HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 092590 MEETING 0 0 AGENDA
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Approved as submitted
10/30/90
ATASCADERO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 259 1990
The meeting was called to order at 6:09 p .m. by Mayor Lilley.
Councilman Shiers led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present : Councilmembers Shiers, Dexter , Borgeson and
Mayor Lilley
Absent : Councilman Nimmo
Also Present : Muriel Korba, City Treasurer and Lee Dayka,
City Clerk
Staff Present : Ray Windsor , City Manager ; Art Montandon,
City Attorney; Henry Engen, Community
Development Director ; Bill Wittmeyer , Code
Enforcement Officer ; Andy Takata, Director of
Parks, Recreation & Zoo ; Greg Luke, Public
Works Director ; Lisa Schicker , Natural
Resource Specialist ; Lt . Bill Watton, Police
Department ; Mike Hicks, Fire Chief and
several members of his staff.
Mayor Lilley deferred Community Forum and the reading of a
proclamation until after the special presentation of the Fire
Master Plan.
CONSULTANT'S PRESENTATION OF THE FIRE MASTER PLAN:
Fire Chief, Mike Hicks, introduced Jim Hunt and Don Perry of Hunt
Research . Mr . Hunt gave an overview of the city as it relates to
fire and medical emergency services and commended the City of
Atascadero ' s Fire Department for its highly qualified staff.
Don Perry reported that he had evaluated response times and has
provided guidelines and recommendations. Mr . Perry also praised
the Fire Department for its fine training as it relates to
wildland fires.
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The consultants responded to questions from the Council relating
to response and reflex times, criteria for making land use
decisions and additional fire houses.
Chief Hicks voiced strong support for the master plan and
acknowledged the presence of many members of his staff. The Fire
Chief reported that over the past ten years, calls have
increased from 250 to 2,000 with about the same services. He
stated that it might be reasonable to put another fire house on
the line sometime over the next three years and added that his
department is currently implementing some of the recommendations
of the plan that require minimal expenditures.
Additional Council questions followed relating to educational
programs. The Fire Chief indicated that this is an issue of
high priority and reported that there are educational programs
already in affect . Council was in favor of this concept.
Councilwoman Borgeson stated support for setting forth a Fire
Prevention Element and asked for a written response from the Fire
Department as to how they view the document , with an outline of
what recommendations they are currently following .
Councilman Dexter concurred and further suggested that the Fire
Department set specific goals and priorities with recommendations
for follow through . Mayor Lilley agreed , adding that input and
consensus from departmental staff should be forwarded to Council
along with a basis for implementation.
Councilman Nimmo arrived at 6:56 p .m.
Councilman Shiers congratulated the Fire Chief and his department
for their excellent service.
The City Manager recommended that Council accept the report and
refer it back to the Fire Chief and City Manager for further
analysis and concurrently refer it to the Community Development
Department for bringing into line with the General Plan Update so
it does become the Fire Master Plan Element at some future date.
MOTION: By Councilwoman Borgeson and seconded by Councilman
Dexter to receive and accept the report ; to refer it
back to the City Manager , Fire Chief and Community
Development Department with the long-term view that it
will be incorporated into the General Plan; motion
unanimously passed .
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COUNCIL COMMENT:
Councilwoman Borgeson noted that , during the previous weekend ,
the Police Department had been called to investigate into a
recurring problem of unlicensed drivers of recreational vehicles
in the creekbed and stated that she would like to see the Council
take some future action on the matter .
PROCLAMATION:
Mayor Lilley proclaimed the month of October 1990 as "PTA/PTSA
Membership Month" .
PRESENTATION:
Jack Stinchfield , President , Richard Summers and Bill Carroll of
the Atascadero Rotary Club presented to the mayor a pledge in
the amount of $25,000 for the Friends of the Lake Pavilion.
Sarah Gronstrand , Chairperson, accepted .
COMMUNITY FORUM:
Eric Greening , 7365 Valle referenced Councilwoman Borgeson ' s
comment relating to off-road vehicles and suggested that any
action taken might also include Pine Mountain and other rural
areas.
Mr . Lutge, 4155 Tampico Road , stated that he had been attempting
to get an item through the Planning Department for approximately
three months and had sought counsel to interpret regulations. He
indicated that his attorney had tried to correspond with Mr .
