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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 102794 Approved as Submitted Meeting Date: 11/08/94 ATASCADERO CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 27, 1994 MINUTES The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilperson Highland led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Carden, Highland, Johnson, Luna and Mayor Bewley Absent: None Also Present: Muriel "Micki" Korba, City Treasurer and Lee Price, City Clerk Staff Present: Andy Takata, City Manager; Henry Engen, Community Development Director; Art Montandon, City Attorney; Brad Whitty, Finance Director and Lt. Bill Watton, Police Department COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilman Luna announced that the Atascadero Historical Society is renovating the Historical House on East Mall and has received matching funds up to $7,500 from the Water Company to put in a demonstration garden stressing water conservation. This, he stated, fits nicely into the Downtown Master Plan and indicated that he would like to see staff directed to come back to the Council with a status report on two things outlined in the Master Plan: (1) The Pedestrian Bridge crossing Atascadero Creek (near the proposed demonstration garden) or a dry creek crossing. 2) The Lewis Avenue Bridge. Councilman Luna commented that he would like to see a strategy formulated for finally constructing the Lewis Avenue Bridge. With Council concurrence, staff was directed to bring back said status report. Councilman Johnson noted that he would be out of town during Thanksgiving week and suggested that the second meeting in November be changed to the fifth Tuesday because of the holiday. By consensus, Council agreed to change the meeting date to November 29th. This matter will come back for confirmation at the next City Council CC 10/27/94 Page 1 meeting. PROCLAMATION: Mayor Bewley read the proclamation for "National Hospice Month", November, 1994. The proclamation will be formally presented at the "Light Up a Life Mayors' Luncheon" in San Luis Obispo on Friday, November 18, 1994. COMMUNITY FORUM: John Daly, 10650 Colorado Road, urged the City Council to protect the General Plan and consider ways to address already vacant commercial space in Atascadero. He also cautioned the Council to utilize public funds for public purposes. Eric Greening, 7365 Valle, urged public officials and citizens with concerns regarding water issues to attend the California Water Commission meeting in San Luis Obispo on the morning of Friday, November 4, 1994. He added that David Kennedy, Director of the State Department of Water Resources, will be attending as staff. Jim Patterson, member of the Atascadero Native Tree Association, invited all to participate in a celebration of "California State of the Oak" to be held Sunday, November 6, 1994 at Atascadero Lake Park. He explained that the event begins at 2:30 p.m. and highlighted activities planned. A. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - October 11, 1994 2. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT - August, 1994 3. TPM 94001, 8500 PORTOLA RD. - Acceptance of final parcel map to divide an existing 1 .35 acre (gross) lot into two (2) parcels of 0.54 and 0.68 acres (net) for single family residential use (Maxson/Wilson Land Surveys) 4. RESOLUTION NO. 107-94 - Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Associated Traffic Engineers for Design of Traffic Signal at EI Camino Real and State Hospital entrance 5. RESOLUTION NO. 108-94 - Authorizing City Manager to execute tax compli- ance questionnaires for Proposition 116 bond funds 6. RESOLUTION NO. 109-94 - Designating a stop intersection on Santa Ynez Ave. at Curbaril Ave. CC 10/27/94 Page 2 7. RESOLUTION NO. 110-94 - Designating a stop intersection on Santa Rosa Rd. at the overpass with Highway 101 8. RESOLUTION NO. 111-94 - Designating a stop intersection on Santa Barbara Rd. at Atascadero Ave. 9. RESOLUTION NO. 112-94 - Adopting an amended City Conflict of Interest Code 10. RESOLUTION NO. 113-94 -Authorizing the execution of Program Supplements under the State-Local Transportation Partnership Program Agreement No. SLTPP-5423 (Las Encinas, 3-F Meadows and Camino Real Assessment Districts) Eric Greening pulled Item #2, Mayor Bewley pulled Item #7 and Councilman Luna pulled Item #10. MOTION: By Councilman Johnson, seconded by Councilman Luna to approve Consent Calendar Items #1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 9; motion carried 5:0 by roll call vote. Re: Item #2. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT - August, 1994 Eric Greening requested clarification of the TDA (Transit Development Act) Non- Transit pooled cash fund. Andy Takata indicated staff would respond with a written status report. MOTION: By Councilman Carden, seconded by Councilman Luna to approve the Treasurer's Report; motion carried 5:0 by roll call vote. Re: Item #7. RESOLUTION NO. 110-94 - Designating a stop intersection on Santa Rosa Rd. at the overpass with Highway 101 Mayor Bewley expressed concern for congestion and possible gridlock that might result from large trucks stopping on the overpass. Councilman Luna, Traffic Committee delegate, clarified the recommendation and stated that the Committee concurs that because Santa Rosa Road is not a truck route and trucks should be taking Santa Barbara Road instead. Councilman Johnson inquired as to whether or not signage might direct trucks to take the designated truck route. Henry Engen indicated that staff would research this suggestion. MOTION: By Mayor Bewley, seconded by Councilman Luna to adopt Resolution No. 110-94; motion passed 5:0. CC 10/27/94 Page 3 Re: Item #10. RESOLUTION NO. 113-94 - Authorizing the execution of Program Supplements under the State-Local Transportation Partnership Program Agreement No. SLTPP-5423 (Las Encinas, 3-F Meadows and Camino Real Assessment Districts) Councilman Luna mentioned that he had received calls from property owners in the 3-F Meadows assessment district who are hoping for a rebate from the assessments associated with the road improvement project because of grant monies the City expects to receive. Henry Engen reported that the City sought grants to reduce the price to the people in the Las Encinas and 3-F Meadows assessment districts. He stated that notice has been received that funds in the amount of 19% of the local expenditures within the street improvement projects will be awarded. Mr. Engen commented that monies expected are approximately $85,000 for the Las Encinas area and $41 ,400 for the 3-F Meadows areas. The final cost of the project, he concluded, has not yet been established; once known, staff will bring back to Council all the figures and a request for direction on how to provide for rebates to those property owners in the district. MOTION: By Councilman Luna, seconded by Councilman Highland to approve Item #A-10; motion approved 5.0 by roll call vote. B. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. GENERAL PLAN STUDY SESSION - Review of Urban Services Line policies and possible initiation of amendments to the Land Use Element (Cont'd from 8/9/94 Council meeting to allow evaluation of cost estimates for environmental impact report (EIR) and related expenditures) Henry Engen provided background and the staff report. He explained that two consulting firms have analyzed the possible range of costs for environmental review and submitted proposals. He summarized the two proposals and estimated costs. Before illustrating the proposed map changes, Mr. Engen reported that staff is recommending that the suggestion to look at land uses in the Neighborhood/ Commercial and Commercial/Retail zones be pulled out of this consideration because the Planning Commission is already engaged in that study. Using overhead transparencies, Mr. Engen outlined the areas suggested by the Council for possible Urban Services Line (USL) expansion. He reported that the General Plan amendment process required would include the need to consult with the selected environmental consultant, conduct staff analyses and refine the scope of work to reflect direction of the Council. In addition, individuals within the designated areas would then be notified of the process and public hearings at the Planning Commission and City Council level will be held. CC 10/27/94 Page 4 Mr. Engen also commented that the current work program of the Community Develop- ment Department, along with priorities established as a result of 1992 layoffs that reduced staff by 40%, are included in the staff report. He noted that this kind of project was not anticipated and therefore not incorporated into the departmental budget request for the present fiscal year. Fiscal impacts, he continued, include the loss of planned revenue of $11,000 to administer the EIR programmed for the "Dove Creek" property(south Atascadero), staff fees to date totalling $1,000 and consultant and additional staff costs estimated at 550-to-100,000. Council questions and comments followed regarding the consultant proposals and EIR guidelines. Public Comments: Lanny Dugar, 8330 Santa Rosa Road, spoke in opposition to the proposal. He proclaimed that the proposal smells of political ambition and circumvents the proper methods to change the General Plan. He urged the Council to look towards tentative zone changes proposed by development who will pay their way. Leo Korba, 10905 Santa Ana Road, stated that the proposal was a "stab in the dark". He suggested that the Council wait until the economic analysis presently being conducted by the consulting firm of Palmer-Koert is complete before moving forward. He asked the Council to consider where the City will get the money to do the required studies. John McNeil, President of the Atascadero Homeowners' Association, and Nancy Rice, Corresponding Secretary, read a prepared statement in opposition to the proposal (see Exhibit A). Livia Kellerman, 5463 Honda, expressed concern for changes in the rural atmosphere, especially in the area of Del Rio Road. She urged the City Council not to ruin the gifts (rural, picturesque setting and Stadium Park) of Atascadero. She also encouraged the Council to develop Stadium Park because it will draw people to the community and to the downtown. Eric Greening, 7365 Valle, suggested that the proposal was an economic gamble, as well as an abandonment of the spirit, intent and character of the General Plan. Celia Moss, 8040 Coromar, claimed the proposal was financially irresponsible and implored the Council to instead implement the