HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-03-2017 MinutesCouncil Minutes
City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Regular Meeting of the City Council
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo City Council was called to order on Tuesday, January
3, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo,
California, by Mayor Harmon.
ROLL CALL
Council Members
Present: Council Members Carlyn Christianson, Aaron Gomez, Andy Pease, Vice Mayor
Dan Rivoire, and Mayor Heidi Harmon.
Council Members
Absent: None
City Staff
Present: Katie Lichtig, City Manager; Christine Dietrick, City Attorney; Derek Johnson,
Assistant City Manager; and Carrie Gallagher, City Clerk; were present at Roll
Call. Other staff members presented reports or responded to questions as indicated
in the minutes.
STUDY SESSION
1. BISHOP PEAK EMERGENCY FIRE ACCESS AND PUBLIC EGRESS STUDY
Fire Chief Olson provided an in-depth staff report with the use of a PowerPoint Presentation
and responded to Council questions.
Traffic Operations Manager Jake Hudson, answered Council questions regarding the number
of current parking spaces at the location and the number estimated if shifted into other areas.
He provided safety measures for pedestrians if the parking location was relocated to a further
spot, he noted the possibility of a pathway with a safety barrier however spoke regarding
challenges the City faces in the design to be adequate for safety and ease.
Public Comments:
Bert Forbes, San Luis Obispo referred to a Chorro Street traffic calming experiment; he
spoke regarding raised crosswalks and problems they pose.
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San Luis Obispo City Council Minutes of Janus 3 2017 Pa re 2
Barbara Collins, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding the expense of building an overpass; she
feels this in not a viable option and requested for a widening of the street.
Peter Karacsony, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding egress, he urged Council to look at a long
term solution to access the area noting parking lots as an option.
Ruth Ilolzhaucr, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding the management and operation of Bishop
Peak Natural Reserve referencing COSE 855, she referenced dangers to visitors.
John Ashbaugh, San T,uis Obispo spoke regarding issues to emergency access and requested
Council reject the current staff recommendations; he spoke regarding existing dangers to
visitors and requested a comprehensive solution.
Julie Frankel, San Luis Obispo questioned the decision making process and fecls this is not in
the best interest of the residents; she noted fire threat to night hiking and the need for a ranger
presence.
Harry Busselen, San Luis Obispo feels there is an excessive use of the trail area; he spoke
regarding a need to relocate the trail head off highway 1.
Camille Small, San Luis Obispo stated she feels an off sight parking location is the best
answer; she noted that residents are concerned about open space and the general plan.
Mary Neal, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding neighborhood compatibility; she noted the very
narrow street and stated that she is in favor of a parking district.
Felicia Cashin, San Luis Obispo noted fire and pedestrian safety as the largest issues at this
location; she feels that the removal of parking on Highland Drive is the best option.
Carol Hall, San Luis Obispo stated that vehicles belonging to visitors of the hiking trail are
the larger problem at hand, noting hikers walking in the middle of the street and feels that
having a tourist attraction in the middle of a residential area is the problem.
---End of Public Comment ---
By consensus, Council directed staff to receive and file a presentation on the public safety
issues related to the Bishop Peak Emergency Fire Access and Public Egress based on staff's
preliminary recommendation to prohibit on -street parking on both sides of Highland Drive
and Oakridge Drive from the point at which these two streets split to the termination of both
cul de sacs and provided input and guidance to staff to analyze and implement pedestrian and
traffic safety enhancements at the Patricia Street trailhead.
RECESSED AT 5:35 TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 3, 2017 TO BEGIN
AT 6:00 P.M.
San Luis Obispo City Council Minutes of January 3, 2017 _ . _ . Page 3
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo City Council was called to order on Tuesday, January
3, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo,
California, by Mayor Harmon.
ROLL CALL
Council Members
Present: Council Members Carlyn Christianson, Aaron Gomez, Andy Pease, Vice Mayor
Dan Rivoire, and Mayor Heidi Harmon.
