HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 081391 Approved As Submitted
8/27/91
ATASCADERO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
AUGUST 13, 1991
Mayor Shiers called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Councilman
Nimmo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALLS
Present: Councilmembers Lilley, Borgeson, Nimmo, Dexter
and Mayor Shiers
Absent: None
Also Present: Muriel "Micki" Korba, City Treasurer and Lee
Raboin, City Clerk
Staff Present: Ray Windsor, City Manager; Henry Engen,
Community Development Director; Art Montandon,
City Attorney; Mark Joseph, Administrative
Services Director; Greg Luke, Public Works
Director; Lt. Bill Watton, Police Department
and Bill Wittmeyer, Compliance official
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Mayor Shiers congratulated the Fire Chief' s daughter, Kara McCain,
for being selected as Maid of San Luis Obispo County. Councilwoman
Borgeson also extended congratulations to Tracy Porter, pageant
runner-up. Mayor Shiers noted that Tracy's grandparents, Mr. and
Mrs. George Porter, had been chosen as King and Queen of the Colony
Days Parade.
Mayor Shiers announced that Councilwoman Borgeson had been named
"Citizen of the Year" by the Atascadero Historical Society. He
also reported that the Atascadero All-Star Little League Team had
won the district championships.
PROCLAMATION:
Mayor Shiers read the proclamation in support of "The California
National Guard" and presented it to Sgt. Dennis Brown.
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COMMUNITY FORUM:
Don Saueressig, 10735 San Marcos Road, reported that past efforts
to form an assessment district in his area had failed due to a lack
of accurate information. He urged Council to get a road policy
set, to approve road standards and to give tax payers their fair
share of maintenance on the roads. Mr. Saueressig remarked that he
would have preferred to see the money Council spent on the E.G.
Lewis desk spent, instead, on road improvements. He added that the
City should have staff conduct studies, rather than to hire
consultants and asserted that Council needs to get control of its,
budget and put more money into basic services.
Sarah Gronstrand, 7620 Del Rio Road, proclaimed that she was angry
that citizen complaints were continuing regarding the Council's
purchase of the E.G. Lewis desk. She stated that the desk
commemorated the City's founder and indicated support for its,
purchase.
Bob Huot, 3850 Ardilla Road, criticized Councilman Dexter for
interrupting public testimony given by George Luna on July 23,
1991.
Eric Greening, 7365 Valle, complimented the citizens of Atascadero
for respectful and orderly decorum while attending public meetings.
He indicated that he had recently observed another community's City
Council meeting were the atmosphere was quite different._
A. COMMITTEE REPORTS (The following represent ad hoc or standing
committees. Informative status reports were given, as
follows. ) :
1. S.L.O. Area Coordinating Council/North Coastal Transit-
Councilwoman Borgeson reported that there would be a
special meeting on August 14, 1991 at 9:00 a.m. in the
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors' Chambers.
She presented an overview of items scheduled for the
agenda.
2. Solid/Hazardous Waste Management Committee - Councilman
Nimmo reported that this committee had met on August 8,
1991 where he and others had voiced frustration regarding
overlapping responsibilities of the technical task force
and the advisory body. He added that he hoped future
meetings would be more productive.
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3. Recycling Committee —Mayor Shiers reported that this
committee had met twice and that winners had been
selected for the Logo/Mascot Contest. He indicated that
composting bins were available for purchase at the Tiki
Hut (Charles Paddock Zoo) and presented a potential plan
for involving senior citizens. The mayor also announced
that three members' terms were soon to expire and that
each had expressed interest in continuing to serve on the
committee. He named the members as follows: Renee
Silberman, James Patterson and Michele Velasco and
indicated that the committee by-laws allowed for re-
appointment, but that it was a matter of Council
discretion. The City Manager noted that this item would
be on the Consent Calendar for the next meeting.
4. Economic Opportunity Commission - Councilman Dexter
reported that the commission would be meeting on the
following day: August 14, 1991.
5. City/School Committee - Mr. Windsor reported that the
next meeting would be Thursday, August 15, 1991 at 1:30
p.m. in his office at City Hall.