recommendations set forth in the Downtown Master Plan. O.W. Smith, 11705 Atascadero Avenue, also contested the proposal and asked the Council instead to see to it that the City's roads are repaired. Virigina Powers, 7505 Carmelita, read a prepared statement in opposition to the proposal (see Exhibit B). CC 10/27/94 Page 5 Ron Rothman, 1660 San Ramon Road, read a prepared statement expressing disapproval of including the San Ramon area into study area (see Exhibit Q. Bob Powers, 7505 Carmelita, urged the Council to revitalize the downtown and seek to fill vacant commercial property rather than pursue expanding the USL in the north and south ends of town. Joan O'Keefe, 9985 Old Morro Road East, read a prepared statement in opposition (see Exhibit D). Carol DeHart, 4035 Lobos, also expressed disagreement with the proposal and suggested that the Council look at other ways to raise revenue. Nancy Heiman, 10760 Colorado Road, opposed any changes to the General Plan. She stated that the Hendrix ("Dove Creek") property in South Atascadero should remain residential and suggested that the City buy a pool for the community instead of spending money on the EIR and possible expansion of the USL. Kathleen Daly, 10650 Colorado Road, submitted a prepared statement in opposition to the proposal (see Exhibit E). Donna Wallace, 8780 Old Santa Rosa Road, voiced support for looking at expanding the USL and the possible rezoning of properties to enhance and encourage business. She remarked that the City needs a long-range plan and should open its' arms to business. Dorothy McNeil, 8765 Sierra Vista, read a prepared statement (see Exhibit F) in opposition to the proposal. The Mayor called a break 8.55 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:10 p.m. Chris Anderson, 1705 San Ramon, spoke on the behalf of others on her street and expressed opposition. Bonita Borgeson, 4780 Del Rio Road, remarked that members of the Planning Commission should identify themselves as a member of that body when and if they speak at a City Council meeting. She stated that she was bitterly opposed to the proposal to expand the USL on both ends of town because it will result in a diminished quality of life in Atascadero. She asserted that when sewers go in density increases. Mrs. Borgeson added that if this Council cannot find money in the budget to give to charitable organizations, then it cannot afford to financially assist developers. Geraldine Brasher, 3202 Monterey Road, also expressed disapproval and urged the Council to encourage the kinds of businesses that will provide good paying jobs. CC 10/27/94 Page 6 Ray Jansen, 6655 Country Club Drive, commented that each councilmember took an Oath of Office, which implies that there are no hidden agendas and that this kind of action could lead to talk of recall. James Patterson, Atascadero business owner, urged the Council to listen to the people of Atascadero and to not support a "knee-jerk solution" to the City's economic problems. The City Clerk read a prepared statement from citizen Marcia Torgerson opposing proposed changes to the General Plan (see Exhibit G). Councilman Highland reported that he had received a phone call from a South Atascadero resident who is adamantly opposed to development other than residential for the Hendrix ("Dove Creek") property. ---End of Public Testimony--- There being no further public testimony, Mayor Bewley closed to public hearing. Lengthy Council discussion ensued. Councilman Johnson responded to some of the comments from the public. He stressed the need for the community to solve problems collectively and pointed out that some of the extensive projects the City would like to accomplish (i.e., community pool, Stadium Park) will not enhance cash flow. He commented that he has no intention of increasing density in a grand fashion but noted that some change in fringe areas of town may assist in getting the City's economy moving. Councilman Luna remarked that the public likes the General Plan as it is written and indicated that he could not support changing it. He also stated that he does not promote the "big box store" concept for the City because this image in inconsistent with the community character and proclaimed that there are other ways to enhance the economy. Councilman Highlandcommentedthat the proposed study area is far too large and far too expensive. He asserted that the Hendrix ("Dove Creek") property on the south end of town should be zoned commercial and is the only area in which he is willing to study. He added that, for the other areas, if property owners want to make a change, it is their responsibility to make application and pay the fees for the process. Councilman Carden remarked that one way to entice business is to provide the proper zoning with necessary utilities. He stated that many companies, unless the zoning is in place, won't even look at a City as a potential site and suggested that the proposal is a low-budget way to attract business and better paying jobs. He also pointed out that any large development will still be responsible for a detailed analysis and site- specific EIR. He argued that the intent is not to subsidize business, but rather an CC 10/27/94 Page 7 attempt to invest in the City's future so that it can afford to maintain and expand the zoo, develop