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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 040991MEETING CoA DATEZLL4.Z.91 fTW # BBQ... ATASCADERO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 9, 1991 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Lilley at 7:02 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Dexter. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Borgeson, Nimmo, Shiers, Dexter and Mayor Lilley Absent: 1k=1 Also Present: Muriel Korba, City Treasurer and Lee Dayka, City Clerk Staff Present: Ray Windsor, City Manager; Art Montandon, City Attorney; Mark Joseph, Administrative Services Director; Henry Engen, Community Development Director; Greg Luke, Public Works Director; Andy Takata, Community Services Director; Lt. Bill Watton, Police Department and Gary Kaiser, Assistant Planner COUNCIL COMMENT: Councilwoman Borgeson complimented Andy Takata and his staff for the attractive appearance of the Traffic Way Ballfields. In addition, she stated that she would like to see Council committee reports given at the beginning of each meeting so that more of the public could be present to receive the status reports. On another matter, Councilwoman Borgeson reported that she had received a complaint relating to the installation of a GTE Mobile cellular receiving station on Santa Ana Road. She proposed that construction of this nature be subject to a Conditional Use Permit. The City Manager noted that staff was aware of the situation and would be coming before the Council with just such a recommendation at the next regular meeting. Brief discussion ensued relating to meeting format. By common consensus it was decided to move Committee Reports up after Community Forum recognizing that Individual Determinations would remain at the end of the agenda. CC4/9/91 Page 1 PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor Lilley recognized the work of H. John Edens, Jr., outgoing member of the Building & Construction Board of Appeals. Mr. Edens was not present to accept the plague of appreciation and the Clerk was asked to see to it that it was received. Alan Metzler, Assistant Director of Community Services and Zoo Manager, and Mr. George Beatie, President of the Zoological Society, presented the Zoo Accreditation Plaque to Mayor Lilley. Mayor Lilley read the proclamation for "National Library Week", April 14-21, 1991. In addition, Mayor Lilley read a letter from Dave Transportation Services, Inc. to Greg Luke, Public Works Director, notifying him that the Atascadero Dial -A -Ride was awarded the First Place Award of Excellence. COMMUNITY FORUM: George Highland, 7275 Carmelita Avenue, expressed concern relating to the lack of a hearing schedule on the General Plan Update. Henry Engen, Community Development Director, responded that the firm of Crawford, Multari & Starr was presently preparing the draft Environmental Impact Report and indicated that he anticipated hearings would begin in the Summer of 1991. Carol Ball, local resident and realtor, remarked that she had appreciated the open forum presented by Caltrans on the proposed Highway 41 extension. A. CONSENT CALENDAR: Mayor Lilley read the Consent Calendar, as follows: 1. MARCH 12, 1991 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2. RESOLUTION NO. 27-91 - AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR' TO EXECUTE RIGHT-OF-WAY CERTIFICATIONS TO THE STATE OF CALI- FORNIA FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS 3. -RESOLUTION NO. 29-91 - AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR STATE LICENSING UNDER THE SCHOOL-AGE CHILD CARE PROGRAM 4. PROPOSED CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - DESIGNING SEISMIC STRUCTURAL RETROFIT OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING {Fred H. Schott & Associates} 5. BID AWARD FOR PURCHASE OF UNMARKED POLICE SEDAN CC4%9/91 Page 2 MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo and seconded by Councilwoman Borgeson to approve the Consent Calendar Items A-1 through A-5; motion unanimously passed by roll call vote. B. HEARINGSIAPPEARANCES: 1. