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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 01-17-01(1)MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CiTY COUNCIL Special Meeting Wednesday, January 17, 2001 The Ukiah City Council met at a Special Meeting on January 17, 2001, the notice for which had been legally noticed and posted, at 5:10 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. Roll was taken and the following Councilmembers were present: Larson, Smith, Libby, and Mayor Ashiku. Councilmember absent: Baldwin. Staff present: Assistant City Manager Fierro, City Manager Horsley, City Attorney Rapport, Planning Director Stump, and City Clerk Ulvila. 2. PLANNING COMMISSION APLICANT INTERVIEWS Mayor Ashiku reviewed the City Council interview process for each Planning Commission candidate. MILES GORDON Miles Gordon explained that he is applying for appointment to the Planning Commission because he has lived most of his life in Ukiah and would like an opportunity to help sustain what Ukiah is now and see a positive direction in change for the future. He attended two Planning Commission meetings and felt the Commission is held to more rigorous standards than other commissions. He felt that in order to establish a common vision, the City must follow through with the General Plan. There is a need for the Planning Commission and City Council to look intensely at what can be done to ensure that Ukiah is a City that doesn't become a place where people don't want to visit because of congestion, or because the neighborhoods are so commonplace. His skills working with people would be very helpful in continuing the process of implementing the General Plan and working with various individuals. He discussed increased housing costs and how land use prices are generated by supply and demand. He felt the Planning Commission or the City should do something to stimulate and encourage affordable housing. He stated that considerations for annexing should be determined by what is the goal for annexation, if the City is able to provide the services and infrastructure to accommodate annexation, and if annexation will provide benefits to the City and those living in the annexed area. With regard to land use issues, he felt it important to determine if the issue would be beneficial to the City and contribute to the overall social benefit of the community. He found working with Planning Department staff to be helpful while working on a recent remodeling project for his home. He discussed the importance of looking at hillside development versus the development of agricultural lands. Issues relative to hillside development include the grading of hillsides, erosion control, transportation and circulation issues, fire control, and if development of the hillside would take away recreational lands needed by the City. Special Meeting January 17, 2001 Page 1 of 3 JAMES MULHEREN James Mulheren advised that he has not attended any Planning Commission meetings. He felt Ukiah should be a community where individuals could raise a family and continue to grow and prosper. He noted that due to the lack of jobs and housing during the past several years, children growing up in Ukiah have little chance to succeed here. He was of the opinion that it is essential for the Planning Commission and the City Council to promote affordable housing in the City. Their role is to find ways for alternative housing, multiple use structures, and revitalization of dilapidated structures for multiple uses. He stated that he supports annexation and that the City limits are too confined for its Sphere of Influence. He also found that there is room for some development of the western hills, however, due to the expense of construction in that area, housing would not be affordable. However, if people move from the valley floor to the hillside, it would then leave more housing available on the valley floor for those that can't afford to build on the hillside. He felt it would be inappropriate to use agricultural lands or pear orchards for housing developments. He has worked for 27 years in the construction trade and felt the biggest problem currently facing Ukiah is the shortage of available housing. He has not heard of any problems regarding the Planning or Building permitting process. He was queried about a housing project on Waugh Lane in which he expressed his concern for the incompatibility of housing with his business. He noted that his letter did not oppose the housing project, but rather put the residents on notice that his business is located in an industrial park and there is noise associated with businesses at that location. PAUL ANDERSEN Paul Andersen stated his view of planning involves making a lot of choices and assessing the unmet needs of the community as found within the guidelines of the General Plan. He has attended five to ten meetings and finds them very well run. The Planning Commission provides direction and tends to look at issues less politically. He felt the Planning Commission has made wise land use decisions during the past several years and that the City Council, for whatever reason, has disregarded those decisions by overruling the Planning Commission's decision, thereby approving projects. He cited an example as the Hampton inn project in the Airport Industrial Park, which is being constructed next to a sawmill and the Airport, and could create noise factors for the Hampton Inn. He discussed appeals of Planning Commission decisions being approved by the City Council. He felt the City Council should do a better job of working with the Planning Commission in understanding why projects are denied. He also felt communication could be improved between staff, the Planning Commission and City Council by having joint meetings. Although he has lived in Ukiah for one year, he has been aware of the issues concerning Mendocino County for a long time. He stated that he intends to make Ukiah his home. He supports the formation of a commission to address concerns regarding the development of affordable housing in Ukiah and also within the County. He felt that during the past few years, development has been tilted towards retail and commercial development. Special Meeting January 17, 2001 Page 2 of 3 With regard to a query regarding a high density multi-unit complex proposed for a vacant lot in an R-1 Zoning District, Mr. Andersen felt approval would depend on how the project is developed as well as the way in which mixed use development would be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. He approved of second units in residential neighborhoods, however, the factor of lot size and parking issues should be considered. He advised that he would be supportive of rezoning of commercial properties to accommodate housing development. BRENDA LEVADITIS Brenda Levaditis explained that she has attended several Planning Commission meetings since submitting her application and felt they are doing a good job. She felt annexing new lands should be a priority, and could include rezoning of commercial lands to accommodate, mixed use development. She discussed the possibility of developers obtaining government loans, such as HUD, for Iow-income housing. She opposed development of the western hills and felt they establish the beauty of Ukiah. She cited issues related to development of the hillsides such as flooding, landslides, fire protection, erosion, and maintaining the habitat and wildlife in the area. She would be supportive of rezoning commercial land to residential use if it did not interfere with the natural flow of the commercial area. If Ukiah needs land for housing, she would be supportive of annexing agricultural land for that purpose, since there is an abundance of agricultural land available. Having worked with her father in the construction business, she felt he did not have problems getting his residential plans approved. However, some people have had problems with their projects in the Planning Department and felt they need to be looked at more thoroughly to see if it is the proper change for Ukiah. She felt there is a need for properties to be available for multiple units. However, she did not approve of a 30-unit apartment complex adjacent to single family residences. A lower density project, such as a duplex or four-plex would be more compatible. In closing, she stated she has lived in Ukiah since 1972 and is prepared to attend all Planning Commission meetings. She is a team player and would like to serve on the Planning Commission. 3. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Ashiku adjourned the meeting at 6:10 p.m. Marie Ulvila, City Clerk Special Meeting January 17, 2001 Page 3 of 3