Stadium Park and improve City services. Mayor Bewley offered that he would like to take some kind of step towards revenue enhancement, but emphasized that City finances are tight. He stated that he cannot, at this time, support studying the north end of EI Camino Real but agreed that the Hendrix ("Dove Creek") property should be zoned commercial because it is on the freeway. The Mayor added that while he favors looking into re-zoning and expanding the USL to this area, he does not generally endorse additional studies relating to re- classifying some of the other commercial areas in town when, presently, the Planning Commission is already looking into this matter. Councilman Johnson suggested that the Council direct staff to secure a firm price from the EIR consultant [SEDES] to study the south end of town only, without the other extensions. He also proposed that a well-advertised public discussion be held to seek community consensus before authorizing the investment of money into a study. Discussion ensued about the inclusion into the study area of the property east of "Dove Creek" proposal area (Santa Barbara Road/Salinas River). Councilman Highland reiterated that he could support looking only at the "Dove Creek" area. Councilman Johnson agreed. Councilman Carden argued that the property east of the "Dove Creek" site was the perfect location for an executive plaza, research park or high tech programming business. He clarified that he is not recommending a zone change but wants to see expansion of the USL to that area. He emphasized that major citing for business depends on access to rail, highway and utilities. Councilman Luna argued that taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for speculation and pointed out that much of the infrastructure is not yet installed to support high-tech industries. Councilman Highland pointed out that if the USL is expanded to include the "Dove Creek" property, there will be nothing to prevent prospective developers from making application to extend the sewer to adjacent areas in the southeast. Councilman Johnson agreed. MOTION: By Councilman Carden to look at the zoning change and extension of the sewer line on the property bounded by EI Camino [Real], [Highway] 101 , San Diego [Road] and Santa Barbara [Road]; and to get a firmer price on what it would be to do the rest of the area and should that be a minor part of the cost that, at that point in time, [the Council] decide. Discussion on the motion: Councilman Highland asked Councilman Carden to change "sewer line" to "Urban Service Line". Councilman Carden agreed; Councilman Highland seconded the motion. Brief discussion ensued. CC 10/27/94 Page 8 Councilman Carden agreed to split his motion into two, separate motions. Motion re-stated: Councilman Carden moved to charge staff to get a firm price from the consultant on extension of the USL and the re-zone of what is conventionally called the "Dove Creek" property; motion seconded by Councilman Highland. Motion passed 4:1 (Luna opposed). It was clarified that "the consultant" refers to SEDES and "firm price" includes economic and cost/benefit analyses. MOTION: By Councilman Carden to bring back a firm price on the remainder of the original proposal for all of the south end and north end; motion died for lack of second. MOTION: By Councilman Johnson, seconded by Councilman Carden to look at what the incremental cost will be to study the extension of the Urban Service Line to the eastern part of the remaining south end of Atascadero; motion carried 4:1 (Luna opposed). C. REGULAR BUSINESS: No items scheduled D. COMMITTEE REPORTS (The following represent ad hoc or standing committees. Informative status reports will be given, as felt necessary.): 1. City/School Committee - Councilman Johnson reported that the committee agreed to carry forward recommendations to the Traffic Committee regarding preferred routes to school and discussed a program entitled, "Peer Court", which provides for peer charges for minor offenses like graffiti. 2. County Water Advisory Board - Councilman Highland reported that the Board meets Wednesday, November 2nd. 3. Traffic Committee - Councilman Luna reported that at the last meeting of the Traffic Committee, residents and members of local Parent Teacher Associations indicated that they are anxiously awaiting suggested routes to school. Councilman Luna also commented that discussion ensued regarding the lack of an adopted policy relating to the placement of school zones, as required by State statute. Henry Engen replied that North Coast Engineering and the City's traffic consultant (DKS & Associates) are looking at this issue and what prerequisite ordinances may be needed. Councilman Luna pointed out that simply adopting Caltrans standards would not be appropriate because of the unique nature of Atascadero streets. Other members of Council concurred. CC 10/27/94 Page 9 4. Highway 41 Realignment Community Advisory Committee - Henry Engen reported that the committee met the 15th of September and received the bad news that the committee's chosen option for bridge design had not penciled out. The committee attempted to scale back the plan and come up with a bridge that will still fit with the feeling of the community. The next meeting will be in January, at which