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 1B-90, ZONE CHANGE 10-89 & TTM 31-90 - Consideration of application to (1) change the land use designation of approximately 24 acres from Retail Commercial to Special Recreation, (2) change the zoning of said 24 acre site from CT(FH) (Commercial Tourist/Flood Hazard Overlay) to LS(FH)(PD8) (Special Recreation/Flood Hazard Overlay/Planned Development Overlay), and (3) divide the same 24 acre site into 15 parcels for single-family residential use and two larger parcels for recreational use. Subject property is located on the southwest corner of the Highway 101 & Santa Barbara Road intersection (Boud & Associates/Eagle Creek Associates) A. Approval of General Plan Amendment 1B-90 based on the Findings contained in Resolution No. 31-91. B. Ordinance No. 221 - Amending Map 23 of the official zoning maps by rezoning that certain real property described as Lots 18-25 and "Park Reservation All of Block 72, Atascadero Colony, from CT(FH) to LS(FH)(PD8); and amending the text of the City Zoning Ordinance to include the provisions for the PD8 Zone created herein. ( Recommend motion to waive reading in full and approve on first reading by title only.) C. Approval of Tentative Tract Map 31-90 subject to the Planning Commission's Findings and Revised Conditions of Approval, Exhibit B, March 5, 1991. Henry Engen gave the staff report noting that originally the project had proposed 15 individual lots with two open space lots, a clubhouse, pool, tennis courts and a golf course. The project, he reported, had been revised from 15 to 12 single family lots by the Planning Commission. He noted the presence of Gary Kaiser, Assistant Planner, who had carried the project and was available for questions. Council questions followed relating to the golf course, open space, landscaping and water. Mr. Engen explained that the applicants had proposed to meet the demand for watering the golf course through the combined use of on-site wells and a greywater system. He also reported that the Master Plan for the project would preclude any uses other than a golf course on the parcel. CC4/9/91 Page 3 Public Comment: Joe Baud, representing the firm responsible for planning and design, noted that he was in agreement with all conditions. In addition, he presented an overview of the concept and responded to brief questions from Council relating to sewage disposal and trees. There were no other public comments. Council discussion followed. Councilman Shiers stated the importance of making sure that there was adequate water. He remarked that he could support the project because it was a good use of the property adding that the proposed zone change would be more appropriate than the current zoning. Councilwoman Borgeson noted that she had hoped for more public input. She indicated ambivalence because while she liked the project, she was concerned with approving it while under an emergency water status. Councilman Nimmo congratulated the developer and staff for designing a sensitive use for the site. He emphasized that he believed the project would fill a serious gap in recreational facilities in the community. Councilman Dexter reported that while he shared similar concerns regarding water, he favored the project. Mayor Lilley agreed. MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo and seconded by Councilman Dexter to approve General Pian Amendment 1B-90 based on the Findings contained in Resolution No. 31-90; motion unanimously approved. MOTION: By Councilman Dexter and seconded by Councilman Shiers to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 221 in full and approve by title only; motion carried 5:0. MOTION: By Councilman Dexter and seconded by Councilman Nimmo to approve Ordinance No. 221 on first reading; motion unanimously passed. MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo and seconded by Councilman Dexter to approve Tentative Tract Map 31-90 subject to the Planning Commission's Findings and Revised Conditions of Approval; motion carried unanimously. 2. FORESTRY & WOODLOT MANAGEMENT A. Ordinance No. 220 - Adding Forestry and Woodlot Manage- CC4%9/91 Page 4 ment Provisions to the City's Tree Ordinance (Ord. #214) ( Recommend motion to waive reading in full and approve on first reading by title only.) B. Resolution No. 28-91 - Adding Forestry and Woodlot Man- agement Standards to the Tree Ordinance Standards and Guidelines (Res. #125-90) Henry Engen presented the staff report introducing a proposed chapter to the comprehensive revised Tree Ordinance, together with implementing guidelines. He pointed out that the Planning Commission had not recommended any fees and asked that Council give related direction. The City Manager suggested additional language relating to the plan's provisions of approval. Both Councilman Nimmo and Mayor Lilley proposed minor changes in language relating to the plan's purpose (see Resolution No. 28-91, Exhibit A). Public Comments Fred Frank, 3615 Ardilla, thanked staff for coming up with a good compromise and urged Council to adopt the Forestry and Woodlot Management