6. Traffic Committee - Councilman Dexter announced the
committee would meet again the next day, Wednesday,
August 14, 1991 at 3:30 p.m. , Room 308, City Hall.
7. Downtown Interim Sign Committee Councilman Lilley
provided an overview of the open meeting held on August
12, 1991 and thanked Assistant Planner, Bob Malone, for
professional graphic art assistance. In addition,
Councilman Lilley reported that three downtown businesses
had agreed to become "guinea pigs for the proposed
design and signing concept.
8. Economic Round Table - Councilman Lilley indicated that
the roundtable was continuing to gather creative, serious
and informed input into long-range planning for economic
development of the City. He announced that the next
meeting would be Wednesday, August 14, 1991 at 7:30 a.m.
in Room 102 of City Hall. (Note: Councilman Lilley
corrected this date later, see page 18)
9. Colony Roads Committee - The City Manager reported that
the next meeting would be on Monday, August 19, 1991 at
10:00 `a.m. (Note: Mr. Windsor corrected this meeting
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time, see page 19)
10. County-wide Fee Study - Mark Joseph announced that he had
received the final draft of the County's Development Fee
Impact Report and that copies would be distributed to
Council.
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Shiers read the Consent Calendar as follows:
I. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 9, 1991
2. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 23, 1991
3. PERSONNEL ACTIONS:
A. RESOLUTION NO. 75-91 - APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDER-
STANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF ATASCADE%O AND THE
ATASCADERO SERGEANTS SERVICE ORGANIZATION
B. RESOLUTION N0. 76-91 - APPROVING AN MOU BETWEEN THE CITY
OF ATASCADERO AND THE ATASCADERO POLICE OFFICERS ASSO-
CIATION
Co RESOLUTION NO. 77-91 - APPROVING AN MOU BETWEEN THE CITY
OF ATASCADERO AND THE ATASCADERO PUBLIC SAFETY TECHNI-
CIANS ORGANIZATION
D. RESOLUTION NO. 78-91 - ADOPTING SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR
MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES
E. RESOLUTION NO. 79-91 - ADOPTING SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR
CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES
F. RESOLUTION NO. 80-91 ADOPTING A SALARY SCHEDULE AND
POSITION ALLOCATION SCHEDULE FOR THE CITY OF ATASCADERO
4. RESOLUTION NO. 81-91 - AUTHORIZING ENDORSEMENT OF THE APPLI-
CATION FOR GRANT FUNDS TO CONSTRUCT BIKEWAYS AND BIKEWAY
FACILITIES UNDER THE CLEAN AIR AND TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT
ACT
5. RESOLUTION NO. 74-91 - AUTHORIZING ESTABLISHMENT OF A "NO
PARKING" ZONE ALONG A PORTION OF EL CAMINO REAL
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6. ACCEPTANCE OF FINAL PARCEL MAP 04-90, 4400 OBISPO ROAD - Div-
ision of 10.53 acres into two lots of 4.0 and 6.53 acres
(Brimfield/Cuesta Engineering)
Councilwoman Borgeson asked that item #B-5 be pulled for further
discussion. Doug Lewis, Atascadero resident, pulled item #B-4.
MOTION: By Councilwoman Borgeson, seconded by Councilman Lilley
to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of
items #B-4 and 5; motion carried unanimously by roll call
vote.
Re: #B-4. RESOLUTION NO. 81-91 - AUTHORIZING ENDORSEMENT OF
THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS TO CONSTRUCT
BIKEWAYS AND BIKEWAY FACILITIES UNDER THE CLEAN AIR
AND TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT ACT
Mr. Lewis asked if consideration would be given to the proposed
Lewis Avenue Bridge. Greg Luke, Public Works Director, clarified
that the grant application consists only of bike lanes along El
Camino Real. The bridge, he explained, was projected for
construction as part of the City' s 5-Year Capital Improvement
Program.
MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo, seconded by Councilman Lilley to
approve Consent Calendar Item #B-4; motion carried
unanimously.
