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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/21/2009MINUTES t SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009 990 PALM STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA 3:00 P.M. – SPECIAL MEETING – COUNCIL CHAMBER ROLL CALL: Council Members Present: Council Members John Ashbaugh, Andrew Carter, Jan Howell Marx, Vice Mayor Allen K. Settle and Mayor Dave Romero City Staff Present: Ken Hampian, City Manager, Jonathan Lowell, City Attorney, Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Manager, and Elaina Cano, Deputy City Clerk, were present at Roll Call. Other staff members presented reports or responded to questions as indicated in the minutes. BUSINESS ITEMS ' THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE CONTINUED FROM THE MEETING OF APRIL 14, 2009: 1. CONTINUED CONSIDERATION OF THE STRATEGIC BUDGET DIRECTION: COST OF SERVICES STUDY REVIEW FOLLOW -UP. (Formerly item B4.) Director of Finance and Information Technology Statler presented the agenda report, including a summary of the items that were discussed at the prior meeting, and responded to Council questions and concerns. REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS Public Comments None. —end of public comments— There was overall support by the Council to approve, in concept, the recommended revenue enhancements that were discussed at the prior meeting as part of the budget balancing strategy. City Council Meeting Page 2 Tuesday, April 21, 2009 COST OF SERVICES STUDY Council discussion ensued regarding the Cost of Services Study. Following is a recap of Council's action or direction: Public Safety Police Public Comments There were no public comments. ---end of public comments— ACTION: Moved by Carter /Ashbaugh to support the fee increases for the Police Department as recommended; motion carried 5:0. Fire Public Comments There were no public comments. ' —end of public comments— ACTION: Moved by Marx/Carter to accept staff recommendations under the Fire findings; motion carried 3:2 (Ashbaugh /Settle opposed). Recreation Programs Public Comments There were no public comments. —end of public comments— ACTION: Moved by Carter /Ashbaugh to accept staff recommendations; motion carried 4:1 (Settle opposed). Development Review Planning Public Comments ' City Council Meeting Page 3 Tuesday, April 21, 2009 There were no public comments. ' —end of public comments— ACTION: Moved by Carter /Ashbaugh to accept staff recommendations; motion carried 4:1 (Settle opposed). Building Public Comments There were no public comments. —end of public comments— ACTION: Moved by Ashbaugh /Marx to accept staff recommendations; motion carried 4:1 (Settle opposed). Engineering Public Comments There were no public comments. —end of public comments— ACTION: Moved by Marx/Carter to accept staff recommendations with modifications to the sewer lateral, trench and sidewalk encroachment permit fees; motion carried 4:1 (Settle opposed). General Government Public.Comments There were no public comments. —end of public comments— ACTION: Moved by Carter /Settle to accept staff recommendations; motion carried 5:0. 2. CONTINUED CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL WORK PROGRAMS FOR 2009 -11. (Formerly item B3.) City Manager Hampian introduced this item, following which Assistant City Manager Stanwvck presented the report, which included a summary of the four major goals City Council Meeting Page 4 Tuesday, April 21, 2009 discussed at the prior Council meeting (Infrastructure Maintenance, Traffic Congestion Relief, Economic Development, and Preservation of Critical Services and Fiscal Health). 1 "Other Important Objectives" were discussed and Council consensus or direction was provided as indicated below. GREEN HOUSE GAS REDUCTION & ENERGY CONSERVATION Finance and Information Technology Director Statler and Deputy Director of Long Range Planning Murry responded to questions. During the discussion, there was Council consensus to explore the "Energy Facilities Financing District' earlier in the next two -year period. Public Comments Chris Kitts, Associate Director, Environmental Biotechnology Institute, Cal Poly, made a presentation regarding Renewable Energy Opportunities. —end of public comments— Council discussion ensued during which Council directed the Utilities and Community Development staff to continue discussions with the Cal Poly representatives and evaluate the best way to integrate these opportunities into the work program. ' ACTION: Moved by Settle /Marx to adopt