Plan. Councilman Shiers asked him if he was satisfied that it would protect the oaks and adequately address regeneration. Mr. Frank responded that he was. Jim Dulitz, 1300 Garcia Road, expressed support and encouraged favorable action. MOTION: By Councilwoman Borgeson and seconded by Councilman _Dexter to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 220 in full and approve by title only; motion unanimously carried. MOTION: By Councilwoman Borgeson and seconded by Councilman Shiers to approve Ordinance No. 220 adding "Forestry and Woodlot Management" Section to the "Tree Ordinance on first reading; motion passed 5:0. MOTION: By Councilwoman Borgeson and seconded by Councilman Dexter to approve Resolution No. 28-91 adding "Chapter 13. Forestry and Woodlot Management Plans" to the City's "Tree Standards- and Guidelines"; motion unanimously passed. Brief discussion followed regarding to fees. The City Manager requested that Council refer the matter to staff to allow the opportunity to address fees and "blanket permits for utility companies. Council consented. The mayor recommended that fees be proposed on a "per acre basis. CC4/9 f 91 Page 5 3. RESOLUTION NO. 24-91 - AUTHORIZING NEW PLANNING &ENGINEERING FEES Mark Joseph, Administrative Services Director, gave an overview of the staff report using overhead projections and described the proposed revisions. He pointed out that fees would be increased overall by approximately 80%. and emphasized that there had been no increase in fees in five to six years, yet departmental costs had doubled. Mr. Joseph outlined the arguments in favor of the new fees and responded to Council questions. Discussion ensued. Henry Engen remarked that the appeal process is expensive and reported that the fee does not recover the costs. Councilwoman Borgeson and Mayor Lilley argued that the Council had not received a sound comparison and asked for more precise figures of what services are costing the City. Mr. Joseph indicated that an attempt had been made to compare "real" Costs. He suggested that short of conducting a "Time and Motion" study, staff could generate a more in-depth report which Council may wish to address during the annual budget review. Brief discussion relating to fees for street address changes followed. Councilman Nimmo expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed increase for this process. Mark Joseph responded that Council could delete the fee if they so chose. Councilwoman Borgeson stated that she thought it was poor policy on the part of the City to not revise fees in six years and shared concern for not making developers pay for the costs. Mark Joseph proposed phasing in fees in a'move toward recovering 100% of the costs and reiterated that it may be prudent to look at these fees again during the budget hearings. Public Comments Tim McCutcheon, property owner and businessman in Atascadero, spoke in opposition to the proposed increase in fees. He protested the property tax rate on vacant land and suggested that Council tighten up the General Fund. Mr. McCutcheon, did however, recommend increasing appeal fees. Kathleen Dawson, 7017 Toro Creek Road, questioned the comparisons made with cities larger than Atascadero. She opposed the fee increases and suggested that staff be cut instead. The City Manager noted, in response to Mr. McCutcheon Is remark regarding property taxes, that the City receives sixteen (.16) cents per dollar (1.00) paid. CC4%9/91 Page 6 1 Councilman Nimmo stated that he had no problem with increasing the fees to recover actual costs but opposed strongly to moving forward with the present recommendation. He objected to some of the fee increases and asserted that the proposed fees were not represented by actual costs. Considerable discussion followed relating to the process by which fees were analyzed. The City Manager explained that it would cost approximately $80,000 to hire a consultant to prepare an in-depth study. He added that the study can be done in-house cautioning that it could be laborious. Councilman Shiers emphasized that the City cannot charge more than an actual cost. Mr. Engen gave support to the staff recommendation by reporting that the fees are justified by procedures. Mr. Windsor clarified that the fees, if adopted, would be effective for new applications only and would not apply to pending projects. There was consensus among the Council that (1) fees for the appeal process should be looked at separately and (2) that a course of action might be to adopt the proposed resolution as an interim policy until budget time. The City Attorney advised