HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Bill 1.B-Minutes 04/05/2004 (2)}
March 15 2004 ri
ID
April 5, 2004
W '
a + Ch 6f Petaluma, California
X85$ MEETING OF,PETALUMA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION AND THE PETALUMA CITY COUNCIL
�M
Draft City Council Minutes
Monday, March 15, 2004- 3:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting
1
CALL TO ORDER
2
3
A. Roll Call
4
5
Present: Mayor Glass, Harris, Vice Mayor Moynihan, Thompson, Torliatt
6
Absent: Healy and O'Brien
7
8
B. Pledge of Allegiance
9
10
PUBLIC COMMENT
11
12
Sheri Lee Miller-, Cinnabar Theatre, addressed the City Council regarding their upcoming
13
fundraiser to take place this weekend, which is a Murder Mystery Opera.
i� 14
15
A. J. Najaf!, Monarch Antiques, Petaluma, addressed the City Council regarding A- Signs
16
(sandwich signs) that he was cited for outside his place of business.
17
18
COUNCIL COMMENTS
19
20
Council Member Thompson asked that the City Council Meeting be adjourned in
21
memory of Evelyn Benedetti.'
22
23
Vice Mayor Moynihan asked the. City Council, in addition to Evelyn Benedetti, to adjourn
24
today's meeting in memory of Spencer Flournoy.
25
26
Vice Mayor Moynihan continued by referencing the Citizen's Advisory Committee Report
27
on Streets and indicated it has been one year and the City has not yet enacted their
28
recommendations. He commented. on reconstruction monies and added there should
29
be a project CIP for the redevelopment area.
30
31
Council Member Torliatt commented Santa Rosa is looking at a Green Building Program
32
and indicated she would like to see Petaluma fry to get on board with a certified
33
program for'Petaluma.
34
35
Council Member Torliatt thanked. Mr. Ban for information he has shared with the Council
36
regarding Santa Rosa's Wastewater Treatment Plant.
37
38
In conclusion, Council Member Torliatt referenced comments made by Vice Mayor
39
Moynihan regarding identifying streets for reconstruction in the redevelopment area and
2
Vol. XX, Page 2 March 15, 2004
1 requested staff provide a report identifying those streets that would be done with the
2 appropriated $3M.
3
4 Council Member Harris expressed his heartfelt thoughts to the Benedettis and Flournoys
5 for their loss.
6
7 Mayor Glass commented on the massive program to attempt to beautify the downtown
8 through the. enforcement of illegal signage.
9
10 CITY MANAG'ER,COMM'ENTS
12 There were none.
13
14 AGENDA CHANGES AND DELETIONS (Changes to current agenda only).
15
16 Mayor Glass noted that the Public Hearing regarding the Appeal by Delco Builders and
17 Developers, Inc. is expected to be continued to the April 5, 2004 City Council Meeting.
18
19 PRESENTATIONS /PROCLAMATIONS
20
21 The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to Steve Hood as the newly appointed
22 Police Chief for the City of Petaluma.
23
24 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -.City Council and PCDC
25
26 A. City Council /PCDC Meeting, Minutes of February 23, 2004.
27
28 At the request of Council, the spelling of "Petro" (not Petroe) was
29 corrected on page 6, line .3; and a correction to the dollar amounf of
30 $16;000 (not $16,0000) was made to page 11, line 45. With those.
31 corrections, the following motion was made:
32
33 MOTION by Council Member Torliatt to approve the Minutes as amended:
34
35 M /S. Torliatt and Moynihan. MOTION CARRIED ON A 4- 0 -1 -1 VOTE AS
36 FOLLOWS:
37
38 AYES: Harris, Moynihan, Torliatt and_.Glass
39 NOES,: None
40 . ABSENT: O'Brien
41 ABSTAIN: Thompson
42
43 2. APPROVAL OF PROPOSED AGENDA
44
45 Approval of Proposed Agenda for Council's Regular Meeting of April 5, 2004.
46
47 Vice Mayor Moynihan requested a Review. of the 5 -Year Capital Improvement
48 Program be included on the proposed Agenda.
49
50 Council Member 'Torliatt indicated she would support discussing that- item in
51 conjunction with next year's budget. She would like to see an update on the
is
March 15, 2004 Vol. XX, Page 3
•
1
2
Water Recycling and Sewer Treatment Plant at the April 5 Meeting or the
following one; as well as a policy for appointing a Council Member when a
3
vacancy on the Council is created.
4
5
City Manager Bierman . nofed that the City Attorney has prepared an overall
6
review of the City Council Rules and Procedures, which would include addressing
7
a vacancy on the Council, and will bring it forward to the Council in the near
8
future.
9
10
Vice Mayor Moynihan indicated he would like to see an overview of the
11
Wastewater CIP Projects as well.
12
13
Mayor Glass, in response to, comments by the Council, indicated the delay of the
14
budget review was due to the March election and the uncertainty of the
15
outcome of that election on the State budget.
16
17
City Manager Bierman noted updates were given to the Council at midyear and
18
in January.. He noted the need to update the Council's Goals & Objectives and
19
added he is moving forward with the 2004 -2006 budget preparation.