Staff recommendations to adopt and begin implementing a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve energy for Municipal operations and the community; motion approved 5:0. LAND USE AND CIRCULATION REVISIONS Public Works Director Walter, Community Development Director Mandeville and Finance and Information Technology Director Statler responded to Council questions. ACTION: Moved by Settle /Ashbaugh to adopt staff recommendations to initiate a focus revision to the Land Use and Circulation Elements; motion carried 5:0. OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION Assistant City Manager Stanwyck and Finance and Information Technology Director Statler responded to Council questions. ACTION: Moved by Settle /Ashbaugh to adopt staff recommendations to continue efforts to acquire, preserve and protect open -space and to develop a master plan for City owned agricultural land; motion carried 5:0. City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Page 5 DOWNTOWN MAINTENANCE ' Public Works Director Walter, Utilities Director Mattingly and Finance and Information Technology Director Statler responded to Council questions. 1 ACTION: Moved by Marx/Settle to adopt staff recommendation to expand Downtown Beautification efforts to include enhanced maintenance and cleanliness, review and upgrade of standards and phased physical improvements, $50,000 each year for street light repainting and designate the key blocks between Chorro and Broad for the sidewalk restoration; motion carried 5:0. HISTORIC PRESERVATION Deputy Director of Long Range Planning Murry and Community Development Director Mandeville responded to Council questions and concerns. ACTION: Moved by Settle /Ashbaugh to accept staffs recommendation to conceptually approve development of a historic preservation ordinance and update the City's inventory of historic resources: motion carried 5:0. A brief discussion ensued, during which Council agreed to begin the June 4t' and June 11 th meetings at 4:00 pm. THE MEETING ADJOURNED TO A CLOSED SESSION AT 6:03 P.M. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION TOPIC City Attorney Lowell announced the following Closed Session topic: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code §.54957.6 Agency Negotiators: Monica Irons Employee Organizations: San Luis Obispo City Employees Association (SLOCEA) San Luis Obispo Police Officers Association (SLOPOA) San Luis Obispo Police Staff Officers Association (SLOPSOA) San Luis Obispo Fire Association (Fire) San Luis Obispo Fire Battalion Chiefs Association Unrepresented Confidential Employees Unrepresented Management Employees PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM Mayor Romero called for public comments. None were forthcoming and the meeting ' adjourned to the Closed Session. City Council Meeting Page 6 Tuesday, April 21, 2009 THE CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNED AT 6:55 P.M. ---- -_ ------ - - - - -- 7:00 P.M. — REGULAR MEETING — COUNCIL CHAMBER The regular meeting convened with all members present. CLOSED.SESSION REPORT City Attorney Lowell reported that the Council met in Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. to discuss labor negotiations with the specked organizations. There was no further reportable action at this time. PRESENTATIONS San Luis"Obispo County District 3 Supervisor Adam Hill introduced himself and gave a presentation. Council welcomed Supervisor Hill and thanked him for his attendance. League of California Cities Regional Representative Dave Mullinax spoke about the State of California's fiscal situation and the League's recent endorsement of Propositions 1A -1 F. PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Romero presented Urban Forest Supervisor Keith Pellemeier and City Arborist ' Ron Combs with a proclamation acknowledging April 25, 2009, as Arbor Day in the City of San Luis Obispo. In addition, Dana Karcher, Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture Board of Director, presented the City with a Gold Leaf Award for holding outstanding Arbor Day activities involving children. Mayor Romero presented Jennifer Adams, Executive Director of the Sexual Assault Recover and Prevention Center, with a proclamation acknowledging the Center and proclaiming April 2009 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the City of San Luis Obispo. PUBLIC COMMENT Mark Polydoris, San Luis Obispo, suggested there should be a designated over night parking area for those who leave their cars over night in the Downtown area. Chris Starnes, suggested increasing the amount of parking for two wheel vehicles in the Downtown area. Council directed Mr. Starnes to contact Public Works Director Jay Walter or Public Works Deputy Director Tim Bochum to discuss his suggestion. 