HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 042391 MEETi
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ATASCADERO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
April 23, 1991
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Lilley at 7:00 p.m. ,
followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call:
Present: Councilmembers Borgeson, Dexter, Nimmo, Shiers and
Mayor Lilley
Staff: Henry Engen, Community Development Director; Greg
Luke, Public Works Director; Mark Joseph, Admin-
istrative Services Director; Acting Chief Mike
McCain, Fire Department; Art Montandon, City Attor-
ney; Cindy Wilkins, Deputy City Clerk.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
At Councilmember Borgeson's request, Item E-1(A) was addressed.
She reported that a businesswoman had approached her advising that
what is believed to have been the personal desk of E.G. Lewis is
for sale at a north County antique shop, and she asked if the
Council has a desire to pursue the City' s purchase of this item.
She added that Eleanor Duncan has offered a $100 cash donation
should the Council decide to pursue such purchase through donations
or other fundraising activity. Following discussion, Council con-
sensus was to request the City Attorney (who has some personal
expertise on the subject of antiques, and who indicated he would
not charge for this service) to look at the desk and negotiate a
possible purchase price for future Council consideration. It was
also the Council's consensus that the purchase should be perhaps by
a combination of public and private funds.
Motion: By Councilmember Dexter, seconded by Councilman
Shiers, that Council authorize Councilmember Bor-
geson and Mr. Montandon to proceed with further
review and investigation; motion passed unanimously
by voice vote.
- Presentation by Girl Scouts of Atascadero, Santa Margarita a
Templeton (Colony Service Unit) - Debra Floyd
This item was postponed.
Proclamation: "Victims of Pornography Week", May 5-11, 1991
(American Family Association, Atascadero Chapter/Bay Area
Citizens Against Pornography)
Mayor Lilley read the afore-mentioned proclamation. There was
no one present to receive it.
COMMUNITY FORUM:
Eric Greening, 7365 Valle, read a prepared statement conveying sug-
gestions for an adopt-a-tree program (see Exhibit A, attached) .
A. COMMITTEE REPORTS (The following represents ad hoc or standing
committees. Informative status reports will be given, as felt
necessary.) :
Mayor Lilley noted that the committee reports have been moved from
the end of the agenda to the beginning for the benefit of the pub-
lic.
1. S.L.O. Area Coordinating Council/North Coastal Transit:
Councilwoman Borgeson reported this committee
met on April 3rd. The Unmet Needs Plan was adopted, and
a survey for household hazardous waste was authorized.
Alternatives for current funding formulas was the most
significant item on the agenda; it was given to SLOACC
staff for report and recommendations to be reviewed at
the committee's meeting in January.
2. Solid/Hazardous Waste Management Committee - No report
3. Recycling Committee: Councilman Shiers reported the edu-
cation subcommittee of the Recycling Committee met and
continued to discuss ways of assuring that the public
remains informed about area recycling and of any future
plans. The committee meets again this Thursday to dis-
cuss the budget for the coming year.
4. Economic Opportunity Commission - No report
5. City/School Committee: Meets Thursday, 4/25/91.
6. Traffic Committee: Mr. Luke reported this committee did
not meet this month, noting there are Traffic Committee
items on this agenda from its March meeting.
7. Downtown Interim Sign Committee: Mayor Lilley expressed
the hope that he will be in a position with members of
that committee to make a presentation to the Council for
consideration at its May 14th meeting regarding a propo-
sal of the subcommittee.
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8. County Water Advisory Board: Councilwoman Borgeson re-
ported that Steve Kashiwata made a presentation of the
State Water Project, Coastal Branch, and that the Mon-
terey County EIR for salt water intrusion was moved back
to the end of April. A meeting was set up with County
representatives to look into a mobile lab to measure the
efficiency of irrigation methods on ag land; the Board of
Supvrs. would need to weigh the idea against other budget
considerations. There will be a presentation by Chuck
Pritchard at the CWAB' s next meeting on the subject of
State Water from the Cattlemen's Association viewpoint.
