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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCDC Minutes 08/17/1987MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING PETALUMA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 1987 ROLL: 3:00 p.m. PRESENT: Balshaw, Cavanagh, Davis, Tencer, Vice Chairman Woolsey Chairman Hilligoss ABSENT: Sobel RESO. 87-8 REDEVELOPMENT AREA BOUNDARY Mike Moore spoke to the Commission regarding the boundaries of the new redevelopment project and advised that the Commissions action today is the next procedural step in establishing the redevelopment area. In March, 1987, the Petaluma Community Development Commission authorized the adoption of a redevelopment survey area. The redevelopment consultant has accessed the area for all of the necessary qualities that have to be contained in the redevelopment area as far as the ratio of urbanized, to vacant land, and the 'blighted conditions' that exist in the area. The consultant has determined that the area as outlined in the map is of an adequate size and meets all of the qualifications for being designated as a redevelopment area. Mr. Moore advised that with the adoption of this resolution the Commission also authorizes the consultants and staff to begin work on the actual redevelopment plan and all the necessary support documentation. The question was raised as to when property owners in this area would be able to add their input, and as assured by Mike Moore, workshops would be held by the redevelopment consultants in association with staff, and public meetings would be held sometime in October, 1987. All property owners will be notified. There was concern for the potential sensitivity with regards to City city property owners who may dispute being included but also the fact that there are a large number of county property owners involved. Contact has been made with Supervisor Harberson county staff members to discuss this. Mike Moore also advised the Commission that by adopting this resolution it does not give the Commission the ability to condemn properties, but could be set forth in the Redevelopment Plan if it is the Commissions desire to do so. One of the reasons for setting up a redevelopment area is financing the condemnation aspect of it. The Downtown Redevelopment Plan does not contain a condemnation provision which was at the request of the Council, but it is actually covered by the Redevelopment Plan itself. This action is certifying the new redevelopment area and authorizing the consultants and staff to proceed with preparation of the plan. The Redevelopment Plan itself is a legal and financial mechanism that allows the City acting as a Redevelopment Agency to do more things than it can as a City Council as far as acquiring properties, combining properties, and condemning properties. The Redevelopment Plan will not be a substitute for the General Plan or for any specific plans that are designated for portions of this redevelopment area. As far as any land use decisions, the General Plan is still the City's guiding policy and if and when a specific plan is done for that area that will implement the General Plan and the Redevelopment Plan as another aspect of that implementation. The new area would be called the Petaluma Community Development Project. Mike Moore added, that if a property owner on the edge of the map does not want to be included in the area they could be excluded. The Commission has the opportunity to make changes in the boundary area, however, if there are changes to be made the procedure essentially has to start all over again. Those changes should be made prior to adopting the resolution. Commission Member Jack Cavanagh questioned Assistant City Attorney Rich Rudnansky, in regards to his property which would be contained in that area and if he should vote on the resolution. He was advised that there would be no conflict. Mr. Rudnansky added that if you are not within the redevelopment area you would not be gaining any economic interest so therefore, you could vote. Generally any time there is a new deposition occurs and there is a conflict, the conflict can be waived and that party can vote. Reso. 87-8 Approving the proposed Redevelopment Project Area Boundaries, directing staff to prepare the Redevelopment Plan, the Redevelopment Plan Report, Environmental documents, the draft EIR and approving certain transmittals and filings. Introduced by John Balshaw, seconded by Larry Tencer. AYES: Balshaw, Cavanagh, Davis, Tencer, Vice Chairman Woolsey, Chairman Hilligoss NOES: 0 ABSENT: Sobel PERMIT PARKING Gene Beatty brought back to the Commission a report on the Permit Parking Program for the Keller Street Garage and the A Street Parking lot. During the few months the program has been in effect there has been one (1) permit issued for the garage and have had no interest expressed for the A Street parking lot. Some members of the Main Street Association felt it was not necessary to have permitted spaces and indicated that it did conflict at times with certain events such as the Sidewalk Sales and the recent River Festival at which time they asked us to cover up the unused portions of the permit parking so the general public could use it. Bill Gabbert of the Downtown Merchants Association, advised that the board of directors does not object to removing the permit parking zones if that is the Commissions desire, however, they would not object if we wanted to modify the plan. Instead of having permitted spaces indicated, long term parking permits could be issued and put in the vehicle window to indicate a permit was issued and is excluded from the time zone. The main concern of the downtown merchants was the fact that spaces were reserved and no one was using them. If the City were to go to the long term parking, it is the downtown merchants request that we erase the permit parking portions of the garage and the parking lot. It was the consensus of the Commission to do away with the permitted spaces and offer permit parking on a demand basis. To leave the same number of spaces being twenty-five (25) in the garage, but not issue long term permits for more than what we have provided for, and if there is no interest shown anyone can use those spaces. Permits would be issued for a vehicle and if the demand outweighs the available spaces it would be brought back to the Commission to ask for an increase or adjustment in the number of spaces available. KELLER GARAGE SIGNS Mike Moore addressed the Commission with regards to adding signs to the Keller Street Garage at the request of the Downtown Merchants Association. Because there are no signs at the present time it is felt that visitors to our City do not know there is a public garage. We have been in touch with the architect for the garage and asked him to advise us on the size of lettering, the style, the material the letters would be made out of along with prices. This information would be brought back to the Commission in a more formal proposal. Scott Architectural Graphics in Santa Rose has also been contacted and will also provide prices and details. It is the consensus of the Commission to install a sign reading 'public parking' over the Keller Street entrance and 'directional signs' at various locations. Vice Mayor Woolsey expressed her feelings with regards to the 'Exit' sign as you come down from the top two tiers. It is hidden behind a beam and cannot be seen. She also feels if there is an emergency it can be dangerous and that the sign should be dropped or moved so it is more visible. There was also concern regarding the garage. The Commission was assured the height of vehicles that can enter. The meeting was adjourned ATTEST: ecording Secretary Patricia E. Bernar height of vehicles entering the there are clearance signs stating