HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 03/05/20071
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March 5, 2007
Vol. 42, Page 313
L City of Petaluma, California
MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL/
PETALUMA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
I85$
City Council/PCDC Minutes
Monday, March 5, 2007
Regular Meeting
MARCH 5, 2007
AFTERNOON SESSION
CALL TO ORDER - AFTERNOON SESSION - 3:00 P.M.
A. Roll Call
Present: Teresa Barrett, Samantha Freitas, Mike Harris, Karen Nau,
Mike O'Brien, David Rabbitt, Pamela Torliatt
Absent: None
B. Pledge of Allegiance - Kay Kerriden, Petaluma
SWEARING IN
Swearing in of New Police Sergeant: Sergeant Marty Frye, and New Police Department
K-9: "Rico"
City Clerk Claire Cooper swore in Police Sergeant Marty Frye, and Police Department K-9
"Rico"
PRESENTATION (POLICE DEPARTMENT)
Mayor Torliatt
• 2006 Officer of the Year Award: Officer Jason Lechleiter
Police Chief Steve Hood
Mayor Torliatt
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Award for Outstanding Enforcement Activity -
DUIs: Officer Ryan McGreevy
Chief Hood
Mayor Torliatt
• 2006 Vilho Ahola Award: Administrative A5515tant Rebecca Wray
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Vol. 42, Page 314 March 5, 2007
Mayor Torliatt
Unit Award for the Sex Offender Decoy Operation: lnve5t1gation5 Unit (Sergeant
Matthew Stapleton, and Oetective5 Bob Barnes, Paul Gilman, We Pierre, and Steve
Nelson)
Chief Hood
Sergeant Matt Stapleton
Distinguished Service Award: Officer Corie Ford
Chief Hood
Mayor Torliatt
Chief Hood
Mayor Torliatt
APPOINTMENT
Appointment of 2007 Council Liaison to the Mayors' and Councilmembers' Legislative
Subcommittee.
Motion: Approve appointment of Council Member Samantha Freitas as the 2007 Council
Liaison to the Mayors' and Councilmembers' Association of Sonoma County Legislative
Subcommittee.
Moved by Council Member Teresa Barrett, seconded by Council Member Mike O'Brien.
Vote: Motion carried 7-0.
Yes: Teresa Barrett; Samantha Freitas; Mike Harris; Karen Nau;
Mike O'Brien; David Rabbitt; Pamela Torliatt
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
PUBLIC COMMENT
Tom Birdsall, Petaluma, spoke regarding the First Annual Artisan Cheese Festival, one of
the first festivals in the country to focus on cheese, to be held March 9-12 at the
Petaluma Sheraton. A portion of the profits will benefit these non -profits: Sonoma Land
Trust, Marin Agricultural Land Trust, Petaluma Future Farmers of America, California Artisan
Cheese Guild, Redwood Empire Food Bank.
Peter Tscherneff, Petaluma, spoke about the patriarchal aspect of organized religions.
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March 5, 2007
COUNCIL COMMENT
Vol. 42, Page 315
Mayor Torliatt asked that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Frederick Thomas
Starke, who passed away March 1, 2007 at his home in Petaluma.
CITY MANAGER COMMENT
None.
AGENDA CHANGES AND DELETIONS (Changes to current agenda only)
Mayor Torliatt reminded Council that the South McDowell Boulevard Road Diet item had
been removed from the agenda and rescheduled for the March 19, 2007 Council
Meeting, at 7:00 p.m.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Approval of Minutes of Special City Council/PCDC Meeting of February 20,
2007.
B. Approval of Minutes of Regular City Council/PCDC Meeting of February
26, 2007.
Motion: Approve A. Minutes of Special City Council/PCDC Meeting of February
20, 2007, and B. Minutes of Regular City Council/PCDC Meeting of February 26,
2007, as presented. Vice Mayor Nau abstained from voting on the minutes of the
February 20 meeting only, and she was absent on that date.
Moved by Council Member Mike O'Brien, seconded by Council Member
Samantha Freitas
Vote: Motion carried 7-0.
