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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 1998 0923 CC SPCMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION Moorpark, California September 23, 1998 A Special Meeting of the City Council and the Planning Commission of the City of Moorpark was held on September 23, 1998 in the Community Center of said city located at 799 Moorpark Avenue, Moorpark, California. 1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Hunter called the City Council to order at 7 :20 p.m. Vice Chair Millhouse called the Planning Commission to order at 7:20 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL: City Council: Absent: Planning Commission: Absent: Councilmembers Evans, Teasley, and Mayor Hunter Councilmember Wozniak Commissioners, Acosta, Miller, and Millhouse Chair Lowenberg Perez, Dicecco, Staff Present: Steven Kueny, City Manager; Ken Gilbert, Director of Public Works, Mary Lindley, Director of Community Services; Nelson Miller, Director of Community Development; Wayne Loftus, Planning Manager; John Libiez, Principal Planner; Deborah S. Traffenstedt, City Clerk; Susan Meyer, Deputy City Clerk 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Millhouse led the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the City Council and Planning Commission Moorpark, California Page 2 September 23, 1998 4. PUBLIC COMMENT: Gary Austin, 959 South Coast Drive, Costa Mesa, representing Messenger Investment Company, commented on the Referendum signature collection. Ed Wheelis, 14092 Hardgrove Court, expressed his concern regarding construction of the wall between the Marketplace Properties commercial project and abutting residences. Tom Pflaumer, 3906 Willow Creek Lane, commented on the wall between the Marketplace Properties commercial project and abutting residences. In response to Mayor Hunter, Mr. Miller indicated that staff has met with the property owners and will continue to work with them to resolve their concerns. He stated that the conditions of approval call for construction of a fence or a wall, but staff did require a 6 -foot high block wall. He further stated that the location is being looked at so as to not impact the existing eucalyptus trees. Mayor Hunter requested that staff provide to the Council a box item outlining the requirements or conditions for the wall and tree preservation. In response to Councilmember Evans, Mr. Miller said that relocating the wall would require removal of eucalyptus trees, but that the wall trench has not yet been dug. Eloise Brown, 13193 Annette Street, commented on funding for a swimming pool within the City. She suggested that a portion of the park funds from new development can be earmarked for funding construction and maintenance of a swimming pool and this can be negotiated for the various development agreements. Councilmember Evans commented on received at the September 16 Council concern and disagreement over co Council was responsible for the soliciting signatures from residents the Referendum petition. the public comments meeting. He expressed mments that the City behavior of persons to withdraw names from Minutes of the City Council and Planning Commission Moorpark, California Page 3 September 23, 1998 5. PRESENTATION /ACTION /DISCUSSION: A. Introduction of Specific Plan No. 2, A Proposed Residential Planned Development of 652 Dwelling Units on 445 - Acres, Located North of the Intersection of Spring Road and Charles Street and East of Walnut Canyon Road. Proposed By Morrison Homes, Represented by Michael Greynald, Managing Member. Mr. Loftus gave the staff report. In response to Councilmember Teasley, Mr. Loftus indicated that the preliminary plan was to have a master homeowner's association maintain all open space with the exception of the planned public park. In response to Mayor Hunter, Mr. Miller said that the Spring Road connection to Walnut Canyon Road should be curved so as to allow a continuous traffic flow with no stop required northbound or southbound. He said this design would require a change to the General Plan Circulation Element but would provide a better flow of traffic and function as a State Route 23 bypass. In response to Mayor Hunter, Mr. Loftus said that the applicant owns the property that will facilitate the staff preferred design for the connection of Spring Road to Walnut Canyon Road. Mr. Miller commented that realignment is required at the intersection to encourage the flow of traffic onto Spring Road versus Walnut Canyon Road. In response to Commissioner Millhouse, Mr. Loftus stated that the habitat preservation area might be transferred to and maintained by an environmental resource agency. He stated that there would be no public access to the habitat preservation area but that a determination has not been made whether the public can access the remaining open space area, 75 acres of which is planned right of way for future state highways. He also stated that the intent was to have Spring Road function as the State Route 23. In response to Commissioner Millhouse, Mr. Loftus stated that the planned affordable housing would Minutes of the City Council and Planning Commission Moorpark, California Page 4 September 23, 1998 include very low and low income affordable housing units targeted to 50 to 80 percent of median income households. In response to Commissioner Millhouse, Mr. Loftus stated that the Specific Plan No. 2 circulation system would allow for a future connection of a roadway across lower Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park that would then connect to the Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan circulation system. He said the related cumulative traffic issue is addressed in the EIR. He also stated that the Specific Plan No. 2 project in conjunction with others adds to the cumulative degradation of air quality in the region. In response to Mayor Hunter, Mr. Loftus stated that there are air quality fees and other mitigation measures to