1 City Council Meeting Page 7 Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Ashley Breneman, expressed her concerns about the recent cases of animal cruelty in ' Nipomo. Jennie Grelff, also expressed her concerns about the recent cases of animal cruelty in Nipomo. Council suggested that both speakers address their concerns with the County's Animal Control Services staff. Michael Mossman, expressed his concerns about the lack of a pedestrian railroad crossing. Council suggested Mr. Mosman write a letter to Union Pacific Railroad stating his concerns. Roberts Graudins, expressed his concerns about the amount of cigarettes left on the sidewalks in the Downtown area. Council suggested Mr. Graudins speak with staff in Public Works. Gary Fowler, San Luis Obispo, expressed his concerns about various proposed fee increases discussed at the earlier Council meeting. Amy Cook, San Luis Obispo, expressed her concerns about the homeless population near the Madonna Road overpass. Dane Senser, San Luis Obispo, discussed his concerns about increasing taxes. Michael Gilligan, San Luis Obispo, expressed his concerns regarding homelessness, animal cruelty, powder coating used on poles, Council Members office hours, a bee ordinance, green house gases and solar panels. Michael Sullivan. San Luis Obispo, suggested the City should implement property tax rebates for property owners with energy efficient homes. Mr. Sullivan also discussed future open space planning regarding the Madonna and Dalidio properties. CONSENT AGENDA By consensus, Council agreed to pull Consent Agenda items 2 and 4 for additional discussion. Mayor Romero mentioned that although he was not present at the March 17th Council meeting, he did watch it from home and will be voting on the Consent Agenda. IMayor Romero called for public comments. City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Page 8 Gary Fowler, San Luis Obispo, suggested that purchasing a new Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) system and a new "double decker' bus would not be cost effective. End of Public Comments ACTION: The Consent Agenda was approved as indicated below. C1. MINUTES OF MONDAY, MARCH 16 AND TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2009. ACTION: Moved by Marx/Ashbaugh to waive oral reading and approve as presented; motion carried 5:0. Item C2 was consider following action on the other Consent Agenda items. C2. AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH SLO COUNTY PUBLIC ACCESS BLIC FUNDS. In response to Council Member Carter's comments regarding less restricted use of the funds, Finance and Information Technology Director Statler explained that the restrictions are imposed by the franchise agreement with Charter Communications and by Federal law. ACTION: Moved by Ashbaugh/Settle to approve an Amendment to the Agreement with SLO County Public Access (SLOCOPA) for the continued use of the public portion of the PEG Access funds that will: 1) waive the requirement for year -end financial statements to be audited by an independent certified public accountant, and 2) extend the term of the Agreement for one year, expiring on March 31, 2010; and authorize the Mayor to execute the Amendment; motion carried 5:0. C3. DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT RENEWAL. ACTION: Moved by Marx/Ashbaugh to approve an Agreement with the San Luis Obispo Downtown Association (SLODA) for provision of services to the City and authorize the Mayor to execute the two -year Agreement; motion carried 5:0. Item C4 was consider following action on the other Consent Agenda items. C4. A brief discussion followed during which Council agreed to eliminate the use of the rock veneer exterior and instead use a split -faced masonry block. Council also directed staff to place the Santa Rosa Park restroom replacement project as a Business Item on a future Council agenda. 1 1 1 City Council Meeting Page 9 Tuesday, April 21, 2009 ACTION: Moved by Carter /Marx to award a contract to Carroll Building Company of ' San Luis Obispo for "Laguna Lake Park Restrooms, Specification No. 90755K with the recommended modifications and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement; motion carried 4:1 (Settle opposed). C5. STREET RECONSTRUCTION 2008 -09 PROJECT, SPECIFICATION NO. 90892. ACTION: Moved by Marx/Ashbaugh to: 1. Approve plans and specifications for the Street Reconstruction 2009 -09 Project, Specification No. 90892. 