9. Economic Round Table: Mayor Lilley reported that, at
this committee's last meeting, a presentation was given
by Mike Multari, Crawford, Multari & Starr, pertaining to
that firm's Economic Development Study of Atascadero, and
Henry Engen provided an overview of the history of the
economic aspects of the General Plan. The Round Table is
planning a Saturday retreat to focus on setting forth
tasks that are consistent with Council' s directives. He
noted the meeting attendance by the members of the Round
Table has been outstanding, and the information coming
out of their meetings is exciting. He publicly thanked
Dave Vega, PG&E, for his efforts in getting the downtown
street light painting accomplished, at PG&E's expense.
Also thanked were members Mike Kirkwood, Stan Cherry and
John Cotsenmoyer, who have been working on a proposal for
the banks they represent to assist in funding proposed
additional improvements for the merchants in the downtown
area.
Councilwoman Borgeson expressed concern regarding the
potential expense of retaining a consultant to facilitate
the proposed retreat. Mayor Lilley responded that if a
City appropriation were needed, a formal request would be
brought before Council. He noted that PG&E is assisting
in this area, so City funds may not be necessary.
10. B.I.A. - Mayor Lilley noted that BIA members--specifi-
cally John Himes and members of Paper Works staff--have
been working diligently with him on the efforts of the
Downtown Interim Sign Committee, and he thanked them.
11. Colony Roads Committee: Mayor Lilley reported this com-
mittee recently met and received a presentation from Mary
Gayle of Burke, Williams & Sorensen, who specializes in
these kinds of issues and is also a historian. The com-
mittee suggested that she prepare a public report of her
analysis of the roads situation; May 14th is the target
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date. The public was encouraged to be present for the
presentation.
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
I. MARCH 26, 1991 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
2. APRIL 5, 1991 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES (Special Meeting)
3. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT - MARCH, 1991
4. FINANCE DIRECTOR'S REPORT - MARCH, 1991
5. RESOLUTION NO. 34-91 - MODIFYING PARKING REGULATIONS ON EL
CAMINO REAL IN THE VICINITY OF THE CHAPEL OF THE ROSES AND
COLONY PARK
6. RESOLUTION NO. 35-91 - DESIGNATING A 20-MINUTE PARKING ZONE ON
SAN ANSELMO ALONG A PORTION OF THE FRONTAGE OF THE TRUE SPIRIT
MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
7. RESOLUTION NO. 32-91 - ACCEPTING MONTURA LANE INTO THE CITY
MAINTAINED ROAD SYSTEM
8. ZONING REPORT - STAFF REPORT RE: REQUIRING CONDITIONAL USE
PERMITS FOR SELECTED UTILITY TRANSMISSION FACILITIES
9. RESOLUTION NO. 30-91 - DECLARING WEEDS A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND
AUTHORIZING COMMENCEMENT OF ABATEMENT PROCEEDINGS
10. ACCEPTANCE OF FINAL PARCEL MAP 22-89, 7900/8000 SANTA CRUZ
ROAD - Division of 10.27 acres into three lots of 3.39 acres
each (Long/Knowles - Volbrecht Surveys)
11. STATUS OF SAFE ROUTE TO SCHOOL FUND
Re: Item A-1, Councilman Dexter requested a correction as to the
time of adjournment of the 3/26 meeting.
Councilwoman Borgeson requested Items A-5, 7, 10 & 11 be pulled for
discussion.
Richard Smith, a member of the public, requested Item A-8 be pulled
for discussion.
Motion: By Councilwoman Borgeson, seconded by Councilman
Shiers to approve Items 1 (with noted correction to
time of adjournment) , 2, 3, 4, 6 and 9 of the
Consent Calendar; motion passed unanimously by
voice vote.
Re: Item A-5, Councilwoman Borgeson expressed the desire to see
the 20-min. parking limit expanded further north on E1 Camino Real
along the frontage of the Golden West Development Center. Mr.