Re: #8-5. RESOLUTION NO. 74-91 - AUTHORIZING ESTABLISHMENT OF
A "NO PARKING" ZONE ALONG A PORTION OF EL CAMINO
REAL
Councilwoman Borgeson indicated that, if approved, three parking
spaces would be lost at this location. She recognized the lack of
a comprehensive plan for red curbing along El Camino Real and
suggested to staff that curbs be painted red four feet back from
driveways.
Councilman Lilley indicated that was distressed over the Traffic
Committee's arbitrary limiting of parking and stated that the
matter, because it relates to site distance, should be reviewed by
an engineer.
Mayor Shiers proposed the issue be referred for further study.
Councilman Nimmo recognized the danger at this location and
suggested that the two driveways be designated; one as an entrance,
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the other as an exit.
Councilwoman Borgeson asserted that when malls are being designed,
matters of this nature should be addressed. Councilman Lilley
shared additional concern about qualifications of those on the
advisory committee, who are making recommendations on matters of
proper egress and ingress; issues which might result in liability
claims against the City.
Greg Luke reported that he, as the Public Works Director and the
City's Engineer, chairs the Traffic Committee and that he,
personally, takes responsibility for initial recommendations. He
pointed out that other members of the committee include a police
officer, the Community Development Director, Councilman Dexter and
two members at-large who are selected primarily because of their
knowledge of traffic conditions; one of whom is a civilian traffic
engineer. The Traffic Committee, he continued, does not make
capricious or arbitrary decisions.
Councilman Lilley clarified that he did not quarrel with the
competence of the committee, but suggested that the Public Works
Department make such recommendations, rather than a citizen
committee. Councilwoman Borgeson agreed, stating that the Traffic
Committee should be done away with and that the matters be given
back to technical experts in the Public Works Department.
By consensus, the matter was continued for further study.
C. HEARINGS/APPEARANCES:
1. PROPOSED REVISIONS TO SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE
A. Ordinance No. 230 -Amending Title 11 of the City Muni.
Code (Subdivision Ordinance) (Recommend motion to waive
reading in full and approve on first reading by title
only)
Henry Engen provided a brief overview of the changes recommended.
He referred to a letter written by John Falkenstien, who had
requested that the number of lots served by one single accessway
remain at five instead of the three proposed.
Mr. Engen responded to questions from Council. Councilwoman
Borgeson asked how many creek reservation parcels would be affected
by the addition of proposed language in Section 11-8.202 of Exhibit
A. Mr. Engen responded that there were twenty original creek
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reservation parcels, however, some subdivision has occurred since
1914 when the Map of Atascadero colony was filed and research would
be necessary to provide an accurate, current total.
In response to inquiry by Councilwoman Borgeson, the City Attorney
explained that if the City accepts the dedication of any creek
property it is liable for any dangerous conditions that exist. Ms.
Borgeson also wondered about potential loss of taxes on properties
in the creek reservation. The City Manager clarified that once a
parcel has become public property, it is removed from the tax roll;
Mark Joseph remarked that there would be no way of knowing how much
property tax was lost without proper assessment.
Councilman Lilley questioned the Community Development Director if
Section 11-8.209 regarding flag lot subdivisions requires fee
ownership. Henry Engen replied that the owner of the back parcel
would also own the accessway; which would be required to be twenty
feet wide. Councilman Lilley stated that he failed to see the
logic of requiring fee ownership on the deepest lot to ensure
adequate width of the accessway. The Community Development
Director explained that the Planning Commission did not review the
fee issue, but rather the width of road. Easements, he added, were
the practice up and until 1988 when the subdivision ordinance was
adopted and it was then difficult to read the map. He stated that
the issue of how the access is derived is clear and more
predictable if assigned to the back party.
Councilwoman Borgeson asked the City Attorney for additional advise
relating to Section 11.8-202 regarding creek preservation property
and whether or not a required dedication takes away rights of the
property owners. Mr. Montandon stated that applying the regulation
was not, in his opinion, a compensable taking; although property is
taken from private individuals and the City is not required to pay
for it.
Public Comments:
Sarah Gronstrand, 7620 Del Rio Road, pointed out that Council had
said that they would address all matters relating to the creek
after the creekway mapping process had been completed and objected
to what she called a "piece-meal"creek policy. She suggested that
staff may be trying to stop lot splits which they believe to be
undesirable.