Montandon and had not received any response and provided copies
of the correspondence to Council . The City Attorney explained
that he had been ill , but would have a response by the end of the
week .
A. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Lilley read the Consent Calendar :
1 . AUGUST 28, 1990 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
2. SEPTEMBER 17, 1990 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES (Special Meeting )
3. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT - AUGUST 1990
4. FINANCE DIRECTOR'S REPORT - AUGUST 1990
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5. RESOLUTION NO. 112-90 - AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 5-90, WHICH
ADOPTED BY-LAWS FOR THE CITY'S RECYCLING COMMITTEE
6. UPDATE ON SOLID WASTE ITEMS
The City Clerk made an amendment to item A-2, Minutes from the
September 17, 1990 Special Meeting .
MOTION: By Councilman Shiers and seconded by Councilman Dexter
to approve the Consent Calendar as amended ; motion
carried 5:0.
B. HEARINGS/APPEARANCES:
1 . CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 09-890 TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 21-89, AND
ZONE CHANGE 15-899 8555 EL CORTE - Appeal by Ray Bunnel of
Planning Commission denial of proposal to subdivide six (6)
existing lots of 21 acres into 78 lots for single-family
homes, including one common lot , and to revise standards of
the PD-6 Overlay zone relating to the elevation at which
structures can be built on the site - Applicant requests
continuance to October 9, 1990
Mayor Lilley announced that there had been a request by the
applicant to continue and asked if there was any one from the
public who had come to speak on the matter . There were no public
comments.
MOTION: By Councilman Dexter and seconded by Councilman Nimmo
to continue Item B-1 until October 10, 1990; motion
passed .
2. TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 27-89 - Appeal by Alan Volbrecht of
Planning Commission' s denial of proposed tract map to re-
subdivide four lots of 30. 16 acres into eight lots of 3.77
acres each at 8700, 8850, 8900 and 9000 Santa Cruz Road
(Ryan/White)
The Community Development Director gave background and staff
report . Mr . Engen noted that the staff ' s recommendation to the
Planning Commission had been to approve and further recommended
that if Council was to uphold the appeal , appropriate road
conditions consistent with Resolution No . 111-90 would need to be
substituted . He then responded to specific questions from
Council regarding driveways, grading , lot size and easements.
Councilman Shiers noted that the general neighborhood character
would be affected by the subdivision, if approved .
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Public Comments:
Alan Volbrecht , agent for the applicant , stated that the project
was fifteen months in the making , referred to the Map Findings
and debated issues relating to fire response time, tree removal
and flag lot determination. He pointed out that in Mr . Engen ' s
report , it was noted that "Staff remains of the opinion that
there are eight reasonable building sites on the property and
that the Findings originally recommended for approval are
reasonable, subject to the proposed conditions. " Mr . Volbrecht
added that the applicant does not have a problem with the
original proposed conditions. He then responded to questions
from Council .
Councilwoman Borgeson made reference to a letter received from
the neighboring property owner , Mr . John Martin, who had
requested that the applicants construct a fence between the two
properties. Mr . Volbrecht stated that the construction of any
fencing would be done by the owners themselves, explaining that
this was not a conditional requirement for development .
Mr . Volbrecht then responded to questions directed to him by the
mayor relating to fire sprinklers and private roadways.
Dennis Voss, Ranch Manager for Mr . Martin, spoke in his behalf.
He indicated that the owner has experienced problems with
teenagers trespassing on their property and destroying existing
fencing . He stated that the proposed road butts up against the
Martin Ranch and requested that the applicants build a five foot
fence between the two adjoining properties to create a buffer
zone to prevent trespassing .
Council discussion followed regarding fencing and who legally was
obligated to construct it . The City Attorney advised that the
City does have the ability to require the fence as part of the
design and improvement of the subdivision, but it is not legally
compeled to do so . He stated that the City would not suffer any
risk of liability for not making that requirement , but added that
the matter was within the discretion of the City Council if they
wanted fencing for subdivisions of this type.
Further discussion ensued . Councilwoman Borgeson stated that the
Council has a responsibility to protect the citizens and shared
concerns for the safety of young children.