Yes: Teresa Barrett; Samantha Freitas; Mike Harris; Karen Nau (abstain
on February 20); Mike O'Brien; David Rabbitt; Pamela Torliatt
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
2. APPROVAL OF PROPOSED AGENDA
A. Approval of Proposed Agenda for Regular City Council/PCDC Meeting of
March 19, 2007.
Motion: Approve A. Approval of Proposed Agenda for Regular City
Council/PCDC Meeting of March 19, 2007, as presented.
Moved by Council Member Samantha Freitas, seconded by Council
Member David Rabbitt.
Vote: Motion carried 7-0.
Vol. 42, Page 316 March 5, 2007
Yes:
Teresa Barrett; Samantha Freitas; Mike Harris; Karen Nau;
Mike O'Brien; David Rabbitt; Pamela Torliatt
No:
None
Absent:
None
Abstain:
None
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Resolution 2007-035 N.C.S. Accepting Claims and Bills for January 2007.
(Carmichael)
B. Resolution 2007-036 N.C.S. Authorizing City Manager to Sign Agreement to
Participate in the MTC TransLink Inter -Agency Fare Program.
(Marengo/Siragusa)
C. Resolution 2007-037 N.C.S. Authorizing the City Manager to Sign a Lease
Agreement with State Lands Commission to Dredge and Dispose of
Dredged Material from the Turning Basin and Petaluma River.
(Marengo/hackie)
D. Resolution 2007-038 N.C.S. Authorizing the Purchase of Computer
Hardware and Software Necessary to Complete the Transition to Host the
City's Automated Permit Tracking and Code Enforcement Systems.
(Moore/Cooper)
E. Resolution Supporting Senate Bill 840 (Kuehl), the California Health
Insurance Reliability Act, and Declaring March 22, 2007 as a Day
Supporting Universal Health Care and Universal Health Insurance as Part of
the OneCareNow Campaign. (Bierman)
F. Resolution 2007-039 N.C.S. Identifying the City of Petaluma's
Recommended Strategic Priorities for the Sonoma County Water Agency.
(Ban)
Mayor Torliatt announced that Consent Calendar Items 3E and 3F would be
removed for discussion.
Motion: Approve Consent Calendar Items 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D.
Moved by Council Member Mike O'Brien, seconded by Council Member Teresa
Barrett.
Vote: Motion carried 7-0.
Yes:
Teresa Barrett; Samantha Freitas; Mike Harris; Karen Nau;
Mike O'Brien; David Rabbitt; Pamela Torliatt
No:
None
Absent:
None
Abstain:
None
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March 5, 2007
Mayor Torliatt (item 3E)
Public Comment on Item 3E
Vol. 42, Page 317
Kay Kerriden, Petaluma, American Association of University Women (AAUW),
spoke in support of Senate Bill 840, and the OneCareNow Campaign.
Council Member Harris
Council Member O'Brien
Mayor Torliatt
Council Member Harris
Council Member Rabbitt
Council Member Barrett
Mayor Torliatt
Motion: declare March 22, 2007 as a "Day of Health."
Moved by Council Member Samantha Freitas, seconded by Council Member
Teresa Barrett.
Mayor Torliatt
Ms. Kerriden
Vote: Motion carried 7-0.
Yes: Teresa Barrett; Samantha Freitas; Mike Harris; Karen Nau;
Mike O'Brien; David Rabbitt; Pamela Torliatt
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion: Approve E. Resolution Supporting Senate Bill 840 (Kuehl), the California
Health Insurance Reliability Act, and Declaring March 22, 2007 as a Day
Supporting Universal Health Care and Universal Health Insurance as Part of the
OneCareNow Campaign.
Moved by Council Member Teresa Barrett, seconded by Mayor Pamela Torliatt.
Vote: Motion failed 2-5.
Yes: Teresa Barrett; Pamela Torliatt
No: Samantha Freitas; Mike Harris; Karen Nau; Mike O'Brien;
David Rabbitt
Absent: None
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Vol. 42, Page 318
Abstain: None
Mayor Torliatt
Mayor Torliatt (Item 3F)
Council Member O'Brien
Mayor Torliatt
Council Member Barrett
Council Member O'Brien
Mayor Torliatt
March 5, 2007
Motion: Approve F. Resolution 2007-039 N.C.S. Identifying the City of Petaluma's
Recommended Strategic Priorities for the Sonoma County Water Agency,
including additions that Mayor Torliatt brought forward, with the exception of the
words "Russian River" in the first item, "Fulfill contractual water supply obligations."
