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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/06/2008. M.INUTES ' SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2008 - 7.00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER, 990 PALM STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA ROLL CALL: Council Members Present: Council Members Andrew Carter, Christine Mulholland, Allen Settle, Vice Mayor Paul Brown and Mayor Dave Romero City Staff: Present: Ken Hampian, City Administrative Officer, Jonathan Lowell, City Attorney; Audrey Hooper, City Clerk; Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Administrative Officer; John Mandeville, Community Development Director; Bill Statler, Finance and Information Technology Director; Deborah Linden, Police Chief; Jay Walter, Public Works Director; Betsy Kiser, Parks ' and Recreation Director; Robert Horch, Parking Manager STUDY SESSION 1. MEASURE Y UPDATE ON PUBLIC SAFETY (POLICE) AND NEIGHBORHOOD WELLNESS MAJOR CITY GOALS. Police Chief Linden, Community Development Director Mandeville and Buildin Official Girvin presented the staff report and responded to Council's questions. Council Member Settle suggested that staffs research into red light cameras include the issues of intersection grid lock and City vehicles caught in violation. Public Comments Brett Cross, Chair of Residents for Quality Neighborhoods (RQN), expressed appreciation to staff for discussing the neighborhood policing portion of the presentation and said RQN was supportive of the information they received. ---end of public comments— Council Members spoke in support of the efforts staff has made and the direction taken to increase public safety and code enforcement services. City Council Meeting Page 2 Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Council Member Carter referred to the concept of a 311 program for the reporting of graffiti and other non - urgent violations to provide citizens a one -stop method for reporting these types of issues. He questioned why residences are placed on the premise list after receiving two or more noise warnings within 60 days, and suggested that the period of time should be longer given the number of violations. He agreed with Council Member Settle's comments regarding red light violations and blocking intersections. In response to Council Member Carter, Police Chief Linden discussed exceptions to the 60 -day premise process, which includes, for example, parties with more than 75 attendees and assaults on SNAP or other workers. ACTION: Council received the report and provided comments as indicated. No further action was required. 2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM STATUS UPDATE. Assistant City Administrative Officer Stanwyck and Economic Development Manager Clark presented the staff report. Public Comments Beth Moreno, San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Chairperson, discussed the Chamber's concerns regarding the business community, how business growth is being stifled, the need for additional emphasis on job creation in the Program, and the stratification within the community. She discussed the need to update the City's Targeted Industries Study and mentioned the upcoming trip to Boulder, Colorado, as an opportunity to research how other communities grow jobs. Pierre Rademaker, Member of the Chamber Board and its Economic Development Committee, explained why economic health must be considered in the broadest possible terms noting that healthy City revenues don't equate to healthy local businesses. The city needs to draw base industries that offer high level jobs and success that extends outside of our community. One example of this type of business would be Meathead Movers. Eric Justesen, newly elected Chamber Board Member and Chair of the Sustainability and Resources Committee, concurred with prior speakers. He spoke about the need to create a "Complete Community' that includes an inventory of land and building stock that is already supported with necessary infrastructure. He supported proactive marketing of our community as a place for businesses that support the quality of life; i.e. green and sustainable- oriented. Mike Manchak. COS and President of the Economic Vitality Corporation, reiterated I comments made by prior speakers and suggested that collaboration among cities City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Page 3 will be the key to providing the kinds of resources that will grow companies in the ® community. Dave Cox, San Luis Obispo, also reiterated comments made by prior speakers. He discussed the need for the Program to support a stable job market. He suggested