20
21
Vice Mayor Moynihan indicated this budget year is not over and he would like to
22
see a presentation on the 5 -Year CIP at the same time the Council receives a
23
presentation on the 5 -Year Implementation Plan.
24
25
MOTION by Vice Mayor Moynihan to have the 5 -Year CIP discussion placed on
26
the April 5, 2004 City Council Agenda. MOTION DIED due to a lack of a second.
27
28
Mayor Glass indicated he does want to see a Goal Setting Session for the City
29
Council set sometime soon.
30
31
MOTION to approve the proposed April 5, 2004 City Council Agenda:
32
33
M/S Thompson and Torliatt. CARRIED ON A 4 -1 -2 VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
34
35
AYES: Harris, Thompson, Torliatt and: Glass
36
NOES: Moynihan
37
ABSENT: Healy and O'Brien
38
39
Vice Mayor Moynihan indicated he voted "NO" was because he has been
40
waiting for this informationfor
41
42 3.
CONSENT CALENDAR
43
44
MOTION to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented:
45
46
M/S Torliatt and Thompson. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
47
48
A. Adoption (Second Reading) of Ordinance 2177 N.C.S. Amending
49
Petaluma Municipal Code Section 1.118, "Claims Against the City" to
50
Authorize the City Manager to Settle Claims for Amounts of $20,000 or
51
Less. (Rudnansky)
52
Vol. XX, Page 4 March 15, 2004
Resolution 2004 -033' N.C.S. Approving a Storm Drain Reimbursement •
Agreement for Suncrest Estates Subdivision. (Spaulding /Moore)
C. Resolution 200 434 N.C.S Awarding a Construction Contract for Final
Phase of the FY 2003' -2004 Pavement Maintenance Program (Industrial
Ave. and Petaluma Blvd., At Stony Point Rd,). Project No. 03- 2630 -1
(Formerly 63= 9732 -9). (Skladzien /Castaldo)
D. Resolution 3004 -035 N.C.S: Declaring Weeds Growing Upon Parcels of
Public and Private Property a Public Nuisance. (Ginn)
E. Adoption (Second Reading) of Ordinance 2178 N.C.S. Rezoning from the
existing "Study" Zoning classification to Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Southgate Development.
4. PUBLIC ;HEARING
A.. Discussion and Possible. Action on an Appeal by Delco Builders and
Developer, Inc.; of the Site Plan and Architectural Review :Committee's
(SPARC)' 'Decision to Deny the 46 -Unit Single Family and 46 -Unit Townhouse
Gatti /Stratford Place Subdivision at 710 Sonoma Mountain Parkway.. 04-
APL -0466 (Moore /Robbe) This item was continued from the March 1,
2004 City Council Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION: Uphold the SPARC decision and deny the appeal,
requiring that the applicant revise the site plan to address the concerns of
the Site Plan and. Architectural Review Committee.
Resolution of the City .Council of Petaluma Denying the Appeal by
Delco Builders & Developers, Inc. of the Site Plan and Architectural
Review Committee's Decision to Deny Stratford Place /Gatti
Subdivision at 710 Sonoma Mountain Parkway APN 137- 070 -079.
MOTION to continue this item to the April 5, 2004 City Council Meeting
afternoon session.
M/S Torliatt and Moynihan. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS- CITY COUNCIL.AND_;PCDC
A. Mid -Term Budget Review of City Council, PCDC, Enterprise Funds, CIP
Budgets. (Bierman) This; Item Will Also Include a Discussion and Possible
Action Regarding the PCDC FY 2003 -04 Mid -Year Financial Forecast and
Budget Adjustments. (Marangella)
, Bill Thomas, Finance Director, gave an overview of the Mid -Term Budget
Report and recommended budget adjustments and Paul Marangella,
Economic Development and Redevelopment Director, gave an overview
of the PCDC FY 2003 -04 Mid -Year f=inancial Forecast and budget
adjustments.
March 15, 2004 Vol. XX, Page 5
1
City Council /PCDC discussion ensued regarding inter -fund loans from the
2
Central Business District and what projects PCDC would like to see over
3
the life of 'the Redevelopment Agency Area.
4
5
Vice Mayor Moynihan recommended an. increase to $12.1 M for streets.
6
The City Manager responded there has been $3M added this year for
7
streets, which will complete many miles.
8
9
Council Member Torliatt; with respect to the Auto Plaza Project, indicated
10
it is not a major priority for her.
11
12
Mr. Marangella, in response to Council question, indicated General Plan
13
Director Pamela Tuft is working on the Denman Reach and he noted he
14
would like to see the parcel .on Industrial Avenue developed at the same
15
time to increase sales tax revenue for the City. It is their intent to use fill on
16
that site.
17
indicated it is the current direction of the Council to use those monies to
18
Council Member Torliatt indicated her desire to see a larger discussion
19
take place regarding the use of that parcel/site and noted concerns with
20
pending money on site preparation.
