SALINAS CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 13, 2006
The City Council meeting convened in the Rotunda at 4:05
p.m.
Present:
Councilmember Gloria De La Rosa
Councilmember Maria Giuriato
Councilmember Robert
Ocampo
Councilmember Sergio Sanchez
Absent:
Mayor Anna
Caballero
Also Present:
Deputy
City Manager Jorge Rifa
City Attorney Vanessa Vallarta
City Clerk Ann Camel
COMMENDATION
The City Council recognized Gwen Miller, retiring
Executive Director of the Salinas Valley Builders’ Exchange.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Glen Solomon stated that the public that would be most
impacted is unaware of the proposed moratorium for new single-family and second
stories in established neighborhoods.
Hans Jongens spoke against illegal immigration and
growing public pensions.
Ruben Pulido, Superintendent of Alisal Unified School
District, thanked the City for its vision for after-school programs. He
thanked the Educational Liaison Committee for listening to their
recommendations regarding school crossing guards. He appreciated the
collaboration with Districts on the use of Measure V funds.
Joe Vierra opposes City-centered growth.
CONSENT RESOLUTION
Upon motion by
Councilmember De La Rosa and second by Councilmember Barnes, Council voted
unanimously to adopt the Consent Resolution. Absent: Mayor
Caballero.
1.
Approved minutes of June 6, 2006 meeting.
2.
Accepted financial claims report.
3.
Adopted RESOLUTION 19001 calling for and consolidating the
November 7, 2006 regular municipal election.
4.
Adopted RESOLUTION 19002approving plans and specifications for
the North Main Street Improvements (from Alvin Drive to Lamar Street), Project
No. 9282, and North Main Street ADA Pedestrian Ramps, Project No. 9307;
authorize issuance of invitation to bid, with bids to be opened on July 18,
2006; and appropriate $500,000 of un-appropriated Salinas Traffic Impact Fess
and $618,600 in Proposition 42 Funds into Project No. 9282.
5.
Adopted RESOLUTION 19003 authorizing
the Mayor to sign a contract with the Salinas Rural Fire Protection District
for City emergency and fire protection services to areas adjacent to the City
from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2009.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.
Precise Plan Amendment 06-01; An Amendment to the Mountain Valley
Precise Plan to increase the size of the elementary school site from 9.0 gross
acres to approximately 14.8 gross acres with approximately 3.9 gross acres
being shared for recreational purposes with the City of Salinas. The
adjacent community park site would be reduced from approximately 21.3 gross
acres to 17.66 gross acres. The site is located in the PS-PP-5 (Public
and Semipublic – Mountain Valley Precise Plan Overlay) District on the
southwest corner of Freedom Parkway and Tuscany Boulevard (APN’s 153-671-002,
005, and 007),
Senior Planner
Thomas Wiles presented his report. The Recreation-Park and Planning
Commissions recommend approval of the proposed amendment.
Brad Smith, Valley
Community Homes President and applicant, spoke in support. This will
allow them to present the park in a completely developed manner.
Robert Guillen,
Deputy Superintendent for Alisal Union School District, stated that they are
seeking one-hundred percent hardship funding, which would help the park to be
developed to a greater degree.
Ruben Pulido, Alisal
Union School District Superintendent, stated that children and families would
have access to the school acreage. Mr. Pulido stated that there would be
a three-foot high fence to establish the school’s boundaries and for the safety
and security of the children.
Brad Smith
stated it would be a low, wrought iron fence. The plan does not
currently show access. The final approval of the design would remain with
the Parks Department, including the fencing and gate detail.
Councilmember
Sanchez stated that Oscar Loya School was fenced with an unattractive, chain
link fence. Mr. Smith responded that the school would have fencing.
However the borders to the twenty-one acre park would have no fencing.
The low fence to the school would have gates that are open during non-school
hours and weekends.
Mr. Guillen stated
that the agreement with the owner is for wrought iron fencing, and not chain
link. There may be a sound wall around part of the area for safety and
soundproofing.
Councilmembers
commended the developer for this partnership with the school.
COUNCIL ACTION
Upon motion by
Councilmember Barnes and second by Councilmember Ocampo, Council voted
unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 19003 approving Precise Plan Amendment
06-01. Absent: Mayor Caballero.
2.
Precise Plan Amendment 05-02, Planned Unit Development 05-08, and
Vesting Tentative Map 05-02; request from Valley Community Homes, Inc. to
construct ninety-two townhouses (Tresor Townhomes) located at 1041 Buckhorn
Drive in the CR-PP-2 (Commercial Retail-Williams Ranch Precise Plan Overlay)
District.
Associate Planner
Abigail Long presented her report. The project adds variety to housing
types and provides eighteen inclusionary units.
Brian Finegan, on
behalf of applicant, spoke in support of the staff recommendation. This
new urbanism design is not accommodated by the current Zoning Code, which is
why the Zoning Code is being amended. All of the streets and
intersections would retain the current level of service A with this
project. Vehicle trips would be ninety percent less than for commercial
development.