Moved by Council Member Mike O'Brien, seconded by Council Member Teresa
Barrett.
Vote: Motion carried 7-0.
Yes:
Teresa Barrett; Samantha Freitas; Mike Harris; Karen Nau;
Mike O'Brien; David Rabbitt; Pamela Torliatt
No:
None
Absent:
None
Abstain:
None
1, k'19IZII&'I:147-:11MIZ1 �I
A. Resolution 2007-040 N.C.S. Approving Standard Water Submetering
Agreement. (Ban) - Continued from February 26, 2007 meeting.
Water Resources and Conservation Director Mike Ban
Council Member Barrett
Director Ban
Council Member Barrett
City Attorney Leslie Thomsen
Council Member Barrett
Director Ban
Mayor Torliatt
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March 5, 2007
Director Ban
Mayor Torliatt
Director Ban
Council Member Rabbitt
Director Ban
Council Member Rabbitt
Director Ban
Mayor Torliatt
Council Member O'Brien
Public Comment
Vol. 42, Page 319
Vinny Denietolis, Northwestern Utility Billing Service, Santa Rosa, brought in
a sample of the type of meter his company uses. He also discussed
possibilities for implementing a tiered -rate for sub -meters.
Mayor Torliatt
Mr. Denietolis
Mayor Torliatt
Stan Berde, Sonoma Mountain Townhomes, thought the City could bill
Sonoma Mountain Townhomes on a tiered rate, which could then be
passed on to the individual users.
Director Ban
Mayor Torliatt
Director Ban
Mayor Torliatt
Motion: Approve A. Resolution 2007-040 N.C.S. Approving Standard Water
Submetering Agreement, amended to specify that separate meters are to
be installed for common areas, and adding definition of IUU (Individual
Utility User) to the document.
Moved by Council Member Teresa Barrett, seconded by Council Member
Mike O'Brien.
Vote: Motion carried 7-0.
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Vol. 42, Page 320
0
March 5, 2007
Yes: Teresa Barrett; Samantha Freitas; Mike Harris; Karen Nau;
Mike O'Brien; David Rabbitt; Pamela Torliatt
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Discussion and Possible Action on Rainier Cross -Town Connector and
Caltrans PSR. (Freitas, Harris, O'Brien)
Vince Marengo, Public Works Director
Council Member Harris
Director Marengo
Council Member Barrett
Director Marengo
Council Member Barrett
Council Member Harris
Director Marengo
Council Member Harris
Director Marengo
Council Member O'Brien
Director Marengo
Vice Mayor Nau
Director Marengo
Vice Mayor Nau
Council Member Barrett
Pamela Tuft, Director of General Plan Administration
Mayor Torliatt
Director Tuft
Mayor Torliatt
City Manager Bierman
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March 5, 2007
Director Marengo
Council Member Harris
Council Member Barrett
Director Marengo
Council Member Barrett
Director Marengo
City Manager Bierman
Director Marengo
Council Member Harris
Director Marengo
Mayor Torliatt
Director Marengo
Mayor Torliatt
Council Member Rabbitt
Mayor Torliatt
Director Marengo
Mayor Torliatt
City Manager Bierman
Mayor Torliatt
City Manager Bierman
Mayor Torliatt
Director Marengo
Mayor Torliatt
Director Marengo
Mayor Torliatt
Director Marengo
Vol. 42, Page 321
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Vol. 42, Page 322 March 5, 2007
Council Member Harris
Mayor Torliatt
Director Marengo
Council Member Barrett
Director Marengo
Council Member Barrett
Director Marengo
Council Member Barrett
Mayor Torliatt
Council Member O'Brien
Motion: Approve 1. Ratification of Caltrans determination to accept Old
Redwood Highway and the Rainier Interchange and Cross -Town
Connector; 2. Authorize funding for a supplemental PSR (Project Study
Report) for Old Redwood Highway and a PSR for Rainier; and 3. Authorize
sole -sourcing with URS for Old Redwood Highway and with Carter Burgess
for Rainier.
