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MINUTES, CITY COUNCIL CITY OF CARPINTERIA CARPINTERIA, CALIFORNIA |
October 27, 1997 Regular Meeting Council Chamber 5:30 P.M. |
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The meeting was called to order at 5:03 p.m. by Mayor Donna Jordan.
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CALL TO ORDER |
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All Councilmembers were present in addition to City Manager Samantha Orduno, City Attorney Peter Brown, Special Legal Counsel Stan Roden and Community Development Director Ray Severn.
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TEMPORARY ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED SESSION
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TEMPORARY ADJOURNMENT |
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The meeting was adjourned to a closed session for the purpose of discussion of the following:
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
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TO CLOSED SESSION
MEETING RECONVENED |
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The meeting was reconvened in open session at 5:32 p.m. by Mayor Jordan.
The City Attorney stated that there were no required announcements from the closed session.
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IN OPEN SESSION |
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Councilmembers present: Richard Weinberg Michael Ledbetter Gary Nielsen J. Bradley Stein Donna Jordan
Councilmembers absent: None
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ROLL CALL |
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Samantha Orduno, City Manager Peter Brown, City Attorney Ray Severn, Community Development Director Fred Goodrich, Principal Planner Bob Nisbet, Public Works Director Kevin Silk, Economic Development Director Jayne Diaz, City Clerk Approximately 12 interested persons
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OTHERS PRESENT |
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All present were led in the salute to the flag by Mayor Jordan.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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PUBLIC INFORMATION REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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INFORMATION REPORTS
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The Public Works Director and Economic Development Director announced that the City of Carpinteria has been awarded $322,000 in grant monies from the Coastal Resources Grant Program. Eighty thousand has been awarded as additional funding for the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Project and two hundred and forty-two thousand dollars will be used to undertake the preparation of a General Plan and Local coastal Plan Amendment for the large, coastal bluff top property primarily occupied by the Chevron Carpinteria Oil and Gas Processing Facility.
Mr. Nisbet noted that a formal presentation will be made by representatives from the State Resources Agency at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, 1997 at the Carpinteria Salt Marsh on Ash Avenue.
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ANNOUNCE- MENT RE AWARD OF TWO GRANTS TO THE CITY |
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INTRODUCTIONS, PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATION
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INTRODUCTIONS PRESENTATIONS
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1. Introduction of Rick Fulmer, Public Works Supervisor
The City Manager introduced Mr. Fulmer and gave an overview of his training and experience.
The Council welcomed Mr. Fulmer to the City.
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RICK FULMER, PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR INTRODUCED |
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Item 2 was continued to later in the meeting.
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3. Presentation by Rosemarie Fanucchi, Coastal View Newspaper, of historical calendar
Mayor Jordan noted that the presentation has been rescheduled to the November 10, 1997 meeting.
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CALENDAR PRESENTATION CONTINUED TO 11/10/97 MEETING |
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PRESENTATIONS BY CITIZENS
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PRESENTATIONS BY CITIZENS
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Manuel Valle, 572 Arbol Verde, spoke concerning El Nino disaster preparedness. He expressed concerns about the recent article in the Coastal View, concerning preparations for El Nino storms, written by the City Manager. He stressed the importance of people helping each other and urged the Council to take a leadership role in storm preparations.
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MANUEL VALLE |
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Phyllis Porter, 1477 Manzanita Street, described a recent bicycle accident in which her son was injured. She expressed concern about the increased speeds people are driving, lack of caution at crosswalks by drivers, and the need for more education for children and adults about bicycle and pedestrian safety. She asked that persons interested in forming a grass roots group to improve safety on City streets contact her.
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PHYLLIS PORTER |
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Jim Stein, 355 Linden Avenue, concurred with Mrs. Porter's comments concerning the need to improve safety on City streets. He commended the City Manager for the prompt action she has taken on many of the City's problems. He said that the Coastal Commission will be holding their next meeting on November 4, 1997 in Agoura Hills and that the Creekwood project may be on that agenda.
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JIM STEIN |
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Mayor Jordan read and presented the resolution to Brian Martin, President of the Carpinteria Lions Club.
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RESOLUTION NO. 4413 COMMENDING LIONS CLUB |
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ITEM 16 ADVANCED TO BE HEARD AT THIS TIME
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ITEM 16 ADVANCED
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16. Discussion regarding new safety measures for pedestrian and sidewalk street traffic
Mayor Jordan said that there is a growing concern about a lack of safety in the crosswalks particularly on Carpinteria Avenue, near the schools and parks. She said that she has asked the consultants who are doing the planning for the Carpinteria Avenue improvement project to look at doing some other kind of crosswalk striping and/or different kind of signage to assist in alerting motorists of oncoming crosswalks.