In response to
Councilmember Sanchez, Mr. Smith stated that there is landscaping between the
curb and the sidewalk, which provides an additional level of safety for school
children and pedestrians.
Deputy City Manager
Robert Russell stated that the developer would be paying traffic impact fees
toward the North Sanborn and Buckhorn intersection signal. Staff is
reviewing the capital improvement project to see how quickly the $300,000 cost
can be budgeted. There would not be any improvements at Buckhorn and
Falcon that would be generated by this development. An additional access
was requested at Falcon. But staff did not support another access
because motorists would be confused if children are crossing in several
locations. Councilmember Sanchez stated that he is concerned about
student safety, and the capital improvement is needed now.
Terry Short
Vasconcellos, Williams Ranch neighbor, stated that they do not wish parking to
be impacted, especially near Dr. Oscar Loya Elementary School and Buckhorn and
Falcon.
Rob Russell stated
that parking is currently allowed on Buckhorn Drive. A portion of
Buckhorn Drive parking would be removed to allow turn lanes.
Councilmember
Sanchez stated that he is concerned about the traffic. He requests that
measures be taken to ensure that the community is safe. He asks the
developer to consider funding the intersection signalization and to ensure the
lot remains clear of debris until development starts.
Mr. Russell stated
staff will seek alternatives to expedite the traffic signal.
COUNCIL ACTION
Upon motion by
Councilmember Barnes and second by Councilmember Ocampo, Council voted
unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 19004 affirming the adoption of
Addendum No. 7 to the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) for the
Williams Ranch Planned Community Precise Plan, and approving Precise Plan
Amendment (PPA) 05-02; Planned Unit Development (PUD) 05-08, and Vesting
Tentative Map (TM) 05-02. Absent: Mayor Caballero.
3.
Appeal of Planning Commission decision to approve a forty-percent
parking reduction in connection with Site Plan Review 05-57 for the proposed
conversion of an existing 1,441 square-foot Single-family Residence into a
Business and Professional Office use, located at 101 East Romie Lane into the
CO/R-RL (Mixed Office/Residential – East Romie Lane Corridor) District.
The public hearing
was continued to June 20, 2006.
CONSIDERATION
1.
Approval of Oldtown Salinas Association Assessment District Report FY
2000/2007 and Resolution Of Intention to levy and collect an annual assessment
for the District.
Councilmember
Sanchez announced that his wife manages a restaurant in the assessment district
and he would abstain from this item. He left the room during discussion
on this item.
Redevelopment
Director Alan Stumpf presented his report.
Louis Alvarez,
President of the Oldtown Salinas Association, spoke in support.
Dan Henke,
Lighthouse Home Loans, 523 South Main Street, protested the inclusion of his
business in the Oldtown Salinas Assessment District.
City Attorney
Vanessa Vallarta stated that written protests should be filed by the time of
the public hearing.
Bridget McGrath
Massie spoke in support of the assessments.
Councilmembers spoke
in support. Councilmember De La Rosa encouraged Mr. Henke to become
involved with the Association. She commended the Board and the Executive
Director.
Councilmember Barnes
commented on the success of the Oldtown Market.
COUNCIL ACTION
Upon motion by
Councilmember Barnes and second by Councilmember Ocampo, Council voted to
adopt RESOLUTION 19005 approving the Annual Report and RESOLUTION OF
INTENTION 505 to levy and collect an annual assessment. AYES:
Councilmembers Barnes, De La Rosa, Giuriato, Ocampo, and Mayor Pro Tem
Lutes. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Sanchez. ABSENT: Mayor
Caballero.
2.
Sign Permit 06-30; Consideration of whether a proposed 25-foot high
two-sided Freestanding Electronic Reader Board Sign with 218 square-feet of
total sign area located at 1040 North Main Street at the Salinas Sports Complex
in the PS (Public and Semipublic) District is proper and in the public interest
pursuant to Zoning Code Section 37-5.
Councilmember
Sanchez returned to the dais.
Senior Planner
Thomas Wiles presented his report.
Deputy City Manager
Robert Russell clarified that the sign includes an HSBC sign. However,
the Planning Commission recommended against allowing commercial advertising on
the reader board. There was not specificity about corporate sponsorship
advertising. Staff presumes that this would not be allowed, although
Council may wish to review this for appropriateness.
In response to
Councilmember Barnes, City Attorney Vallarta stated that the City has
discretion to restrict advertising in the way it has been proposed. The
restriction on advertising content is to promote the public interest. The
State’s Stop Tobacco Access to Kids Enforcement Act, adopted in 1997, prohibits
advertising of tobacco products on outdoor billboards within 1,000 feet of any
school or public playground. So there may be a restriction regarding
tobacco advertising.