Moved by Council Member Mike O'Brien, seconded by Council Member
Mike Harris.
Mayor Torliatt
Director Marengo
Mayor Torliatt
Director Marengo
Mayor Torliatt
Council Member Rabbitt
Council Member Barrett
Council Member Harris
Mayor Torliatt
Vote: Motion carried 7-0.
Yes: Teresa Barrett; Samantha Freitas; Mike Harris; Karen Nau;
Mike O'Brien; David Rabbitt; Pamela Torliatt
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5.
March 5, 2007
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
NEW BUSINESS
Vol. 42, Page 323
A. PCDC: Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and the Sale of Not to Exceed
$34,000,000 Principal Amount of Petaluma Community Development
Commission Petaluma Community Development Project Refunding Tax
Allocation Bonds; Series 2007A; Authorizing the Preparation of a Purchase
Contract Relating to the Purchase of Such Bonds on Certain Terms and
Conditions Thereto; Approving Preparation and Distribution of the Official
Statement, Authorizing Certain Other Official Action in Connection
Therewith and Making Benefit Findings; Resolution Approving the Issuance
by the Petaluma Community Development Commission of Not to Exceed
$34,000,000 in Refunding Tax Allocation Bonds for the Purpose of
Financing and Refinancing Certain Public Improvements. (Carmichael)
Steven Carmichael, Administrative Services Director
Council Member Harris
Director Carmichael
Mayor Torliatt
Director Carmichael
Mayor Torliatt
Scott Nicholson, Bank of America
Mayor Torliatt
Council Member Harris
Mr. Nicholson
Council Member Harris
Council Member O'Brien
Mr. Nicholson
Council Member O'Brien
Mr. Nicholson
Council Member Barrett
Council Member O'Brien
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Vol. 42, Page 324
March 5, 2007
Council Member Barrett
Vice Mayor Nau
Director Carmichael
Vice Mayor Nau
Mayor Torliatt
Director Carmichael
Mayor Torliatt
City Manager Bierman
Mayor Torliatt
Council Member Harris
Council Member Barrett
City Manager Bierman
Council Member Barrett
Council consensus to continue this item to the March 19, 2007 Council
Meeting.
Director Carmichael
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 5:22 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
I.[127-0
CLOSED SESSION
• CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION: Significant exposure to litigation
pursuant to subdivision (b) of California Government Code §54956.9 - 1 case.
• PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Pursuant to Government Code §54957(e): City
Manager.
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March 5, 2007
MARCH 5, 2007
EVENING SESSION
CALL TO ORDER - EVENING SESSION - 7:00 P.M.
A. Roll Call
Vol. 42, Page 325
Present: Teresa Barrett, Mike Harris, Karen Nau, Mike O'Brien, David Rabbitt,
Pamela Torliatt
Absent: Samantha Freitas
Pledge of Allegiance - Madelyn Bentley and Timothy Rupiper, students at Miwok
Elementary School, led the pledge and read a poem.
C. Moment of Silence
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
"Zoomer," aka Michael Zenone, Petaluma, spoke about Planning Commission meeting
where Avila Ranch was discussed. He did not think the agenda explained adequately
what was to be discussed. Six letters from citizens were not brought up at the meeting.
Dave Libchitz, Petaluma, asked why a certificate of occupancy was given to a business
in the Basin Street project when the building is still under construction. He feels these
certificates are the only leverage the City has to get the money Basin Street owes. He
also spoke about the Rainier cross-town connector and believes the advisory measure of
a couple of years ago did not say "build it" but "check it out."
Cherie Hester, Petaluma, spoke regarding the Avila Ranch property. She found out that it
came up at the February 27th Planning Commission meeting and wondered why she
and her neighbors were not notified. They are very concerned with the possibility of this
land being rezoned to a higher density.
COUNCIL COMMENT
Mayor Torliatt asked that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Frederick Thomas
Starke, who passed away March 1, 2007.
Council Member Harris
Council Member Barrett
Vice Mayor Nau
Council Member O'Brien
Council Member Rabbitt
Vol. 42, Page 326 March 5, 2007
CITY MANAGER COMMENT
City Manager Bierman
6. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Public Hearing and Discussion of Draft General Plan 2025 and Draft
Environmental Impact Report - Review of Planning Commission
Recommendations - Parcel Specific Land -Use Information. - Continued
from February 26, 2007 meeting.
