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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 10-16-96(2)reduction of the number of accidents in that area due to the elimination of the left turn stops that tie up the intersection. Fudher discussion followed regarding bike lanes. It was clarified that completion of the project would mean a loss of parking for the small businesses in the area. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: 7:25 p.m. Several citizens and business owners spoke in opposition to the project, citing concerns regarding the elimination of the loading zones and on-street parking currently being used by the neighborhood businesses and their customers. Concem was also expressed regarding pedestrian safety, the lack of a traffic lane for bicyclists, and the potential for increased vehicular speed as a result of the elimination of the left turn stops. It was noted that planning should occur which takes into consideration a possible future area population growth factor of 40%, with the resultant increase in traffic on State Street. It was fudher suggested that alternative modes of transportation should be encouraged. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 7:42 p.m. Council queried staff regarding how many total businesses would be affected by the project and what other design alternatives had been explored to reduce the traffic hazards. Discussion noted that approximately 121 parking spaces along State Street would be eliminated, and that current traffic on State Street would not allow for only a two lane highway with a middle turn lane. The capacity of a freeway lane (free-flow conditions) is approximately 1,200 vehicles per hour. The average day of traffic on State Street exceeds 18,000 vehicles a day. If State Street were reconfigured to have only one through lane in each direction, the capacity, because of the interruptions at the intersections, would be 500 and 700 vehicles per hour, per lane. It was noted there was a need to have a right turn lane at the intersections to maintain capacity at the intersections. Council expressed concerns relative to pedestrian safety, the lack of bicycle lanes, and the loss of on-street parking for the businesses in the area. Discussion noted consensus for staying with the status quo, and not degrading the business community because of driver irresponsibility. Council acknowledged the denial of the project would cause the loss of the state funds. MIS Wattenburger/Malone to not adopt the concept and ask staff to cease progress on the project to construct a two-way, left-turn lane on South State Street from Mill Street to Hastings Avenue, carded by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, arid Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Mastin. Recessed: 7:55 p.m. Reconvened: 8:06 p.m. 7Co Adoption of Resolution Establishing 15 MPH Speed Zone on Lorraine Street and Approval of Traffic Diversion and Calming on Lorraine Street South of Marlene Street City Engineer Kennedy reviewed the staff repod and recommendations relative to implementing traffic diversion and calming measures on Lorraine Street south of Marlene Street, pursuant to the requirements stipulated in Condition No. 29 of Site Development Permit 90-87 for the WaI-Mad project. The traffic volumes have substantially increased and warrant the implementation of the mitigations identified in the aforementioned Site Development Permit. The recommendations include establishing a 15 MPH speed zone on Lorraine Street between Marlene Street and old Talmage Road, the installation of three speed humps on Lorraine Street for the purpose of reducing vehicular speeds, and making specified modifications to the signaled intersection at Talmage Road and Airport Park Boulevard, which would prohibit the northbound and southbound vehicular movement across Talmage Road. Modifications would allow the ability to make dght and left turns from Talmage Road into the southbound leg of Airport Park Boulevard. Councilmember Shoemaker inquired why these measures were superior to the fixing of VVaugh Lane. Mr. Kennedy replied it was largely a matter of funds, and he was seeking the measures'least costly to the City. As Condition No. 29 states, if the neighborhood is impacted, the City will construct traffic diverters. If the traffic diverters are found to be ineffective after new traffic counts are taken, the City, WaI-Mad, Redwood Business Park, and those residents on Waugh Lane who will benefit from the project would participate in the cost of widening Waugh Lane on the east side, from north of the one- lane bddge all the way south to Talmage Road. Cost estimates made by the previous City Engineer indicate the City's portion of the cost for that improvement would be considerable. The City does not currently have the funds to participate in the improvement of Waugh Lane. Discussion followed relative to turn arrow signage and use of traffic barriers. Regular Meeting - October 16, 1996 Page 4 2 PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: 8:29 p.m. Several residents and property owners in the area spoke to their concerns regarding the increased traffic, speeding vehicles, dangers to pedestrians and children in the neighborhood, and the blocking off of local businesses. Residents also voiced their opinions that diversionary measures such as barricades or speed humps would simply move traffic from one street to another, and not solve the major problem. It was noted that one solution already in existence is for drivers to use the freeway to travel north and south between shopping areas, rather than using the State Street arterial or neighborhood routes. Opinions were also expressed that long term traffic planning should occur which would include the widening of Waugh Lane and the possibility of another north/south relief road through the City Limits. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 9:11 p.m. Discussion followed as the Council attempted to reach a consensus. MIS Shoemaker/Malone to adopt Resolution No. 97-30 Establishing A 15 Miles Per Hour Speed Zone, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Mastin. MIS Shoemaker/Wattenburger to barricade Marlene Street so there is no through road to Orchard Street, with the City Engineer to determine the location, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: CouncilmemberMastin. MIS Shoemaker/Wattenburger to seek information from the City Engineer regarding reconnecting Betty Street to old Talmage Road and abandoning the portion that joins new Talmage Road, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: CouncilmemberMastin. MIS Shoemaker/Schneiter to secure an up-to-date cost estimate for improvements on Waugh Lane, carried by an all AYE voice vote. Recessed: 9:21 p.m. Reconvened: 9:31 p.m. 7d. Introduction of Ordinance Amending the City Zoning Map to Rezone 101 Lots in the Dora Street Corridor Neiqhborhood Discussion followed regarding the process of introducing the ordinance in consideration of Councilmember Shoemaker's conflicts relating to the properties to be rezoned. It was determined that Councilmember Shoemaker should hear the staff report in total, and recuse himself during the discussion and vote on the conflicted issues. Senior Planner Stump advised that Phase No. 5 of the City-Wide General Plan Rezoning Program involves 101 lots situated in what is referred to as the Dora Street Corridor area. The main thrust of this phase is to rezone a large number of the parcels fronting Dora Street, between Holden Street on the north and Beacon Lane on the south,from "R-3" (General Multiple Residential) to "C-N" (Neighborhood Commercial). The intent is to acknowledge and support the evolution of this street from predominantly residential to a mixed residential/commercial neighborhood. He further advised that the purpose of redesignating some properties is to acknowledge and protect important existing land uses, and to help facilitate the evolution of land uses that are out of context with their surroundings. The Planning Commission considered the rezoning of 161 parcels in this phase of the program. After considerable discussion, and public testimony, they are recommending in favor of a number of the rezonings, but against others, because existing development, neighborhood character, or the physical characteristics of the property do not make sense for an intensification or change of land use. Accordingly, the Planning Commission is recommending the rezoning of 101 of the 161 parcels in the Dora Street Corridor neighborhood. Commissioner Shoemaker recused himself from the meeting at 9:39 p.m. City Attorney Rapport advised a public hearing should be held for each of the groups of the properties considered for rezoning. Mayor Schneiter advised it was now time to hear public input on those properties proposed to be rezoned from "R-3" to "C-N." Regular Meeting - October 16, 1996 Page 5 3 PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: 9:40 p.m. Comments from the audience included concems regarding the height of buildings along the corridor, secudty of the houses in the area, traffic, and the degradation of the neighborhoods surrounding the proposed changes with the advent of rentals, apartment buildings, or commercial enterprises. Mr. Stump advised staff is not proposing any changes to the zoning provisions, just a change in the map. The Planning Commission will be discussing the "C-N"development standard at its October 23 meeting. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 9:46 p.m. Councilman Malone inquired if the "C-N" designation would still allow some of the higher density residential. Mr. Stump replied the "C-N" designation would allow Iow intensity residential and Iow intensity commercial land uses. MIS WattenburgerlMalone to introduce by title only the Ordinance Amending the Official Zoning Map for the City of Ukiah, CA, relative to those properties rezoned from "R-3" to "C-N," carried by an all AYE voice vote of the Councilmembers present. City Clerk Giuntoli read the Ordinance by title only. MIS WattenburgerlMalone to introduce the Ordinance Amending the Official Zoning Map for the City of Ukiah, CA, relative to those properties rezoned from "R-3" to "C-N," carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmembers Mastin and Shoemaker. It was determined that the ordinance regarding the rezoning of "R-3" to "R-1" would be brought back at a future meeting due to the conflicts of Mayor Schneiter and Councilmember Wattenburger relating to the properties and the absence of Councilmember Mastin, thereby creating the lack of a quorum. Mayor Schneiter advised it was now time to hear public input regarding those properties to be rezoned from "R-3" to "R-2." PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: 9:54 p.m. Jack Rising, Redwood Theaters, presented a letter to the Council from the owner of the property at 737 South Oak Street that was written to the Planning Commission, wherein he expressed the desire to retain the present R-3 zoning. Mr. Rising also spoke in favor of retaining the current zoning for his property. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 9:58 p.m. Mayor Schneiter read the letter to the Councilmembers present. MIS WattenburgerlMalone to introduce by title only the Ordinance Amending the Official Zoning Map for the City of Ukiah, CA relative to those properties rezoned from "R-3" to "R-2", with the exception of the lower five parcels situated along the eastern side of Oak Street between Mill and Gobbi Streets which shall remain "R-3", carried by an all AYE voice vote. City Clerk Giuntoli read the Ordinance by title only. MIS WattenburgerlMalone to introduce the Ordinance Amending the Official Zoning Map for the City of Ukiah, CA relative to those properties rezoned from "R-3" to "R-2", with the exception of the lower five parcels situated along the eastem side of Oak Street between Mill and Gobbi Streets which shall remain "R-3", carded by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmembers Mastin and Shoemaker. Mayor Schneiter advised it was now time to hear public input regarding the property to be rezoned from "R-l" to "C-N." Councilmember Shoemaker returned to the meeting at 10:00 p.m. Regular Meeting - October 16, 1996 Page 6 4 PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: 10:01 p.m. No one came forward. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 10:02 p.m. MIS WattenburgerlMalone to introduce by title only the Ordinance Amending the Official Zoning Map for the City of Ukiah, CA, relative to the property to be rezoned from "R-l" to "C-N", carried by an all AYE voice vote of the Councilmembers present. City Clerk Giuntoli read the Ordinance by title only. MIS Wattenburger/Malone to introduce the Ordinance Amending the Official Zoning Map for the City of Ukiah, CA, relative to the property to be rezoned from "R-1" to "C-N", carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: CouncilmemberMastin. 9. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Schneiter advised that Agenda Items 9b and 9c would be heard at this time since there was audience present to speak to the issues. 9b. Discussion Regarding Additional Tree Plantinqs in Alex R. Thomas, Jr. Plaza Community Services Director DeKnoblough advised that since the opening of the Alex R. Thomas, Jr. Plaza, there has been substantial public comment regarding the need for additional shade tree plantings on the site. In response to this community discussion, the Ukiah Main Street Program has initiated an effort to obtain donations for additional tree plantings. To date, they have secured donors for at least six trees, 15 gallon to 36" box in size, for planting this fall. Staff has met with Main Street members, as well as with Councilmember Shoemaker, to discuss potential tree types and locations. Plantings are recommended at two trees within each of the three turf areas, excluding the fourth area in front of the stage. Mr. Dennis Denny, Main Street Program, stated he had found other individuals willing to donate to this venture. He requested that the Thomas family be asked if the donations would conflict with their desires for the Plaza. Once agreement is reached, he will move forward and secure the donations. Mayor Schneiter stated he felt that City Manager Horsley would be the ideal person to contact Mrs. Thomas to secure her approval of the donations. MIS Shoemaker/Malone to approve the concept and move forward, carried by an all AYE voice vote. The Council expressed their gratitude to Mr. Denny and the Ukiah Main Street Program for their generous efforts, stating the size of the tree donations would give some greatly needed immediate shade. SC. Adoption of Resolution Appointing the Main Street Pro(iram Board of Directors as Advisory Board to the City Council for Implementation of the Parking and Business Improvement (AB 1693) District Community Services Director DeKnoblough reviewed the staff report and advised that in 1982 the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 777 which established the Parking and Business Improvement District and Benefit Zone within the area bounded by Henry, Clay, Oak and Main Streets. The purpose in establishing this District was to generate funds for decoration of any public place in the area, promotion of public events which are to take place in public places in the area, and the general promotion of business in the area. That district was expanded in 1988 by Ordinance No. 883. It is necessary for the City Council to appoint an Advisory Board in accordance with the provisions of the State of California, Streets and Highways Code. The purpose of the Board is to provide recommendations through an annual report to the Council as to how funds should be expended. The City Council may approve the report as filed or modify any particular part of the report. Should the Council wish to continue funding the Main Street Program through the assessment, staff recommends adoption of the resolution which would then require Main Street to prepare and present to the Council the required report prior to disbursement of future funds. Regular Meeting - October 16, 1996 Page 7 5 MIS Malone/Wattenburger to adopt Resolution No. 97-31 Appointing the Ukiah Main Street Board of Directors as the Advisory Board for the Parking and Business Improvement District Within the City of Ukiah, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Mastin. 