Doc Etienne, Rodeo Association,
stated that the report demonstrates a reasoned recommendation and reasonable
flexibility. They are, however, concerned about the third-party
advertising as to the corporate sponsorship. They would like condition three of
the Resolution relating to third party commercial advertising to state
“excluding” instead of “including” corporate sponsorship. There is a
great deal of benefit to the community by allotting twenty-five percent of all
sign messages for public service announcements.
Warren Wayland,
Rodeo Association, spoke in support of allowing corporate sponsorships on the
reader sign, which would benefit the soccer leagues.
Councilmember Ocampo
spoke in support of allowing the corporate sponsor signage.
Councilmember Barnes
amended her motion allow corporate sponsorship on the reader sign.
Councilmember
Giuriato asked that alcohol and tobacco advertising be excluded in keeping with
the City’s direction with SUBA. Most of the Rodeo’s activities are youth
and family oriented.
AMENDED MOTION
Councilmember
Barnes amended the motion to allow corporate sponsorship signage excluding
alcohol and tobacco advertising. The amended motion was approved by
Councilmember De La Rosa.
Councilmember De La
Rosa stated that she has confidence in the Rodeo Association’s integrity.
COUNCIL ACTION
Upon motion by
Councilmember Barnes and second by Councilmember De La Rosa, Council voted
unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 19006 finding that the proposed sign is exempt
from the California Environmental Quality Act, determining that the sign is
proper and in the public interest pursuant to Zoning Code Section 37-5, and
approving Sign Permit 06-30 with an amendment allowing corporate sponsor signs
with the exception of alcohol and tobacco advertising. Absent:
Mayor Caballero.
3. California
Rodeo Association’s Request for Extended Hours for Concerts.
Deputy City Manager
Jorge Rifa presented his report. Staff recommends that Council continue
to individually consider requests to extend concert hours until the City has
additional experience with these exceptions.
Roger La Fountain,
Rodeo Association, stated that he would continue to appear before the Council
with their requests if Council prefers.
John Viarengo stated
that the Sports Complex was built after the neighborhood was established.
He is not an adversary of the Sports Complex. They are requesting
sensitivity for the neighbors regarding the noise. The Association has
become more responsive to the neighborhood’s needs. They are pleased with
the youth center and softball diamonds, and most of the improvements have been
good.
The promoter of the
Scorpion’s concert stated that the thirty-minute extension is needed. The
concert will be similar to the Eagles’ concert.
MOTION
Councilmember
Barnes moved to approve the request to extend the hours for four concerts per
year subject to Council’s approval and to extend the hours for the Scorpion’s
concert. The motion was seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa.
Councilmember
Giuriato asked whether the proposal is to allow extended hours for four
concerts per year subject to Council’s approval of each request.
Councilmember
Sanchez stated that he would support allowing extended hours for more than four
concerts per year. He has to weigh the greater benefit to the community
compared to the impact to the neighborhood.
Ms. Vallarta
clarified the motion is to approve the Rodeo Association’s right to request
extended hours for up to four concerts per year, in addition to authorizing extended
hours for the Scorpion’s concert.
AMENDED MOTION
Councilmember
Barnes amended her motion to approve the Rodeo Association’s right to request
extended hours for up to four concerts per year and approving the extended
hours for the Scorpion’s concert. The amendment to the motion was
approved by Councilmember De La Rosa.
In response to
Councilmember Giuriato, Mr. La Foundation stated that they have surveyed the
surrounding area. Mr. La Fountain stated that the interest was diverse
but residents were supportive.
Mr. Rifa noted that
the Council’s action would become effective July 1, 2006. He asked if the
Scorpions’ concert is one of the four concerts in the next year.
AMENDED MOTION
Councilmember
Barnes amended her motion to authorize an extension to 10:30 p.m. for the July
3rd Scorpions’ concert and approving the Rodeo Association’s right
to request extended hours for up to four concerts per year beginning July 1,
2006, not including the Scorpion’s concert. The amendment was
approved by Councilmember De La Rosa and passed unanimously.
COUNCILMEMBER
REPORTS/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Barnes stated that she met with District
residents who would like an ad hoc committee on infill issues.
Councilmember Giuriato agreed that this is a City-wide issue.
Councilmember Sanchez asked to recognize the top
Monterey County speller.
Councilmember Giuriato asked to recognize the Save a
Spot for College awardees.
ADJOURNMENT
The
meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m..
The City Council
met in closed session pursuant to:
a.
Government Code Section 54956.9, (Subdivision (a) pending litigation, Kenneth
Bough v. Cityof Salinas, Workers’ CompensationAppeals Board Case No.: SAL
98900
b.
Government Code Section 54956.9(a), pending litigation, City of Salinas v.
County of Monterey, et al, Superior Court Case No. M72983 (Rancho San Juan)
c.
Government Code Section 54956.9(a), pending litigation, Salinas Auto Center
Association and NESTech Management Group, Inc. v. City of Salinas, Tony Sammut
Development, et al, Monterey County Superior Court Case No. M77789.
&nb
sp;
APPROVED:
&nb
sp;
____________________________________
&nb
sp;
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
City Clerk
HOME