Parcel Specific Land -Use Information to Include:
• Sub -Area 1 - Central Petaluma Specific Plan: A. Recommended Future
Expansion of Copeland Street across River to Petaluma Boulevard
North (vicinity of Oak Streetj; may affect APNs 006-163-040 and -041.
Director of General Plan Administration Pamela Tuft
Public Comment
Chris McCarthy, Petaluma, on behalf of the Silva family, said he was
pleased at how this had worked out and saw it as a "win-win
situation."
George Weiner, Petaluma, said the possibility of having bridge at
Copeland Street changes things for him. He is still involved in
negotiations regarding eminent domain on his property. He wanted to
point out to Council that it has now been 29 years since he first asked
the City to fix Copeland Street.
• Sub -Area 7 - Petaluma Boulevard North: B. Lands of Voqensen, 1755
Petaluma Boulevard North, APN 006-491-002.
Director Tuft
Public Comment
Chris Ostrom, Petaluma, said he is a renter in the area, but is
concerned with crime and traffic.
Wendy Albrecht, Petaluma, lives in the Oak Hill North subdivision. She is
concerned about changing density of this property because of traffic
flow, safety, protecting the natural area of the Vogenson's property,
and property values. She feels increasing the density would "topple
this quiet neighborhood." She asked Council to leave it low density.
Joel Kauffman, President, Oak Hill North Homeowners Association,
explained that the HOA Board of Directors was with him to represent
52 residences in the subdivision. They are concerned about the
easement. There are no sidewalks and the streets are narrow. Their
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March 5, 2007
Vol. 42, Page 327
quality of life and property values are threatened. They would like to
keep the property zoned for single family homes.
Joe Montero, Petaluma, nephew of Mrs. Vogenson, said he was born
and raised in Petaluma. The population is increasing and so is the
need for housing. He liked Council Member O'Brien's compromise
idea from the last meeting.
Beverly Houston, Petaluma, agreed with Joel Kauffman.
Heidi Raabe, Petaluma, has lived on Petaluma Boulevard North for 29
years. She read an article from the Press Democrat entitled, "Let the
People Speak." She asked Council to keep this property designated as
low density.
Randy Raabe, Petaluma, said there is no reason for multi -family
housing or medium density in this area. He asked Council to go along
with Planning Commission and staff recommendations and keep it low
density.
Vic Pizarro, Petaluma, says his house at the top of White Oak circle
would be very much affected by increasing the density of this
property. His son-in-law, who is an architect, did a drawing of what it
would look like to have a condominium complex behind his property.
He said the sunlight was literally shut out.
Maureen Fitzgibbons, Petaluma, said people want to live in Petaluma
for neighborhoods, family, and a community that is "not built by
crowding people in on top of each other."
Vince Diorio, Petaluma, said he agrees with Joel Kauffman, and
added that Sycamore Street is a dead end street so there is only one
way in and out for the various neighborhoods off Sycamore. If the
proposed easement is allowed, more traffic will travel on Sycamore.
He said that sometimes Police cars can't get out of the Police
Department parking lot on Sycamore because traffic is backed up. He
thought that was a dangerous situation for the whole City.
Patricia Kauffman, Petaluma, agreed with Joel Kauffman.
Nancy Arata, Petaluma, has lived on her property for over 56 years.
She urged Council to keep the Vogensen property designated as low
density.
Ione Vogenson, Petaluma, thanked Council for their time reviewing
her property's proposed land use designation change. She has been
requesting that her property change from low density to medium
density. Council Member O'Brien suggested a compromise of diverse
low -residential, and she hoped the rest of Council would support that.
Bryant Moynihan, Petaluma, thought that the concerns of the
neighbors should not be addressed at the General Plan level, but
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Vol. 42, Page 328
March 5, 2007
when a specific project proposal is brought forward. He believes a
well-planned single -family -home project would add value to the
surrounding properties. He also believes there are potential solutions to
access concerns on Sycamore Drive.