Tom Bench, 7503 Carmelita, debated that not allowing creek_
reservation to be used toward minimum lot size may have been
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appropriate when E.G. Lewis owned all the property in 1914, but
that it is not now. He stated that similar property with the same
zoning, but not on the creek, would not have to suffer the same
economic hardship as creek owners. Mr. Bench contended that the
1914 Ownership Certificate for Atascadero States, Inc. makes no
mention of the creekway reservation; how would the City determine
what area it really covered, he asked. He indicated that there
were many unanswered questions and proclaimed that if the City
takes property, it is denying that owner the right to reasonable
use of his land.
Whitey Thorpe, 8025 Santa Ynez, proclaimed that it was not right
for government to take private property without paying the owner
for it.
----End of Public Testimony----
Councilwoman Borgeson concurred with comments made by Sarah
Gronstrand. She indicated that the Council needed to adopt a
creekway policy before it makes any other decisions relating to the
creek. She suggested that the proposed additions be removed from
Section 11-8.202 until the mapping is complete and a policy is
adopted.
Responding to inquiry from Councilwoman Borgeson, the Public Works
Director reported that the creekway mapping was complete and a
final report would be formally presented to the City Council in
September. He indicated that the recommendation would be that some
form of planning begin.
Councilman Dexter and Councilman Lilley preferred to defer any
changes to that section of the subdivision until after a creekway
policy is adopted. Councilman Lilley also asked that the matter of
flag lots, Section 11-8.209, be continued for further study.
The City Attorney advised that the ordinance be amended by deleting
the proposed revisions to Sections 11-8.202 and 11-8.209 and then
be introduced.
By consensus, Council agreed to postpone any action on these
two sections until 1) a creekway policy has been adopted and
2) the Planning Commission and City Council can meet in a
joint session to further study flag lot subdivisions.
MOTILIN: By Councilwoman Borgeson, seconded by Councilman Lilley
to waive reading Ordinance No. 220 in full and approve on
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first reading, with exceptions, by title only; motion
carried unanimously by roll call vote.
2. UNREINFORCED MASONRY BUILDING ORDINANCE
A. Ordinance No. 226 - Amending Title 8 of the Atascadero
Muni. Code by the addition of Chapter 12 relative to
earthquake hazard reduction in existing unreinforced
masonry buildings (Recommend motion to waive reading in
full and approve on first reading by title only)
Henry Engen reported that, as mandated by the State, an inventory
had been taken of all the potentially hazardous buildings in the
City and thirty-two were initially identified; the largest of which
is City Hall. A subsequent engineering study, he continued, has
reduced th number of buildings affected to twenty-nine. He
provided an overview of the work required and noted that Bill
Wittmeyer, Compliance Official, was present and available for
questions. In addition, the Community Development Director pointed
out that a correction was in order on page 5 of Exhibit A and that
an addendum had been distributed with the proper equation.
Mr. Wittmeyer responded to brief questions from Council. He
emphasized that the proposed ordinance addressed the safety aspect
of historic buildings and that it was different from the Uniform
Building Code which applies to all new construction.
There were no public comments.
MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo, seconded by Councilman Dexter to
waive the reading of Ordinance No. 226 in full and
approve by title only; motion unanimously approved.
MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo, seconded by Councilman Dexter to
approve Ordinance No. 226 on first reading; motion
carried 5:0.
Mayor Shiers noted, for the record, that the ordinance
was approved with the correction of the formula on Page
5 of the Exhibit.
3. PROPOSED CITY ORDINANCES FOR COST RECOVERY OF EMERGENCY RE-
SPONSES INVOLVING "D.U.I. " AND ALARM CALLS
There was consensus of the Council to discuss item C-1(B) regarding
false alarms first.
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B. Ordinance No. 229 - Adding Article 10, regarding alarms,
to Title 3, Chapter 5, of the Atascadero Municipal Code
(Recommend motion to waive reading in full and approve on
first reading by title only)
Lt. Bill Watton gave a brief staff report and responded to
questions from Council relating to proposed fines and how they
would be assessed when alarm systems malfunction.
