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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/28/20031 MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO THURSDAY, AUGUST 28,2003 - 4:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER, 990 PALM STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA ROLL CALL: Council Members Present: Council Members, John Ewan, Ken Schwartz, Allen K. Settle, Vice Mayor Christine Mulholland, and Mayor Dave Romero City Staff: Present: Ken Hampian, City Administrative Officer; Jonathan Lowell, City Attorney; Lee Price, City Clerk; Wendy George, Assistant City Administrative Officer; John Mandeville, Community Development Director; Bill Statler, Finance Director; Jill Sylvain, Personnel Analyst; Deborah Linden, Police Chief; Wolfgang Knabe, Fire Chief; John Moss, Utilities Director; Mike McCluskey, Public Works Director; Paul LeSage, Parks and Recreation Director; Betsy Kiser, Principal Administrative Analyst; Tim Bochum, Deputy Director of Public Works; Peggy Mandeville, Transportation Associate; Jake Hudson, Transportation Assistant; Austin O'Dell, Transit Manager BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Public Works Director McCluskey and Deputy Director of Public-Works Bochum presented the staff report. Consultants from Dokken Engineering and Morro Group Environmental were also present to respond to questions. Public Comments Pastor Thom O'Leary and Lori Atwater (representing the Vineyard Church) spoke in support of Alternative 6A. It was suggested that the City continue to work cooperatively with other agencies to acquire grant funding to reduce costs. Jeff Wilson, architect representative for Costco, explained that the company is currently evaluating feasibility of the project, including the issue of dollar cost allocation for interchange improvements. Warren Dolezal. President of Los Verdes II, (noting that he was not speaking for all the homeowners) spoke in favor of Alternative #6A and suggested the installation of an eight foot sound wall along Los Osos Valley Road (LOVR) to mitigate noise. He also urged Council to consider a stoplight where the residential neighborhoods access LOVR and proposed that his property adjacent to Vachell Road might provide some additional opportunities to solve traffic problems. City Council Meeting Page 2 Thursday, August 28, 2003 -4:00 p.m. Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, spoke in opposition to spending money on this project. Ray Belknap, 70 Benton, voiced opposition to Alternative 2 because it will have an impact on the alignment of the "Bob Jones City -to -Sea" trail. Regarding the wetlands, he urged the Council to consider construction alternatives that will enhance or expand the wetlands so that it may continue to function. If the wetlands are diminished, he added, it will result in the creation of a commercial site. John Donovan, Program Manager for Regional Rideshare, advocated for a "park and ride lot" in the area of the intersection because it would provide large employers with opportunities for shuttling employees. Steve Devencenzi, Deputy Director of Council of Governments, commented that there may be delays in program funding and speculated that this project would not be constructed until 2013. He stated that he believes staff is being too optimistic by suggesting that it will be built in 2009 and encouraged the Council to look at phased approach. —end of public comments— Council questions to staff followed. Council Member Settle expressed concern about potential delays due to outside agency permit processing and commented in support in phasing in the project. Vice Mayor Mulholland spoke in opposition to Alternatives 2 and 4. She commented in favor of the suggestion to construct a "park and ride lot ", opposed the idea of a sound wall on LOVR, but indicated she would be interested in looking at options like a response trigger light to alleviate traffic problems on LOVR at the entrances to the Los Verdes I and II. Lastly, she noted interest in discussing a phased approach for Alternative 6A. Council Member Schwartz voiced disappointment that the consultant did not present any design alternatives that would allow the Council to make a truly refined decision. He summarized pros and cons of Alternatives 4, 6 and 7. He emphasized that he favors strongly the design of the northbound ramp in Alternative 7, but shared concern about the design of that ramp in Alternative 6. He pointed out that the southbound ramp designs illustrated in Alternatives 6 and 6A create another Madonna Road exist forcing a left hand turn in order to proceed on LOVR. In addition, he proposed that the ultimate project design contemplate a 100 -year storm and accommodate the Bob Jones City -to -Sea trail. Lastly, he expressed support for consideration of a "park and ride lot ". Council Member Ewan voiced disapproval for Alternatives 2 and 4, and agreed that the northbound access in Alternative 7 is the preferable design. Mayor Romero expressed concern that the design alternatives presented demonstrate short long -range planning and speculated that traffic will eventually need to bypass the downtown. He explained that Alternative 2 would do that, but noted that it's too expensive. He suggested that the connection from Buckley Road to Vachell to the Dolezal property be included in further studies. He pointed out disadvantages in Alternatives 3 and 4 and indicated strong support for Alternative 6A, with a phased -in approach. Council Member Settle also voiced support for 6A and urged signalization at the intersection at Los Verdes I and 11 and LOVR. City Council Meeting Thursday, August 28, 2003 -4:00 p.m. Page 3 Council discussion ensued regarding the opportunities that may exist with a potential connection to Buckley Road. ACTION: Moved by SettWEwan to support the advancement of Project Alternatives 3, 6A and 7, noting Alternative 6A in a phased -in approach as the favored option (4:1 Schwartz). By mutual agreement, the Council directed staff to include in all alternatives future possible extensions of LOVR to connect to Vachell/Buckley or Buckley and, further, agreed to continue to use the amount of $16 million as the planning figure. 2. 