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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 07-01-98(2)MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL Adjourned Regular Meeting - PLANNING COMMISSION INTERVIEWS Wednesday, July 1, 1998 The Ukiah City Council met at an Adjourned Regular Meeting on July 1, 1998, the notice for which had been legally noticed and posted, at 5:00 p.m. in Conference Room 3, Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. Roll was taken and the following Councilmembers were present: Councilmembers Chavez, Ashiku, Kelly, Mastin, and Mayor Malone. Staff present: City Manager Horsley, Planning Director Sawyer, and City Clerk Ulvila. 2. PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICANT INTERVIEWS Mayor Malone reviewed the City Council interview process for each Planning Commission candidate. 2a. ERIC LARSON Eric Larson discussed his experiences as a Planning Commissioner and the importance of the General Plan as a guideline for the future of Ukiah. He felt that land use issues will continue to be a paramount topic for both residential and commercial uses within the City. He felt his participation dudng the General Plan process and tenure as a Planning Commissioner has enabled him to hear both sides and make important decisions. He would like to see additional traffic calming measures taken in residential areas. Councilmembers queried Mr. Larson concerning his views of the planning permit process, growth/annexation, and the use of sandwich board signs. Mr. Larson felt the Planning Department is doing a great job and staff has a good rapport with the Commissioners. He felt the General Plan should be used as a guideline for growth issues as well as the possibility of expansion. With regard to sandwich board signs, he felt they should not obstruct pedestrian traffic or the right of way. 2b. JAMES MULHEREN James Mulheren advised that he worked for Kagelini Kabinets for 22 years and is now a business owner in the community. He would like to become more involved in community functions, now having the time to give something back to the community. He noted that if he did not get appointed to the Planning Commission, he would be interested in serving on another City committee. Councilmembers queried Mr. Mulheren concerning his knowledge of the General Plan, and with making land use decisions, noting that at times a Commissioner must be able to take the pressure associated with making controversial decisions. The Councilmembers also inquired as to his views on growth/expansion of the City and the use of sandwich board signs. Mr. Mulheren advised that he has been making important business decisions for over 25 years. He noted that he has not read the General Plan. He expressed a strong need to bring businesses to the community, which generate good wages. The need for more affordable housing is important, however, there is not much land available within the City limits. He noted one possible solution would be to demolish some old buildings and construct multiple dwelling units in their place. He felt potential growth areas would be to the north and discouraged building on the western hills. He noted that if agricultural land was left dormant, it could be put to good use with residential units. Being the father of a 14-year old son has made him aware of the recreational needs of youth in the community. 2c. JENNIFER PUSER Jennifer Puser advised her experience as a Planning Commissioner has been invaluable and she has enjoyed working with land use issues and seeing how policies are implemented. She noted an overall interest in planning issues and felt staff has been doing a good job. Councilmembers queried Ms. Puser regarding the demolition process, occasions when the City Council overturns a Planning Commission decision, and the use of sandwich board signs. Ms. Puser expressed the need for more affordable housing although she did not think the community was cramped. Historical preservation is a top priority for her, whereas demolition is not in her purview as a Planning Commissioner. She discussed her recent job change and advised that she will now have more time to devote to the community and local projects. She discussed her views relative to growth, noting as more and more people commute on Hwy 101, there may be an increase in population, but not significant in the next few years. It is important the City be involved in all growth potential and long term planning. It was Ms. Puser's opinion that sandwich board signs be allowed, but not in the public right of way as they have the potential for interrupting the flow of foot traffic. Adjourned Regular Meeting - July 1, 1998 Page 1 Recessed: 5:54 p.m. Reconvened: 6:00 p.m. 2d. MIKE CORRELL Mike Correll discussed the need for long range planning of the Ukiah community and the need for the City and County to meet concerning issues in the community. With the development of the General Plan, the City now needs to decide whether it wants to be pro-growth or non-growth. He stressed the need to plan with the County as we grow into the future and advocated planned growth for Ukiah. He suggested the City and County formulate workshops to address joint issues and work together to resolve differences and solutions. He felt there is a need for middle income housing projects, although land is scarce. It is important that the mix of Iow income housing with other land uses be well balanced. Clean industry (no pollutants) would be a great asset to the community but noted forfeiting agricultural land for industry would be a sacrifice. He would prefer slow, systematic growth with a broad understanding of how future growth will take place. When queried about the use of sandwich board signs, he felt they are appropriate in certain areas if they are tastefully done and do not cause a safety hazard. 3. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Malone adjourned the meeting to 6:30 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting. Marie Ulvila, City Clerk Adjourned Regular Meeting - July 1, 1998 Page 2