Mayor Jordan said that the City needs to take steps to remind drivers that not being careful is no longer going to be tolerated. She suggested that the Council make suggestion to the Sheriff's Department that this is a high priority and that the Council request the Traffic Safety Committee to put some proposals together for consideration by the Council on what can be done to make the crosswalks more visible.
Councilmember Weinberg supported the Mayor's suggestions and added that information be put in the Coastal View to help educate people so that the abuses will stop. He said he continues to be concerned about the lack of a crosswalk on Casitas Pass Road near Shepard Place. He said a booklet detailing bicycle rules would be very helpful to both adults and children.
Mayor Jordan suggested that the Traffic Safety Committee also look into the possibility of a safe crossing somewhere in the area between Casitas Plaza and Shepard Place.
Councilmember Nielsen said there are many opportunities to educate adults and children by providing information via school newsletters, parent groups, and many other community groups.
Councilmember Stein concurred with all the previous comments. He spoke concerning several very close calls with children in a crosswalk near his residence. He stressed the importance of teaching children about the proper use of crosswalks but without giving them a false sense of security.
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DISCUSSION REGARDING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY MEASURES |
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Councilmember Ledbetter said he concurred with the previous statements and suggested publishing an enforcement log showing how many tickets are being issued.
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The Council requested staff to have the Traffic Safety Committee prepare some suggestions on actions that could be taken to improve safety on City streets for presentation at the next regular meeting.
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Welles Geary, 5331 Star Pine Road, spoke in support of the Councils comments/concerns and the proposed action. He said he felt it was important to include the School District in a safety awareness program.
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WELLES GEARY |
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Manuel Valle spoke in support of looking into a crosswalk on Casitas Pass Road. He suggested using the small raised dots prior to crosswalks to assist in alerting drivers.
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MANUEL VALLE |
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Andy Bermant suggested looking into what other cities are using that are proving effective.
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ANDY BERMANT |
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CONSENT CALENDAR
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CONSENT CALENDAR
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Item 9 was removed from the consent calendar by Mayor Jordan.
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ITEM 9 REMOVED
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Mayor Jordan and Councilmember Ledbetter noted two corrections to the minutes of the September 22, 1997 meeting.
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CORRECTIONS TO MINUTES OF 9/22/97 |
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Motion was made of Councilmember Ledbetter and seconded by Councilmember Stein to approve the Consent Calendar as amended, except Item 9, with all Resolutions and/or Ordinances as read by title as follows:
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4. Minutes of the regular City Council meeting held September 22, 1997 as amended
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MINUTES OF SEPT. 22, 1997 |
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5. Expenditures for the period ending October 24, 1997
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WARRANT REGISTER
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RESOLUTION NO. 4412 AUTHORIZING DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS
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7. Actions taken by the Planning Commission at the regular meeting held October 6, 1997
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PLANNING COMMISSION ACTIONS
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8. Minutes of the Parking and Business Improvement District Meeting held August 5, 1997
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PBIAAP MINUTES |
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QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REVIEW |
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RESOLUTION 4414 APPROVING TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE ACTIONS
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The motion was unanimously adopted by voice vote.
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ITEM REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
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ITEM REMOVE FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
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SELECTION OF BIOLOGIST FOR BERMANT PROJECT |
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The Community Development Director provided background information and explained that a condition of approval for the Bermant Corporate Office building Project (95-744-DP) requires that a Mitigation Monitoring Program be instituted and adhered to as the project proceeds. The Biological Resources Mitigation Monitoring Program incorporates a "Creek Restoration and Maintenance Plan" which was developed by the applicant and approved by the City. The maintenance program is bonded to continue for a period of five (5) years.
Mr. Severn said that the City requested proposals from qualified consultants and four proposals have been received. The proposals submitted by VJS Biological and Dougal House most closely resemble what staff anticipated as the response to the Request for Proposal. The consultants are similarly qualified as revegetation specialists, with like experience, and validated references. However VJS Consulting's bid (a not-to-exceed budget of $4,500) is less than half the cost of Dougal House's $11,160.