Public Comments:
Whitey Thorpe revealed that although he was not personally affected
by this issue, he was opposed.
Joe Grisanti, 5275 Cabrillo, proclaimed that the proposed fines
were unjustified and that because, as taxpayers, citizens were
paying for police protection, they should receive these services
free of charge.
Bill Mazzacane, Chamber of Commerce Manager, indicated that he had
solicited and received comments from members of the Chamber
regarding the ordinance. He stated that he did not oppose the
ordinance on general purposes but hoped that it would administered
with good judgement and discretion.
----End of Public Testimony----
Council comments followed. Councilwoman Borgeson opposed the
ordinance asserting that there were too many outside factors to be
considered and that it would be costly to the City to enforce.
Councilman Lilley described the ordinance as too pervasive.
Councilman Dexter indicated support and pointed out that often
business owners do not even show up when their alarm goes off. He
stated that false alarms add needlessly to police costs.
Lt. Watton reported that the proposed ordinance was patterned after
those adopted the cities of San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande. He
added that Atascadero, with the exception of the City of Pismo
Beach who has one pending, is the only city without regulation of
this nature.
Additional discussion ensued. Councilwoman Borgeson indicated that
the ordinance needed to be tightened up and negligence must be
proved.
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Councilman Nimmo remarked that after four or more false alarms, the
owner needs to correct the situation.
MOTION: By Councilman Dexter, seconded by Councilman Nimmo to
waive reading Ordinance No. 229 in full; motion carried
unanimously.
MOTION: By Councilman Dexter, seconded by Councilman Nimmo to
approve Ordinance No. 229 on first reading by title only;
motion failed on a 2:3 vote with Councilmembers Lilley
and Borgeson and Mayor Shiers opposing.
MOTION: By Councilman Lilley, seconded by Councilwoman Borgeson
that the matter be returned to staff for a revised
ordinance that directs fines solely upon proof of the
building owners' negligence in the maintenance or
operation of the alarm system; unanimously approved.
Mayor Shiers then referred back to the first issue under this
agenda item.
A. Ordinance No. 228 - Adding Chapter 13 to Title 3 of the
Atascadero Municipal Code approving the implementation of
a State-authorized program to recover costs of responses
to emergencies caused by drunk or reckless drivers and
providing guidelines and procedures therefore, pursuant
to California Government Code Section 53150, et seq
(Recommend motion to waive reading in full and approve on
first reading by title only)
Lt. Watton introduced this matter reporting that the proposed
ordinance was for cost recovery of responding to incidents relating
to driving-under-the-influence.
Councilman Lilley pointed out that it would also apply to accidents
as a result of reckless conduct and asked Lt. Watton if there had
been any studies conducted on the success rate of recouping
expenses. Lt. Watton explained that all other cities in the
County, except for Grover City, have a similar ordinance but did
not know the extent of the success they have had with cost
recovery.
In response to Councilman Lilley, the City Attorney confirmed that
restitution for damages is a condition of probation and cities are
not allowed to recover police costs by this means. He indicated
that the ordinance would allow the City to recover response costs
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and assured the Council that it was not duplicative.
The City Manager reported that Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
strongly urged the Council to adopt the proposed ordinance.
Public Comments:
Eric Greening indicated that he could support the ordinance only if
it was triggered by a conviction. He implored the Council to find
a balance point and to charge costs only to those found guilty and
none to those found innocent.
Whitey Thorpe, apologized and stated that he had spoken on Part B
of this agenda topic when he thought he was speaking on Part A. He
proclaimed that the Police Department has no business of putting
itself in the position of judge and asked the Council to not
support the ordinance.
----End of Public Testimony----
Additional discussion followed regarding criteria for making the
determination that an incident was caused by a person under the
influence of alcohol and/or drugs or by someone intentionally
engaging in willful misconduct. The City Attorney advised that it
is the police officer, confirmed by the District Attorney filing
charges, who makes the determination. Councilman Lilley stated
that he was uncomfortable with this but that he couldsupport
charges to only those who are convicted of a crime. Councilman
Dexter agreed and suggestions followed for amending the ordinance.