Councilman Nimmo spoke in support of the appeal and expressed
frustration over the unnecessary burdens the Planning Commission
has placed on the applicants and staff.
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Mayor Lilley commented that the applicant was working with the
staff and commended both . He stated that the application was a
reasonable and legally permissible subdivision.
Councilman Shiers stated that he could not support the project
because the project did not meet the requirements of the
Subdivision Ordinance and expressed concern for future
subdividing . In addition, he explained that he was uncomfortable
with the 3: 1 depth to width ratio and minimum lot size.
Councilman Dexter was supportive of the project and added that
the Subdivision Ordinance should be looked at to determine
whether or not it needs amendment relative to design standards
that seem more appropriate for small , urban lots.
Councilwoman Borgeson opposed the approval of subdivisions when
emergency services cannot be met . She stated that she could not
make the findings of approval and supported the Planning
Commission ' s decision to deny.
MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo and seconded by Councilman Dexter
to grant the appeal of the Planning Commission denial
of Tentative Tract Map 27-89 and delete Road
Conditions No . 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 consistent with
Resolution No . 111-90 and substitute Conditions 3(a)
and 3(b ) as set forth by staff recommendation; motion
carried by a 3:2 vote, with Councilman Shiers and
Councilwoman Borgeson voting in opposition.
3. RESOLUTION NO. 114-90 — CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO
ABANDON GUSTA ROAD RIGHT—OF—WAY, ROAD ABANDONMENT 2-90 (Off
of El Camino Real between La Linia and Principal )
(Peterson/Devencenzi )
Henry Engen gave staff report with the recommendation to approve.
He reported that the Planning Commission had made the necessary
findings and described them as 1 ) that the road abandonment was
not inconsistent with the General Plan and 2) that it would not
conflict with the circulation goals of the City.
The Community Development Director highlighted the seven
conditions of approval as follows: 1 ) a hold harmless statement
would be signed , 2) lot mergers would be completed prior to or
simultaneously with the recording , 3) fee title to Gusta Road
will be obtained , 4) there would be a thirty-foot easement
reserved on behalf of the public for drainage and utility
purposes, 5) a City-standard drive approach onto E1 Camino Real
would be constructed prior to recording, 6) all conditions would
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be completed prior to or simultaneously with the recording and 7)
! there would be reciprocal easements for thirty-foot access
easement granted by the adjacent property owners.
Mr . Engen responded to a questions from Councilwoman Borgeson
relating to property appraisal . He stated that traditionally
street abandonments revert back to prior ownership and sale is
not sought .
Public Comment:
Steve Devencenzi , representing the applicant , stated that he was
in concurrence with the staff recommendations and made himself
available for questions.
MOTION: By Councilman Dexter and seconded by Councilman Nimmo
to adopt Resolution No . 114-90; summarily vacating a
portion of road pursuant to Streets and Highways Code;
Part 3, Public Streets, Highways and Service Easements
Vacation Law; Chapter 4, Summary Vacation; 8333 (Being
the Gusta Road Right-of-Way) (Peterson) ; motion carried .
Mayor Lilley called for a recess at 8:40 p.m. The meeting was
reconvened at 8:53 p.m.
4. HEARING TO CONSIDER REVOCATION OF CITY BUSINESS LICENSE
#902160 R&S PLUMBING, 8052 CRISTOBAL
Mayor Lilley noted that R&S Plumbing had departed from the
Cristobal area and deferred to the Community Development
Director . Mr . Engen noted that revoking the license would no
longer be appropriate and requested a continuance until the next
regular meeting to ensure that the new location of the use was in
conformance.
The City Attorney advised that past conduct would be relevant and
indicated that the house in which the business was illegally
operated had not yet been sold . He concurred that a continuance
until the nexy regular meeting would be appropriate, and added
that if the .matter resolves a report would be submitted as part
of the Consent Calendar .
Public Comment :
David Peterson, attorney, spoke on behalf of the owners of R&S
Plumbing , Reggie and Shannon Brard . He indicated that the owners
were trying to satisfy the neighbors and had shown good faith by
moving . Additionally, Mr . Peterson stated that the Brards were
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intending to continue their business at the new address and
would make an effort to conform.