Engen suggested that Council take action on the item as presented
and that possible extension of the 20-min. parking zone be placed
on the Traf fic Committee's next meeting agenda for study and recom-
mendation.
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Motion: By Councilman Dexter, seconded by Councilwoman
Borgeson to approve Item 5 [Resolution No. 34-91] ;
motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
Re: Item A-7, Councilwoman Borgeson asked Mr. Luke how proposed
Council action on this item was initiated. Mr. Luke summarized the
construction history of Montura Ln. and indicated that a property
owner desires to take access off of Montura, which is a quieter and
safer access than Coromar. Because the offer of dedication was
rejected at the time of map recordation, the proposed access is in
private easement status. Mr. Luke noted his decision to place the
item on the Council's agenda was guided by his understanding that
the Council desires to eventually bring as many of the private
roads as possible into the City-maintained system. Councilwoman
Borgeson asked if the other property owners on Montura Ln. , in its
current private status, could grant their permission to allow a
driveway curb cut on that street. Mr. Luke responded that underly-
ing ownership(s) would need to be determined, but that would be an
option available to the requesting party. Councilwoman Borgeson
questioned staff' s support of this particular request, noting that
there are about 50 miles of private roadway in the City. Council-
man Nimmo expressed concern for consistency in the Council' s policy
regarding the subject development. Mayor Lilley recalled that the
Council consensus during study of the emerging roadway policy was
to examine the possible acceptance of private cul-de-sacs case-by-
case, based on public need, whether they would be more appropriate-
ly leftinprivate status or accepted into the City system.
Further Council and staff discussion ensued regarding policy deci-
sions as they relate to roadway acceptance.
Council consensus was to continue this item, and the City Attorney
was directed to research the creation of this cul-de-sac and pro-
vide a status report of the existing beneficial holders to the
access easements. Councilwoman Borgeson asked that staff investi-
gate engineered drawings and specifications for Montura Ln. to
verify that it meets City road standards.
Re: Item A-8, Richard Smith, 13505 Santa Ana, spoke in opposition
to the recent installation of an unsightly GTE Mobilnet utility
building near his property and expressed that City ordinances with
respect to permits required of this utility company appear to be
"wholly inadequate". It is his understanding that three other
similar buildings are proposed. Mr. Smith added that he hopes the
City' s policy on the permitting of such structures comes in line
with that of Santa Barbara, and he urged that the Council look into
the matter.
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Gail Davis, 13605 Santa Ana, expressed opposition to the location
of the GTE tower, indicating it is within 5 feet of her property
line. Although she realizes the construction was legal, she feels
she was misled by GTE representatives as to the size and location
of the tower and feels "morally raped" .
Staff and Council discussion ensued. Mr. Engen conveyed that the
City's current ordinance language with regard to utilities was
derived from the County Zoning Ordinance in 1983, and it is bas-
ically all-inclusive. Staff' s report recommends that the Zoning
Ordinance be amended to specify that future proposals for such
utility buildings, particularly in residential areas, go through a
special process sensitive to the neighborhood.
Council consensus was to direct Mr. Engen to provide a status re-
port on any similar impending structures and draft a proposed
urgency ordinance to halt this kind of construction pending adop-
tion of the General Plan Update. It was further directed by
Council that these items be fast-tracked.
Andrea Schulte, 7129 San Gregorio, questioned the common-sense
aspect, feeling that the GTE Mobilnet permit application review
should have raised questions at the staff level due to the proposed
residential location.
Notion: By Councilwoman Borgeson, seconded by Councilman
Shiers, to direct that staff bring back an urgency
ordinance along with a report of findings as dis-
cussed; motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
Mr. Smith noted that he will submit photographs of the subject tow
er for Council review. He added that he has discussed the issue
with GTE Mobilnet representatives, and they seem to be responsive
to the property owners' concerns and willing to help beautify the
tower.