8b. Approval of Public Financial Management as City's Investment Consultant and Authorization for City Manager to Execute Contract Assistant City Manager Harris reviewed the staff report, and advised a Request for Proposal was distributed to 84 firms in July, 1996, from which 13 responses were received. A five member panel interviewed four of the firms, and unanimously recommends Public Financial Management, Inc. to be the City's Investment Advisor. Discussion followed relative to comparisons between the firms that were interviewed, fees and costs, investment strategy, and investment reporting procedures. MIS WattenburgerlMalone to approve Public Financial Management, Inc. as the City's Investment Advisor and authorize the City Manager to execute contract, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Mastin. ac. Appointment of Union Bank of California as Agent to Act as Custodian of Cash~ Securities, and Other Property Which May Be Deposited with Union Bank of California and Authorization for City Manager to Sign Custody Agreement City Manager Horsley advised a Request for Proposal (RFP) was submitted for custodian of the City's securities. The recommendation is that the advisory firm and the custodian not be one and the same. The lowest price received from the RFP was from Union Bank for $2,500. Discussion followed relative to minimum and transaction fees, MIS Shoemaker/Malone to appoint Union Bank of California as Agent to act as Custodian of Cash, Securities, and other property which may be deposited with Union Bank of California and authorize the City Manager to sign the custody agreement, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: CouncilmemberMastin. 10. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 10a. Letter from Eladia Laines, Property Owner of the Palace Hotel City Manager Horsley advised that several weeks ago she met with Eladia Laines and Gary Nix to discuss the situation surrounding the Palace Hotel, its impact on the downtown area, and numerous community comments. Ms. Laines was very receptive and said she would paint the building, repair the leaking roof and broken windows, and stated she is contemplating leasing portions of the ground floor of the newer portion of the building to non-profit organizations at a reduced fee. The City's financial situation was explained to Ms. Laines, and she was advised the City had no architect, but did have a planning department, a zoning person, various ideas, and would be willing to help her on that basis. Since she had received strong indications from the former City Manager that Council might not approve those same uses for the building, she is requesting that the Council discuss her immediate plans to open up the bottom floor with the non-profits, and her future plans to reopen the bar, possibly the restaurant, and some offices in the hotel section. Discussion folloWed regarding whether the older section of the building would meet health and safety standards, and if a seismic retrofit was necessary. It was noted that the City's Building Inspector, Clif Shepard, had advised Ms. Horsley he would assume that little work would be required to open up parts of the bottom floors; the major problems will occur with the renovation of the upper floors. Further discussion followed regarding what had previously been communicated to Ms. Laines regarding acceptable uses of the building, wherein it was noted that $500,000 of Redevelopment Agency funds were targeted for the Palace Hotel when those discussions occurred, and this was no longer the case. It was the consensus of the Council that Ms. Laines should be encouraged in her efforts to invest in her building, and that these types of businesses were well accepted by the community during the times of their previous operation. Regular Meeting - October 16, 1996 Page 8 6 11. CITY COUNCIL/REPORTS Councilmember Malone reported he had attended the League of Califiornia Cities Annual Meeting and experienced a very productive session. Councilmember Wattenburger reported he had enjoyed the pumpkin weigh-in for Pumpkinfest, stating that the winning pumpkin weighed 647 pounds. Councilmember Shoemaker reported on the Garbage Circus in Willits to be held Saturday, October 19. The Request for Proposals for the transfer station have been approved and will be mailed to bidders. He inquired regarding Green No. 1 at the Ukiah Golf Course, and who is actually redesigning it. Ms. Horsley replied the green had not been redesigned. What has actually occurred at this time is that parts of the edge of the green were removed and replaced with turf from another area. Redesign will be considered at a later time. Councilmember Shoemaker urged the Council to read information regarding Proposition 218. Mayor Schneiter stated he had attended the scheduled meeting of the Sanitation District; however, neither of the Supervisors were there, and the meeting was rescheduled., 12. CITY MANAGER/DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS City Manager Horsley advised the new telephone system would be installed this weekend. Training will occur for all employees. 13. CLOSED SESSION {None) 14. ADJOURNMENT MIS Malone/VVattenburger to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 p.m. to the Regular Adjourned Meeting of October 30, 1996, at 5 p.m., carried by an all AYE vo.~e vote. ' M~rg~ Giunt~li, cit~-Cler"~k - / b: cc\cc101696.min Regular Meeting - October 16, 1996 Page 9