Mayor Lilley suggested that the Brards, or their attorney, meet
with the Planning Department in an effort to reach understanding
of conformance requirements. Mr . Peterson explained that the
owners were anxious to resolve the matter and noted that he was
in agreement with the continuance.
MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo and seconded by Councilman Dexter
to continue the matter until the meeting of October 30,
1990; motion carried .
5. ORDINANCE NO. 210 - CONDOMINIUM CONVERSION MORATORIUM
ORDINANCE - Consideration of an Urgency Interim Ordinance
to place a moratorium on new condominium conversions pending
completion of a study to develop a condominium conversion
ordinance (Requires 4/5 vote for passage)
Henry Engen reported that staff is preparing a Condominium
Conversion Ordinance and , having been directed to so , had
prepared an interim ordinance. He noted that , if passed , the
urgency ordinance would preclude anyone from the date of its '
passage from applying for a condominium conversion of an existing
rental unit . He added that the Planning Department would return
any applications that had not been accepted as complete.
Councilman Nimmo asked the Community Development Director to
clarify "applications as accepted as complete" . Mr . Engen
responded that there are four (4) applications submitted that
were not referenced at the previous Council meeting when the
moratorium was discussed . He reported that of the four , one had
withdrawn, one had responded to technicalities in time, and the
other two would be sent back if the moratorium was passed .
Mr . Engen reported , following a question directed to him by
Councilwoman Borgeson, that the condominium ordinance would be
addressing standards relating to density, indoor storage, open
space, soundproofing , individual water meters and a formula for
determining how much existing housing stock can convert absent
new rental construction.
Public Comments :
Ed Sheehan, 3280 Hidden Valley Road in Templeton, stated that he
had an initial application for conversion of a nine-unit complex .
He indicated that , in his opinion, there was no shortage of
apartments but that there was a need for low-cost/purchase
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housing. He added that he did not see the urgency of the
situation.
Tim McCutcheon, President of the Atascadero Board of Realtors,
spoke in opposition to the moratorium, but said that he did not
see the urgency and urged Council to let staff prepare the
conversion ordinance in a timely manner . He also pointed out
that the City receives revenue from property taxes.
Tom Vaughn, 14555 Del Monte Road , asked the Council to consider
the long process some may have already gone through for
applications now pending and urged them not to pass the
moratorium ordinance.
John Faulkenstien, Cuesta Engineering , reported that there is a
mandated sixty-day notification period in order to apply for
condominium conversion and asked that this criteria be used for
determining the "cut-off line" .
Comments came back to Council . Councilman Dexter sympathized
with those applicants who presently were pending , but spoke in
support of the moratorium while staff drafts the condominium
ordinance.
Councilman Shiers indicated that there was an urgency due to the
fact that the City had lost over 27% of its ' rental stock and
agreed with the recommendations of staff.
Councilwoman Borgeson referenced the staff report and indicated
that she believed the City was overdue for this type of
ordinance.
Councilman Nimmo asked the Community Development Director if the
condominium ordinance could be in place within forty-five days.
Mr . Engen reported that it could not , as it would require proper
public hearings. Councilman Nimmo then stated that he was in
favor of an interim ordinance to avoid the City having a flood of
applications.
The mayor concurred and indicated that a cut-off line is a
necessity.
MOTION: By Councilman Dexter and seconded by Councilwoman
Borgeson to adopt Ordinance 210 by title only; motion
carried 5:0 by roll call vote.
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C. REGULAR BUSINESS:
I . CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF PROPERTY PURCHASE
SETTLEMENT (M/M Thomas Bench - Property located near
Curbaril & Carmelita Ave. ) .
The City Manager reported that the Council would be adjourning to
a closed session to allow its designated negotiators, the City
Attorney and himself, to report back on the terms and conditions
of a proposed acquisition agreement with Mr . and Mrs. Bench for a
parcel of approximately 1 .2 acres abutting the Curbaril
extension. He indicated that Council would then adjourn back
into open session and would either take no action, thus
terminating further consideration of the purchase, or direct
staff to give notice to Mr . and Mrs. Bench of the City ' s intent
to hold a hearing on said acquisition, which would be held on
October 30, 1990.