Re: Item A-10, Councilwoman Borgeson indicated she pulled this
item to express her "no" vote.
Motion: By Councilman Nimmo, seconded by Councilman Dexter
to approve Item A-10; motion passed by 4: 1 roll-
call vote, with Councilwoman Borgeson opposed.
Re: Item A-11, Councilwoman Borgeson asked if staff knows when the
safe routes to school will be implemented, which schools are affec-
ted and what triggers it. Mr. Engen responded that it was proposed
to be incorporated in the Circulation Element. He noted that the
City/Schools Committee is keenly interested in this topic, and this
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item is on that committee's meeting agenda for Thursday, 4/25.
Councilmember Borgeson expressed the importance of ongoing discus-
sion with the School District regarding its participation, noting
a new school is proposed on Del Rio Road and that it would be ap-
propriate for the School District to contribute to the installation
of routes to school. There was no action taken.
C. HEARINGS/APPEARANCES:
1. WATER SUPPLY STUDY - PRESENTATION BY DON ASQUITH, THE MORRO
GROUP
Mayor Lilley noted this is an information item tonight and is for
the benefit of both the public and the City Council. Mr. Asquith
provided an in-depth review of the results of the water supply
study recently conducted by The Morro Group. He noted a correction
needs to be made to Page 6 of the report: The fault referenced
should read the "Rinconada" Fault (not the Nacimiento Fault) . Re-
lated discussion ensued, and Mr. Asquith responded to questions by
Council and the public.
Public Comment
Robin Fimmester, 7109 San Gregorio, expressed concern about water
rationing mandates and questioned the sanity of the members of the
community to allow the water company to dictate its use. He feels
the mandate to ration is "suspect", in view of the positive results
of the water study.
Richard Mullen, 4200 Portola, asked Mr. Asquith, ( 1) if it would
benefit the water company to deepen their present wells, and (2) if
there is a current need to have a severe conservation plan in ef-
fect in Atascadero. Mr. Asquith responded deepening the wells
would probably not help much, except perhaps from a mechanical
standpoint during the decline in overall water levels. He added
that there are numerous solutions to the problem of acquiring the
available water and that he has suggested (in the report] what he
considers the best solution as a geologist. He declined to respond
to the second question.
Eric Greening, 7365 Valle, observed that the answer to the question
of whether we have enough water to reach build-out, according to
the current General Plan, seems to hinge more on legally defining
who " "we" are rather than on geology. He asked Mr. Asquith where
the water in our deep aquifer comes from and at what rate; Mr.
Asquith responded that the recharge of the deep aquifer is from the
Salinas River, which he further explained.
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Andrea Schulte asked what the Council's next action will be, now
that the study is complete. Mayor Lilley reminded those in atten-
dance that this is not an action item tonight. He reiterated that
the $10,000 study performed by Mr. Asquith was to respond to the
community' s and Council's concern about whether water is available,
having the need to determine that, apparently, independently, with-
out a great deal of assistance from the water company.
John McNeil expressed that he has some misgivings about the report,
what he termed as "cautious" statements throughout it and the lack
of a statement of The Morro Group' s qualifications to perform such
a study. Mr. Asquith summarized his professional background. (See
Exhibit "C", attached)
Bob Lilley, a Navarette St. resident (of no relation to Mayor Lil-
ley) , based on the report's findings and information obtained from
the SLO County Engineering Dept. , expressed he finds no rational
basis for severe water rationing at this point in time. He asked
how available the deep ground water basin is, to which Mr. Asquith
responded.
Nancy Rice, 4245 Arena, asked, ( 1) since most of the City's sub-
basin is beneath County land, what impact will use by agriculture
and future development have on this sub-basin, and do farmers have
unrestricted use of this water? Mr. Asquith responded that, al-
though the current agricultural users on the County land referenced
have prior rights, he noted the need to bear in mind that "we're
talking about very deep wells, very expensive wells and some power-
ful pumping" . He noted that agriculture can survive and compete
only where there is cheap water, which in this case would mean the
water from the deep aquifer. As for future development, he offered
only a speculative response, noting that is County property and
development would involve services; (2) Would it not be wiser to
locate the new reliable water sources before proceeding with the
build-out? Mr. Asquith responded in the affirmative.