2. Authorize staff to advertise for bids and authorize the City Manager to award the contract if the lowest responsible bid is within the Engineer's Estimate of $1,220,524 ($1,117,324 General Paving Fund, $61,000 Water System Improvements and $41,600 Collection System Improvements). 3. Approve the use of Capital Improvement Project Reserve Account funds in an amount not to exceed $62,000 to fund construction management and inspection services; motion carried 3:2. (Carter /Settle opposed). C6.. SLO TRANSIT CAPITAL PROJECTS. Deputy Director of Public Works Bochum responded to Council questions as to how this project was funded. ACTION: Moved by Marx/Ashbaugh to: 1. Revise the 2008 -09 Transit budget to ' include $1,749,700 of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and Proposition 1 B grant funds for additional transit capital projects. 2. Approve the purchase of a "Double Deck" style bus replacement from Alexander Dennis Limited through a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved Cooperative Procurement Pilot program (CPPP). 3. Approve a combination of municipal piggyback procurement through the City of Raleigh, North Carolina, and a sole source procurement with Digital Recorders, Inc. for an Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) system. 4. Approve a sole source procurement with GFI Genfare for an electronic farebox upgrade. 5. Authorize the finance Director t execute Purchase Orders for vehicle acquisition, Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) system, GFI farebox upgrade, and bus stop and facility improvements if costs are within the budget amount of $1,749,700; motion carried 5:0. C7. CONTRACT WITH RIDERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS. ACTION: Moved by Marx/Ashbaugh to: 1. Accept $20,000 from a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5317 New Freedoms Grant program for Expanding Transportation Services in San Luis Obispo. 2. Appropriate $5,000 from the Transit Fund Marketing Account to serve as the "local match" to the federal funds. 3. Authorize the Mayor to execute a twenty -four month contract for consultant services with Ridership Development Consultants of Atascadero, California, in an amount not to exceed $25,000; motion carried 5:0. City Council Meeting Page 10 Tuesday, April 21, 2009 C8. VOLUNTARY SERVICE RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM. ACTION: Moved by Marx/Ashbaugh to approve and implement a voluntary service retirement incentive program; motion carried 5:0. C9. APPOINTMENT OF ANDREW CARTER TO THE CHAMBER— CAL POLY— GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATION COMMITTEE. ACTION: Moved by Marx/Ashbaugh to appoint Andrew Carter the City Council's representative to the newly formed economic development collaborative committee comprised of San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, Cal Poly, private sector, and Government representatives; motion carried 5:0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. SLO TRANSIT FARE MODIFICATIONS. Public Works Director Walter introduced Transit Manager Webster and Deputy Director of Public Works Bochum, who presented the agenda report and responded to questions. Mayor Romero opened the public hearing. In response to Dorie Larson, Friends of Prado Board Member, Transit Manager Webster confirmed that the 31 day bus pass is valid for 31 days. Louise Justice, San Luis Obispo, opposed the fare increases. Allen Barbee, San Luis Obispo, opposed the senior /disabled fare increase. Elizabeth Thyne, San Luis Obispo spoke in support of the fare increases except for the senior /disabled pass. Mayor Romero closed the public hearing. ACTION: Moved by Carter /Ashbaugh to, as recommended by the Mass Transportation Committee on February 18, 2009: 1. Adopt Resolution No. 10070 (2009 Series) approving the fare modifications for San Luis Obispo Transit as recommended by staff and the Mass Transportation Committee including a $12.50 increase to the 31 day Senior /Disable pass, and the age for senior cash /pass discounts be raised to 65+ years. This would be phased in over a three year period beginning June 1, 2009; motion carried 4:1 (Settle opposed). Council recessed at 9:00 p.m. and the meeting reconvened at 9:10 p.m. with all I members present. City Council Meeting Page 11 Tuesday, April 21, 2009 ' 2. ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF FROOM RANCH WAY. Public Works Director Walter, Deputy Public Works Director Bochum and Senior Civil Engineer Hannula presented the agenda report and responded to questions. Mayor Romero opened the public hearing. There was no public comment. Mayor Romero closed the public hearing. ACTION: Moved by Settle /Ashbaugh to, as recommended by the Planning Commission, adopt Resolution No. 10071 (2009 Series) to abandon a portion of Froom Ranch Way, subject to the recommended conditions and reservation of easements; motion carried 5:0. 3. ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF FREDERICK AVENUE AND HUMBERT AVENUE. Public Works Director Walter, Deputy Public Works Director Bochum, and Senior Civil Engineer Hannula presented the agenda report and responded to questions. ' Mayor Romero opened the public hearing. There was no public comment. Mayor Romero closed the public hearing. ACTION: Moved by Settle /Carter to, as recommended by the Planning Commission, adopt Resolution No. 10072. (2009 Series) to abandon a portion of Frederick Avenue and Humbert Avenue, subject to the recommended conditions and reservation of easements; motion carried 5:0. 4. REVIEW OF A MIXED -USE DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF APPROXIMATELY 8,000 SQUARE FEET OF NEW COMMERCIAL SPACE, Community Development Director Mandeville and Associate Planner Hill presented the agenda report and responded to questions. Michael Hodge, applicant, spoke in support of the project and responded to Council questions. 1 Mayor Romero opened the public hearing. City Council Meeting Page 12 Tuesday, April 21, 2009 There was no public comment. Mayor Romero closed the public hearing. During Council discussion, Council Member Carter expressed his concerns about abandoning a portion of the street. ACTION: Moved by Settle /Ashbaugh to, as recommended by the Planning Commission: 1. Adopt Resolution No. 10073 (2009 Series) approving a Mitigated Negative Declaration (ER 45 -07), Vesting Tentative Tract Map, Purchase of Surplus Property, Use Permit for development of a sensitive site with mixed -use parking reduction, and lease of parking spaces within the Railroad Parking Lot. 2. Adopt Resolution No. 10074 (2009 Series), a resolution of intention to abandon portions of Church Street and set a public hearing for June 2, 2009; motion carried 4:1 (Carter opposed). 5. AMENDMENTS TO THE HIGUERA COMMERCE PARK SPECIFIC PLAN FOR PROPERTIES AT THE CORNER OF SOUTH. HIGUERA STREET, TANK FARM ROAD AND LONG STREET (SPA 170 -07). Community Development Director Mandeville introduced Associate Planner Dunsmore, who presented the agenda report and responded to questions. Mayor Romero opened the public hearing. Carol Florence, Oasis Associates, spoke in support of staffs recommendation and responded to Council questions. Mayor Romero closed the public hearing. ACTION: Moved by Settle /Carter to, as recommended by the Planning Commission, approve Resolution No. 10075 (2009 Series) adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration (ER 170 -07) and amending the Higuera Commerce Park Specific Plan to allow reduced minimum lot sizes and refined land uses for the Long Bonetti Ranch properties between Long Street and South Higuera Street at Tank Farm Road; motion carried 5:0. BUSINESS ITEMS 6. PARKING FINE PASS THROUGH FOR STATE AND COUNTY SURCHARGES. ACTION: Moved by Settle /Ashbaugh to continue Business Item 6 to the May 5t' Council meeting at 4:00 pm; motion carried 5:0. 1 1 7. SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN. 1 City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Page 13 ACTION: Moved by Settle /Marc to continue Business Item 7 to the May 5"' Council meeting at 4:00 pm; motion carried 5:0. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS Vice Mayor Settle reported on the activities of the Revenue Tax Committee of the League of California Cities. Council Member Ashbaugh reported on his attendance at the April 20, 2009, Homeless Campus Planning Committee meeting. Council Member Marx reported on her attendance at the April 8, 2009, SLOCOG (San Luis Obispo Council of Governments) meeting. COMMUNICATIONS Council Member Carter expressed his concerns that were discussed at the Parking Subcommittee meeting. City Manager Hampian explained that staff will be presenting Council with background information at the June 11 a, meeting. At that time Council can direct staff to look into the options. There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Romero ' adjourned the meeting at 10:25 pm. Elaina Cano Deputy City Clerk APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 06/16/09 7