Mayor Torliatt
Mr. Moynihan
Mayor Torliatt
Council Member Barrett
Mayor Torliatt
Director Tuft
Council Member Rabbitt
Director Tuft
Council Member Harris
Council Member Barrett
Vice Mayor Nau
Council Member Harris
Council Member Rabbitt
Council Member O'Brien
Mayor Torliatt
Council Member O'Brien
Council Member Harris
Council consensus that this property should be designated low
density.
• Sub -Area 11 - North McDowell Boulevard: D. Lands of Adobe House -
Retain Business Park Designation, APN 137-061-037.
Director Tuft
Council consensus to retain business park designation for this property.
• Sub -Area 8 - West Hills: A. Lands of Davidon (Scott Ranch), APN 019-
120-041.
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Council Member Rabbitt
Council Member Harris recused himself for the item and left the
meeting.
Director Tuft
Public Comment
Kip Spragens, Petaluma, spoke regarding Sonoma County's General
Plan maps for this area. He believes the City's General Plan maps
should be considered "pre -zoning maps."
Paul Schmidt, Petaluma, lives on Kelly Creek; has lived there 20 years.
Over the 20 years the creek has become a "cesspool." Since the
Victoria subdivision went in, there is a lot more water in the
creek. There are no ponds for holding the runoff. When it rains, the
water comes down the creek faster than normally because it's
running off concrete and asphalt. This water must be slowed down.
The banks of the creeks are being scoured. The City is jeopardizing his
property if they allow too much development to go on.
Barbara Arikat, Petaluma, spoke of problems with development in
previously rural areas and said traffic and water problems are not
being addressed. Victoria and this parcel are among the most
beautiful areas in Petaluma. She believes developers just want to
develop, and are not interested in what happens after they leave. She
said that all those here tonight have a vested interest in open space.
She feels that, "Every little parcel of land that has not been built on,
someone finds a reason to build on it."
Dana Gottlieb, Petaluma, lives on the corner of `D' Street and
Sunnyslope; says she sees lots of traffic, and doesn't want to see more.
Donna Emerson, Petaluma, Petalumans for Responsible Planning, said
she chose Petaluma for its rural flavor and its history as a river and
dairy town, and because the City government seemed to have a
conscience about growth. She asked, "What happened to the
principled growth?"
Greg Colvin, Petaluma, Petalumans for Responsible Planning, gave,
"Ten reasons why 340 houses should be the limit for this property."
Kathleen Billings, Petaluma, noted that several people who were at
the meeting to speak earlier couldn't stay. She is concerned about
the potential for landslides in the lands of Davidon, which may
increase with the recent unreliable weather patterns.
Mara Lee Shade, Petaluma, resident of Victoria, said she loves red
barns, which remind her of her childhood in Nebraska. She has seen
many beautiful, old things discarded as "meaningless." The people of
Vol. 42, Page 330 March 5, 2007
Petaluma need to appreciate their forefathers settling this area and
preserve the barn as an important part of the future.
David Glass, Petaluma, said Victoria is a high-density project and at
the time it was approved, there was an understanding that there
would be a lessening and feathering of density on the surrounding
properties. The General Plan talks about feathering density as you
reach the urban limit line to lessen land speculation on the City limits.
This is an opportunity to add acreage to Helen Putnam Park and join it
up to the Bay Area Ridge Trail. When Victoria was approved, there
was an agreement going forward that there would no more than 340
houses total. In the City Council minutes it is clear that the intent for
the remainder of the corridor between `D' Street and Western Avenue
was to allow no more than 100 additional houses. What makes sense
to do on this parcel, which has a creek running through it, a history of
dangerous and expensive slides? With the City-wide policy of
feathering toward the urban limit line, a hillside ordinance, and a
scenic corridor that talks about maintaining the historic and rural
charm of the area, Council has a mountain of evidence telling them
to be consistence and fair. This is not about trying to stifle
development but about carrying through with what was decided in
1986.
Chey Moore, Petaluma, Petalumans for Responsible Planning, said this
area is a unique scenic corridor and should be designated rural. A
"wait and see" approach is not an appropriate approach to
development on this site. Expanding Helen Public Park would be a
wonderful asset for the City. She thinks the fund allocation from the
County Open Space District for parks in Petaluma is unfairly weighted
towards Tolay Park.