Resident Dorothy McNeil expressed she was confused by some state-
ments in the water report which were based on the 1979 study. She
asked on what basis Mr. Asquith' s report states the basin is "es-
sentially the same" (Page 6) , since there has been a lot of water
use since that time, and she asked if the drought has affected it.
Mr. Asquith responded that the continuance of water levels staying
essentially the same in the area north of the river is based on the
data in the river (the deep well field) where it has been heavily
pumped; that water comes back up each year, except when there was
no live flow in the river. He expressed there are no water levels
out there, unless the landowners took them; the County istheonly
organization taking water levels that will tell you anything, and
they only have river wells data, which was utilized by Mr. Asquith
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for his report. Mrs. McNeil requested and received clarification
on other points. Mr. Asquith made note of the fact that private
well data is, by law, confidential information. Mrs. McNeil ex-
pressed that it would seem prudent for the water company and the
City to be sure that needed water is available and accessible
before proceeding with buildout. (See Exhibit"B", attached)
Dick Chafin, 8250 San Dimas, asked if drilling more wells would
relieve the short-term problem. Mr. Asquith responded he did not
explore possible short-term solutions, focusing his study on the
long-term. Mr. Chafin indicated he' s weighing the facts in his
mind to see if he voluntarily supports the water company' s ration-
ing mandate or not He wonders if the water company is reluctant
to spend the money to drill more wells, or if the water is truly
inaccessible for legal reasons. Mr. Luke reminded the public that
The Morro Group was retained to study the long-term water supply
reliability; they were not asked to suggest short-term solutions
nor analyze how the water company has functioned or should func-
tion.
George Luna, 10600 San Marcos, speaking as a private citizen, re-
cited "Churchill's Theorem" from Management Science, which he feels
is relevent in light of the age of some of the data Mr. Asquith
used in the water study.
The discussion then came back to Council. Noting the misfortune of
the City to have to take independent action by expending the funds
for the water study in order to assure its availability, Mayor
Lilley expressed that what relationship matures, if any, between
the City and the water company, as far as the mechanics of plan-
ning, storage, delivery and cooperation, depends on the attitudes
of both entities. He encouraged the property owners, as the share-
holders of the water company, to communicate what they think that
relationship should be to both entities.
Mr. Luke noted the interaction between staff and the water company
is presently good. There was no Council action taken.
COUNCIL RECESSED FOR A BREAK FROM 9:45 TO 10:00 P.M.
D. REGULAR BUSINESS:
1. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE FUNDING
Steve Devencenzi, the SLOACC Coordinator of the Solid Waste Pro-
gram, reviewed the information provided in the agenda packet. He
indicated that the correspondence essentially seeks authorization
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to allow grant funds that have come back to the County to remain in
a common pot, which will be shared by all the cities in the County
for financing future household hazardous waste-related activities.
He offered to respond to questions from Council. He noted last
year's one-day collection event proved to be extremely expensive,
and SLOACC is trying to structure a mobile collection system for
such future activities.
There was no public comment.
Motion: By Councilman Nimmo, seconded by Councilwoman Bor-
geson, to agree to leave the City' s pro-rata share
in a pool for the future planning purposes of the
Area Coordinating Council; motion passed unanimous-
ly by roll-call vote.
2. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY MIKE MESSER FOR DIRECTION RE:
MEANS FOR PROVIDING SEWER SERVICE TO LAKEVIEW DRIVE PROPERTY
Mr. Engen gave a verbal report indicating that Mr. Messer has a
precise plan pending on the subject property, which is located in
a Cease & Desist area.
The applicant, Mike Messer, reiterated the facts as stated in his
April 3rd correspondence, which is included in the agenda packet.