Council Members
Absent: None
City Staff
Present: Katie Lichtig, City Manager; Christine Dietrick, City Attorney; Derek Johnson,
Assistant City Manager; and Carrie Gallagher, City Clerk; were present at Roll
Call. Other staff members presented reports or responded to questions as indicated
in the minutes.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Gomez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
2. PRESENTATION - PRESENTATION - UTILITY OF THE FUTURE AWARD
PRESENTATION FROM WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION
Utilities Director Carrie Mattingly and Pismo Beach Public Works Director Ben Fine
provided a presentation regarding the Future Award from the Water Environment
Federation.
APPOINTMENTS
3. COUNCIL LIAISON SUBCOMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS 2017
City Clerk Gallagher presented the contents of the report.
Public Continents:
Dia Hurd, San Luis Obispo asked for a reconsideration to tonight's recommendation noting
that she feels that one individual Council Member should not be asked to sit on five
committees.
End of Public Comments---
San Luis Obispo City Council Minutes of January 3, 2017 _Page 4
ACTION: MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PEASE, SECOND BY COUNCIL
MEMBER CHRISTIANSON, CARRIED 5-0 to approve Council Liaison Subcommittee
assignments for calendar year 2017 as outlined in the 2017 Subcommittee Worksheet.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Stewart Jenkins, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding the oath of local officials to support the
Constitution and presented each new Council member with a copy of the California Bill of
Rights.
Erik Ernstrom, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding drug deals feeling unsafe in his own
neighborhood.
Lydia Mourenza, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding open government and public transparency;
she requested Council agendize the issue in the future.
Dia Hurd, San Luis Obispo noted speaking on behalf of a friend, she suggested small type print
on City public notices may be an illegal practice.
David Brodie, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding climate change and believes his prior attempts
to have Council consider the issue have gone unheard.
Don Hedrick, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding opportunities in the new year; he noted rigged
elections and the need for honest government.
Arnold Ruiz, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding restoring the eco system to Laguna Lake and
against dredging.
Cheryl McLean, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding trees and climate change, she requested the
Tree Committee be the first as opposed to the last to review City projects.
---End of Public Comment ---
CONSENT AGENDA
ACTION: MOTION BY VICE MAYOR RIVOIRE, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER
CHRISTIANSON, CARRIED 5-0 to approve Consent Calendar Items 4 thru 10.
4. WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
CARRIED 5-0, to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances as appropriate.
5. RE UEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS — WATER AND WASTEWATER
ENGINEERING SERVICES
CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Approve the Request for Qualifications to provide Water and Wastewater Engineering
Services, Specification No. 91537 and authorize staff to advertise the Request for
Qualifications.
San Luis Obispo City Council Minutes of Jauluary 3.2017 Pae 5
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with selected consulting firms; and
3. Authorize the Finance Director to execute and amend Purchase Orders for individual
consultant services contracts in an amount not -to -exceed the authorized project budget.
6. FY 2015-16 ANNUAL REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT IMPACT
CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Review the 2015-16 Fiscal Year Report on Development Impact Fees; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 10765 (2017 Series) entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of San Luis Obispo, California, accepting the 2015-16 annual report on
development impact fees, reaffirming the necessity of development impact fees and make
findings related to impact fee balances and in -lieu fees."
7. 2017 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING
RESERVATION LETTER TO TRANSITIONS -MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION
CARRIED 5-0, to authorize the Community Development Director to execute the attached
Reservation Letter authorizing the City to reserve $200,000 in Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) funds to Transitions -Mental Health Association for property
acquisition of Bishop Street Studios.
8. SAN LUIS OBISPO OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE GRANT APPLICATION
CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Authorize Fire Department staff to submit grant application to San Luis Obispo County
Off Highway Vehicle grant program in the amount of $32,628.00 to purchase one Off
Highway Vehicle, configured with a mobile radio and headset system; and
2. Authorize City Manager to execute documents necessary to appropriate the grant funds
upon notification that the grant has been awarded; and
3. Delegate the Purchase Authority to the Finance Director to review quotes and award
contracts or purchase orders.
9. AUTHORIZATION OF PURCHASES FOR OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION AND
MAINTENANCE
CARRIED 5-0, to authorize the Finance Director to execute purchase orders in the total
amount of $190,000 to acquire four pieces of heavy duty equipment to accomplish the
adopted Major City Goal of Open Space Preservation using funding from the approved
$285,000 2015-17 Capital Improvement Project for Open Space Preservation: Maintenance.
10. OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE PLAN PROGRESS REPORT
CARRIED 5-0, to receive and file the Parks and Recreation Department's Open Space
Maintenance Plan 2016 Progress Report.
San Luis Obispo City Council Minutes of January 3 2017 Paize 6
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. REVIEW OF AN APPEAL (FILED BY DAVID BRODIE) OF THE
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION'S DECISION TO APPROVE A NEW
FOUR STORY MIXED-USE BUILDING INCLUDING GROUND FLOOR
COMMERCIAL/RETAIL SPACE, 17 EXTENDED STAY HOTEL ROOMS AND A
REQUEST FOR A MIXED IISEISHARED PARKING REDUCTION OF 25%. WITH
A CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW1( 042
OLIVE STREET, APPL-4010-2016)
Ex Parte Communications:
Council Member Pease noted having spoken with two ARC Commissioners in order to gain
a better sense of their reasoning behind their votes and the feel for discussion at the meeting;
Council Member Christianson noted receiving a phone call from Mr. Garcia inquiring if she
had any questions, and stated had none; Mayor Hannon, noted having spoken with several
community members about the project and with the owner of the IIeritage Inn as well as
visiting the site.
Council Member Gomez and Vice Mayor Rivoire reported having no Ex Parte
Communications.
Community Development Director Codron and Planning Technician Van Leeuwen provided
with the help of a PowerPoint presentation an in-depth staff report and responded to Council
questions.
Public Comments:
Appellant, David Brodie San Luis Obispo resident noted the assumption of 30 minutes of
speaking time, he stated his belief that three new Council Members have not had adequate
time to review the Cities Community Design guidelines; adding that the appeal is directed to
the ARC and that the project is out of conformance of over 20 guidelines.
Appellant, Jamie Loppes, San Luis Obispo resident noted his belief that the ARC departed
from their primary charge when they decided to uphold this project of a modern style of
architecture; he quoted from the guidelines and with use of a slide show, he provided
context.
Allen Cooper, speaking on behalf of the appellant noted belief that the ARC did not follow
their own guidelines; listing a boxy project design as the reason. By use of a slide show, he
provided an alternative project.
K. Patel, neighbor to the project and speaking on behalf of the appellant, noted his belief that
this design is inappropriate for the proposed area.
Madhu Patel, local business owner, speaking on behalf of the appellant noted traffic
concerns and parking issues relating to the proposed project.
Sanji Vijay, speaking on behalf of the appellant, noted traffic concerns and the loss of views
San Luis Obispo City Council Minutes of January 3. 2017 Page 7
to his existing property with the approval of this project.
Applicant, George Garcia provided the design overview by discussing the design process
and sustainable features of the project.
Dia Hurd, San Luis Obispo stated that if the project was designed with sustainability in
mind, they should have better accommodated the look of the neighborhood.
Greg Wynn, San Luis Obispo and ARC Chair noted a 3-2 vote by the ARC on this project,
he requested Council be specific in their findings to better help the ARC in their future
decision making process.
Don Hedrick, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding extended stay properties and the length of
time resident's vehicles will remain in the area, he asked Council reconsider this decision.
Matt Sansone, San Luis Obispo noted the beauty in modern architecture and the local need
for extended stay properties.
Cheryl McLean, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding traffic concerns in the area specific to
driveways exiting onto Hwy 1 and her belief this is due to the entrance to the 101 freeway.
Diane Duenow, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding design guidelines, and asked to have the
appeal upheld.
Camille Small, San Luis Obispo spoke regarding traffic congestion on the proposed project
street; she noted difficulty in deciphering commercial from residential properties.
Stewart Jenkins, San Luis Obispo believes the appeal should be granted and sent back to the
ARC for have more San Luis Obispo style architecture included in the design.
Brett Strickland, San Luis Obispo noted that he is against parking reductions; he believes
character should be infused into the existing neighborhoods.
Applicant George Garcia provided closing remarks speaking on the need to be responsive to
the environmental needs through socially and energy conscious designs.
Appellant, James Loppes, provided answers to Council questions; he added that they are
asking for the project to be referred back to the ARC for review of stricter adherence to the
guidelines.