time sketches and cost estimates will be presented, he said. He also noted that discussion ensued regarding the placement of a sign at the entrance of Stadium Park and Mr. Engen noted that this may be an item for Council consideration at a future date. E. INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION AND/OR ACTION: 1. City Treasurer Micki Korba asked that a Finance Committee meeting be scheduled soon to look at the City's financial state. F. CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Bewley adjourned Open Session to Closed Session at 10:26 p.m. for purposes of discussion relating to the following: 1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR: Negotiator: City Manager Employee Organizations: Service Employees International Union, Atascadero Police Officers Association, Atascadero Sergeants Service Organization, Atascadero Safety Technicians Organization, Mid-Management Bargaining Unit, and Management Bargaining Unit 2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Employee: Police Officer Closed Session adjourned at 11 :15 p.m. The Mayor announced that the Council had discussed employee negotiations and gave direction to the City's Labor Negotiator. Andy Takata mentioned that the Council did not conduct the performance evaluation. THE CITY COUNCIL WILL MEET NEXT AT 7:30 P.M. ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994 AT THE "NORTH COUNTY SUMMIT" MEETING TO BE HELD IN THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES. CC 10/27/94 Page 10 MI T RECORD A D PREPARED BY: LEE PRICE, City Clerk Attachments: Exhibit A - (Atascadero Homeowners Association) Exhibit B - (Powers) Exhibit C - (Rothman) Exhibit D - (O'Keefe) Exhibit E - (Daly) Exhibit F - (McNeil) Exhibit G - (Torgerson) CC 10/27/94 Page 11 CC W/27/94 i EXHIBIT "A" Page 1 R i STATEMENT REGARDING THE HAL CARDEN PROPOSAL October 27, 1994 The Atascadero Homeowners Association has a record of supporting business as was demonstrated by our endorsement of the down-town plan as well as the Factory Outlet Center. The Atascadero Homeowners Association has always strongly supported the General Plan of Atascadero. The Plan was only recently rewritten after a long and costly process of neighborhood meetings, public hearings and environmental review. At its board meeting on September 28, 1994, the Atascadero Homeowners Association unanimously voted to oppose Hal Carder6 proposals to extend the Urban Services Line, rezone large areas of residential property to commercial, to condense the number of commercial designations, and to have taxpayers subsidize commercial development. Almost as soon as he was sworn in, new Councilmember Hal Carden proposed these drastic and expensive changes to the General Plan. First, he wants to extend the Urban Services Line (USL) to promote large commercial centers at the north and south ends of town. Not only will the 62 acres of the Hendrix project property be included,but also a large amount of vaguely-described land ono e north end of town east and west of El Camino and west of 101 near Del Rio. Much this land falls under Carden's rezoning proposals. What will be the effects? All property owners along the way will be forced to hook up to the sewer line whether they need or want to. (It cost IN AND OUT BURGER$210,00 for 1,200 feet to hook up. Now his neighbors are forced to hook up to reimburse him for part of the cost.) It will increase densities in those areas, thereby increasing traffic on an already congested El Camino. It may require very expensive expansion of our sewer plant. Second, Carden wants to rezone a large area of residential land to commercial without a Specific Plan for the land as is presently required by the General Plan. What will be the effects? Once rezoned there would be no assurance of a major center at the site. This large parcel on the south entrance of town could be developed as anything allowed under the commercial zoning. It may become a car lot, tine center, or a cc 10/27/94 EXHIBIT "A" Page 2 hodgepodge of businesses. This is in direct conflict with the recommendations of the Economics Research Associates' Economic Base Analysis for Atascadero previously commissioned by the city. The Economic Base Analysis and the Atascadero Fiscal Analysis, also commissioned by the city, state that Atascadero has enough developed and undeveloped commercial areas to serve the city until the year 2000. The Palmer Koert report on Promotion of Entrepreneurship, Business Development and Job Growth discourages "the development of additional retail acreage until the overall vacancy rate is reduced to 10 or less. Building additional retail space in the face of an overall vacancy rate of 16.5% is counter-productive to developing a stronger retail performance." Carden claims the commercial development of our extremities will "hold the retail sales in" and will "provide traffic to revitalize the downtown." Is his prediction realistic? Consider the effects: Atascadero has excessive commercial vacancies from Lucky's area through the empty Riley's center all the way to the K-Mart property. There is also much empty developed and undeveloped land on Highway 41 west. Adding big commercial projects on the north and south will not aid the ailing center of town. Moving the Library and the Post Office out