21
Vice Mayor Moynihan commented on the Washington Street
22
Council Member Torliatt indicated she is supportive of the additional $3M
23
going to streets and additionally would like to see a list of streets it will be
24
used for.
25
reimburse the City for the costs. He feels it is premature to move forward
26
In.response to question by Council Member Torliatt, Housing Administrator
27
Bonne Gaebler indicated the $300;000 for Lieb Apartments is for the higher
28
than expected acquisition and construction costs.
29
30
Council Member Harris commented briefly on the Retail Strategy and Tax
31
All Bonds. He indicated he would like to hear more of Vice Mayor
32
Moynihan's comments.
33
34
Vice Mayor Moynihan stressed the need to implement the
35
recommendations of the CAC and to use $12M for street reconstruction.
36
37
City Manager Bierman strongly,disagreed and noted the City may end up
38
using $12M, but it will be in conjunction with redevelopment projects.
39
40
Council Member Torliatt stated her agreement with the City Manager and
41
indicated it is the current direction of the Council to use those monies to
42
increase retail opportunities. She stressed the need to focus on how the
43
City can leverage its dollars -when spending.
44
45
Vice Mayor Moynihan commented on the Washington Street
46
Improvements and stated his concern with roundabouts. He also
47
commented on the Petaluma Railroad Depot, Phase II, paving project
48
and indicated he doesn't want to do this unless there is a tenant willing to
49
reimburse the City for the costs. He feels it is premature to move forward
50
with this at this time.
51
Vol. XX, Page 6 March 15, 2004
City Manager Bierman indicated the money had already been allocated •
for this project and voted on previously by the City Council.
Council Member Torliatt indicated the project is more than just a parking
lot, indicating there is under - grounding work to be done, landscaping,
etc.
Mayor David Glass interjected his views on the Depot and redevelopment
agency procedure as it relates to blight.
The City Council I recessed at 4:40 p. m.. to 4:47 p. m.
Vice Mayor Moynihan stated his concerns with how the project
administration fee is processed.
Council Member Torliatt commented on. Park and Recreation Fees and
asked staff to track and review where there appears to be shorffalls in
revenue to better budget for the upcoming year.
Council Member Torliatt commented on projected costs for legal fees
and added those amounts projected'for water and sewer projects may
be under- projected.
Approval of PCDC' Resolution 2004 -04 Approving Adjustments to FY 2003-
04 PCDC Budget.
MOTION to adopt the PCDC Resolution Approving Adjustments to FY 2003=
04 PCDC Budget:
M/S Thompson and Torliatt. CARRIED ON A 4 -1 -1 VOTE AS FOLLOWS
AYES: Harris, Thompson, Torliatt and Glass
NOES': Moynihan
ABSENT: O' Brien
Introduction (First Reading) of Ordinance 2179 N.C.S. of the City Council
Amending. Ordinance No. ,21,74 N C.S. to Change Certain Appropriations
for the Operation of the City of Petaluma from July 1, 2003 to June 30,
2004.
MOTION to introduce the ordinance:
M/S Thompson and Torliatt. CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES:
Harris, Thompson, Torliatt and, Glass
NOES:.
None
ABSTAIN:
Moynihan.
ABSENT:
O'Brien
•
March 15, 2004
Vol. XX, Page 7
1
2 ADJOURN TO: CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
3
4 The City Council /PCOC adjourned to a Closed Session for the City Council at 5:10 p.m.
5
6 PUBLIC, COMMENT
7
8 There was no public comment.
9
10 CLOSED SESSION
11 '
12 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION: Significant Exposure to Litigation
13 (Government Code? §54956.9(b) (1 matter)
14
15 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR: (Government Code Section 54956.8)
16 Properties:
17
18 Easement Over APN # 007- 660 -032 Adjacent to Petaluma River, Madison Village
19 Homeowners Association, Property Owner
20 • Easement Over APN #007 -041 -005, Clover- Stornett "a Farms, Property Owner
21 • Easement Over APN # 007 - 019 -026 Scalamini /Sproul, Property Owner
22 City Negotiator: Michael'Bierman
23 Negotiating Parties: City of Petaluma and Respective Property Owners
24 Under Negotiation: Price, Terms of Payment, or Both
25
26 MONDAY, MARCH 15,, 2004 — EVENING SESSION
27 7 :00 P.M.
28
29 CALL TO ORDER
30
31 A. Roll Call
32
33 Present: Mayor Glass, Harris, Healy,. Vice: Mayor Moynihan, Thompson, Torliatt
34 Absent: O'Brien
35
36 B. Pledge of Allegiance
37 C. Moment Of Silence
38
39 REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
40
41 There was no reportable action taken.
42
43 PUBLIC COMMENT
44
45 Don Weisenfluh, Petaluma, addressed, the City Council: regarding the General Plan and
46 Urban Growth Boundary and encouraged them to look closely at densities.
47
48 Jim Cornwell, Petaluma, addressed the City Council regarding an upcoming chess
49 Tournament on March 28th at Old Adobe School.
50
51 Peter Tscherneff, Petaluma, addressed the City Council regarding world peace,
52 homelessness and gay marriages.