Council then asked questions of staff, discussing the request at
length. Mr. Luke clarified that staff gave no recommendation as
this is an unusual request, because the property is located in a
moratorium area. To grant Mr. Messer's request would leave the
City in the situation of not -being able to serve other lots in that
area and raises a number of questions as to whether the Council
wishes to explore this subject further. Mr. Luke reviewed a map of
the area, indicating which lots are and are not sewered, and which
lots are City-owned. Discussion ensued on the subject of possible
sewering of the remaining area and its implications relative to the
value of City-owned lots and the issue of whether to dispose of
some of them.
Mr. Messer stated that he feels there will eventually be an assess-
ment district, because this is a Cease & Desist area and there will
be failing septic systems. He noted that he is prepared to parti-
cipate in a future sewer assessment district.
Motion: By Councilman Nimmo, seconded by Councilman Dexter,
to allow Mr. Messer to put in a small diameter line
with the understanding and necessary documentation
for his participation in a sewer assessment dis-
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trict when and if it is established; motion passed
by 3:2 roll-call, with Councilmembers Borgeson and
Shiers opposed.
3. RESOLUTION NO. 33-91 - AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 125-90 TO IN-
ELUDE FEES FOR, (1) FORESTRY AND WOODLOT MANAGEMENT PLANS, AND
(2) ANNUAL PRUNING, TRENCHING AND ENCROACHMENT PERMITS FOR
PRIVATE AND PUBLIC UTILITIES
Mr. Engen gave staff report and responded to questions from the
Council. He noted the annual utility pruning permit fee is a
guesstimate at $100 per year and is hoped to both recover costs and
encourage public cooperation. Staff will monitor the permit acti-
vities and propose fee adjustments accordingly.
Motion: By Councilman Dexter, seconded by Councilman Nimmo
to continue the meeting past 11:00; motion passed
unanimously.
Public Comment
Fred Frank, 3615 Ardilla Rd. , concurs that the fees should offset
costs and should not be so high as to discourage compliance and
cooperation; he believes the proposed $50 per acre Woodlot Manage-
ment Fee is not fair and would discourage participation. He made
note of the requirement in the Forestry and Woodlot Management Plan
for the services of a Registered Professional Forester, which will
ensure compliance with the Tree Ordinance and shift the City' s
management and administrative costs to the applicant. He suggested
a fee schedule which he believes is more realistic, would tend to
subsidize the small landowner and perhaps be a bit high for large
landowners.
Jim Dulitz, 1300 Garcia Rd. , spoke in support of reducing the fees
from those proposed, feeling they're rather high.
Discussion then came back to Council and focused on the need to set
fees which will encourage participation.
Motion: By Councilwoman Borgeson, seconded by Councilman
Shiers, to adopt Resolution Wo. 33-91, subject to
staff monitoring and annual adjustment, as neces-
sary, with the Woodlot Management Plan modified to:
$250fup to 10 acres; $400/10-40 acres; $600/40+
acres. Motion passed unanimously on voice vote.
With regard to the proposed annual pruning, trenching and encroach-
ment permit fee of $100, Councilwoman Borgeson asked that the
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record reflect her feeling that it is much too low a figure for
utilities, noting PG&E and So. California Gas.
Staff was asked, while monitoring the fees, to note what type of
complaints are received, as well as how much trenching has occurred
so as to better determine actual staff costs.
4. 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 COMMERCIAL TOURIST/FLOOD HAZARD OVERLAY (CT/FH) TO
SPECIAL RECREATION/FLOOD HAZARD OVERLAY/PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
OVERLAY (LS(FH) (PD8)) (Eagle Creek Associates/Boud & Associ-
ates) (Recommend motion to waive reading in full and approve
on second reading by title only. ) (Cont'd from 4/9/91)
Mr. Engen reviewed staff report and offered to respond to ques-
tions. There was no public comment.