this be done by enhancing their resources to the Program with regards to collection of data and to make this data available on the website. He also suggested that outreach, namely marketing the community, should be increased. Dave Juhnke, Chair of the Chamber's Economic Development Committee, but speaking as a resident, was concerned about the future. He was concerned about stratification of the community and suggested that the antidote is job creation. He suggested that policy direction from Council is what will bring jobs to the community; i.e., by making the city a welcoming place for businesses to come, expand, and remain. He also said there needs to be a focus on infrastructure resources and that new business should not have to pay for existing or future infrastructure needs over and above their fair share. Bill Almas, Representative for Chevron. He discussed the status of the San Luis Tank Farm project and Chevron's interest in annexing to the city, as well as how the project can play an important part in the economic growth of the city. He noted that the project is likely to include 51 acres of development that will open doors to companies wishing to establish or expand here. Dave Garth, President of SLO Chamber of Commerce, discussed his concerns regarding the economy and the future of the City saying that this is a critical point for San Luis due to a lack of job growth and a stagnant or declining economy.. He asked Council to appoint an elected official to the Chamber's Economic Vision Committee and said that Council Member Carter indicated he would be willing to . do this. He also discussed the need to learn about what other communities are doing to create balanced and sustainable communities. Bill Thoma, San Luis Obispo, emphasized that the City must turn its attention to the business community and expressed concern about the difficulty in drawing high paying jobs to the community. —end of public comments- CAO Hampian referred to Mr. Almas' comments regarding Chevron's interest in moving from Phase 2 of the Airport Area Annexation to Phase 1 B, and suggested that a Council study session be scheduled when more clarification on the issues related to Chevron as been received. Council Member Settle concurred with the report and prior comments, supported a ' study session regarding the Chevron annexations, and supported appointing Council Member Carter as liaison to the Chamber's Economic Vision Committee. City Council Meeting Page 4 Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Vice Mayor Brown also supported Council Member Carter's appointment as liaison ' to the Chamber's Economic Vision Committee. He explained why he believed there should be an economic element in the City's General Plan. Council Member Mulholland supported appointing a Council Member as liaison to the Chamber's Economic Vision Committee. She disagreed, however, with prior comments regarding the government's role in bringing businesses to the city. She suggested, instead, that it is the role of the Economic Vitality Corporation and the Chamber to draw businesses. She disagreed that the City is stifling job growth. Council Member Carter explained why he believed that economic development is the most important future issue facing this community. He also explained why he disagreed with Council Member Mulholland and supported the report and the direction the Chamber is taking to attract head of household jobs. He expressed concern about the continued frscalization of land uses and stratification of the community. He agreed that sustainable businesses and knowledge based businesses would fit well in our community. He stressed the importance of housing in this discussion. Mayor Romero supported Council Member Carter's appointment as liaison to the Economic Vision Committee. He also supported the City partnering with the Chamber as the Chamber takes the lead related to the economic development of the community. He believed that some of the City's .fees need to be reviewed as they may be discouraging development. He discussed the steps the City has taken over the past few years to prepare for economic growth, including completion of annexation studies, approval of several housing projects, and ensuring there is a sufficient water supply and sewer system in place. In response to Council Member Mulholland's suggestion that additional business recruitment and retention information be added to the City's website, CAO Hampian explained that it will be important for Council to consider the adequacy of the City's economic development resources during its goal- setting process in the fall. ACTION: Moved by Mulholland /Brown to appoint Council Member Carter as Council's representative to the Chamber's Economic Vision Committee; carried 5:0. BUSINESS ITEMS 3. FBI Assistant City Administrative Officer Stanwvck presented the agenda report. 