of the downtown greatly hurt it. Are we to ignore the money and planning spent on the downtown revitalization and hope that somehow building huge projects at both ends of town will fill the inner vacancies? This is a developers' and contractors' pipe-dream. "Providing the traffic" to help the downtown is not a solution but an addition to the problem. El Camino is already congested with traffic as it is the only north- south route in town except for 101 which is struggling with increased congestion. Will shoppers tine of the traffic problems and go elsewhere to shop? How will this increased traffic help the downtown vacancies? Third, Carden wants the city (the taxpayers) to pay for the staff time and the Environmental Review for all this development. Even when developers have paid the fees and ETR costs for their projects, the city has not had sufficient funds to provide services without seeking other ways such as bonds and assessment districts to have taxpayers finance fire protection, police, roads,sewer, drainage and schools. Now taxpayers are asked to heavily subsidize commercial development as with the Factory Cutlet (costing taxpayers $92,000 per year for 20 years) and waiving the development fee ($125,000). That was the foot-in-the-door subsidy vote by three members of the Nimmo council. Carden wants to get deeper into our pockets. Whom is he representing? Fourth, Carden justifies his drastic and expensive changes to the General Plan by claiming that it will bring tax-dollars to the city. Again, is this realistic? 1 CC 10/27/94 EXHIBIT "A" Page 3 Extending sewers and rezoning land to add to the already vacant and undeveloped commercial property does not guarantee any development of that land in the near future at all. However, it would achieve the speculative dreams of a few by greatly increasing the salability and the value of that land at the expense of the taxpayers and the surrounding residents who bought their property with the assurance of the present zoning. Our taxes should be used to meet the needs of the residents at large, not promote the selfish scheme of a few. Use the taxes to repair our roads, provide the Fire Department with a desperately needed brush engine, help the Carlton project get on its feet or assist our youth. Fifth, Carden wants to condense the number of commercial designations. What will be the consequences? The General Plan calls for the establishment of nodes along El Camino Real. Nodes break up and diminish the appearance of strip development, create a visually appealing development, separate non-compatible uses, concentrate related uses and thereby decrease traveling needs along El Camino. Carden's proposal would allow a hodgepodge of unrelated businesses up and down El Camino, emphasizing the strip development and increasing traffic. To conclude, the Atascadero Homeowners Association has given the above reasons for its opposition to the General Plan changes proposed by Councilman Carden. These ideas are exceedingly detrimental. The AHA recommends that Council choose a different path that will actually result in increased tax revenues for the City. First we need aggressive leadership to support existing businesses in Atascadero. These are the people who have committed themselves to our community. We want to keep them here and provide them with a stable business climate. The downtown plan needs to be realized. If Council has spare funds it should invest in the long overdue Lewis Avenue bridge. We also suggest that proactive planning would assist owners of vacant buildings and undeveloped land within the presently zoned commercial areas. That would better serve the community as a whole. Such policies would boost sales tax revenues without such massive expenditures by taxpayers. National indicators show that the economy is improving. There are signs on Highway 41 west that some vacancies have given way to new ventures. Let our Counal assist this inner growth and not harm it by premature development of our extremities. John McNeil President I-V iu/2//94 EXHIBIT "B" S.,,. the S & L.a estopped .0 wunq monu:g on xL44baacrieo a verctwrjo a pe cuInd have bMAld to p4,dtW, devetoprn pno¢ecta. When the FactoAV 40W people W,& not get a bank .Loan Pwm anY tvutU g .cra &*'t m P4 4me 04 Ae4l% added g Amd- to pl ch up the tab f-04A-ei c, eor,�ee=mt p� We get no Ame 04 At pw .in non teAeat an owt ,uweatnerd- WeAmthe nraJz. .Gibe a barrli lrvbbexyc rn bmad daVti94L peOpLe don't Krum uilat'b going on &ecm,6e the xobbeu ane wrtwwtg ea.to a*d tcea. e v tgic%te oun ecaZvrni -4- p' f daeert't euc- Thi.o .