53
Vol. XX, Page 8 March 15, 2004
Bill Phillips, Petaluma, addressed the City Council regarding traffic circulation as it relates •
to the discussion for a cross -town connector.
Laurie Jarrett, Huntington 'Way, Petaluma, addressed the City Council and asked that
they look into putting speed `bumps and safety signs on her street.
Elaine Lucia, Petaluma, addressed the City Council and invited the Council and public to
a Community Access TV Show titled "Voices &, She indicated their opening
forum would be on Hate Speech and Hate Motivated Behavior in our Schools: and
Community. The TV show will be taped March 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. on the Community
Access Channel.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Thompson indicated Council Member O'Brien had contacted him and
asked that the City Council Meeting be adjourned in memory of Evelyn Benedetti._
Council Member Torliatt indicated to Ms. Jarrett that her request for speed bumps would
be forwarded to the City Manager for review.
Vice Mayor Moynihan commented he would like to see the meeting adjourned in
memory of Spencer Flournoy.
Vice Mayor Moynihan, reference the General Plan process, asked for a fourth
alternative, which should be the existing land uses.. He indicated he does not-feel there is.
a need for <a lot of change.
Council Member Torliatt indicated the Council needs to keep the length of time of the
General Plan in perspective as it relates to land uses projected to 2015 and urged the
public to participate in the process.
CITY MANAGER, COMMENTS
City Manager Bierman noted correspondence received from former Police Chief Tom
Simms who sent thanks to the City Council, Department Heads, and staff for their support
while he was in Petaluma.
6. Resolution 2004 -036 N.C.S. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
Discussion and Possible Appointments to Vacancies Existing on:
■ Building Board of Appeals (One vacancy)
Applicant Brent Russell.
MOTION to appoint Brent Russell to the vacancy:
47
48
49
50
51
52
M/S Torliatt and Healy. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Personnel Board was no appointment made to this Board at this time
due to a review of whether or not to retain the Personnel Board is being •
undertaken.
March 1.5, 2004
Vol. XX, Page 9
1
2
Recreation, Music and Parks Commission (One °vacancy)
3
4
Applicants: Joseph Noriel and Chris Arras
5
6
Ballots were cast as follows:
7
8
Council Member Harris cast, a ballot for Joseph Noriel.
9
Council Member Healy cast,a ballot for Joseph Noriel.
10
Vice Mayor Moynihan cast a2 ballot for Joseph Noriel.
1 1
Council Member Thompson cast a ballot for Joseph Noriel.
12
Council Member Torliatt cast a ballot for Joseph Noriel
13
Mayor Glass cast a ballot for Chris Arras.
14
15
Based on the ballots cast, Joseph Noriel was appointed to an unexpired term
16
expiring,.June:30, 2004.
17
18
SPARC (One vacancy)
19
20
Applicants: David Rapp, Lawrence Reed, Mary Shearer.
21
22
Ballots were cast as follows:
23
24
Council .Member Harris cast a ballot.for Mary Shearer.
25
`Council Member Healy cast a ballot. for Mary Shearer.
•
26
Vice Mayor Moynihan cast a ° ballot for Shearer.
27
Council Member Thompson cast a ballot for Mary Shearer.
28
Council M'ember`Torliatt cast :a ballot;f.or,Lawrence Reed.
29
Mayor Glass cast a ballot for Lawrence :Reed.
30
31
Based on the ballots cast, Mary Shearer was appointed to an unexpired term
32
expiring.Jure 30,2004.
33
34
■ Tree 'Advisory Committee (Two vacancies)
35
36
Applicant: James Meyer
37
38 .
MOTION to appoint James Meyer to a term expiring June 30, 2005:
39
40
'M /,,S Torliaft and Healy. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
41
42'
■ Youth Commission (Five vacancies)
43
44
Applicants: Deborah Eubanks, Whitney Hall, Bill Madman, Paf't Herfindal
45
46
Ballots, were cast to determine who received: the three - year terms and who
47
received the - two-year terms. The resultswere as follows:
48
49
Deborah Eubanks appointed to a term expiring June 30, 2005.
�,.
50
51
Whitney Hall appointed to a term expiring June 30, 2005.
Bill Hart ' man appointed to a term expiring June 30, 2005.
52
Patt'Herfindal appointed to a term expiring June 30, 2004.
Vol. XX, Page 10 March 15, 2004
7. PuBLIC HEARING. •
A. Boulevard Apartments (Butkelew Programs); Resolution 2004 7'037 N.C.S.
Approving,Mitigated Negative Declaration;, Introduction (First Reading)] of
Ordinance 2180 N.C.S. Rezoning the Property Located at 945 Petaluma
Boulevard 'North from CH-Highway Commercial to PUD - Planned Unit
District;
Resolution 2004 7-038 N.C.S. Adopt Proposed Unit Developmen Plan;
Adopt Proposed Development Standards for PUD-.
(Gaebler)
Bonne Gaebler, Housing Administrator, gave the staff report on housing
issues.
Mike Moore, Director of Community Development, presented an overview
of the planning issues.
