SALINAS CITY
COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
NOVEMBER 27, 2007 MEETING MINUTES
The meeting convened at 4 p.m..
Present:
Mayor/Chairperson Dennis Donohue
Council/Agency member Janet Barnes
Council/Agency member Tony
Barrera
Council/Agency member Gloria De La Rosa
Council/Agency member Jyl Lutes
Council/Agency member Sergio Sanchez
Council/Agency member Steve Villegas
MOMENT OF SILENCE
The City Council observed a
moment of silence in honor of Monterey County Supervisor Jerry Smith, who died
on Sunday, November 27 due to complications from cancer.
COUNCILMEMBERS’
REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember De La
Rosa requested info on San Diego’s adult entertainment video ordinance.
Councilmember Barnes
stated that Max Bragado-Darman, Monterey Symphony conductor, has proposed to do
have children dance to a Latin symphony, similar to what he is doing with the
Harlem School of Children.
Councilmember
Barrera reappointed James Washington to the Measure V Committee.
Mayor Donohue
reappointed Jack Briscoe to the Measure V Committee.
STUDY
SESSION
Alisal
Marketplace Concept
Sean Cooley,
Cooley Development Partners, Walnut Creek, presented a power point
presentation. Mr. Cooley is partnering
with Bristol Group investment and development company in San Francisco on the
concept of a mixed use development along the Alisal Street corridor. Investment in the area’s infrastructure will
realize a return. As development would
occur, businesses would be relocated to other locations on the property in a
manner designed to minimize business disruption. The Master Plan would connect Salinas’ geographic areas.
Mr. Cooley
stated that Mayor Donohue asked them to consider expanding to the other side of
Alisal Street when their 2005 concept did not obtain buy in. They were urged to include the area in the
vicinity of the transfer station and accommodate their relocation needs ahead
of time. They have met with the
parties, understand their needs and would work with them. They could build around Granite Rock if
necessary. Mr. Cooley described the
conceptualized plaza, medical, office and retail space and civic buildings that
would be “green.” The master plan could
also accommodate other public uses and parks.
The phasing of a project of this size would require eighteen months of
approvals and environmental work before construction could begin, and the City
would have to simultaneously expand the redevelopment area.
Aaron Gruen,
Gruen and Associates, urban and real estate economist, stated that preliminary
project statistics include 486 units of housing for 24,030 residents. There would be 530,000 square feet of
non-residential space. The estimated
annual revenue total is $2,917,000, including $320,000 in General Fund property
tax, $318,000 in Sunset Redevelopment District property tax, $1,260,000 in
sales tax, $566,000 in Measure V sales tax, $14,000 in transfer tax not
including commercial users, $103,000 in utility users tax, $117,000 in business
license tax, $36,000 in franchise fees, and $183,000 in motor vehicle in-lieu
fees. Current employment would increase
by 3.5%. Salinas’ current per capita
sales is much lower than neighboring communities.
Councilmember
Barnes asked about the phasing, financial projections, and prior project
experience. Mr. Gruen stated that the
estimated revenues are for the project, and do not take into account existing
revenues. It would be added revenue to
the current budget. Councilmember
Barnes asked what the revenue is now for this area. Mr. Gruen stated additional analysis is required.
Councilmember
Lutes asked whether the buildings would be LEED certified. Mr. Cooley stated that they hope to do
that. They would have a charette prior
to additional architectural renderings.
She asked about the desired City contribution. Mr. Cooley stated that he is only attempting to determine whether
the City and community would like him to proceed.
In response
to Councilmember Sanchez, Mr. Cooley stated that they are not saying they would
give the civic building to the City but would like to master plan it within the
community. The City could rent it until
they could buy it. Councilmember
Sanchez stated that other developers have been requested to build a park or
school. Mr. Cooley estimated that their investment in the community is roughly
$125,000,000 to $150,000,000 depending on the density. They anticipate 496 residential units,
including 96 affordable units. It is
difficult to quantify the net number of new jobs. There would be at least a two percent increase in economic
vitality.
Mr. Gruen
stated this would be an incubator for entrepreneurship and job training. They have discussed tie-in with the
community college. These would be
smaller businesses, with potential for prosperity that would be different than
at a big box store.
Mr. Cooley
stated that he has met with eighty percent to eighty-five percent of the
landowners, and
the majority
of them want to listen and go to the next step because it is good for the area
and city.
They believe
in sustainable development, including utilizing an incredible amount of local
people and material.
Councilmember
Barrera asked when a formal agreement would reach Council for
consideration. City Manager Dave Mora
stated that Mr. Cooley stated he would first engage in public engagement prior
to entering into commitments with the City.
However, during that time, the staff would work with the developer.
Mr. Cooley
confirmed that he is open to meeting with the school district on their needs.
Robin Lee
spoke in support of a mixed-use community.
However, housing costs should take into consideration Salinas very-low
and low-income households. She would
like a survey of the current workers and what they could afford for housing.
David Brown,
SUBA President and Redevelopment area property owner, stated that the area has
experienced prostitution, drug problems, and blight. This would be an opportunity to repair Salinas’ heart and become
a gateway.
Wiley
Mitchell, stated that the development should be given a chance to beautify the
area and would generate permit fees as well.
Mr. Cooley has been animated about using local people from the
beginning.
Brian
Finegan, representing Granite Rock Company, stated that they have been in
business in Salinas for sixty years, and are business excellence award winners
and nationally recognized. They first
learned of the proposed relocation by reading about it in the newspaper. Granite Rock plans to stay at their current
location. This conveys a message that
Salinas is not friendly to existing businesses.
Darryl
Kenyon, A.G. Davi Real Estate, Monterey, spoke in support and contrasted this
vision to Monterey’s downtown.
Sal Jimenez,
former SUBA President, stated that the Board understands this vision. East Salinas residents deserve this
project. He would be willing to
relocate his business as the construction expands to his current site.
Councilmembers
spoke in support of the project.
Councilmember Sanchez requested the appointment of a subcommittee to
assist in moving the project forward.
Councilmember Barnes stated that she looks forward to additional
information and would like Granite Rock to stay at its present location.
Mayor Donohue
stated that business people are excited about Salinas because the City Council
understands the business reality. There
is a short period within which to expand the tax base. One project can begin the domino effect of
investment and moving the community forward.
The regular
meeting adjourned in memory of the late Supervisor Jerry Smith.
The City
Council recessed to closed session at 5:40 p.m. pursuant to:
a. Government Code Section 54957, public
employee performance evaluation (City Manager.)
b. Government Code Section 54957, public
employee performance evaluation (City Attorney).
APPROVED:
__________________________
Mayor Dennis
Donohue
ATTEST:
_______________________
City Clerk Ann Camel
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