that Council could adopt the resolution amending it to read that it shall expire on °a certain date unless reaffirmed or superseded by another action. The City Manager suggested inserting the date, "June 30, 1991". MOTION: By Councilman Shiers and seconded by Councilwoman Borgeson to adopt Resolution No. 24-91 as amended; motion carried 5:0 by roll call vote. Mayor Lilley called for a recess at 9:14 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:30 p.m. 4. RESOLUTION NO. 14-91 - ADOPTING UPDATED DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES Mark Joseph gave the staff report noting that his recommendation was in accordance, with a few exceptions, with Crawford, Multari & Starr's fiscal impact study proposals. Public Comment Carol Ball, 7070 Marchant Avenue, announced that as a member of the Board of Realtors' committee addressing development fees she was in opposition to the proposed fee increases. Councilman Shiers stated that there was solid background for the underlying recommendation. Mayor Lilley remarked that infra- CC4/9/91 Page 7 structure is in need of and proclaimed the fees fair and necessary. MOTION: By Councilwoman Borgeson and seconded by Councilman Shiers to adopt Resolution No. 14-91 revising development impact fees, effective upon adoption; motion carried 5:0 by roll call vote. C. REGULAR BUSINESS: 1. ORDINANCE NO. 219 - AMENDING MAP 16 OF THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAPS BY REZONING CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY AT 5160 AND 5180 PALMA AVE. FROM RMF/10 TO RMF/10 (PD7) (Zone Change 6-90)(Hazard/ Tartaglia-Hughes) (Recommend motion to waive reading in full and approve on second reading by title only.) Mayor Lilley explained that although he and Councilman Shiers had been absent during the previous meeting and public hearing on this matter, they had both been provided with all the information necessary to make a decision. Councilman Shiers concurred stating that he felt qualified to vote on the issue. MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo and seconded by Councilman Dexter to adopt Ordinance No. 219 on second reading; motion carried 3:2 with Council -members shiers and Borgeson voting in opposition. 2. COUNTY AUDITOR -CONTROLLER'S LETTER RE: SB 2557 The City Manager introduced this item and recognized the presence of Gere Sibbach, County Auditor -Controller. Mr. Windsor reported that the draft response letter was, based upon the Council's stand of opposition to SB 2557, in protest of payment of fees relating to property tax administration costs. He indicated that staff's position would be that unless and until the Board of Supervisors implement the provisions of the law, the City would not remit. Public Comment Mr. Sibbach addressed Council and stated that although he had not seen the City's draft reply, he had expected such a response. He explained that there were some legal problems with interpretation of the legislature with respect to the use of the words, "shall" and "may". Mr. Sibbach continued that it was his interpretation that collection was mandatory adding that he was liable for suit if he does not attempt to charge the cities for their fair share. By common consensus, Council directed staff- tosendthe subject letter to the County Auditor -Controller. CC4/9/91 Page 8 3. STATUS OF TREE PLANTING TRUST FUND The City Manager, by way of introduction, reported that there had been an inquiry as to what monies were in the Tree Planting Trust Fund and asked that staff be given direction for use its, use. Discussion followed regarding fees and penalties relating to the Garcia Road extension. Councilman Dexter asserted that the penalties should have been paid on demand. The Public Works Director proposed that, with future tree removal conditions of approval, a "trigger date" be determined by which payments or replacements must be made. He suggested that the clock might begin ticking once trees have been cut. Councilwoman Borgeson concurred with Mr. Luke. Councilman Nimmo stated that it would be good public policy to specify the receiver location when accepting donation of trees for off-site planting. The City Manager pointed out that there would be on-going maintenance of trees and inquired whether or not Council wished these expenses to be covered by monies held in the trust fund. Council concurred that they did. The City Treasurer noted that an additional $39,000 would soon be deposited into the fund. She also suggested that a list be drawn up of potential property owners who need or want trees. Public Comments Ursula Luna, 10600 San