+.,a awthen e�pl ,� Beed, 4t .4.A the 4=paWA who mea the hiaE, / cvs /00% agavlot toV a beim to p=ce pllvate e►z&�* V.inron a PoWenb 7545 Came Ud Ave. Ataacadem., CC 10/27/94 EXHIBIT "C" Pagel I want to address the issue of the proposed expansion of the Urban Service Line west of Highway 101 and north of V�� Del Rio Road. I have a concern and question4this proposal. i To me there are two possible reasons for the expansion of the Urban Service Line to this area. One is that this is something that the neighborhood desires and requests or secondly that this is something that would benefit the entire community. As those that would be affected most directly, I think much weight should be given to neighborhood desires. As a homeowner and resident of San Ramon Road for 22 years, I can say that not only did the neighborhood not request, nor does it desire this, but actually strongly opposes this proposal. There are second and third generations living here; many who have lived here longer than I. There is a reason for the stability in this neighborhood. I won't go into those reasons now; but simply say that if you are interested, come see what we value, talk to the residents, and get a feeling for our desires. Our neighborhood is more than lines on a map. Is this something that would benefit the community? What this community does not need in terms of aesthetics and quality of live or from a capacity standpoint is another strip mall. Extending the Urban Service Line to this area Zoy a�ra,Ca 14419 S<c4b.30 5 iwo+C, -T WE—rWtZO is the first step. ^ xaxxa xgtxi"x za with commercial strip development to follow to justify the cost of improvements . Rather than focusing our limited resources on our central business district, this continues the process of scattering commercial with all its attendant problems. With respect to commercial capacity, we need look no further than our existing malls to see that the city does not need to spend tax dollars to open up this isolated parcel to commercial development. CC 10/27/94 EXHIBIT "C" ' Page2 I come back to my original concern. What is driving this Urban Service Line expansion to the west side of 101 at Del RiS Road? The neighborhood does not want it. The city does not need it. The budget cannot afford it. The rezoning of this propoerty was proposed in the 1992 General Plan Update. It had no public support then, wss not recommended by staffs and had little Council support. Now here we are again two years later. What theory is at work here -W keep bringing something up andmaybe, just maybe, you'll slip it through. It is this type of conduct that breeds contempt and- cynicsism for government , not just far away in Washington or �Sacramento, but right here at our local city council. Prove my cynicsism wrong. Do the right thing. Reject this proposal before we waste tax dollars and destroy a neighborhood. Ron Rothman 1660 San Ramon Rd. Atascadero 1 cc 10/27/94 EXHIBIT "D" Page 1 •loan O'Keefe 9985 Old Morro Rd. Gast Staff's report says the bottom line is that this proposal is a $50 - $100,000 project which appears to benefit and subsidize only a few major developers. It does not guarantee that it will add one viable revenue producing business to the community. Its difficult to believe that thi.: audacious giveaway is before the Council when just 2 months ago the Council redlined requests from the Fire Department, the Police Department, the road department, and the recreation department for services that a city is to provide to its residents. The non profit organizations were going to be ignored had Councilman Luna not stopped the Council from closing the budget hearings before taking action on their requests for a small contribution of $10,000 -- one tenth of what will be spent if this proposal is approved. After 6 years of work the land use element was finalized in 1992. A lot of time and money went into the project. The recommendation to extend the USL will reverse the position that sewer service not be provided in suburban service areas except for "cease and desist" septic problem areas. The sewer system is not designed to handle the type of expansion being considered without expensive modifications. Currently the city's electric bill is $175,000 a year for pumping the sewage. Interestingly one of the four study areas is 122 A, zoned suburban residential consisting of 12 or more parcels owned by Gordon Davis and Robert Nimmo. Mr. Nimmo of course could not have voted on this parcel if he had proposed an extension of the USL during his tenure. During the last election Mr. Nimmo said, "There will be charges made that this is now a CC 10/27/94 .EXHIBIT "D" Page 2 pro-growth council . But both both Ray and Hal have sworn allegiance to residential densities in the-G. P." (Country News, June 8th, i994.) Two months after he leaves office this proposal is brought up by Councilman Carden. If the area is severed it will-eligible for zoning to a higher density--50 to AMlots is a possibility from the existing lots. If the city pays for this program EIR they are paying for the costs of increasing the value of this property. Both Councilman Carden and Johnson have said that residential property doesn't bring in revenue so why is this included as part of the proposal? Is this payback? Even if the Council could guarantee that some revenue will trickle into the city coffers this proposal runs counter to the land use element and has the potential for changing the face of land use in the adjacent areas and for impacting city services tremendously. I didn't know when Councilman Johnson made reference to priming the pump that he intended to fill the tank of few developers. . CC 10/27/94 EXHIBIT "E" October 27, 1994 City Council (Re: Regarding the 62 acre Santa Barbara Rd.