The City Attorney recommended that the matter be continued to give
him ample time to accurately compose the amendment.
By consensus, the matter was continued for two weeks.
D. REGULAR BUSINESS:
1. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION RE: SIGN ORDINANCE (Re-
sponse to City Council referral, May 28, 1991)
Henry Engen presented the staff report and a 3-part course of
action as recommended by the Planning Commission. He explained
that once the text amendments relative to sign regulations had been
initiated, public hearings before the Planning Commission and the
City Council would be held concurrent with those relating to the
comprehensive revision of the Zoning Ordinance. The rewrite, he
reported, would begin in the fall.
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Councilman Nimmo stated that many businesses are struggling and
hoped staff would put high priority on revising the sign ordinance.
Public Comments:
Joe Grisanti opposed any fees related to signage and asked that the
City show some flexibility in what is allowed.
Bill Mazzacane debated that it was incongruent to tis a free-
standing ordinance relating to signage to the Zoning Ordinance
rewrite. He asserted that the business community is looking for
some relief and urged that the process be handled as expeditiously
as possible.
----End of Public Testimony----
Council concurred to accept the 3-part recommendation made by
the Planning Commission and directed staff to advise Council
if there would be any further delay.
2. ZONING ORDINANCE COMPLAINT REGARDING SIDEWALK SALES ENFORCE-
MENT
Henry Engen provided background and asked Council for direction
regarding abatement. In addition, he reported that the City
Attorney had made some specific recommendations for an ordinance
relating to sidewalk sales in the downtown district and indicated
that the Council might wish to proceed along this course.
Councilman Nimmo suggested that enforcement action concentrate on
the specific complaint, which has unique circumstances to investi-
gate.
Discussion followed regarding sidewalk sales in the downtown.
Councilman Dexter suggested that the City capitalize on the
Farmers' Market held every Wednesday and allow sidewalk displays
only on that day. Councilwoman Borgeson concurred with this idea,
adding that any ordinance proposed should be fair and provide for
safe access for everyone, including the handicapped. Councilman
Lilley remarked that a balance is needed between public safety and
encouragement for pedestrian traffic. Mayor Shiers commented that
issues of liability and equal enforcement would need to be
addressed.
The City Manager interjected that the present ordinance cannot be
selectively enforced and recommended that Council divide the two
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issues: (1) abatement action on the specific complaint and (2) new
regulations regarding sidewalk display in the downtown. He
emphasized that if the citation process is begun, it cannot be done
only at the business at 5905 E1 Camino Real, but would have to be
done citywide. Mr. Windsor added that there were other factors
that may assist the City in abating the nuisance.
The City Attorney advised that a blanket-wide approach would be
preferable rather than to cite only one business. He indicated
that a criminal complaint of this kind would be subject to
dismissal on grounds of selective prosecution and cautioned against
this approach.
Public Comments:
Joe Grisanti proclaimed that sidewalk display is his trademark and
he has never received any complaints about it. He stated that he
carries liability insurance and will continue to put his
merchandise on the sidewalk as he has done for years.
Sarah Gronstrand remarked that she had no problem with the way in
which GrisantiIs Hardware or Coast-to-Coast displayed their wares.
She stated that if a merchant' s display is unsafe, then the City
should deal with it.
MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo, seconded by Councilman Lilley to
refer the matter back to staff for a two-pronged
approach: (1) to prepare an overall plan dealing with
sidewalk sales and (2) to proceed with specific actions
relative to the sales at 5905 El Camino Real; motion
carried unanimously.
3. GUEST HOUSES - REPORT ON CITIZEN'S REQUEST FOR AMENDMENTS TO
ZONING ORDINANCE STANDARDS (City Council referral, July 23,
1991)
The Community Development Director explained that two citizens,
Hoyt Chambless and Dennis Garad, had requested tighter standards
relating to guest houses. He reported that staff was recommending
that Council direct staff to initiate an interim urgency ordinance
providing for use permit review of guest houses. The emergency
ordinance, he explained, would allow staff to study the Zoning
Ordinance with a view of amending or expanding it; depending upon
Council direction. He suggested that, rather than just prohibit
guest houses, they be changed from a principal permitted use to a
use allowed by a conditional use permit and further proposed that
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Council may wish to establish minimum guest house criteria.