Katie: Crecelius, Development Consultant for'Buckelew, gave an overview
of the proposed project.
Mayor-Gldss opened the public hearing.
Stephanie Lancer-George,, Petaluma, addressed the City Council,
indicating she has bi -polar disorder herself and noted the need for this
type of housing. She'stated her support for the proposed project.
Marcie: Stock, Petaluma, addressed the> City Council in opposition to the
project, indicating he does not believe the City can make. the
appropriate findings to allow°for such a° development.
John Morgan, Petaluma, addressed the City Council in support of the
project.
Tom Fry., Petaluma, addressed the City Council in opposition to the. project
and ihdicated he agreed the City would not be able to make the
appropriate findings to allow for the development.
Dev Goetschius, Petaluma, addressed the City Council in support of the
project.
Jeff Ray Petaluma, addressed the City " Council in opposition to the
project.
Jim, March, Petaluma, addressed the City Council in support of the
project:.
Norm Hilliard, Petaluma, addressed the City Council in opposition to the
project.
Majida `Gibson, Petaluma Ecumenical Properties, Petaluma, addressed the
City Council in support of the project.
March 15, 2004 Vol. XX, Page 11
.'
1
2
Jeff Harriman, McN;ear's &. Mystic Theatre, Petaluma, addressed the City
3
Councif in support of the project and informed the Council he would be
4
willing to employ residents of Buckelew.
5
6
David Lukoff, Petaluma, addressed the City Council in support of the
7
project.
8
9
Tim Kellgren, Petaluma, addressed the City Council in support of the
10
11
project.,
12
Roy Bateman, Marie .County Community Development Agency, San
13
'_Rafael, addressed the City Council in support,of the project.
14
15
Cathy Geary; Sonoma County Mental , health,, Santa Rosa, addressed the
16
'City Council in support of the project.
17
18
Forest Staggs, Petaluma, addressed the City Council in support of the
19
project.
20
21
Len Svinth, Peta'Wrna.Ecu'menical Properties, Petaluma, addressed the City
22
Council in support of the project.
23
24
;Raula Cook, 'P.etaluma Ecumenical Properties, Petaluma, addressed the
25
City, Council in support of the project..
26
27
Lynn 'Berard; .Petaluma, addressed the City Council in support of the
28
project.
29
30
Bill Phillips, Petaluma, addressed the, City Council in support. of the project.
31
32
Wendy Saint- Amans, Rohnert Park addressed the City Council, indicating
33
she has mental illness, stays on her medications and is fine. She stated her
34
support for "this project.
35
36
John Crowley, Petaluma, addressed the City Council in support of the
37
project.
38
39 _
John Records, Petaluma, addressed 'the City Council in support of the
40
project:
41
4
Nearing no further requests speak, the public hearing was closed.
43
44
Ms. , Crecelius, in response to Council questions, addressed parking space
45
issues and indicated there were no parking issues raised at the Planning
46
Commission - review. She noted there was a traffic study done which
47
indicated there: would be little impact on .traffic due to this project. She
48
also indicated they would work with the residents to fully understand all
49
parking for residents" and visitors is on -site.
50
51
Jay Zlotnick Executive Director of , , Buckelew Programs, indicated his
52
support for the proposed housing and stressed these types of projects
Vol. XX, Page 12 March 15, 2004
reduce the burden on taxpayers. He commented Buckelew wants to •
become part of the community and pointed out residents will live and
work in the community.
In response to, Council Member Torliatt's request; Mr. Zlotnick expanded
on the services and facilities that are :available. "to the :residents, as well, as
a community room that could perhaps be available for public use. He
commented on counseling services available to the residents and
pointed out this project is near public transportation, shopping_ and
pharmacies: He concluded' by' ,commenting on the proposed open
space within the project.
In response to question by Council Member Healy, Mike Moore went ov.ec'
the discretionary action before the Council. He then responded_ to
general questions regarding the General Plan and Zoning, inconsistencies:
Council .Member Healy remarked that some of the arguments, `in
opposition to the project are inconsistent with. each other. He noted the
parking, ingress. and egress: issues are real, but they should'be less with this
proposed project rather than a mixed -use project. He concluded. by
stating this project has a superior design given the constraints of the. site:
Council Member Healy made a MOTION to approve the project.
Council Member Torliatl commented on traffic and indicated' it depends
on where you live - referencing there is quite a bit of traffic in her
neighborhood with a church and' .school being close together. She
indicated everyone shares zthe burden.
She then referenced future developm.' ent dt P;dyran and Petaluma Blvd.
North, as well as the cross -town connector,, which would generate `traffic.
'She indicated this project'impact would be less than significant ,and that
the land use: and design is appropriate.. She stated she feels the
community should be inclusive and not seclusive.
Council Member Thompson indicated this, proposed use is more "suitable
than a commercial use.
Council Member Harris indic cited ,'the.easy vote would be. a YES. because
of it being a Buckelew project; but to him it is a land use issue and one of
economic development. He commented; on the potential expansion of
the Police Department and additionally noted_ the Buckelew Program is a
good one.