- El Camino Real proposal to rezone from rural residential to a commercial designation for a yet to be defined project. ) The finance department says we cannot afford to replace the worn equipment of our fire department nor our police department, the two most necessary and valued services that the •city has to offer. Despite the declined economy in the city , as evidenced by the scores of vacant commercial spaces , the city continues to speculate in becoming a lending institution for commercial developers. Public sentiment has opposed this financial burden . On the west side of the freeway at the San Diego on ramp there are 3 huge storm tunnels that angle southeast toward the Santa Barbara Rd. parcels. Because of the *141 Fire", much of the watershed above this alluvial plain was destroyed, there is a potential for severe flooding . As to the proposed commercial site there are potential hazards that caused the Atascadero Unified School District to reject the area just a few years ago. In as much that neither the citizens in this city nor those that live in the surrounding areas are able to support the commercial wants of our city officials and land developers , prudence dictates that we hold off on this proposal . Kathleen Daly CC 10/27/94 EXHIBIT "E" Page 1 Atascadero, City Council From Dorothy Y. McNeil Subject :: Carden proposals to change the General Plan I grew up pro-business. My father started an& owned a depart- ment store for many years in Missouri. My mother borrowed money and started her own business in Oklahoma before she ever met my father. She paid off the loan within one year. If I presently owned a business or business property in Atasca- dero, had secured the money myself to start the business or to build on my commercial property, I would have some grave questions for the previous council majority and for the present one. Why are you being so unfair? You did not make the taxpayers ldevelopmentanmy for my business nor did you make them pay my g fees. Now you are asking taxpayers to foot the bill to bring in large competitors who may well put me out of business or who will make it impossible for me to7get a fair return on the commercial property I own. And don't say it won't happen. Atlantic magazine reported the devastation to local business in city after city across the country as the Walmarts moved in. The foot-in-the-door tactic of subsidizing some favored few developers began with the Nimmo council and is costing the taxpe_yers $92,000 per year for 20 years and another $125,000 to forgive the develop- ment fee for the Factory Outlet . Now it appears that perhaps Mr. Nimmo, along with a handful of favored property owners, may be on the receiving end of another forced handout from the taxpayers wha are being asked to pay for- the EIR which previously, and rightly, ha-s^been required of the developer. It is axiomatic in our capitalistic system that supply and demand are related. If there is an overabundance of something--be it wheat,_ oranges, houses or commercial property-- the price to buy or rent will go down. If there is a scarcity, the price goes up. Supply and demand. This council, which presents itself as pro-business, should understand those words. Studies ordered by past councils show we still have an over-supply of commercial property. There is a 1.6.5% vacancy rate of that property. How can Mr. Carden possibly ask taxpayers to spend 4100,000 to help create more commercial property? This proposed $100,000 handout is just another step in the direction of welfare for a select few developers. CC 10/27/94 EXHIBIT "F" Page 2 One last question for council. Do you really believe our town can maintain its uniqueness, can take advantage of its gorgeous scenery and rural appearance by becoming another stenotype? Why would any tourist stop for another Costco, Walmart , Target or other warehouse store? Such stores are becoming as common- place and ordinary as the twin arches. If you want plastic city with a dead downtown, go along with Hai Carden. I think a truly pro-business council would support the business we have, endeavor to fill the vacancies, and would spend our limited tax dollars to follow through on the downtown plan. orot McNeil r MARCIA MCCLURE TORGERSON CC 10/27/94 6200 Llano Road EXHIBIT "0" Atascadero, CA 93422 466-7980 z OF October 27, 1994 CIC"CLERK"S�lt�T1fATASCAUERO Atascadero City Council Gentlemen: I am very concerned about the possibility of the City Council making major changes to our Land Use Element for the purpose of MAYBE enticing new businesses to locate in Atascadero. This would be like putting the cart before the horse! The actions you are being asked to initiate tonight will come at a high cost to this City's taxpayers. The implied focus seems to be on developing commercial property with retail establishments. Instead of spending enormous amounts of City monies on EIR's etc., why doesn't the City spend its' money on seeking out businesses that could offer the citizens of Atascadero good full-time jobs with benefits; rather than retail which has provided part-time - minimum wage no benefits jobs. Seek out the businesses that offer careers for our citizens and find out what we can do to make Atascadero appealing to them. THEN, depending on their requests, we can consider initiating changes, if necessary. Our General Plan is an important document. Those who were involved in writing it put a lot of thought into what Atascadero needed. Please think long and hard before you decide to make changes to our General Plan. Sincerely, Marcia McClure Torgerson