minimize impacts. He also stated that the project includes mitigation for removal of habitat and that the impact to coastal sage scrub habitat is considered significant and adverse. In response to Commissioner Acosta, Mr. Loftus stated that the project proponent would ultimately need to propose a structure for the homeowners' association. He stated that City reimbursement to homeowners' for public use of private open space has not been determined. Mr. Miller commented that most of the open space would be restricted from private access, such as the habitat preservation area. He said it would provide more visual benefits versus active use. In response to Commissioner Acosta, Mr. Miller stated that multi -use trails in private open space could allow for public access. He also stated that a mechanism for indemnifying for liability would typically be addressed in easements. In response to Commissioner Acosta, Mr. Miller stated that the applicant had met with the School District and the size of the school site was consistent with the District's request for a middle school site. Minutes of the City Council and Planning Commission Moorpark, California Page 5 September 23, 1998 AT THIS POINT in the meeting, Mayor Hunter introduced the representative from Morrison - Fountainwood- Agoura, Mr. Michael Greynald, for a presentation. Mr. Greynald, 711 Daily Drive, Camarillo, representing Morrison - Fountainwood- Agoura, introduced the project giving an overview of the project site and background on the planning process. The presentation included discussion of the land use plan and environmental setting. He summarized various design features including street sections and presented slides showing street scenes. He also stated that the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was available for public review. In response to Councilmember Teasley, Mr. Greynald stated that the school site is located in the northern section of the project primarily to keep the school away from the heavier traffic volumes. In response to Councilmember Teasley, Mr. Greynald stated that senior housing had not been considered in the project, but stated that 55 affordable units were planned. In response to Councilmember Evans, Mr. Greynald stated that there were benefits to having Spring Road connect to Walnut Canyon, as previously described by staff, to allow Spring Road to function as a State Route 23 bypass. He also identified the location of the Waterworks District No. 1 facility and where they have requested a second access. Mayor Hunter requested that the proposed land use plan be overlaid on an aerial photo and provided to Council. In response to Commissioner Acosta, Mr. Greynald stated that the mixing of lot sizes was not necessary given that even the High density would typically have only two to three dwelling units per acre and that the affordable units would be mixed with market -rate units. He also stated that a homeowner's association would most likely be responsible for maintaining the private open space. Minutes of the City Council and Planning Commission Moorpark, California Page 6 September 23, 1998 In response to Mayor Hunter, Mr. Greynald stated that access would be restricted to 94 acres of the planned public open space. He also stated that it is difficult to get a public or non - profit agency to take smaller open space areas, and that a conservation easement would be provided for all open space. Commissioner Dicecco commented that it would be helpful to have sight sections north and south and where Spring Road has the steepest grading. He also stated that the EIR does not clearly identify where the geologic restricted zone is located and asked that the Habitat Conservation Plan management areas be correlated to the open space plan in the Specific Plan. In response to Commissioner Dicecco, Mr. Greynald stated that the Habitat Conservation Plan prepare for the California Gnatcatcher for Management of Open Space includes the entire Specific Plan site. In response to Commissioner Miller, Mr. Greynald stated that no gates for the project are planned at this time but could designed given the circulation plan for the site. He also stated that gates would de- emphasize connectivity. Bill LaPerch, 7200 Walnut Canyon Road, expressed his concern regarding inadequate review of circulation alternatives, impacts to air quality and wildlife, and financing for another park site. Tina May, 13853 E. Los Angeles Avenue, expressed concern over the delay of widening and improvements to East Los Angeles Avenue and the additional traffic from the proposed project on that roadway. She also commented on the need to protect open space adjacent to homes from vandalism and fire potential. In response to Mayor Hunter, Mr. Gilbert gave a brief update on the status of the widening of East Los Angeles Avenue. He stated that the City Engineer was preparing a record of survey for legal descriptions for property acquisition. He also stated that the environmental document was being prepared and after approval the right of way would be acquired. He Minutes of the City Council and Planning Commission Moorpark, California Page 7 September 23, 1998 stated that the goal was to have the roadway improvements under construction by the year 2000. Gerald Goldstein, 11932 Los Angeles Avenue, commented on the capacity of the sewage treatment plant. He also expressed concern regarding the air quality impact of the project and maintaining natural habitat. In response to Mayor Hunter, Mr. Miller reviewed the process of a 45 -day public review period on the EIR, followed by preparation of responses to comments and the Planning Commission public hearings on the Specific Plan. He also stated that the public review period for the Draft EIR ends on October 15. In response to Councilmember Perez, Mr. Miller said that an aerial photograph exhibit with a land use plan overlay would be prepared for the Council. Commissioner Millhouse commented that making the connection easier from Walnut Canyon Road to Spring Road might increase speeds and that other design measures may be needed to control the speed of vehicles on Spring Road. AT THIS POINT in the meeting, the Council adjourned the joint session and took a recess. The time was 9:14 p.m. AT THIS POINT in the meeting, Vice Chair Millhouse adjourned the Planning Commission. The time was 9:14 p.m. The Council reconvened at 9:35 p.m. with all Councilmembers present including Councilmember Wozniak. 