Vice Mgyor Moynihan indicated he respects both sides of the issue and
stressed Buckelew and PEP are both good programs. He stated he
recognizes the need for such services in the community but -feels there are
alternative sites that would be more appropriates. He indicated he feels it
comes down.to a land use decision. He continued by stating .he finds this
project in conflict with, the .General Plan and will be voting against it for
'that reason. He "pointe.d out commercia[ businesses may be utilizing the
March 15, 2004 Vol. XX, Page 13
1
Buckelew parking spaces and stated, overall, he feels this is an inferior site
• 2
for an all residential project.
3
4
Council Member Torliatt confirmed that Buckelew would work with the
5
adjacent businesses to address their concerns regarding on- street parking
6
availability.
7
8
Mayor Glass indicated his support for the project and stressed the
9
Council's decision to move forward with this would 'most likely save the
10
City litigation costs. He thanked Council Members Healy and Thompson
1 1
for their support for this project.
12
13
MOTION to approve the Mitigated Negative Declaration:
14
15
Resolution 2004 -037 N.C.S. Approving Mitigated Negative Declaration for
16
the Boulevard Apartments PUD to be Located at 945 Petaluma Boulevard
17
North (APN 006 - 450 -018)
18
19
M/S Healy and Thompson. CARRIED ON A 4 -2 VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
20
21
AYES: Healy, Thompson, Torliatt and Glass
22
NOES: Harris and Moynihan
23
24
MOTION to approve the Unit Development Plan and Development
25
Standards:
26
27
Resolution 2004 -038 N.C.S. Approving the Unit Development Plan and
28
Development Standards for Boulevard Apartments Planned Unit
29
Development.
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M/S Healy and Thompson. CARRIED ON A 4 -2 VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
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AYES: Healy, Thompson, Torliatt and Glass
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NOES: Harris and Moynihan
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MOTION to introduce the rezoning ordinance:
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Ordinance 2180 N.C.S. Rezoning the Property Located at 945 Petaluma
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Boulevard North from CH- Highway Commercial to PUD- Planned Unit
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District.
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M/S Healy and Thompson. CARRIED ON A 4 -2 VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
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AYES: Healy, Thompson, Torliatt and Glass
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NOES: Harris and Moynihan
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The City Council recessed of 9:05 p. m. to 9:15 p. m.
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UNFINISHED' BUSINESS
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A., Report and Discussion on the Timeline for Process to Relocate the Station 1
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Fire House. (Bierman)
VoL.XX, Page 14 March 15, 2004
City Manager Bierman gave` an overview of what the public process
would be with regard to the relocation of the firehouse. He indicated
there are two process questions that need to be addressed. First, is
determining the :most appropriate site for a possible relocation given
existing circumstances. He indicated this discussion requires significant
input from City staff and a determination from the Council. These
discussions would also be'heid in- public as part of a regular City Council
meeting or even a designated special meeting later in April or May.
He continued by indicating the more extensive public process would
occur after a site for a new firehouse was selected and acquired. The
participation of the public, at this point, could range from scooping the
environmental document to commenting on the details of the
architecture, colors, materials, etc. He added that once the process is
established, it would be up to Community Development, working closely
with the Fire Department, to move the proposed fire house from
conception through the various approvals in accordance with the City
council's direction and the applicable policies and regulations that may
apply. He concluded that a timeline for the process could begin as soon
as a basic project description is established, site planning and design
have reached an appropriate level of detail and the entitlement steps
have been determined.
Council Member Torliatt suggested a neighborhood meeting in the four
:various sites being considered, as well as a public meeting before the City
Council.
Council Member Thompson indicated his desire to leave the site selection
up to the professionals and have a public meeting once the site is
selected.
Public Input
David Libchitz, Petaluma, addressed the City Council, indicating they
need to determine criteria before selecting a site for the relocation of the
firehouse.
Patricia Tuttle Brown, Petaluma, addressed the City Council, indicating
there should be a public process once the site is chosen. She asked why
the relocation of the firehouse was not included in the meetings of the
Central Petaluma Specific Plan Committee.
Stuart Hyde, Petaluma, addressed the City Council and stated he enjoys
the drive into town and indicated the Casa Grande Motel is cute and
representative of American architecture.
Skip Sumner Petaluma, addressed the City Council and referenced
articles in.Argus- Courier and Press Democrat Newspapers and pointed out
the Casa Grande Motel is only l Y2 blocks from the current firehouse. He
questioned why the surround neighborhood' would need to have public
meetings regarding the location because the impacts would be the
March 15, 2004 Vol. XX, Page 15
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same. He indicated moving it only 1'/2 blocks would be ideal because it
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would not further impact the ,surrounding residents. He concluded by
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stating he has a business group that is interested in the reuse of the current
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firehouse.
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Geoff Cartwright, Petaluma, addressed the City Council with concerns
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with the public process and indicated when you don't have a public
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process the community is injured.
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Council Member Healy stated he doesn't see this as a violation of the
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public process. He would support a workshop for community input and
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then bring the issue back to the Council in short order.
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Vice Mayor Moynihan agreed with Council Member Healy. He indicated
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the alternatives need to be priced out, but he would prefer all the
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alternatives to come back to the Council for review.