1 City Council Meeting Page 5 Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Public Comments ' No comments were forthcoming. —end of public comments— Council Member Mulholland noted for the record that a letter (on file in the City Clerk's office) had been received from John Grady objecting to the minimum assessment to businesses. ACTION: No action was required on this item. 4. TANK FARM SEWER IMPROVEMENTS FINANCING. Finance and Information Technology Director Statler presented the staff report for this item simultaneously with item B5. Public Comments No comments were forthcoming. —end of public comments- ' ACTION: Moved by Mulholland /Settle to: 1. Adopt Resolution No. 9978 (2008 Series ) approving an installment sales agreement with the City of San Luis Obispo Improvement Board to assist in financing the Tank Farm Gravity Sewer, Lift Station and Force Main Project. 2. Review the project budget and funding sources downward based on favorable bid results; motion carried 5:0. City Clerk Hooper called the meeting of the Capital Improvement Board to order. Council Members serve as members of the Capital Improvement Board and all were present. 5. MEETING OF THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD. Finance and Information Technology Director Statler presented the staff report for this item simultaneously with item B4. Public Comments No comments were forthcoming. —end of public comments — ACTION: Moved by Carter /Brown to: 1) Approve minutes of the Capital 1 Improvement Board meeting held on March 21, 2006. 2) Elect officers for the Capital Improvement Board (Mayor Romero as President and Vice Mayor Brown City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Page 6 as Vice President). 3) Adopt Resolution No. 9979 (2008 Series) approving the issuance of lease- revenue bonds to assist in financing the Tank Farm gravity 1 sewer, lift station and force main project. 4) Adjourn to the next regular meeting; motion carried 5:0. The Special Meeting adjourned at 6:07 p.m. to a recess, following which the Regular Meeting convened in the Council Chamber at 7:00 p.m. MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2008 - 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER, 990 PALM STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA ROLL CALL: Council Members Present: Council Members Andrew Carter, Christine Mulholland, Allen Settle, Vice Mayor Paul Brown and Mayor Dave Romero City Staff: Present: Ken Hampian, City Administrative Officer; Jonathan Lowell, City Attorney; Audrey Hooper, City Clerk; Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Administrative Officer; John Mandeville, Community Development Director; Bill Statler, Finance and Information Technology Director; Monica Irons, Human Resources Director; Deborah Linden, Police Chief; John Callahan, Fire Chief; John Moss, Utilities Director; Jay Walter, Public Works Director; Betsy Kiser, Parks and Recreation Director; Brigitte Elke, Principal Administrative Analyst PRESENTATION AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR THE CITY'S BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN. Public Works Director Walter presented an American Planning Association Award of Excellence for the City's 2007 Bicycle Transportation Plan to the City's Principal Transportation Manager and Bicycle Coordinator Peggy Mandeville, Adam Fukushima representing the •Bicycle Coalition, and Bicycle Advisory Committee Members Ben Lerner, Tom Nuckols and Jean Anderson and former member Kevin Christian who is now the City's Bicycle Intern. 1 City Council Meeting Page 7 Tuesday, May 6, 2008 'Mayor Romero announced vacancies on the Bicycle Advisory Committee, the Joint Use of Recreation Facilities Committee, the Mass Transportation Committee and the Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee. Applications and additional information are available on the City's web site and in the City Clerk's office. APPOINTMENT Al. Council Member Carter made the subcommittee report. ACTION: Moved by Carter /Settle to appoint Sarah Maggelet to the Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC) effective May 6, 2008, and expiring on March 31, 2011, as recommended by the Council Subcommittee; motion carried 5:0. PUBLIC COMMENT Jesse Bilsten, San Luis Obispo, asked when the work on Grand Avenue and on Broad Street will be finished. ' Public Works Director Walter discussed the progress of the work being done on the section of Grand Avenue coming down from