5. PRESENTATION /ACTION /DISCUSSION: B. Consider Fiscal Year 1998/99 Goals & Objectives (Continued from August 19, 1998). Staff Recommendation: Consider the proposed Goals and Objectives. Mr. Kueny gave the staff report. He suggested that any objectives not included in the Budget should be deleted at this time. He stated that Objective No. A.7 had been deleted by prior Council action. Minutes of the City Council and Planning Commission Moorpark, California Page 8 September 23, 1998 Mayor Hunter stated that the Council would proceed looking at each goal and associated objectives. Goal A. Expand and encourage community involvement in establishing the general policies of the City and increase the public's understanding of local government operations. In response to Councilmember Wozniak, Mr. Kueny stated that Objective A.2 was not a high priority and could be moved to a secondary list to be considered with the budget in future years. He said a consultant should do the community -wide survey. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council determined to move Objective A.2 to a secondary list to be considered with the Budget in future years. In response to Mayor Hunter regarding Objective No. A.5, Mr. Kueny stated that the Police Department would be involved in the preparation of a general emergency preparedness manual. In response to Mayor Hunter regarding Objective No. A.6, Mr. Kueny stated that a general City brochure could be prepared explaining what City services are available. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council determined to leave Objective No. A.6 in the Goals and Objectives. In response to Mayor Hunter, Mr. Kueny stated that Objective No. A.9 could be deleted because it had already been accomplished. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council determined to delete Objective A.9. Mayor Hunter commented on item number 7, that funds have been spent to upgrade the public information resources and is now underutilized. In response to Mayor Hunter regarding Objective No. A.7, Mr. Kueny indicated that an objective could be added, such as obtaining videos from other agencies to broadcast on the Government Channel a minimum of two Minutes of the City Council and Planning Commission Moorpark, California Page 9 September 23, 1998 hours per month of public interest videos. He stated that staff would prepare a report on the system capabilities prior to the October 7 Council meeting. Goal B. Revitalize downtown Moorpark with a focus on High Street and the surrounding business district and residential neighborhoods. Mr. Kueny stated that Objective No. B.8 has no budget. In response to Mayor Hunter regarding Objective No. B.1, Councilmember Evans stated that the Ad Hoc Committee had several meetings regarding the day laborers issue and that the Committee is still exploring options. Mayor Hunter suggested deleting Objective No. B.3. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council determined to delete Objective B.3 which reads: "Development of Gisler Field for housing uses or sell property." In response to Councilmember Wozniak regarding Objective No. B.2, Ms. Lindley said that staff would attempt to secure grants for the landscaping of the railroad frontage along Moorpark Avenue. In response to Councilmember Evans regarding Objective No. B.11, Mr. Kueny explained that the Neighborhood Preservation Program was intended to consist of focused code enforcement, neighborhood by neighborhood, and that the Program could not be accomplished this year due to the Code Enforcement Intern vacancy. He suggested this objective be moved to the secondary list to be discussed in future budget years. Councilmember Wozniak recommended that Objective No. B.8 also be moved to the secondary list for future discussion. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council determined to move Objectives B.8 and B.11 to a secondary list to be discussed in future budget years. Minutes of the City Council and Planning Commission Moorpark, California Page 10 September 23, 1998 Goal C. Improve traffic circulation and mitigate impacts on the movement of traffic through the City. In response to Mayor Hunter, Mr. Gilbert updated the Council on Objectives C.S.a and C.5.b. He stated that a letter had been sent to Caltrans regarding drainage issues to be resolved before the City accepts ownership for East Los Angeles Avenue. He also said that improvements to Spring Road would be a separate project, which the City may be able to move ahead with. Mr. Kueny commented that Objectives C.8 and C.10 were the same and suggested deleting Objective C.8. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council determined to delete Objective No. C.8 which reads: "Provide support to efforts required to develop the design for the extension of Spring Road north of Charles Street, including an analysis of the prerequisites for the realignment of State Route 23 to this street." In response to Councilmember Evans regarding Objective C.6, Mr. Kueny indicated that precise standards have to be followed for speed limits to have the radar be enforceable. In response to Mayor Hunter, Mr. Gilbert said that regarding Objective C.5.e, he expected that by next June a firm would be hired to design the traffic signal interconnect system for Los Angeles Avenue and New Los Angeles Avenue. Goal D. Strengthen the City's fiscal well being and long -range financial growth. Mayor Hunter suggested revising Goal D to substitute the word "stability" for the words "well being." CONSENSUS: By consensus the Council determined to modify Goal D to read as follows: "Strengthen the City's fiscal stability and long -range financial growth." Goal E. Reduce the potential for juvenile crime through intervention and prevention efforts. Minutes of the City Council and Planning Commission Moorpark, California Page 11 September 23, 1998 Mr. Kueny reminded the Council of the previous Council consensus to add the word "afternoon" before the words "late night" in Objective No. E.4 and the combining of Objective E.6 with Objective F.13. Goal F. Enhance the delivery of services and expand program efficiencies. Mr. Kueny indicated that Objective No. F.1 could be deleted since an Organization and Management Study was not included in the Budget. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council determined to delete Objective F.1. In response to Councilmember Teasley regarding Objective No. F.2, Mr. Kueny stated that staff efforts had been focused on dissolution of the Moorpark Mosquito Abatement District, but that transfer of the -' Waterworks District No. 1 to the City should now move forward and this objective should remain on the list. In response to Mayor Hunter regarding Objective F.20, Mr. Miller stated that staff was working on developing procedures for citations. In response to Councilmember Perez, Mr. Miller stated that developing citing procedures for code enforcement had not been a top priority due to limited staff and other priorities such as the processing of development projects. In response to Councilmember Teasley regarding eliminating Objective No. F.6, Mr. Kueny stated that he would discuss with the City Attorney combining Objective F.6 with Objective F.20. In response to Councilmember Wozniak, Mr. Kueny suggested deleting Objective F.8 to be put on a secondary list. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council determined to move Objective F.8 to a secondary list to be discussed in future budget years. Minutes of the City Council and Planning Commission Moorpark, California Page 12 September 23, 1998 In response to Mayor Hunter regarding Objective F.8, Mr. Kueny said that the public comment period for the Entertainment Express franchise agreement may be allowed to be extended and further information would be brought back to Council Goal G. Reinforce community desirable and enhance character resources. Moorpark's attractive and safeguard its Mr. Kueny indicated that Objective No. G.7 had been completed in the prior year and could be deleted. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council determined to delete Objective No. G.7 which reads: "Prepare Storm Water Quality Ordinance as required by N.P.D.E.S." In response to Mayor Hunter regarding Objective No. G.2, Mr. Kueny indicated that conducting an emergency response exercise did not require consultant services. In response to Mayor Hunter regarding Objective No. G.4, Mr. Kueny stated that staff is working on achieving removal of the billboard and that the Council would be advised of the status. Councilmember Perez stated that the Council had previously reached consensus that Objective G.9, prepare a proposed Growth Management Ordinance, should be deleted. In response to Mayor Hunter regarding Objective G.15, Mr. Kueny indicated that it was too early to look at the funding of the maintenance costs for the Specific Plan No. 2 park. In response to Mayor Hunter regarding Objective G.19, Mr. Kueny stated that there had been no efforts by Caltrans regarding reuse of the prior maintenance yard on Los Angeles Avenue. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council directed staff to revise the Goals and Objectives and bring back the revised document to the City Council for review. Minutes of the City Council and Planning Commission Moorpark, California Page 13 September 23, 1998 C. Consider Designation of Ventura County Local Agency Formation Commission ( LAFCO) as the Final Conducting Authority for the Request for Annexation for Property Contained Within Specific Plan No. 8 (Hidden Creek Ranch). Staff Recommendation: Direct staff as deemed appropriate. Mr. Miller gave the staff report and identified minor amendments to a draft letter proposed to be sent to LAFCO requesting LAFCO to be the final conducting authority for the annexation. In response to Mayor Hunter, Mr. Miller stated that a noticed City Council public hearing is required after LAFCO takes action on the annexation. MOTION: Councilmember Evans moved and Councilmember Perez seconded a motion to approve staff recommendation Option No. 1, to authorize a letter requesting that LAFCO be the final conducting authority, in which case their action would be final, with the letter to incorporate the amendments referenced by staff. The motion carried by voice vote 4 -0, Councilmember Teasley abstaining. D. Consider Community Facilities District 97 -1 for Approval of Assignment of Rights under the Acquisition Agreement and of Consent and Agreement Between City and East -West Bank. Staff Recommendation: Approve Assignment of Rights and Consent and Agreement subject to Final Language Approval of City Manager and City Attorney and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents. Mr. Kueny gave the staff report. MOTION: Councilmember Perez moved and Councilmember Wozniak seconded a motion to approve the Assignment of Rights and Consent and Agreement subject to Final Language Approval of City Manager and City Attorney and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 6. CLOSED SESSION: None was held. Minutes of the City Council and Planning Commission Moorpark, California Page 14 September 23, 1998 7. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION: Councilmember Perez moved and Councilmember Teasley seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The time was 10:15 p.m. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Keith Mi ouse, Vice Chair I ) atrick ter, Mayor ATTEST: a s — Deborah S. Traffenst , City Cler