Motion: By Councilman Dexter, seconded by Councilman Nimmo,
to adopt Ordinance No. 221 on second reading by
title only; passed unanimously by roll-call.
Councilman Shiers requested note (prior to the vote) that water is
of concern; however, he supports this project, because he believes
there are uses on the current zoning which would put a greater
demand on water than this project would.
5. ORDINANCE NO. 220 - ADDING FORESTRY AND WOODLOT MANAGEMENT
PROVISIONS TO THE CITY'S TREE ORDINANCE (Ord. #214) (Recommend
motion to waive reading in full and approve on second reading
by title only. ) (Cont'd from 4/9/91)
Mayor Lilley introduced the item. There was no public comment.
Motion: By Councilman Dexter, seconded by Councilman Nimmo,
to adopt Ordinance No. 220 on second reading by
title only; passed unanimously by roll-call.
6. WATER COMPANY AGREEMENTS (Cont'd from 3/26/91)
A. TO DRILL ON CITY'S SYCAMORE ROAD LOT
B. TO DISTRIBUTE CITY'S RECLAIMED WATER
Mr. Luke gave the staff report, noting this item was continued from
the March 26th meeting to allow for discussion by the full Council.
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Councilwoman Borgeson expressed a desire that the Council consider
a land swap with the water company, exchanging the water company's
Creek Reservation 1-A lot (noted in the AMWC Master Plan as poten-
tial surplus property) for the City' s Sycamore Rd. lot.
Superintendent Bob Hamilton, Atas. Mutual Water Co. , expressed he
believes the water company board would be willing to discuss the
potential of some kind of a swap, following their proposed test
drill on the Sycamore Rd. lot, if it proves to be of a productive
nature.
There was no public comment.
Motion: By Councilman Nimmo, seconded by Councilman Dexter,
to authorize the City Manager to execute an agree-
ment with Atascadero Mutual Water Co. to permit the
Company to drill a test well on the City's Sycamore
Road lot with the assurance that the lot will be
restored to the same or better condition should the
well be unsuccessful; motion passed by 4: 1 voice
vote, with Councilwoman Borgeson opposed.
By consensus, Council approved staff recommendation number two,
directing staff to prepare a draft agreement with Atascadero Mutual
Water Co. to distribute reclaimed water, said agreement to be
brought back to Council for final consideration.
E. INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION AND/OR ACTION:
City Manager - Mr. Engen noted the City Manager has asked that
Council adjourn to 6:00 p.m. at the May 14th meeting.
Motion: By Councilman Dexter, seconded by Councilman Nimmo,
to adjourn to closed session; motion passed unani-
mously.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 11:27 P.M. TO A CLOSED SESSION FOR PURPOSES OF
DISCUSSION REGARDING MATTERS INVOLVING POTENTIAL LITIGATION. THE
CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNED AT 11:55 P.M. TO 6:00 P.M. ON MAY 14, 1991
PRIOR TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
Minutes prepared by:
CINDY WILKINS
Admin. Secy./Dep. City Clerk
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J
City Council Minutes /Z
4/23/91, Exhibit B µ
MORRO GROUP WATER STUDY
Comments from Dorothy McNeil
to Atascadero City Council
4/23/91
I found myself drawing a sigh of relief when I read the con-
clusions of the Morro Group report to the city of Atascadero
concerning our water supply for the future.
There are some questions which remain in my mind. I was a bit
confused by some statements. On page 6 we are told "The area
of the basin near Atascadero and north to Templeton was, at
that time , in the category of having a lone-term increase in
ground water storage. " This statement reflects the 1979 study
made eleven years ago. What do we know today of this sub-basin?
Tremendous increase of use has occurred since that study. Has the
drought affected it?
On page 6 we are told that groundwater levels in the vicinity of
the AMWC well field are substantially to totally independent of
changes in water levels in the main Paso basin. Yet a news
account says "This sub-basin is not in overdraft, nor would
additional extraction from it contribute significantly to any
overdraft in the main basin."