MOTION: By Councilwoman Borgeson and seconded by Councilman
Nimmo to adjourn to a closed session for the purpose of
discussions relating to property purchase settlement ;
motion unanimously carried by voice vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:32 p.m. The meeting was
reconvened at 9:45 p.m.
MOTION: By Councilwoman Borgeson and seconded by Councilman
Nimmo to set the hearing date as October 30, 1990;
motion carried 5:0 by roll call vote.
2. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT AMONG THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
AND THE CITIES OF ARROYO GRANDE, ATASCADERO, GROVER CITY,
PASO ROBLES, MORRO SAY, PISMO BEACH AND SAN LUIS OBISPO FOR
PREPARATION OF COUNTY AND CITY SOURCE REDUCTION AND
RECYCLING ELEMENTS, AND THE COUNTY-WIDE INTEGRATED WASTE
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Greg Luke, Public Works Director , reported that the Agreement
moves the authority for waste planning from the County to the
Area Council . The City Manager indicated that the Council is on
record conceptually to this format and that the Agreement puts it
into action.
In addition, Mr . Luke noted that the agreement in the packet did
not reflect the amount the County would be shifting to the Area
Council budget to front the effort and reported that the figure
would be $645,900.
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Public Comment :
Steve Devencenzi noted that he serves as vice-chairman of the
Technical Advisory Committee to the Solid Waste Task Force and
explained that the Public Works Director ' s input had been
valuable. He also acknowledged the efforts of Mari Mackey,
Councilwoman Borgeson and Councilman Nimmo and encouraged the
Council to proceed with the Agreement .
MOTION: By Councilwoman Borgeson and seconded by Councilman
Shiers to authorize the mayor to sign on behalf of the
City; motion unanimously passed by roll call vote.
3. APPOINT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE TO SERVE ON THE CITY/COUNTY
PARTICIPATION GROUP TO ADVISE THE COUNTY IN THE PREPARATION
OF A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE STUDY
Mark Joseph , Administrative Services Director , reported that the
City/County Participation Group would be addressing the costs of
county-wide facilities and improvements within both the
incorporated and the unincorporated portion of the county. He
noted that the cities would then pay their fair share and
development fees would reflect costs.
MOTION: By Councilman Dexter and seconded by Mayor Lilley to
nominate Councilman Nimmo as the City ' s representative
to serve on the City/County Participation Group ; motion
carried unanimously.
Councilman Nimmo accepted the appointment .
The City Manager designated Mark Joseph as the staff member to
work along with Councilman Nimmo .
4. REQUEST TO PURCHASE HIGH-RANGE LIFT TRUCK FOR TREE TRIMMING
Andy Takata gave the staff report and recommendation to approve
the purchase.
MOTION: By Councilman Dexter and seconded by Councilman Nimmo
to authorize staff to purchase a used 1974 Ford High-
Lift Truck for $6,000 from Denny Tree Service; motion
carried 5:0 by roll call vote.
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5. LIBRARY FACILITIES - BOARD OF SUPERVISORS BUDGET POLICY #13
STATUS
The City Manager reported that he had written a letter to the
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Board of Supervisors asking for a two-week continuance of this
matter, which had been calendared for September 14, 1990. He
explained that it was decided by a 3:2 vote to go ahead with the
item and to approve the policy amendment . Mr . Windsor indicated
that he had also received a letter from the County Administrator ,
Robert Hendrix , which outlined the action. He added that he was
hoping to have the opportunity to air the matter at the
Mayors/Manager Meeting on Thursday, September 27, 1990.
Public Comment:
Sarah Gronstrand , 7620 Del Rio Road, read a prepared statement
(see Exhibit A) voicing strong opposition to the Board ' s decision
to go ahead with the item, rather than continue it as had been
requested , and to the passage of the budget amendment .
Mayor Lilley asked the Council if there was support for official ,
formal action by the Council to request a reconsideration.
MOTION: By Councilwoman Borgeson and seconded by Councilman
Dexter to formally request a reconsideration of Budget
Policy #13, to be written by the City Manager and to be
signed by the Mayor ; motion unanimously carried .
Mayor Lilley added that the matter would be shared with the
Mayor/Managers Group during their meeting later in the week .
6. REQUEST TO RESCHEDULE THE REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 23RD TO
THE 30TH DUE TO CONFLICT WITH ANNUAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE
The City Manager indicated that this request was due to schedule
for the Annual League of California Cities Conference.