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Motion was made by Councilmember Stein and seconded by Councilmember Ledbetter that VJS Consulting be selected for the Biological Resource Mitigation Monitoring of the Bermant Corporate Office Building Project (95-744-DP), for a period of five years, to commence October 27, 1997.
The motion was unanimously adopted by voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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VJS CONSULTING SELECTED FOR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCE MITIGATION MONITORING FOR BERMANT PROJECT
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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Mayor Jordan stated that she was stepping down from participation on the next agenda item due to a potential conflict of interest.
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MAYOR JORDAN STEPS DOWN |
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a. Project No. 96-770-LCPA/GPA; Proposed Map Change
The site is located north of Ogan Road and west of Vallecito and is occupied by the Faith Lutheran Church of Carpinteria. The proposal is to change the Coastal Plan designation of Institutional/Government Facility (I/G) and the Zoning Map designation of Community Facility (CF) to be consistent with the General Plan designation of Low Density Residential (LDR). This new designation will not result in any changes in the land use of the site. The proposed map change may be accompanied by relevant policy changes. The staff has determined the subject proposal to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Assessor’s Parcel Number of the one (1) parcel within the project area: 3-142-32, and the project area consists of 2.7 acres.
b. Project No. 96-764-LCPA/GPA; Proposed Map Change
The site is located north of the railroad, east of Palm Avenue, south of 6th Street, and west of Olive Avenue and is currently occupied by residential buildings and industrial buildings. The proposal is to change the Local Coastal Plan designation of General Industry (GI) and Zoning Map designation of the General Industry (M) to be consistent with the General Plan designation of Commercial (C). The existing land use will be allowed to continue as legal non-conforming buildings. The proposed map change may be accompanied by relevant policy changes. Staff has processed the subject proposal with a Mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance with CEQA.
Assessor’s Parcel Numbers of the four (4) parcels within the project area: 3-360-12, 13, 16, 18 and the project area consists of 2.1 acres.
c. Project No. 96-762-LCPA/GPA; Proposed Map Change
The site is located south of the railroad and east of the Casitas Pier and is undeveloped. The proposal is to change the undesignated Local Coastal Plan map and the Zoning Map designation of Planned Unit Development (PUD) to be consistent with the Zoning Map designation of Planned Unit Development (PUD). This designation will not result in any new developments. The proposed map change may be accompanied by relevant policy changes. The staff has determined the subject proposal to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Assessor’s Parcel Number of the one (1) parcel within the project area: 1-170-10, and the project area consists of 4.13 acres.
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ACCEPTANCE OF COASTAL COMMISSION APPROVAL OF LOCAL COASTAL PLAN MAP CHANGES |
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council accept the Coastal Commission's actions and adopt the proposed resolution.
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DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report dated October 27, 1997 prepared by Ray Severn, Community Development Director and with the following attachments: Proposed Resolution accepting the Coastal Commission's action Coastal Commission letter noticing City of May 13th action on the City's Local Coastal Plan Proposal Map Exhibits Negative Declaration
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The Community Development Director said that on October 17, 1996, the City Council approved for submittal to Coastal Commission 14 Coastal Plan-General Plan-Zoning map changes. On May 13, 1997, the Coastal Commission approved 3 of those changes. The Coastal Commission did not make any modifications in their approval. Before the City can change the maps however, the City needs to pass by resolution, an acceptance of the Coastal Commission's actions.
Mr. Severn reviewed each of three map changes.
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The public hearing was declared open by Vice Mayor Stein.
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PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
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Welles Geary noted that an auto repair business on Palm Avenue recently moved and he questioned if there is a correlation between the business moving and the map changes proposed this evening. He said he was concerned if a viable enterprise was in any way forced to relocate because of redesignations of land use?
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WELLES GEARY |
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Mr. Severn responded that there was a change of ownership on the subject property but that did not require the auto repair shop to be relocated. The land uses that are currently located along Palm Avenue are allowed to continue as non-conforming uses.
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Jim Stein, 355 Linden Avenue, urged the Council not to let the commercial on Palm Avenue slip into visitor-serving commercial which would take business away from the downtown area. He said it is important to keep the State Park visitors coming into the downtown
Mr. Stein also stated that the Coastal Sage Scrub that was removed from the Brown-Serena property on Bluffs I has not been restored as agreed to by the owner.
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JIM STEIN |
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Hearing no further response from the audience the public hearing was declared closed by Vice Mayor Stein.