2002 ANNUAL TRAFFIC SAFETY REPORT. Due to time constraints, the Council continued this matter to September 2, 2003. PUBLIC HEARINGS 51 Deputy Director of Public Works Bochum and Transportation Assistant Hudson presented the staff report. Mayor Romero opened the public hearing. Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, spoke in support of reclassifying Johnson Avenue and Patricia. Mayor Romero clarified that Johnson Avenue is not being reclassified. Ms. Schroeder argued that it should be. Sandra Rowley, representing Residents for Quality Neighborhoods, recommended approval per the staff recommendation. Roger Malinowski, 153 Broad Street, explained that he had been at the Planning Commission meeting when this item was considered and believes that the Planning Commission amended the recommendation to include some additional streets for reclassification. He asked why they were not included for the Council's consideration. Staff clarified that the Planning Commission approved the seven streets for reclassification and asked that additional streets be studied, but no formal direction to include them in their action was taken. Mayor Romero closed the public hearing. ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Ewan to adopt Resolution No. 9473 (2003 Series) approving the negative declaration, and amendment to Figure #2 of the Circulation Element to reclassify seven Residential Collector street segments as Local Residential street segments, and further, directed staff to be alert to other opportunities to reclassify other streets, as appropriate; motion carried 5:0. 1 City Council Meeting Thursday, August 28, 2003 4:00 p.m. Page 4 4. ADOPTION OF THE SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN. Transit Manager O'Dell and Consultant Sam Corbet (Urbitran Associates, Inc.) presented the Plan and recommendations for fare changes. Mass Transportation Committee Chair Johnson spoke in favor of the Plan's adoption and responded to brief questions from the Council. Staff also noted that the current Financial Plan includes, for the first time, a budget for marketing the transit system. Mayor Romero opened the public hearing. Dee Torres, Manager of the Prado Day Center, expressed appreciation to the Mass Transportation Committee for not recommending a change to the bus route that services the Center. Andrew Carter, 1283 Woodside Drive, spoke in favor of the return to "memory service" and suggested that Route 2 will not be able to operate on a 40 minute schedule. He expressed approval for improved service to Cal Poly and the addition of evening service, but suggested that the latter be offered every 60 minutes. He voiced no opposition to the fare increase but advocated for a 25 cent fare for the trolley and no surcharge for evening service. Additionally, he suggested that a greater incentive should be offered for buying the monthly pass and recommended bus information be made available at all stops. In closing, Mr. Carter proposed a shuttle to the downtown from the high school. James Park 268 Via San Bias, expressed support for the recommendations and asked the City to cooperate with the County to keep bike trails clean. Brett Cross, 1217 Mariners Cove, argued that raising fares is not the way to get more revenue, but rather urged the Council to do more marketing to ensure that more people ride the bus. Alison Anderson, Cal Poly ASI President, reiterated former recommendations, which include coordinating routes with Cal Poly class schedules, providing evening service, shorter headways, the memory schedule, and appropriate signage at all bus stops. Doug Carroll, National Chair for Multiple Sclerosis, observed that more route information is necessary at bus stops and encouraged the use of a memory schedule. He added that he would also like to see the trolley wheel -chair accessible and that the route be expanded. Staff pointed out that the trolley used primarily is wheel -chair accessible; however the back up trolley is not. John Donovan, Program Manager for SLO Regional Rideshare, observed that fares are reasonable and expressed agreement with changes proposed for routes. He pointed out that Rideshare has some funds for marketing and offered their assistance. Jean Knox, Mass Transportation Committee, mentioned that high school students could easily access the bus at French Hospital and expressed delight that Route 3 headway times will be cut in half. Gary Fowler, 777 Mill Street, commented that he doesn't support any cost increases to seniors. He commented that the trolley is unnecessary and predicted that rider -ship will go down because Cal Poly students will find other ways to get to campus. Lastly, he urged the Council to provide evening service until midnight. City Council Meeting Thursday, August 28, 2003 -4:00 p.m. Page 5 Mayor Romero closed the public hearing. Council discussion ensued. Council Member Settle voiced opposition to increased fares. A majority of the Council expressed concern about the proposed schedule for Route 2. All members of the Council noted the need for more marketing and information at each bus stop about routes and schedules. ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Schwartz to support the recommendations of the Mass Transportation Committee and Planning Commission's for the adoption of the Short Range Transit Plan by Resolution No. 9474 (2003 Series), with the following exceptions: A) set the cost of a Regular Pass at $30.00 rather than $27.00. B) Set the fare for the trolley at $.25 per trip rather than $.50, with transfers and passes to be considered at a later time; and further to direct staff to continue to: 1) look at ways to achieve a reduction in the headways for Route #2 from 40 minutes to 30 minutes; 2) post route information at bus stops, and 3) increase marketing efforts; motion carried 4:1 (Settle) 5. Transportation Associate Mandeville provided the staff report. Consultants Pauline Souzia and Sam Nunes (Gordon N. Chong & Partners) presented design options and responded to questions from Council. Mayor Romero opened the public hearing. Andrew Carter, 1283 Woodside Dr., asked the Council how it will pay for the project. He argued that it will bankrupt the parking fund and the City cannot afford it. He proposed that the Council, if it continues to pursue the project, consider abandoning the transit component and eliminating the concept of mechanical parking, and that it focus on Site B for parking because there is a willing landowner. Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, expressed opposition to a mechanical garage. Raffv Arsene, Shell Station owner (Site B) voiced opposition to his property being considered for this project because it will negatively impact his business, limit his parking and prevent any future project on the Higuera side of the property. Ray Mattison, representing Karen Adler (Site A), voiced objection to the financial condemnation of his client's property. He suggested the Council consider public/private partnerships for providing parking, but argued that he doesn't understand the connection between the parking and the transit center. If the Council is to proceed, he concluded, Option B is best because it has the least impact on active businesses, leaves it in the private sector, with the smallest footprint, and gets the transit center the City is looking for. Andrew Merriam. Chairman of the Chamber Parking committee and former member of the Downtown Concept Plan, stated his favorite proposal is Option D for several reasons, including that it has the less amount of traffic congestion, has the urban periphery to allow good retail use and would be ideal for parking as the community moves down Monterey toward the RR. He also shared some apprehension about mechanical parking because the concept is not yet proven. Patricia Wilmore, Chamber of Commerce, also spoke in favor of Option D because it meets most of the criteria and has greater appeal. She indicated that while she recognizes that City Council Meeting Page 6 Thursday, August 28, 2003 -4:00 p.m. negotiations may be difficult, it will be the best option for the community in the long run. She also expressed concern about the concept of mechanical parking because tourists may be leery. Fred Vernacchia, 1100 Monterey Street, argued against spending so much money to study a project that the public hasn't asked for and on property the City doesn't even own. He urged the Council to consider the seven property owners and the impact to their businesses. He urged the Council to financially partner with the County for construction and added that the property owned by the County on Monterey should be considered. Rob Rossi, 1321 Mill Street, voiced opposition to the alternatives and observed that transit and parking are not necessarily linked. He suggested that parking be provided in a mixed - use commercial development via a public/private venture. Regarding the concept of a mechanical garage, Mr. Rossi expressed concern about the time it will take to retrieve cars at peak hours and the noise, particularly at night. Kurt Anslinger, Los Gatos resident (owner of Daylight Gardens) commented in favor of Option D and issued caution about a mechanical parking structure. Mayor Romero closed the public hearing. Lenthy Council discussion followed. Vice Mayor Mulholland recommended that the Council consider Staff's Alternative Recommendation #3 (outlined in the staff report), which would be to direct staff to table for now the NARF project. She asserted that the facility isn't needed and the City doesn't have enough money to build it. She proposed that the City focus instead on providing parking on property already owned by the City on Palm and Nipomo using existing parking in -leiu fees. She also proposed that the Council direct staff to continue researching mechanical parking because of its merits. Council Member Ewan argued in favor of pursing the NARF at the current location because it will provide needed parking and transit to that sector of the City. He agreed that mechanical parking is a viable alternative worthy of additional research. He noted that Option B makes the best sense for the garage, but added that Option D may be the better option for transit. Council Member Settle expressed support for Vice Mayor Mulholland's recommendation to take no action now on the NARF primarily because there are unwilling property owners. He agreed that the mechancial garage concept is worthy of additional study. Council Member Schwartz observed that parking deficits continue in the downtown and a solution is needed in the vicinity of the NARF. He provided comments on the various design options presented, noting that he could not support the Planning Commission's recommendation for Site B because Site A is best from a planning perspective for both the garage and transit components. He mentioned that he could support Plan D, but explained that his favorite option is Plan G. Noting issues relating to contamination and unwilling property owners, he agreed with other members of the Council that the City should focus efforts on the Palm/Nipomo site and continue to examine mechanical parking. Mayor Romero remarked that mechancial parking is unproven for municipal use. He favors self -park facilities and questions traffic impacts in most of the design options presented. He expressed concerns about the total cost of the project and commented that he has misgivings about moving ahead with the transit component given the fact that the City Hall Fi City Council Meeting Thursday, August 28, 2003 -4:00 p.m. Page 7 transfer center is functional. His preference for the NARF would be a joint public private venture on site B, but agreed that given the circumstances, it would be in the best interest of the City to defer action on the NARF and concentrate on the Palm/Nipomo site. ACTION: Moved by Mulholland/Settle to move Staff Alternative #3: Direct staff to table work on the project (which is currently a Council goal), identify the reactivation of the project as a potential Council goal for the next two year goal setting process, and redirect current staff priorities to the development of the Palm/Nipomo parking structure (which is another Council goal); motion passed 4:1 (Ewan). By mutual agreement, the Council directed staff to continue studying mechanical parking. There being no further business to come before the City Council, Ma Romero adjourned the meeting at 11:15 p.m. to Tuesday, September 2, 2003 eat 7:Q9 �5. in t Council Chamber,. 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. l /� APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 9/16/03 LP:jo Lee Price, C.M.C. City Clerk