If the sub-basin and the main basin are separated by a fault, and
if the main basin is in overdraft and the sub-basin is not, how
can additional extractions from the sub-basin affect the main
basin at all--either significantly or insignificantly?
It is my understanding that well #11, not included in the study,
R is on land not owned by the AMWC. Does the water company own an
`1 al%which is actually over the sub-basin? If not, how can there
L ° be no physical problem in gaining access to the basin to extract
the needed 2,500 to 4,000 acre feet needed for buildout?
Clint Milneaddressed the Homeowners over a year ago and expressed
his belief that AMWC may find itself in court more than once over
the basin water.
With these problems in mind, and the additional problem of finding
only dry wells, it does seem prudence would dictate that the
company and the city make sure the needed water is therevbefore
.
proceeding with buildout.
My family has stored. drinking water in case of an emergency. If
the emergency oceurs�: , we would carefully ration what we have
unless new sources became available soon. We would not invite
prosec e residents to shareaur meager, life-saving supply.
City Council Minutes 4/23/91
Exhibit C
MORRO GROUP ',DATER STUDY
omments from John McNeil
o City Council of Atascadero
4/23/91
The Morro Group Water Study appears to be a competent analysis
of our water problem in Atascadero-. However, I have some mis-
givings about the report.
First , I find no statement in the report as to the qualifications
of the Morro Group as to their education and track record in
this specialized field. .
Secondly, cautious statements are made throughout the report such
as "probable" used numerous times, "more Likely, " "substantially
to totally independent ," referring to the water basins, and
"estimates are approximate, "used several times.
As a professional man, I can understand this cautious language.
Weasel words are a good part of an attorney's vocabulary. But
this is a report from engineers from whom I expect precision.
All of the probabilities and qualifications in the report should
not support the conclusion of a "reliable-"-I repeat, 'reliable--
source of water for buildout without water from any other sources.
The Morro Group w cautious in developing their supporting data,
but they threw caution to the winds in arriving at their con-
clusion that we have a reliable source of eater for buildout.
I urge you, the City Council, to be cautious in accepting this
report , both as to its supporting data and as to its conclusions.
J6hn W. McNeil
City Council Minutes 4/23/91
Exhibit A
Testimony given to the Atascadero City Council
During Community Forum on April 23rd, 1991
by Eric Greening
Often, good ideas get forgotten because there is nobody to bring them to fruition. One good
idea that I hope does not get forgotten is our treasurer's suggestion for an adopt-a•tree list: you
dig,you haul,you plant; no extra charge. Citizens with healthy volunteering seedlings and no
space for them to grow,and citizens with space who want trees,could all benefit,and the city as
a whole could benefit from reforestation with trees genetically adapted to our area. At your
previous meeting,I welcomed this suggestion,but pointed out that our city itself spreads over a
diversity of life zones,and expressed concern that his should be taken into account. In thinking
about the matter since, I have come up with a way to address this concern without creating a
complicated set of rules or making a significant demand on staff time: instead of giving the tree
to the first applicant,why not past each item on ythe list for two weeks,and then any time more
than one family applies for a given tree,give the tree to the applicant who lives closest.
While this keeps the beautiful simplicity of the original conception,I must say that I still wish
we had an arborist whose priasibil ty would include this and many other aspects of
maintaining the integrity of our urban forest.
Our lack of an arborist can have another drawback: while perusing Arbor Day literature, I
discovered that being a "Tree City U.S.A." is not just an expression of vague sentiment; it is an
honor that must be earned,just like our zoo's accreditation. And our vacant arborist's position
represents a fall from compliance with the standards. I don't know how the folks in Nebraska
check up on these things,but suspect that our status may in jeopardy. I'm proud of lkivng in
a "Tree City U.S.A.,but only if it means something. It's nice to have a treasurer who generates
good ideas, but managing our city's funds is a full-time job: caring for our unique natural
heritage should be as well.
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