MOTION: By Councilman Dexter and seconded by Councilwoman
Borgeson to reschedule the second meeting of the month
to October 30, 1990; motion carried .
7. GARCIA ROAD EXTENSION TREE REMOVALS
After relating background information on this tree removal , Greg
Luke reported that on September 20, 1990 a stop work order had
been given on the construction of the Garcia Road Extension. He
explained the counting procedure used in determining how many
trees had been taken and indicated that there had been more trees
cut than the sixty-nine (69) trees that had been approved by
Council on July 10, 1990. The Public Works Director noted that
the stop work order had been lifted and that there would not be
any additional trees taken.
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Mr . Luke indicated that Lisa Schicker , Natural Resource
Specialist , was present and had prepared a preliminary report .
The City Manager stated that he would be meeting with all the
parties in an effort to gain a clear picture of what had taken
place.
Discussion followed and the Council was in agreement that they
each wanted an accurate, complete account of the incident before
taking any action and wished to postpone hearing Ms. Schicker ' s
report .
Public Comments :
Don Vaughn, owner-developer , indicated that all parties were
present and would like to have the matter heard .
Conrad Langille, co-owner , asked how input was to be received .
Mr . Windsor explained that he would be in touch and would set up
a meeting . He added that the public hearing would be conducted
October 9, 1990.
D. INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION AND/OR ACTION:
1 . City Council :
A. Committee Reports - The following represents ad hoc or
standing committees. Informative status reports were
given, as follows:
1 . City/School Committee - Councilman Dexter announced the
next meeting .
2. Recycling Committee - Councilman Shiers gave a brief
report of the last meeting indicating that the
committee had heard the proposal from Dennis Bryant
relating to the disposal of household appliances. He
also announced the next meeting date.
3. Solid Waste Management Committee - Councilman Nimmo
referred to item #A-6 on the Consent Calendar .
4. Traffic Committee - Councilman Dexter reported that
they had met in a long meeting and approved several
items.
5. Economic Opportunity Commission - Councilman Dexter
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announced that they had met the previous week and had
received a very encouraging report .
6. Area Coordinating Council - Councilwoman Borgeson
reported that there had been a public hearing for the
1990-91 transit projects to be funded , which included
the prioritizing of the Atascadero Dial-a-Ride
replacement bus. She also noted that the Regional
Transportation Update had been studied and announced
that during the next meeting the Council would be
looking at funding that may soon be available. In
addition, Councilwoman Borgeson reported that the 1990
Regional Transit Element was discussed , as well as the
Bikeway Element . The Area Council , she reported , had
acted upon the Memorandum of Understanding delineating
the roles and responsibilities for preparing the
Countywide Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (see
item #C-2) and addressed the Regional Housing Needs
Plan.
Councilwoman Borgeson reported that she had been asked
to get the Council views on the priority of the re-
routing of Highway 41 . Discussion then followed
relating to the preparation of an Environmental Impact
Report and the Council was in agreement that they
prefer to take no action on the matter until after
receipt of the E. I .R.
2. City Attorney - No report .
3. City Clerk - No report .
4. City Treasurer
Muriel Korba gave a brief report noting that she would be
postponing the change in format of the Treasurer ' s Report until
after attending an educational seminar relative to the item.
5. City Manager - No further reports.
MOTION: by Councilwoman Borgeson and seconded by Councilman
Shiers to adjourn until Thursday, October 4, 1990 at
4:30 for a Joint Study Session with the Planning
Commission; motion unanimously carried .
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 10:50 P.M.
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MINUTES ECORDED AND PREPARED BY:
LEE DAYKAv City Clerk
Attachment : Exhibit A (Gronstrand )
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Exhibit A
Sarah Gronstrand
7620 Del Rio Road
Atascadero , CA 93422
September 25, 1990
Atascadero City Council
6500 Palma Avenue
Atascadero , CA 93422
Councilmembers,
On September 18, I went to the Board of Supervisors ' meeting
because I was concerned about the contents of a letter which Mr .
Hendrix , County Administrator , sent to the Supervisors. In his
letter , Mr . Hendrix recommended that the library system in this
county cease receiving capital improvement money for the General
Fund . The rationale is that being considered a special district
for tax purposes gives the library system an advantage over other
departments in the County.