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PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
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Motion was made by Councilmember Ledbetter and seconded by Councilmember Nielsen for adoption of Resolution No. 4415 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARPINTERIA, CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING AND AGREEING TO THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION APPROVAL OF THE CITY'S PROPOSED MAP CHANGE COASTAL PLAN AMENDMENTS, APPROVING 96-764-LCPA/GPA, 96-762-LCPA/GPA, AND 96-770-LCPA/GPA, AND APPROVING THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW."
The motion was unanimously adopted by roll call vote (Jordan absent).
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RESOLUTION NO. 4415 ACCEPTING MAP CHANGES |
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Mayor Jordan returned to the meeting.
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MAYOR JORDAN RETURNS TO MEETING
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13. Proposed Amendments to the Carpinteria Municipal Code
a. Request for an amendment of Section 14.08.190 of the Carpinteria Municipal Code pertaining to the definition of a dwelling unit. The project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15305 of the CEQA Guidelines.
b. Request for an Amendment of Section 14.08.350 of the Carpinteria Municipal Code pertaining to the definition of kitchen. The project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
c. Request for an Amendment of Section 14.082(1) of the Carpinteria Municipal Code pertaining to lot coverage requirement in the single family (R-1) zone district. The project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
d. Request for an amendment of Sections 14.54.100 and 15.08.070 of the Carpinteria Municipal Code pertaining to permit requirements for residential driveways in the single family (R-1) zone district. The project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
e. Request for an amendment of Sections 2.36.130, 14.12.090 and 14.54.040 of the Carpinteria Municipal Code pertaining to garage conversions in the front of an existing dwelling and/or lot in the single family (R-1) zone district. The project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
f. Request for an Amendment of Sections 2.36.050, 2.36.130 and 15.08.070 of the Carpinteria Municipal Code pertaining to noticing requirements for certain specified projects reviewed by the Architectural Review Board. The project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
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AMENDMENTS TO MUNICIPAL CODE TO STRENGTHEN RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the Council a) continue hearing and direct staff to modify proposed amendments or b) approve proposed amendments for first reading by title only.
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DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report dated October 27, 1997 prepared by Fred Goodrich, Principal Planner with attached proposed ordinances.
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The Principal Planner said that on September 8th, the Council reviewed the proposed ordinances and received public comments. It was the consensus of the Council that the ordinance to reduce the lot coverage standards should be dropped from consideration. He said that the proposed amendments would affect R-1 standards for garage conversion, driveways, kitchens, and the noticing requirements for architectural review board hearings. If the proposed amendments were to be adopted by the City Council, a large number of existing single family residences would be rendered legally non-conforming because of these new R-1 development standards. He reviewed the changes made to the proposed ordinance following testimony and discussion at the last meeting.
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The City Attorney suggested that proposed Ordinance No. 537, Section 1, 14.08.350 "Kitchen", be changed to read: "Kitchen" means a room, all or any part of which is designed, built, equipped, used, or intended to be used for the storage, preparation, or cooking of foods. The storage of food in a pantry, freezer, or refrigerator located in any area of the dwelling including the garage shall not by itself classify such area of the dwelling as a kitchen.
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CITY ATTORNEY RECOMMENDS AMENDMENT TO PROPOSED WORDING |
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Councilmember Weinberg said that the proposed new wording of proposed Ordinance No. 533, Section 1, 14.12.090 -Parking is over restricting. He said that although the Council does not want to see permanent storage of recreational vehicles in the front yard setback, there needs to be an allowance for guests staying for a weekend at a resident's home.
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The public hearing was declared open by Mayor Jordan.
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PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
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Welles Geary urged the Council to not underestimate the public's support of the proposed ordinance amendments just because of their absence from the meeting. He said that there has been continuing support for preservation of the single family neighborhoods through a tightening up of the ordinances.
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WELLES GEARY |
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Doris Floyd, 5538 Calle Arena, spoke in opposition to the 48 hour maximum limitation on parking in the front yard setback.
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DORIS FLOYD |
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Joe Armendariz questioned at what point is it determined that a garage has transformed itself from a pseudo office to a second dwelling. He urged the Council not to penalize the entrepreneurs operating out of home offices in the community noting that there will potentially be more and more individuals working out of their homes in the future.
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JOE ARMENDARIZ |
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Discussion followed.