Cal Poly for the installation of a water line which should be completed within the next month or so. He explained that the area of Broad Street, south of the City, is under Caltrans' jurisdiction. He thought that construction would begin this summer and grinding and paving work will start in the spring of 2009. Shang Reiss, Atascadero, suggested that the City should purchase property adjacent to Fire Station 1 for the expansion of the Police facility. CAO Hampian explained that the subject property is owned by a private developer who has plans for a large development project on that site, rendering the cost of acquiring that land infeasible at this time. Gary Chou, resident, suggested that, similar to Asian traditions where relationships are centered on eating, Council should consider making meals and snacks available during Council meetings. Leslie Mann, San Luis Obispo, asked Council to have every trash can provided with a section for recycling. City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Page 8 Coral Norris, San Luis Obispo, recommended that more predominant pedestrian crossing signs or lights be installed at Boysen Avenue where it intersects with I Santa Rosa Avenue. Public Works Director Walter said that they can raise Ms. Norris' concerns to Caltrans, the agency that has jurisdiction over this intersection. R. "Ash" Vulgamore expressed concern regarding the people who are smoking at bus shelters and suggested the City's ordinance should be strengthened so as to be more effective. Brad Clemens, San Luis Obispo, discussed the relationship between Cal Poly students and the City. He encouraged both to work together to enable some of the events that were prohibited because they had gotten out of hand in the past to resume since they contributed to the City's unique character. Gary Fowler, San Luis Obispo, spoke about the need for a new and larger senior center in the City. Jarred Samarin, San Luis Obispo, expressed concern regarding the lack of parking on the cul de sac at Leroy Court. He asked that the residents at 316, 317, 328 and 321 be given the ability to purchase parking passes so they have the same parking rights as those residents at 301 and 302 Leroy Court. Michael Lara, General Manager of the Blues Baseball Club, expressed appreciation for the lease agreement with the city and discussed the Club's plans for 2009. Naomi Guy proposed that a dotted line should be painted to connect the bike lane on California Avenue where it splits at California and Hathaway and prevent confusion on the parts of cyclists and drivers. Dorothy Graves expressed concern about the height of buildings in the downtown and suggested that new projects may need to lower their buildings as was done for the Chinatown project. Amy Linker, San Luis Obispo, voiced concern about the lack of late night transportation and suggested that the safe ride program be reestablished or a taxi incentive program be established. Andria Greenlee, Cal Poly graduate student and city resident, asked that Council consider creating an off -leash dog park.. Ms. Greenlee was advised that there is an off -leash area for dogs at Laguna Lake Park. 1 City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Page 9 Chris Matthew, Paso Robles, expressed concern regarding the way the SLO ' County Public Access Board operates. Patrick Germany, Paso Robles, Vice President of the Sharing the Dream Program, reiterated concerns he has expressed at prior meetings regarding the operations of SLO County Public Access. Allen Smith expressed concern regarding the lack of recycling bins at off campus Cal Poly apartments in the vicinity of Monte Vista Place. He said he has tried to get assistance from the County Waste Management, but has been unsuccessful. Council Member Mulholland indicated that the same concerns had been posed to her during her attendance at a class at Cal Poly last week. She suggested that staff should investigate this matter. CONSENT AGENDA Tenn Mohan, San Luis Obispo, referred to item C4 and proposed that the Los Osos Valley Road /US 101 interchange should not be changed. He suggested, instead, that the new interchange at Calle Joaquin is better suited for traffic. Roxanne Carr, President of the Monday Club, referred to item C9, discussed the ' other contributions the Club has made to the community, and spoke about its pledge not only to donate $50,000 for completion of the missing link of the railroad bicycle safety trail but also to spearhead a community effort to try to raise additional necessary funds. Jan Howell Marx, San Luis Obispo, also referred to item C9, said she is the coordinator for the "Missing Link" project, displayed a copy of the brochures that were mailed to SLO residents, and talked about the impact of the trail once it's been built. It was noted that a fundraiser for the "Missing Link" will be held on May 17"' at 6:00 p.m. at the Cuesta Cadillac Dealership on Monterey Street. Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager, referred to item C8 and thanked members,of the San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge for their support and the donation of an easement along San Luis Obispo Creek at the Lodge's property. He explained that the easement will enable the city to undertake certain storm water management activities and provide space for a portion of the Bob Jones Bicycle Trail. Council Member Mulholland referred to item C5 and discussed the funds allocated towards the Senior Center improvements in support of seniors. City Council Meeting Page 10 Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Mayor Romero also referred to item C5 and noted that the Senior Center kitchen and remodel was a high priority in the 2007 -09 goal- setting as well as one of the ' Measure Y goals. He also noted that as a result of Measure Y, the City will restart its street resurfacing program this summer. ACTION: Moved by Brown/Carter to approve the Consent Agenda as indicated below. C1. APPROVE MINUTES OF APRIL 1. 2008. ACTION: Moved by Brown /Carter to waive oral reading and approve as presented; motion carried 5:0. C2. NOMINATION OF CONTRIBUTING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1052 ISLAY STREET TO THE MASTER LIST OF HISTORIC RESOURCES. ACTION: Moved by Brown/Carter to adopt Resolution No. 9986 (2008 Series) adding the property at 1052 Islay Street to the City's Master List of Historic Resources; motion carried 5:0. C3. 2008 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT APPLICATION. ACTION: Moved by Brown /Carter to authorize staff to submit a grant application in the amount of $230,775 to the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant ' Program for funding: 1. To train and equip Firefighters to achieve Medium Operational Level Capability for Urban Search and Rescue ($137,055). 2. To acquire Personal Protective Equipment, coats and pants, for structural firefighting ($93,720); motion carried 5:0. C4. RIGHT OF WAY ACQUISITION SERVICES FOR THE LOS OSOS VALLEY ROADWS 101 INTERCHANGE PROJECT. ACTION: Moved by Brown /Carter to: 1. Approve a sole source contract with Dokken Engineering in an amount not to exceed $2,408,000 to perform consultant services to prepare State of California Department of Transportation plans, specifications and estimates (PS &E) and right of way acquisition services for the Los Osos Valley Road /US 101 Interchange project, and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement. 2. Advance funding from General Fund revenues in the amount of $75,000 to fully fund the contract (i.e. fill the shortfall of $23,000 and create a $52,000 contingency) for the design work, to be reimbursed from transportation impact fees when these funds become available; motion carried 5:0. r L—; City Council Meeting' ' ` Page 11 Tuesday, May 6, 2008 C5. SENIOR CENTER KITCHEN; BATH & STORAGE REMODEL, SPECIFICATION NO. 90749. ACTION: Moved by Brown /Carter to: 1. Approve plans and specifications for "Senior Center Kitchen Remodel, Specification No. 90749." 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 $170,000. 3. Approve the transfer of $99,140 from the CIP reserve to the project construction account; motion carried 5:0. C6. MICROSURFACING 2007 -08 PROJECT, SPECIFICATION NO. 90809. ACTION: Moved by Brown /Carter to: 1. Approve Plans and Special Provisions for the Microsurfacing 2007 -08 Project, Specification No. 90809. 2. Authorize staff to advertise for bids and authorize the CAO to award the contract if the lowest responsible bid is less than or equal to the Engineer's estimate of $653,000. 3. Approve the transfer of $98,000 from CIP reserve to fund construction management; motion carried 5:0. CT. 2008 SAN LUIS OBISPO BASEBALL STADIUM AGREEMENTS. ACTION: Moved by Brown /Carter to: 1. Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute Agreement for Use of the San Luis Obispo_Baseball Stadium between the City of San Luis Obispo and the San Luis Obispo Blues Baseball Inc. for the 2008 baseball season. 2. Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute Agreement for Use of the San Luis Obispo Baseball Stadium between the City of San Luis Obispo and the San Luis Obispo Rattlers Baseball Inc. for the 2008 baseball season; motion carried 5:0. C8. AUTHORIZATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF AN OPEN SPACE AND PUBLIC ACCESS EASEMENT ON APPROXIMATELY THREE ACRES OF THE ELKS LODGE PROPERTY ON ELKS LANE. ACTION: Moved by Brown /Carter to adopt Resolution No. 9980 (2008 Series) authorizing the Mayor to accept the donation of an open space and public access easement covering approximately three acres of the 11 acre Elks. Lodge property at 222 Elks Lane; motion carried 5:0. C9. DONATION. AGREEMENT AND FUNDING FOR RAILROAD SAFETY TRAIL PHASE 4A, SPECIFICATION NO. 90821 (FOOTHILL BOULEVARD TO CAMPUS WAY). ACTION: Moved by Brown /Carter to: 1. Accept a $50,000 donation from the Monday Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo to pay for wrought iron safety fencing 1 along Phase 4a of the Railroad Safety Trail. 2. Authorize the Mayor to execute the donor agreement which outlines additional Railroad Safety Trail fundraising City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Page 12 efforts by the Monday Rotary Club. 3. Advance funding in the amount of $292,000 from transportation impact fees, pending the receipt of additional donations, to complete the design and construction of Phase 4a; motion carried 5:0. C10. AND BACKING UP DIRECTLY TO TERRACE HILL. BASE ADDRESS IS 1063 ELLA (BRIAN ROLPH, SUBDIVIDER). ACTION: Moved by Brown/Carter to adopt Resolution No. 9981 (2008 Series accepting the public improvements, and certifying completion of the required private improvements for Tract 2832; motion carried 5:0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6. MITCHELL PARK MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT. CAO Hampian made some preliminary comments, following which Parks and Recreation Director Kiser, Community Development Director Mandeville, and Parking Manager Horch presented the staff report. They and Public Works Director Walter responded to questions. I Mayor Romero opened the public hearing. Agatha Reardon, President of the Senior Center Board, explained that the seniors have not outgrown the Senior Center and will not outgrow it for several years. She discussed a number of reasons why a parking area behind the Senior Center is needed. She explained why the proposed parking area will not affect the aesthetic value of Mitchell Park, or the amenities and activities of the park. She asked Council to approve the amendment to the Mitchell Park Master Plan to allow for the parking area. Stephan Lamb, San Luis Obispo, opposed the amendment to the Mitchell Park Master Plan and suggested that the Park should be completed as indicated in the current Master Plan. He suggested that instead of building a parking area behind the Senior Center, a new location for a future Senior Center should be pursued. Council recessed after a number of comments had been made during the public comment period (i.e., from 9:00 to 9:10 p.m.) and reconvened the meeting with all members present. The following people also opposed the amendment to the Mitchell Park Master Plan to allow for a parking area behind the Senior Center. Many concurred with Mr. Lamb's suggestion that a site for a new Senior Center should be pursued. City Council Meeting' Page 13 Tuesday, May 6, 2008 1 Carrnie Casella Suzanne Power, San Luis Obispo Allan Cooper, representative of the Obispo Beautiful Association Carol Nelson - Selby, San Luis Obispo Rosemarie Carrington, San Luis Obispo Lou Carping, San Luis Obispo Tony Romero, San Luis Obispo Bill Casella, San Luis Obispo Andrea Apodaca Cynthia Semel, San Luis Obispo Emily McBride, San Luis Obispo Sterling McBride, San Luis Obispo Jeff Prostovich, San Luis Obispo Michael Sullivan, San Luis Obispo Ursula Bishop, San Luis Obispo Tarrah Graves, San Luis Obispo (read from a letter written by a coworker who was unable to attend the meeting) Jan Howell Marx, San Luis Obispo Mark Johnson, San Luis Obispo Craig Jacobson, San Luis Obispo Matt Ritter, Botany Professor and Chair of Landscape Advisory Committee (Mr. Ritter also expressed concern regarding the potential impact of construction of a parking lot on the Heritage Tree on the Park property.) Sean Ryan, San Luis Obispo Jenn Yost, San Luis Obispo Gini Griffin, San Luis Obispo Allen Root, Chairperson of the Architectural Review Commission Stew Jenkins, San Luis Obispo Gary Fowler, San Luis Obispo Mila Vuiovich- LaBarre, San Luis Obispo The following people supported the amendment to the Mitchell Park Master Plan for many of the reasons cited by Ms. Reardon: Cathie Babb, San Luis Obispo Marie Wilson, San Luis Obispo Enrico Bongio, San Luis Obispo Dick Flanders, San Luis Obispo Charles Oldham, San Luis Obispo Bette Kulp, San Luis Obispo Marcia Nelson, San Luis Obispo Paul Wilson, San Luis Obispo Ellen Dorman, San Luis Obispo 1 Anita Cara Sheppard, San Luis Obispo City Council Meeting Page 