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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCDC Minutes 06/10/1991MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE PETALUMA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MONDAY, JUNE 10,1991 PRESENT: PRESENT: Read, Woolsey, Davis, Chairman Hilligoss, Sobel, Nelson ABSENT: Vice Chairman Cavanagh (He was attending the League of California Cities Legislative meeting on this date.) MINUTES The December 17, 1990, minutes were approved as submitted. AREA AT FOOT OF C STREET Community Development Director Warren Salmons reviewed his meeting with the property owners from the six block area at the foot of and on either side of C Street. The existing businesses include 2 automobile dealerships, a truck scale, PG&E, Yacht Club Petaluma Mill parking lot, and a building housing a towing service. Two other properties were not represented. Mr. Salmons recommended the PCDC consider some focussed planning for this area. The Ford agency will move to the Auto Center very soon. General Motors has a new dealership moving in that spot. Staff was asked to develop a list of items for the PCDC which would identify goals for purposes of guiding development in this key downtown river area. The final document will be shared with the property owners, the Planning Commission and SPARC. TREE PLANTING - MAIN STREET Sandra Reed represented the design team for the Main Street Trees program. The goal is to provide a boulevard of trees for the main streets connecting the community with its downtown. Plantings are projected for Petaluma Blvd. South and North, from McNear Hill to Oak Street; Washington Street East and West from U. S. Highway 101 to Howard Street, and Western Avenue from the River to Five Corners Community Center. The Main Street organization proposes to be responsible for coordination of planning, securing funding, and supervising installation. They propose the City of Petaluma will be responsible for watering and professional pruning for at least the first three years. They estimate the cost of each 15 gallon tree, materials and skilled labor to be $250. Volunteers will provide the excavation and planting labor. Each donated tree will have a brass plate at its base naming the tree sponsor. Phase 1 would be the southeasterly corner of Petaluma Blvd. and Washington Street. Staff is currently working on an "approved trees" list. The species will include those which have less tendency to develop a shallow root network and which have growth habits which will not be intrusive on the buildings, the traffic signals, the overhead utility lines, the utility undergroundmg, and the pedestrian and vehicle traffic. To date, the property owners have not been contacted by the Main Street Association regarding the proposed tree planting program. She estimated a PCDC Meeting Monday, June 10, 1991 Page 1 of 3 normal tree failure rate is 20%. That cost has been included in the cost calculation. Staff advised that they are still working with the Main Street Association on the details are still being developed on perpetual maintenance, species, and locations. Staff was asked to come back with more information on June 24 when the Council considers the PCDC budget. RIVER WALK REVIEW Assistant Director Gene Beatty showed a drawing of the proposed River Walk and identified the areas that have been completed and the area of the next construction phase. No working drawings were contracted for in the Johnson Guthrie River Walk Plan. That architectural contract was for conceptual design only. He asked the Commission for authority to solicit proposals for working drawings for the next phase of River Walk construction which is from the Keller Street Garage at the alley to Kentucky Street. The Commission asked what the cost would be for the working drawings. Staff will have the information on June 24 when the PCDC budget is discussed. MURAL CORNER WASHINGTON AND PETALUMA BLVD. NORTH The Chamber of Commerce is proposing a mural for the exterior wall of the Goodwill Thrift Shop on Washington Street side at the site of the bus stop. The Main Street Association will provide $3,000 toward the cost of an overall design of improvements to that corner, to be prepared by a registered landscape architect including limited working drawings. No action was taken on the mural. PADDLE -WHEELER In connection with the PADDLE -WHEEL river boat which is proposed for dinner excursions on the Petaluma River, the Barkers had submitted a letter with a request for PCDC reimbursement of the cost for 250 feet of public sidewalk and improvements to the existing drainage at the east side of Weller Street. To support the request, they noted the their sewerage disposal facilities could easily be adopted by the City to service other boats; their operation will contribute to the sales tax revenues for the City; and their operation will draw visitors who will patronize the many other establishments in the City. Their engineering cost estimates are $4,250 for the sidewalk and $8,700 for upgrading the storm drain. Jack Balshaw, 1680 Kearny Court representing the applicant, said this is going to bring business and renown to Petaluma. It fulfills the primary function of redevelopment. Every cent comes from the area and not from taxpayers outside of the area. This venture will increase the market share of the downtown and will contribute directly to economic development. Payback Agreement Staff suggested the PCDC consider entering into a payback agreement with the Barkers. In answer to a Commissioner query regarding timing of request for redevelopment assistance, Executive Director Scharer advised the Commission has entered into agreements with businesses both prior to the planning process and after completion of the planning process. PCDC Meeting Monday, June 10, 1991 Page 2 of 3 Community Events Mr. Barker agreed to offer his boat for a certain number of reservations for community events. The details will be worked out with the Barkers through the Executive Director's office. Boat Construction Timing The hull is under construction and the fabricator is under penalty for being three months behind its due date for completion. The boat will be brought Into San Francisco for the final fittings. At this time, they hope the completion date to be in September. ADJOURN TO A CLOSED SESSION The Commission adjourned to a closed sessio o discuss perso 4 M. Patricia Hilligoss, Chairma ATTEST: E. Bernard, Recording Secretary PCDC Meeting Monday, June 10, 1991 Page 3 of 3