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The Council changed proposed Ordinance No. 533, Section 14.12.090 - Parking to read: "Parking shall be provided as specified in Chapter 14.54. In addition, the parking of trailers, campers, boats or other motor vehicles in the required front yard setback shall not be permitted except on an emergency basis, not to exceed a period of forty eight hours within any consecutive 30 day period. No garage located at the front of a residential dwelling and/or located at the front yard setback shall be converted to habitable floor area."
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ORDINANCE NO. 533 AMENDED |
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Motion was made by Councilmember Ledbetter and seconded by Councilmember Nielsen to pass to second reading the following ordinances, as amended:
"ORDINANCE NO. 533 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARPINTERIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 2.36.130, 14.12.0-90 AND 14.54.040 OF THE CARPINTERIA MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO GARAGE CONVERSIONS IN THE R-1 ZONE DISTRICT."
"ORDINANCE NO. 536 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARPINTERIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 14.54.100 AND 15.08.070 OF THE CARPINTERIA MUNICIA;P CODE PERMITS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF DRIVEWAYS IN THE R-1 ZONE DISTRICT."
"ORDINANCE NO. 537 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARPINTERIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 14.08.350 OF THE CARPINTERIA MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE DEFINITION OF A KITCHEN."
"ORDINANCE NO. 538 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARPINTERIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 14.08.190 OF THE CARPINTERIA MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE DEFINITION OF A DWELLING."
"ORDINANCE NO. 539 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARPINTERIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 2.36.050, 2.36.130 AND 15.08.070 OF THE CARPINTERIA MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO NOTICING REQUIREMENT FOR ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD MEETINGS".
The motion was unanimously adopted by roll call vote.
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COUNCIL PASSES ORDINANCES TO SECOND READING
ORDINANCE NO. 533 - AMENDMENT RE GARAGE CONVERSIONS
ORDINANCE NO. 536 AMENDMENT RE DRIVEWAYS
ORDINANCE NO. 537 AMEND- MENT RE KITCHEN DEFINITION
ORDINANCE NO. 538 AMEND- MENT RE DEFINITION OF DWELLING
ORDINANCE NO. 539 AMEND- MENT RE ARB NOTICING REQUIREMENTS
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APPLICATION FOR CDBG GRANT |
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The City of Carpinteria may receive funds for Planning/Technical Assistance Grants of up to $35,000 each year from the Economic Development Allocation and of up to $35,000 each year from the General Allocation. Eligible activities include but are not limited to (1) downtown revitalization, (2) business retention, (3) business attraction, (4) incubator, (5) tourism, (6) affordable housing needs studies, (7) housing condition surveys, (8) affordable housing development, (9) infrastructure needs, and (10) application preparation. The City may apply for funds to undertake any one or any combination of eligible activities.
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the Council hear the report on the CDBG Planning/Technical Assistance Allocation and encourage public comment, questions, participation and suggested uses for the funds.
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DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report dated October 27, 1997 prepared by Kevin Silk, Economic Development Director
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The Economic Development Director said that in 1997 a total of $1,298,280 was made available for General Allocation Planning/Technical Assistance (P/TA) Grants. These P/TA Grants can be used for planning activities related to housing infrastructure, and community facilities. Some examples of activities that have been funded are: housing conditions surveys, senior center feasibility study, HOME Program application preparation, municipal basemapping, first time homebuyer programs and model program development. As a result of the City's current participation in the ad-hoc greenhouse committee, one of the suggested uses of Planning/Technical Assistance funds if for a Jobs/Housing Balance study. Under the General Planning/Technical Assistance Allocation, each eligible city and county may receive up to two grants per year totaling no more than $35, 0000.
Mr. Silk said the CDBG program also has three national objectives: elimination of slums and blight, meeting urgent needs, and benefit to low and moderate income individuals. Anyone wishing to submit written comments regarding any element of the CDBG Program should contact him. Additionally, groups representing low and moderate-income persons interested in or having questions concerning the program are encouraged to obtain information at City Hall.
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The public hearing was declared open by Mayor Jordan. Hearing no response from the audience the public hearing was declared closed.
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PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AND |
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Councilmember Ledbetter said that there should be some community publicity on this matter so that people can come forward with suggestions and ideas on things they want funded.
Mr. Silk said there would be several opportunities in the process for public comment.