Marcos Road urged Council to adopt a street tree provision of the Tree Ordinance. In addition, she supported the City's responsibility to restore and maintain trees in the community. Eric Greening, 7365 Valle, gave a verbal endorsement to the City Treasurer's "adopt -a -tree" concept. He implored the Council to fill the vacant position of Natural Resource Specialist as soon as possible in an effort to oversee the charge of maintaining the City's urban forest. Councilwoman Borgeson concurred with this statement asserting that Council should set priority and hire a qualified individual. Councilman Shiers reiterated that the trees need maintenance and there needs to be someone accountable. Councilman Nimmo proclaimed that he was not in support of the Natural Resource Specialist position. He remarked that the Tree Fund is meant to protect, plant and preserve trees and added that he hoped staff did not hire a tree specialist to handle just the Tree Planting Trust Fund. CC4/9/91 Page 9 Additional discussion ensued regarding this matter. The City Manager reported that it was difficult to find someone who fits all the requirements of the Natural Resource Specialist. He pointed out that the individual would not just administer the Tree Ordinance and the Tree Fund but would also be responsible for other duties. He described a prospective candidate for the position indicating that the vacancy may soon be filled. Mr. Windsor asked that staff be allowed to come back with more definitive options for the use of the Tree Fund, as well as pursue the "adopt -a -tree" concept. Council concurred. Councilwoman Borgeson inquired of the Community Development Director when staff would be able to address a street tree ordinance. Mr. Engen indicated that this was down in the priority list with the creekway ordinance, for example,` having higher priority. 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. North Coastal Transit/S.L.O. Area Coordinating Council Councilwoman Borgeson reported that the Area Council had met but that she had not been able to attend. 2. Traffic Committee - Councilman Dexter reported that the committee had met and would be making recommendations for action at the next City Council meeting. 3. Solid/Hazardous Waste Mgmt. Committee - Councilman Nimmo reported that he had attended a subcommittee meeting for the purpose of developing a plan for implementation of the County -wide Solid Waste Program. In addition, he related that the City's pilot "green waste" program had generated much interest among the other communities. 4. Recycling Committee - Councilman Shiers reported that the committee had decided to become more proactive in public awareness and education, and announced that a`poster contest would be conducted to determine a mascot for recycling projects. Greg -Luke added that the "green waste" program was successfully moving forward, noting that approximately 1,000 customers have called for participation. He also CC4/9/91 Page 10 indicated that the committee was also working the City of Paso Robles on this matter. On a final note, Councilman Shiers stated that the Recycling Committee is working as rapidly as possible to meet State mandates and hopes to even beat the maximum timelines. 5. Downtown Interim Sign Committee - Mayor Lilley reported that this committee would be bringing forth proposals to address downtown signing in the very near future. 2. City Attorney - No report. 3. City Clerk - No report. 4. City Treasurer Ms. Korba indicated that she would be attending the Palm Springs Municipal Treasurer's Workshop during the week of April 22, 1991 and would, therefore, be absent during the next regular Council meeting. 5. City Manager Mr. Windsor requested permission to be absent during the meeting of April 23, 1991 indicating that he would like to take some vacation time-off. Council gave such approval. 6. Additional Council Comment Councilwoman Borgeson asked that, under Committee. Reports, that the following be added: Economic Roundtable, County Water Advisory Board and the Roads Committee. Staff so noted. Mayor Lilley reported that the Economic Roundtable had met and would be meeting again Wednesday, April 17, 1991 at 7:30 a.m. MOTION: By Councilman Dexter, seconded by Councilwoman Borgeson to adjourn the meeting; motion unanimously carried. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 10:42 P.M. THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL IS SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1991 AT 7:00 P.M., MIN73 nCCIRD,61�AND PRE D BY: LE AY____ ith,:C a. Attachment: Exhibit A (U. Luna) CC4/9/91 Page 11