Council discussion followed. Mr. Engen clarified that "granny
flats" are not allowed under the current Zoning Ordinance. He
recognized that although "guest houses are an allowable use,
current standards do make bootlegging possible, therefore,
corrupting the guest house intent.
Councilman Dexter indicated that he could support a minimum "guest
house" size. Councilwoman Borgeson remarked that she favored
"granny housing" for use by relatives adding that this concept
would help meet the state-mandated count of low-income housing
stock. Councilman Lilley reflected upon earlier Council
discussions relating to "granny housing" and remarked that
enforcement was what killed the issue. He recognized the critical
housing needs of the community and suggested that it may be time to
reconsider "granny housing" with a cost-effective enforcement
technique.
The Community Development Director pointed out that a guest house
could be scaled to the size of the primary residence. Councilman
Nimmo supported this idea.
Further Council suggestions for standards included adopting a
minimum lot size and mandating that the guest house be at the rear
of the principal house.
Public Comments:
Hoyt Chambless, 4200 Carrizo Road, asked the mayor about the
Conditional Use Permit process. Mayor Shiers confirmed that the
public would be notified before a permit was issued. Mr. Chambless
provided additional suggestions for proposed standards, which
included that the guest house should be attached to the main house,
that parking should , be provided for, that there be only one
bathroom, that the guest house be limited to a maximum of four
hundred square feet and that a limitation of how many days it could
be occupied be established.
Dennis Garad, 4300 Carrizo Road, thanked the Council and staff for
addressing the issue. He asked the Council to incorporate all the
criteria suggested by Mr. Chambless and urged Council to preserve
single-family zoning by passing an urgency ordinance based on staff
recommendations.
John Himes, 8210 Carmelita, expressed sympathy for those desperate
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for rentals and urged Council to look into allowable uses for
providing elderly family members with a place to live. He stressed
that there is a need to look into all housing issues, not just
"granny housing" .
Eric Greening estimated that the community' s population is greater
than the census figures report and suggested that the numbers be
challenged. He stated that the best ordinances are the ones who do
not cause people to hide things and opposed proposed methods for
determining if "guest houses" are being used properly. He
continued that if anything is to be regulated, it should not be how
long a guest stays or whether or not they are related to the
principal homeowner, but rather regulate on matters like water
usage and the number of plumbing fixtures and on the number of
vehicles that can be parked at one address.
The City Treasurer spoke in support of guest housing and opposed
mandating that the guest be a relative.
Whitey Thorpe asserted that the property owner should have the
right to decide whether or not he wants a guest house. He added
that it is not the business of government to determine who and how
long guests may stay.
Eric Greening addressed the Council again and warned that any
policy adopted that causes people to go underground will result in
circumstances leading to decreased public safety.
----End of Public Testimony----
Councilman Nimmo commented that lifestyle patterns are changing and
government must accommodate changing needs to prevent abuse and
provide protection. He stressed that the widest possible latitude
must be given to meet the needs of today' s family environment.
MOTION: By Councilman Lilley, seconded by Councilman Nimmo to
extend the meeting past 11:00 p.m. ; motion carried
unanimously.
Councilman Lilley and Councilwoman Borgeson suggested standards for
parking, storage, fire and emergency access and water usage be
established.
By consensus, the City Council agreed that they did not wish
to initiate an urgency ordinance and directed staff to
incorporate Council suggestions in strengthening text
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standards relating to "guest housing" and impose use permit
review as part of the Zoning Ordinance re-write.
The Community Development Director proposed that an administrative
use permit be required. He indicated that this could be done at
the staff level and would require notice to the immediate neighbors
and a hearing before the permit would be granted. Councilwoman
Borgeson asked if the application would be subject to the
appearance review guidelines; Mr. Engen noted that it could if the
appearance review guidelines were amended. If the use permit is
denied, he added, it could be appealed to the Planning Commission.
4. WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT - FIVE-YEAR FACILITIES PLAN
Greg Luke, Public Works Director, provided a brief overview of the
staff report and recommended Council approve the Five-Year Capital
Improvement Plan. He pointed out that the needs and associated
costs have been assessed and that the next milestone is to complete
a fee study to devise how the necessary improvements will be paid
for. This study, he added, would be prepared in the very near
future.
Brief discussion followed relating to the video collection line
camera proposed for purchase in the 1995-96 Fiscal Year.
There were no public comments.
MOTION: By Councilwoman Borgeson, seconded by Councilman Dexter
to approve the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan as
shown on Attachment "A" and as described in Attachment
"B
5. TREE PROTECTION/PRESERVATION POLICY
The Public Works Director introduced Kelly Heffernon,
Administrative Analyst, and provided an overview of the staff
report.
Public Comments
Eric Greening indicated that he liked the "Adopt-A-Tree" program
but suggested that March is not the best month for seeds to be put
into the ground; Fall, he stated, would be better. He stated that
he was in support of enacting all but Part B until an arborist is
hired by the City.
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The City Manager acknowledged the current freeze on hiring but
noted a recent resignation in the Parks Division which might
enable the position to be re-written for an arborist.
Doug Lewis remarked that the public should be encouraged to use
other porous pavement surfaces, rather than concrete or asphalt
which deplete natural absorption of groundwater.
----End of Public Testimony----
Councilman Nimmo suggested that Bay Trees be added to the list of
native trees.
Mark Joseph reported that the City had recently recovered all fees
related to the Garcia Road extension and that the Tree Fund now has
the monies needed to fund the proposals.
By consensus, Council adopted the tree management program as
recommended by staff. Ms. Heffernon was congratulated on her
fine work.
6. ZONE CHANGE 07-89 (2-B Partnership/EDA Engineering)
A. Ordinance No. 227 - Amending Map 23 of the official zon-
ing maps by rezoning certain real property at 10700 El
Camino Real from RMF/16 to RMF/16 (PD7) (ZC 07-89: 2-B
Partnership) (Recommend motion to waive reading in full
and adopt on second reading by title only)
The City Manager noted that this was the second reading of
Ordinance No. 227.
There were no questions or comments from the public.
MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo, seconded by Councilman Dexter to
approve and adopt Ordinance No. 227 on second reading;
motion carried 3:2 with Councilwoman Borgeson and Mayor
Shiers opposing.
E. INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION AND/OR ACTION:
1. City Council
Councilman Lilley corrected the date of the next Economic
Roundtable meeting; it is Wednesday, August 21, 1991 at 7:30 a.m.
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Councilwoman Borgeson asked if the Economic Roundtable would
eventually be turned over to the Chamber of Commerce. The City
Manager stated that some of the roundtable's activities are
parallel to those of the Chamber and suggested that at some time
the roundtable might be passed over for follow-through. He added
that he had requested that the Chamber present an update of its'
activities and priorities soon, and proposed that the question
might be asked at that time.
2. City Attorney - No report.
3. City Clerk - No report.
4. City Treasurer
Micki Korba referred to an article in the August edition of Western
Cities magazine regarding a $20,000 a grant for "Smoke-Free
Cities" . She noted that the application deadline was October 31,
1991. The City Manager explained that staff does have a no-smoking
ordinance drafted relating to public buildings only and emphasized
that there will be competition for the grant.
S. City Manager
Mr. Windsor noted that the Colony Roads Committee meeting would be
meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 19th in his office.
The City Manager addressed an earlier public comment about use of
consultant work. He pointed out that staff does, when possible,
get involved and illustrated, as an example, the cost savings in
consultant fees as a result of the contributions made by Bob Malone
to the Downtown Interim Sign Committee. Councilwoman Borgeson
suggested that recognition be given to those employees who do
exceptional work and proposed that a letter be placed into Bob
Malone's personnel file. The City Manager noted that he would
draft a Council letter for the mayor' s signature.
Mayor Shiers reported that there was no need for a closed session
and asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo, seconded by Councilman Dexter to
adjourn the meeting; motion carried unanimously.
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 11:30 P.M.
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MI S RD AND PREPARED BY:
r
L OIN qi' y Clerk
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