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CLOSED |
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15. Consideration of Linden Avenue minor improvement project
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LINDEN AVENUE MINOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT |
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION: None
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DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report dated October 27, 1997 prepared by Bob Nisbet, Public Works Director included map of area
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The Public Works Director said that this item was brought to staff's attention by Councilmember Weinberg. He said that the attached plan shows the planter just south of the driveway entrance to Giovanni's on Linden Avenue. Mr. Weinberg's concern is that the planter blocks vehicles from making a right-hand turn onto Carpinteria Avenue when vehicles are queued at the traffic signal to proceed north on Linden Avenue through the Carpinteria Avenue intersection. Once four vehicles are queued at the signal to proceed through the intersection, vehicles do not have enough room to maneuver between the waiting vehicles and the planter to enter the right-hand lane. Mr. Weinberg's proposal is to narrow the planter by two feet thus allowing enough room for vehicles to proceed to the right-hand turn lane even when cars are stacked at the through lane.
Mr. Nisbet said that the planter was constructed three years ago as part of the third phase of the Linden Revitalization Project. The potential for the right-hand land to be blocked by vehicles in the through lane was acknowledged by the designers and staff when the plans were approved. If the planter is modified, a Queen Palm tree which is located within the planter will need to be removed.
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Councilmember Weinberg said that the planter issue was brought to his attention by a number of merchants on Linden Avenue. He explained his concerns about the planter in detail and noted that the estimated cost to modify the planter is $2,000.
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A lengthy discussion followed.
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Motion was made by Councilmember Ledbetter and seconded by Councilmember Nielsen to direct staff to cause the planter to be narrowed as part of the Carpinteria Avenue improvement project.
Ayes: Weinberg, Nielsen, Ledbetter Noes: Stein, Jordan
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COUNCIL IMPROVES IMPROVEMENT PROJECT |
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17. Consideration of a contract biologist on the Environmental Review Committee
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CONTRACT BIOLOGIST ON ERC COMMITTEE |
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the Council, after receiving public input, adopt a standard practice of requiring any development applicant to fund the hiring of an independent City biologist whenever a development proposal results in a potential impact to biological resources within or adjacent to the City.
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DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report dated October 27, 1997 prepared by Ray Severn, Community Development Director with attached letters submitted by the Carpinteria Valley Association and Carpinteria Creek Committee
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The Community Development Director explained that the City received a series of letters from the Carpinteria Valley Association and the Carpinteria Creek Committee related to retaining a City Biologist. This proposal is also an explicitly stated "action" noted in the City of Carpinteria On Track to the Future A Community Vision document.
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Mr. Severn said hat the City currently reviews development proposals for conformance to City policy and compliance with State, Regional, and City Planning, Zoning, and Environmental Laws. Review is conducted by the Environmental Review Committee consisting of the Community Development Director, Economic Development Specialists, City Engineer and other staff members as needed. Recent development reviews have included sites within or adjacent to sensitive environmental habitat.
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Mayor Jordan spoke in support of a contract biologist serving on the ERC on an as needed basis. She also suggested that an adding a public member to the committee.
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Councilmember Nielsen concurred with Mayor Jordan noting that the sooner that environmental issues can be brought to the forefront the more beneficial it is for all concerned.
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Councilmember Weinberg expressed concern about the diversity of needs (specialized types of biology) in the City and the difficulty in selecting a particular biologist. |
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Bob Hansen, 1498 Santa Ynez, spoke in support of placing a biologist on the Environmental Review Committee and suggested that wildlife biology should be the primary field of the selected biologist.
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BOB HANSEN |
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Sean Siple, 1320 Vallecito, concurred with Mr. Hansen's recommendations and detailed the discussions that took place during the On Track To The Future - 2020 visioning meetings concerning the adding of a biologist.
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SEAN SIPLE |
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Councilmember Nielsen supported the hiring of an independent local biologist.
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The Council agreed to: (1) support retaining a contract biologist to review development projects and to sit on the Environmental Review Committee, and (2) requested staff to report back on the advisability of a public member being added to the ERC and if added what kind of qualifications and role that person would play on the ERC.
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COUNCIL DIRECTION |
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COMMITTEE REPORTS
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COMMITTEE REPORTS |
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Informational reports were provided by Councilmember representatives on various committees, commissions and organizations.
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19. City Manager Report
The City Manager requested the Council to select two members to serve on a subcommittee meeting with John King for discussions regarding a development agreement for the proposed Bluffs III project.
Councilmembers Stein and Nielsen volunteered to sit on the sub-committee.
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CITY MANAGER REPORT |
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ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m. by Mayor Donna Jordan.
__________________________ City Clerk, City of Carpinteria ATTEST:
______________________________ Mayor, City of Carpinteria |
ADJOURNMENT |