Judy Cooper, Petaluma, resident of the Victoria subdivision, spoke
regarding problems she has had due to flooding of 6 -acre parcel
behind them.
Brian Gaffney, Attorney for Petalumans for Responsible Planning, said
that limiting the numbers of houses in the area to 340 will not result in
loss of substantially all the value of any private property in the area,
will not render the property unmarketable, and will not remove
substantially all economic use of the property. Case law in California
has said that under these circumstances, this is not considered a
"taking" of property by the City.
Sherri Fabre Marcia, Petaluma, asked everyone who was at the
meeting in support of open space to please stand.
Aaron Edmondson, Petaluma, moved to Petaluma in July 2006, and
doesn't understand why anyone would be allowed to build more
homes here on this property.
Pam Granger, Petaluma, thought Council had been given many
reasons for this property to be designated rural.
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Susan Jaderstrom, Petaluma, said it's difficult to quantify in numbers
the value of open space and park space - but we know they
contribute to the quality of life in Petaluma.
Bob Billings, Petaluma, read a letter from Carolyn Lecerra saying the
Davidon property would be a wonderful addition to Helen Putnam
Park.
Joseph Grubaugh, Petaluma, Petalumans for Responsible Planning,
said his back yard is on Kelly Creek; his front yard on Sunnyslope. The
streets have become a "raceway" in his area. He added, "This side of
town is really not built for this much development."
Jeff Thayer, representing Davidon Homes, said he was impressed by
the organization of the neighborhood group. This is definitely a
neighborhood that does not want development next door. Davidon
has a project application in and has not had the opportunity to be
heard. They look forward to working with the Planning Commission
and Council. He thought it was "odd" to focus on one sentence from
the 1986 General Plan. He didn't think it was fair. He felt that they
could mitigate the concerns that speakers have voiced.
Kaye Chandler, Petaluma, said she "Googled" Davidon Homes they
have been "run out of other communities." She believes the people
of Petaluma, "have about had it with McMansions."
Bruce Hagen, Petaluma, pointed out that the Open Space District was
renewed by a vote of 76%. He has driven by this parcel many times
and it is beautiful. He wondered how many people realized that
potentially, this property might be covered by very large houses. He
thought they would realize that this should be a parkland parcel.
Ren6e Kirk, Petaluma, spoke about global climate change and the
flooding effects it could have on Petaluma.
Robert Matick, Petaluma, did not think Davidon could mitigate all the
problems.
Mayor Torliatt
Council Member Barrett
Mayor Torliatt
General Public Comment on the General Plan
Marianne Hurley, Petaluma mentioned the letters sent by various
individuals and groups regarding cultural resources and hoped they were
taken seriously. She spoke regarding the impact analysis and mitigations.
She believes the archeological information in the General Plan should
Vol. 42, Page 332 March 5, 2007
extend beyond the historic downtown as there are historical properties
elsewhere in the City.
Mayor Torliatt
Ms. Hurley
Mayor Torliatt
Tiffany Renee, Petaluma, read from the letter from the "No Wetlands
Landfill Expansion" group and as a representative of the Friends of the
Petaluma River. Their main concern was Empire Waste's expansion of the
landfill adjacent to the Petaluma River that is built on sensitive wetlands.
She wanted the Council to draft a resolution like Novato's to prevent this
expansion.
Richard Brawn, Petaluma, commented on the EIR and General Plan
disconnect regarding funding for improvements and the need for funding
to achieve lessening/preventing environmental impacts from
development. He mentioned unacceptable Level of Service at the
intersections that only the Council seems to accept. He also mentioned
the finite supply of water and said he didn't want the current citizens of
Petaluma to suffer because of growth.
Mayor Torliatt noted that the Daviclon item will be discussed first when the
Public Hearinq resumes on March 19.
Vice Mayor Nau
The Public Hearina was continued to the March 19, 2007 Council Meeting.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 10:03 p.m. At Mayor Torliatt's request, the meeting was
adjourned in memory of Frederick Thomas Starke, who passed away March 1, 2007 at his
home in Petaluma.
/S/
Pamela Torliatt, Mayor
ATTEST:
/S/
Claire Cooper, CMC, City Clerk