It must be remembered that historically the County funded the new
libraries entirely. The money supporting the library system
comes primarily from real estate taxes, with some additions from
the State. After Proposition 13 passed , the County decided to
fund libraries on a 50-50 basis, with local communities supplying
a 50% match . This accounts for the fact that since 1983 only two
libraries were built : The Atascadero Library dedicated in 1988,
and the San Luis Obispo Library dedicated in 1989.
Mr . Hendrix states that with a little belt tightening in their
operating budget , the Library could begin a rather substantial
capital projects saving program. " He bases this on the fact that
$200,000 was left at the end of the fiscal year 1989-90 and the
money by law reverted to the Library Reserve Fund.
This is very interesting . This is a question that is very
important . Why the surplus? The libraries are short-staffed and
inadequately supplied . We know it and the Consultants know it .
The Consultants have told us that the financial support of the
Library is five dollars per capita below the average of 169
California libraries. This accounts for the fact that our
libraries have a lower than average number of volumes and
periodical subscriptions and has fewer professionals per capita
than other libraries studied . And Mr . Hendrix says we have too
much !
Why, for example, did we have to wait 7 years for a duplicating
machine: The reason, according to Mr . Perkins ' letter to the
Supervisors is that the Auditor-Controller had a consistent
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pattern of under-estimating revenue beyond the point of being
prudent and conservative for good fiscal management . By the time
a clear picture of revenue emerged , it was too late to budget it
and the money had to be placed in the Library Reserve Fund .
Mr . Hendrix had an additional reason for removing Library funding
from the General Fund . For the fiscal year 1990-91 , the Library
budget increased 9%. By the way, the entire Library budget is
only 2% of the County budget . But what are the possible reasons
for the increase? An examination of the circulation figures may
provide an answer . Circulation in the Atascadero Library has
grown from 12,700 in FY 87-88 to 17,000 this year . San Luis
Obispo has done even better . For the same period , it
experienced a growth from about 28,000 items per year circulated
to 38,000 items circulated.
Since percentages are a concern, here are two examples from
County Budget Form Schedule 7: Financing for the Morro Bay Golf
Course increased 22.5% from FY 1987-88 to FY 1989-90. General
Government expenditures grew from FY 1987-88 to FY 1989-90 29.9%.
This is a brief background of the item on the agenda in which I
was interested . Before discussion began, Supervisor Blakely
read a letter from our City Manager , Mr . Windsor . On behalf of
the City County, he respectfully asked for a two week
continuance, since the item was only made available to the City
on Friday, September 14. The Council asked for an opportunity to
review the item and clarify its ' possible implications, with an
opportunity to provide input to the Board prior to its ' decision
in the matter . Mr . Windsor also suggested that it may be
appropriate for this issue to be aired and clarified at the
Mayors/Managers ' meeting .
Mr . Hendrix took the lead in making it clear that he was not
interested in continuing the item, nor would he meet with the
Mayors/Managers' Group . The ensuing negative vote, Supervisors
Ovitt , Johnson and Coy supported Mr . Hendrix .
Then it was time for me to speak . I did not get very far when I
was unceremoniously interrupted by Mr . Hendrix . He was obviously
angry. He harangued and lectured , trying to explain how good
deletion from the General Fund would be for the libraries.
Amazingly, Supervisors Ovitt , Johnson and Coy agreed with him.
The four of them put on quite a show. The prize statement was
made by Supervisor Johnson, who said that there are other
priorities besides libraries--there is Lopez Lake and the golf
course. Apparently Supervisors Ovitt and Coy share Supervisor
Johnson' s priorities. The three of them voted to remove library
funding from the General Fund .
The way in which this was handled demands an explanation. Why
were the Council members not informed? Why wasn ' t there a public
hearing? Why did Mr . Hendrix , Supervisors Ovitt (who represents
our city) , Coy and Johnson insult our Council members and our
City Manager by disregarding their requests? And lastly, why is
Mr. Hendrix controlling the Supervisors' meeting and why is he
interfering with people ' s rights to speak to their elected
officials?
Signed ,
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SARAH GRONSTRAND
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