that.the MOU was amended and approved by the Council
after the applicant developed a new plan, which includes mitigation for the parking loss on
Court Street. He emphasized the fact that the Council has already approved the project that
Is being pursued and pointed out the difference between the City's two separate roles of
regulator and owner. He explained that the Amended MOU contemplates a construction
start date in September or October of 2002 with a budget of 9.9 million dollars. Any major
modifications to the project will significantly impact the timelkne and the cost of the project,
he concluded.
Council Member Schwartz offered a debate to Council Member Mulholland's testimony and
argued that parking was, in fact, visualized in the Downtown Concept Plan. He
demonstrated to the other members of the Council where parking was envisioned and
provided additional comments in favor of the proposed recommendations. He noted that
even though he does not like the building design, he will vote in favor given the Council's
record on the matter.
' Mayor Settle encouraged his colleagues to vote in favor of the proposal and "stay the
course ".
ACTION: Moved by Settle/Marx to: 1) Approve occupation of office space in the
Palm -Morro Parking/Office Structure by the City Departments upon purchase of the
Structure by the City. 2) Approve a modest remodel to City Hall upon relocation of
Community Development Department to office space in the Palm -Morro
Parking/Office Structure; motion carried 3:1 (Mulholland).
Mayor Settle called a break at 8:50 p.m. The meeting resumed at 9:00 p.m.
8. PARKING FUND REVIEW 2002 -2003.
Public Works Analyst Elliott presented the staff report and responded to brief questions
from Council.
Public Comments:
Andrew Carter. 1283 Woodside Drive, commented that his review of the staff report suggests
that building the North Area Regional Facility (NARF) will bankrupt the Parking Fund in three
years. He proposed that the Council will have to signiicantly raise rates, fines and forfeitures
to balance the Fund, and speculated that there will be no money for future parking garages.
He raised two questions: 1) Can the City afford NARF ?; and 2) Can the City continue to focus
on parking garages? In conclusion, he commented that there is evidence that proves that the
City needs a citywide parking solution.
City Council Meeting Page 8
Tuesday, June 4,2002- 5:00 p.m.
Tom Swem. DTA Parking Committee, asked if there has ever been any investors come to the
City to build a parking garage privately. Staff Indicated that there has not. Swem commented
that If the City was open to the concept, he would be Interested in seeing it discussed.
—end of public comments—
Council Member Ewan returned.
ACTION: Moved by SettlelMarx to: 1) Review and discuss the worksheet "changes
in Working Capital – Parking Fund." 2) Approve a Capital Improvement Project
request for Palm -Morro Parking/Office Building ($8,481,400 cost for Parking Fund in
2002 - 2003). '3) Adopt Resolution 9321 (2002 Series) that adjusts two parking fines
to be consistent with the county -wide bail schedule. 4) Direct staff to: a.) Analyze
the desirability and effects of maintaining the linkage between garage fees and
meter rates. b.) Meet with the stakeholders who would be affected by possible
garage fee increases. c.) Return to the Council in Fall 2002 with recommendations
for possible garage fee increases that would take effect at the same time as
scheduled meter rate increases; motion carried 3:1 (Mulholland)
Council Member Mulholland noted that her vote reflects opposition to
Recommendation #2.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS
CMC Citizens Advisory Committee – Council Member Mulholland reported on the May 23rd
meeting.
Cultural Heritage Committee - Council Member Mulholland reported on the May 28`"
meeting.
Dalidio Property Subcommittee – Vice Mayor Marx and Council Member Ewan provided a
status update.
COMMUNICATIONS
City Clerk Price announced that the second annual Advisory Body Member and Staff Training
Workshop would be on Thursday, June 61° at 5:00 p.m.
Vice Mayor Marx reported on the Chamber of Commerce Legislative Action Committee
meeting.
Council Member Schwartz reported on the status of an ad hoc committee formed by
Caltrans to review and provide input on the design of the Highway One Barrier.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Ma or settl joumed the
meeting at 9:37 p.m. to Tuesday, June 11, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council lam r, 990 Palm
Street, San Luis Obispo. n � 1
APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 6/18/2002
LP:mk
Lee Price, C.M.C.
City Clerk