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Mayor Glass stated he has always felt there was a need to upgrade the
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facility, and suggested the current firehouse site would be a good one for
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a restaurant.
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Council Member Torliatt asked staff for information on how much Transient
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Occupancy Tax the Casa Grande Motel brings to the City.
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Council Member Thompson agreed that there should be a public process
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and a community meeting.
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Vice Mayor Moynihan suggested the public meeting could be at a
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regular Council Meeting in May.
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Council Member Torliatt requested the Central Petaluma Specific Plan
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Committee Members be included in any public meeting notices
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regarding the relocation of the firehouse. She also noted she is not
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against the Casa Grande Motel site, she just wants to be sure the public is
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involved in the site selection.
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B. - Discussion and Possible Direction on Rainier Avenue Cross -Town
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Connection /Highway 101 Interchange. Alignment Options for Inclusion in
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the Caltrans Highway 101 Improvement Project. (Tuft)
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Pamela Tuff, General ,Plan Director, gave an overview of the proposed
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alternatives.
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City Council general discussion took place regarding the various
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alternatives.
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Mayor Glass noted he would like to see the relative costs for the
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alternatives, as that would drive his decision on the matter.
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Discussion ensued regarding at -grade crossings as it relates to the
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north /south alignment, as well as Alternative 1 and the connection to
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Petaluma Blvd. North.
Vol. XX, Page 16 March 15, 2004
Council Member Moynihan indicated his support for Alternative 1. •
City Council discussion continued regarding Rainier and the number of
lanes proposed, as well as future development along that area.
Public Input
John Cheney, Petaluma, addressed the City Council regarding the
Corona overpass and indicated building in the floodp'lain would be a
major mistake. He indicated he feels a Rainier cross -town connector is a
pipe dream.
Richard Hillery, Petaluma, addressed the City Council indicating h.e feels it
is a good thing that the Council is still looking at Rainier as on option. He
indicated he feels it would "relieve some of the bottle neck'problems at
Washington and would provide a better traffic flow.
`Bill Phillips, Petaluma, addressed the City Council and read a letter from
Matti Christensen into the record. The letter encouraged the Council to
not seek or facilitate the Rainier Extension.
Geoff' Cartwright, Petaluma, addressed the City Council regarding access
to the flcodplain for development purposes. He stated his opposition to a
Rainier Extension and added it would be a corporate welfare project.
Diane Reilly Torres, Petaluma, addressed the City Council indicating some
of her neighbors did not receive notice regarding this matter .being
discussed this evening. She added she would like to see alternate
analyses done and indicated she had contacted Caltrans and they don't
want to have anything to do with this project.
David Libchitz, Petaluma, addressed the City Council and stated he is in
agreement with Mr. Cheney and Mr. Cartwright, He indicated Corona
Road would be a more effective alternative.
Mark J_ ohnson, Menlo Park addressed ;the City Council indicating his
company has an application for ,300 ; apartments on Rainier on file with
the City, He commented .on the possibility of an at -grade crossing at
Shasta. He stated his support for Alternative # °6, which is the village-
alternative. He indicated the Council should move quickly, as the
Chelsea approval is up "next month. He urged the Council to support a
Rainier Extension.
Hank Flum, Petaluma, :addressed the City Council inquiring what the cost
would be for an extension, who pays for it and who will benefit.
Patricia Tuttle- Brown, Petaluma, addressed the City Council indicating she
thought this project was dead and wonders why Pamela Tuft is wasting
her time. She, also asked who would pay for it and who would benefit?
She concluded by stating Rainier would not fix a traffic problem and it •
would only benefit the developers.
March 1.5, 2004 Vol. XX, Page 17
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2 Matt Connolly, Petaluma,. addressed the City Council urging them to
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make a decision and get it before Caltrans and the Public Utilities
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Commission. He indicated if it doesn't happen, there is no loss. But, if the
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City loses this window of opportunity, it would be a shame.
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Vice Mayor Moynihan commented on the costs for Alternative 1, which
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he felt-was ball- parked at $13M for the interchange and underpass. He
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suggested looking at developer in -lieu fees and indicated he would
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support Alternative 1 and ask the City manager to come back and flush
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out the alternatives for the Rainier connection.
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Council 'M'ember Healy indicated the Corona Interchange is still in the
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General Plan process review. He ,commented on the Rainier alignment
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for a cross -town connection and also indicated Alternative 1 makes the
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most sense to him. He indicated the need to see preliminary cost
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estimates for Corona and Rainier. He questioned and indicated he would
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like a more detailed understanding of 'Where Rainier would connect to
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Petaluma .Blvd. North, the number of lanes proposed and the PUC issues
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for an at- grade crossing at Shasta. He noted the City won't lose anything
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- by seeing this process out and would be better served by doing our own
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environmental document regarding the cross -town connector.