---End of Public Comment ---
ACTION: MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER CHRISTIANSON, SECOND BY
VICE MAYOR RIVOIRE, CARRIED 3-2 ( PEASE AND HARMON VOTING NO) to
adopt Resolution No. 10766 (2017 Series) entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, denying an appeal filed by David Brodie and thereby
approving the development of a new four story mixed-use project including ground floor
commercial/retail space, 17 extended -stay hotel rooms, and a 25% mixed-use and shared
parking reduction, with a categorical exemption from environmental review, as represented
Sail Luis Obispo City Council Minutes of January 3, 2017 _ Page_8
in the City Council agenda report and attachments dated January 3, 2017 (1042 Olive Street,
APPL-4010-2016)."
RECESS
Council recessed at 8:45 p.m. and reconvened at 8:50 p.m., with all Council Members present.
BUSINESS ITEMS
12. WATER RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY PROJECT — DRAFT PREDESIGN
AND COST ESTIMATE - C112M CONTRACT AMENDMENT
Utilities Director Mattingly and Utilities Deputy Director Hix provided an in-depth staff
report with the use of a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions. Ron
Williams,
Public Comments:
Don Hedrick, San Luis Obispo noted his belief that the addition of fluoride into the City
water source is poisoning the water supply; he noted the additional monetary savings to the
City by not adding it.
Janie Rands, San Luis Obispo noted that San Luis Obispo is the only City within the County
that adds fluoride to its water supply.
---End of Public Comment ---
ACTION: MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER GOMEZ, SECOND BY COUNCIL
MEMBER CHRISTIANSON, CARRIED 5-0 to receive and File the 2014 Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan Action Second Annual Update.
13. LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION UPDATE.
Fire Chief Olson and Department staff Cox provided an in-depth staff report with the use of
a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions.
Public Comments:
None
End of Public Comment ---
By consensus, Council received and filed the 2014 Local Hazard Mitigation Action Second
Annual Update.
San Luis Obispo City Council Minutes of January 3 2017 Pae 9
STUDY SESSION
14. REVIEW OF SINGLE -USE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLE AND WATER BOTTLE
FILLING STATION REGULATIONS
Assistant City Manager Johnson and Principal Analyst Herman provided an in-depth staff
report with the help of a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions.
Public Comments:
Anne Hodges, San Luis Obispo noted for the need for Council to make available, clean
alternatives if they decide to take away the plastic water bottle choice of its residents; she
added the difficulty surrounding recycling within the City.
Cory Jones, San Luis Obispo acknowledged the need for additional water bottle filling
stations citing the four currently available refill stations within the City, he noted the
positive response to refillable bottles within the community.
Janine Rands, San Luis Obispo noted the landfill reduction requirement; and noted the
safety of City water.
Eric Veium, San Luis Obispo noted support for the installation of dehydration stations as
well as the cleaning and maintenance of the stations.
Mary Ciesinski, San Luis Obispo, Executive Director of ECOSLO noted the findings of
debris collected at their recent coastal clean-up day noting that two of the top ten items
found are related to plastic bottles.
Brett Strickland, San Luis Obispo urged Council follow the proposed restriction and not
consider restrictions to the market at large; he stated that people are concerned about having
conveniences removed from private residences; he urged Council to consider the future of
the City's financial concerns while weighing the cost of water refill stations.
---End of Public Comment
By consensus, Council directed staff to receive and file a presentation on single -use plastic
water bottle and water bottle filing station regulations on policy options and provided input
and guidance to staff regarding phasing of the project as well as changes to current policies
and practices.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND LIAISON REPORTS
Mayor Harmon inquired whether Council had an interest in agendizing the future topic of tiny
homes; City Manager Lichtig stated that an update on this topic is already scheduled for the
April 4th City Council meeting.
San Luis Obispo City Council Minutes of January 3. 2017 Page 10
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned to a Special Joint City Council and Citizens' Revenue Enhancement
Oversight Commission Meeting to be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 6:30 p.m., at the
Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa Street, San Luis Obispo, California for the
purposes of holding a Community Forum to discuss the 2017-19 Goal -Setting and Budget
Process.
The next Regular City Council Meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 4:00
p.m. and 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California.
Carrie Gallagher
City Clerk
APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 02/21/2017