14 Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Steve Miller, San Luis Obispo, suggested that non - residents should not be allowed to park on the streets in the vicinity of Mitchell Park. Parking should be limited to 1 residents and the seniors who use the Senior Center. Eric Meyer, San Luis Obispo, concurred with Mr. Miller's suggestion. Mayor Romero closed the public hearing. Council Member Settle concurred with Mr. Lamb. He expressed concern regarding the possible jeopardy to the heritage tree located in the park. He concurred with the Advisory Body recommendation. He also supported pursuing other alternatives, particularly On- Street Parking Option 2, with a review of how it is working at the end of a year. Vice Mayor Brown agreed that there is a need for a new Senior Center in the future. However, he supported the amendment to the Mitchell Park Master Plan. He noted that every other park in the City on which there is a building has its own parking lot. He thought that because this park is more than a neighborhood park and is used for such things as political rallies, marches and fund- raisers, the need for the additional parking spaces will always exist. Council Member Mulholland discussed the history of the park and various reports over the years which did not support installing a parking lot on the site. She 1 explained why she believes it is important for seniors to become transit - oriented. She suggested that: 1) the original $70,000 set aside for the parking area could be placed into an interest - bearing fund and be used to assist seniors with transportation over a long period of time; 2) other options should be explored before consideration is given to a parking lot; and 3) the funds required for construction of this project could be placed in a fund for a study and construction of a new location for a Senior Center in the future. She expressed concern about overriding the recommendations of three Advisory Bodies. Council Member Carter discussed the importance of honoring and respecting the elder population. He explained that while opponents consider this a transportation issue, the seniors have indicated that the real issue is parking. He said the proposed parking lot is small compared to the size of the entire the park. It would be secluded and shielded from the rest of the park, would be built in an under - utilized space, and would not significantly impact the rest of the park. It would provide mobility- challenged seniors with safe, off- street parking. He pointed out that the Senior Center is critically needed for the seniors who use it. In addition, it would take five to seven years to find a new site and build a new Senior Center. Mayor Romero discussed his ongoing support of a Senior Center parking lot over the years. He pointed out that every other park in the City has off - street parking. 1 He suggested that additional protections are needed to keep the children from City Council Meeting Page 15 Tuesday, May 6, 2008 the parking area (such as a chain link fence, three feet high, vinyl clad). He explained how the public area of the park would actually increase with a parking lot. It would also make it possible for service vehicles to serve the entire park and may relieve some of the parking overload in the neighborhood. He said he would like supplemental parking on Santa Rosa Avenue and Buchon Street to be considered in additional to the proposed parking lot. Discussion ensued regarding a permit process for use of the parking lot. However, the options for doing so will be explored, along with possible on- street parking, during the design stages of the proposed parking lot. ACTION: 1) Moved by Brown /Carter to implement the senior parking component of the City Council's 2007 -09 Major City Goal for Senior Citizen Facilities, the Council must amend the Mitchell Park Master Plan by adopting a resolution, including the Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact, changing the proposed use behind the Center to allow for a parking lot of approximately 14 spaces; motion carried 3:2 (Mulholland, Settle opposed). Council also directed staff to pursue on- street parking option 2 (Reduce Time Limits and Provide Exemption Permits to Seniors). Council Member Carter said he was not comfortable with the proposed placement of a new barbeque pit and suggested that other alternatives be considered. Council Member Settle concurred. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS None. COMMUNICATIONS None. There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Romero adjourned the meeting at 11:30 p.m. Audrey City CIE APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 6/17/08 1