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He reminded the Council, that action can be taken and send it to
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Caltrans. Caltrans will then: bounce it back to SCTA. He noted that at
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SCTA, he made the effort, along with Supervisor Kerns, to have an at-
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grade crossing at Rainier included within the scope of the EIR and did not
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get support for that. He added he does not have any reason to believe
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that situation has changed. He stated he does not see this as a process
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that will move'this forward, even though he completely agrees that we do
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need to move forward- and identify the 'best opportunity for a cross -town
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connector and take some: concrete steps to make that happen. He
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in'dicat'ed the Council also needs to identify the location, the land that's
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needed to be secured, and,secure the, right -of -way.
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Council Member Torliatt stated she doesn't understand why we are going
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through this exercise again.
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Council Member Healy clarified what SCTA said 'No' to was including this
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kind of a project within the scope of. the Novato Narrows EIR. They didn't
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-say Petaluma couldn't analyze. this kind of a project on its own. What they
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said 'No' to was expanding the scope of the EIR that is already a very
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complex document.
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In response to question by Council Member Torliatt, Council Member
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Healy explained discussion could take place regarding this issue at a
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couple different levels. One level is to ask Caltrans to add this to the
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Novato Narrows scope of work for the environmental document. The
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second level is the City does have an ongoing General Plan process in the
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community that, hopefully in the near term, will result in a consensus in the
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community as to what the best alternative is. That then can be pursued
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through a separate environmental process. Whichever alternative is
Vol. XX, Page 18 March 15, 2004
selected, be it the Corona or Rainier alternative, it is going to touch US TOl •
and the Caltrans right -of -way and we will have to work with them.
Council. Member Thompson indicated that consensus of the Council
appears to be Alternative 1 and he would like to see the Council. give staff
direction to move forward with that cross -town connector alternative.
City :Manager Bierman confirmed what he heard as direction from the
Council was to still study the Corona alternative as well as add the Rainier
connection with Alternative 1.. Ultimately,' the Council will need to decide
if they want the Corona or Rainier connection. Once that is decided, the
City can move forward with talking with Caltrans.
Council Member Torliatt confirmed the Council is only talking about
Alternative 1 where it basically stops -,at - the Petaluma River. It doesn't
show how it connects to the Westside of town.
Vice Mayor Moynihan indicated there are two processes going on and
the General Plan process needs to be completed as it is approached.
There are alternatives of Corona and ,Rainier to consider. What he heard
Council Member Healy stating was the Council needs to get going on
some of the other decisions; ,whether it be PUC crossings, design
:alternatives .and the like. He indicated he feels the direction would be to
ask staff to go forward and see if we can come up with some alternative
designs relative to .the Rainier interchange and bring that back in such a
way that we can go to a final design and pursue the environmental work. •
He indicated he would hesitate to delay that direction based on what is
happening, to the adjoining properties until the General Plan is complete.
He added the Rainier alternative, on a parallel course, should be fleshed
out a little, bit, working with the' consultant and brought back with some
alternatives as a proposal. He indicated the City does have a Capital
Improvement 'Program that has been funded, thanks to some developer
in -lieu contributions by Chelsea. He noted we have the monies to do
some of the initial design and even the environmental work, depending
on how costly it gets. He indicated he concurs with Mr. Healy and
sugge "sted that the General Plan process be completed with the Rainier
and Corona alternatives being included, but at the same time, come
back and further refine the design line so that we can work cooperatively
with the neighbors and find out about the PUC issues.
City Manager Bierman commented if the Council is going to move
forward with studying Corona and Rainier, the process needs to be
finished out to figure out which .alternative is selected. If Corona were
selected, we wouldn't have to worry about Rainier any longer. He
indicated what he heard Mr. Johnson say was that he is going to move
forward and wants the City to move forward with his development and
go to the PUC to see if he can perfect his crossing at Shasta. He
encouraged the Council to let Mr. Johnson get feedback from the PUC
regarding his development'.
Vice Mayor Moynihan. questioned what prevent Chelsea from going •.
forward with their project, ther Johnson's going through with their project,
March 15, 2004 Vol. XX, Page 19
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and DSL going through with their project and no design line, per se,
having been evolved at that point. What's to prevent them from
developing out and them' not providing their fair share of contributions to
this project?
City Manager Bierman indicated he would be negotiating with them as
their projects come before the Council. The DSL site, under Alternative 1,
with everything that is there, would be plan lined.
Council Member Torliatt interjected the preliminary designs that she has
seen of the DSL site actually doesn't have building in the area in which the
interchange is. She indicated it would behoove them to not have any
development in that area for the fact they are probably betting and are
wanting an on and off ramp in that area, as well as the other property,
owners that would benefit from having the interchange there. She can't
image that the properties there are not going to keep that definitely in
their minds. And, when any of those projects come before the Council,
someone is going to say something, about that and include it in the
development plan.
Ms. 'Tuff indicated the Council, in 1995, adopted an ordinance, which
established a precise plan line over certain property, which is still in effect.
She added that plan line does not touch the Chelsea development.
ADJOURN
The City. Council adjourned the meeting at 11:10 p.m., in memory of Evelyn Benedetti
and Spencer Flournoy.
David Glass, Mayor
ATTEST:
Gayle Petersen, City Clerk