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HomeMy WebLinkAbout071702 CC/PC Jnt. Workshop Minutes MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP JULY 17, 2002 CALL TO ORDER The City Council and Planning Commission convened in an adjourned regular joint workshop at 6:06 P.M., on Tuesday, July 17, 2002, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmembers: Comerchero, Naggar, Pratt, Stone, and Roberts Planning Commissioners: Mathewson, Olhasso, Telesio, and Chiniaeff Absent: Planning Commissioner: Guerriero ALLEGIANCE The audience was led in the Flag salute by Councilman Comerchero. PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments. CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS Updating the Planning Commission and the City Council, Councilman Pratt noted that earlier this morning he had attended a Third District (Supervisor Venable's District) Workshop, which focused on transportation issues, advising that the meeting had been informative. Mayor Pro Tem Stone requested staff to obtain additional information regarding the Monorail Project in the City of Las Vegas, requesting data concerning the following: the consultant chosen, the costs of the project, and the funding mechanisms utilized. For informational purposes, Mayor Pro Tem Stone noted that via City Clerk Jones he would be forwarding photographs to the Councilmembers of various large bronze art figures which represented samples of the type of art he would like to see installed in the City of Temecula at a future point. For future consideration, Commissioner Olhasso relayed her recommendation that senior apartments be developed in th~ Target Center, and/or the Tower Plaza. Chairman Chiniaeff advised that the continued encroachment by County residential development, as well as the associated development of school sites near the French Valley Airport, would have significant negative impacts on the airport. After additional discussion ensued, the City Council requested staff to agendize the French Valley Airport matter in order for the Council to explore the associated issues; additionally requested that a School Board representative be present at that meeting to R:\Minutes\071702 1 address questions of the Council, that copies of the School Board meeting minutes be obtained and provided to Council (where citing schools in the French Valley area had been discussed), and that annexation and the purchase of the airport be explored and reported on. CITY COUNCIL/COMMISSION BUSINESS I General Plan Goals and Policies RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Review the draft Goals and Policies Workbook and provide direction. Deputy City Manager Thornhill noted the importance of the Goals and Policies component of the General Plan. Relaying the diligent efforts of the General Plan Community Advisory Committee and the consultants as it relates to the General Plan update, Senior Planner Hogan introduced the Committee Members who were present; and advised that it was staff's desire to obtain input from the Planning Commission and the City Council with respect to the draft Goals and Policies Workbook. Via a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Jeff Henderson with the aid of Mr. Brian Boeking, consultants with Cotton/Bridges Associates, provided an overview of the following: · A graphic outline of the General Plan Program. · A summary of the Goals and Policies Workbook- Noted that this draft document was the result of work completed by the General Plan Community Advisory Committee in a series of eight meetings as well as extensive review by City staff. Requested direction from the City Council and the Planning Commission (primarily focusing on the content of the data rather than typographical or grammatical errors which could be addressed in written form) either at tonight's workshop or in written form within a two-week period regarding the following issues: Whether the goals and policies denoted were still relevant to the community of Temecula; Whether there were omissions i.e., areas that should be addressed in the Goals and Policies which had not been; and Clarified that it was not necessary that the City Council and the Planning Commission reach a consensus regarding the issues at this time. Defined and provided examples of the three primary components of the policies expressed in the General Plan, as follows: Goals, Policies, and Implementation actions. R:\Minutes\071702 2 Recommended that the Goals and Policies component of the General Plan be consolidated in its final form in order to provide a more streamlined and clearer document. The Planninq Commission and the City Council commented on the Draft Goals and Policies Workbook, as follows: With respect to the LAND USE ELEMENT, the following comments were relayed: With respect to Goal 1 (regarding an integrated mix of uses), in Policy 1.5 (regarding supporting the development of specified uses), Councilman Comerchero recommended that biomedical uses be added, Mayor Pro Tem Stone additionally recommending that clean manufacturing uses be added. With respect to Policy 1.13 which stated Identify and preserve the necessary land to pursue a community college, major college or university, Chairman Chiniaeff advised that to identify a specific college may create an inverse condemnation issue, recommending that the language state encourage the development, rather than identify. With respect to Policy 1.14 (regarding greeribelts, etc.,) Councilman Comerchero recommended that the word encourage be replaced with a stronger term, i.e., require, Mayor Pro Tem Stone recommending that greenbelts in between the City and County boundaries as well as within these boundaries be encouraged. With respect to Goal 2 (regarding protected rural and historical areas), in Policy 2.2 (regarding the rural development standards), Mr. Henderson clarified that this particular policy addressed incentive provisions for maintaining the areas as rural, Senior Planner Hogan clarifying that the General Plan Community Advisory Committee has more fully discussed rural preservation areas which would be addressed with the Planning Commission and the City Council in an upcoming workshop, noting that there was a proposal to investigate extending the planning area to the east (i.e., to Anza Road) and to identify areas to remain rural. With respect to Goal 3 (regarding land use patterns which enhance residential neighborhoods), in Policy 3.3 which stated Protect single-fam/ly residential areas from encroachment by commercial uses, Chairman Chiniaeff queried whether the emphasis was intended to be on protection of single-family residential areas, advising that if commercial uses were located adjacent to multi-family dwellings, more residents would be impacted. Councilman Comerchero and Councitman Naggar noting the importance of protecting the single-family residences i.e., placing a buffer between business development and single-family residences. With respect to Policy 3.4 (regarding review, of residential development within the French Valley Airport) Mayor Pro Tern Stone recommended that language be added to this policy point stating the following: and implement policies to preserve the long-term integrity of this important business asset. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Stone's queries, Deputy City Manager Thornhill confirmed that it was his understanding that when purchasing a home and/or land in the County proximate to the French Valley Airport, the White Report (that disclosed information related to the airport and was included in the escrow paperwork) was provided to property owners based on their proximity to the airport. R:\Minutes\071702 3 With respect to Goal 4 (regarding enhancing the environmental resources), in Policy 4.2 (regarding hillside development standards), Mayor Roberts relayed that in the first line there was a typographical error, and that the word of should be deleted. For Mayor Pro Tem Stone, Deputy City Manager Thornhill relayed that there was language included in the Open Space component of the General Plan, which identified the escarpment of the hills as an important resource, noting the potential to develop programs to put these particular areas in Open Space. For Mayor Roberts, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that while the City's Grading Ordinance was near ready for circulation, this ordinance would not address the issue of property owners disking for fire control. In response to Mayor Roberts's concern regarding downstream impacts when property owners were disking so significantly the impacts were similar to grading impacts, Deputy City Manager Thornhill recommended that when the Grading Ordinance was presented to the City Council that at that time the issues associated with grading be raised and addressed. For Councilman Naggar, Deputy City Manager Thornhill noted that most of the areas in the City were part of a Master Plan and have already been slated for mass grading; and relayed that the City had hillside policies which addressed lot sizes and slopes, advising that at the next City Council meeting Assistant Manager O'Grady would be presenting information regarding tools for preserving Open Space. With respect to Goal 5 (regarding development that encourages alternative modes of transportation), in Policy 5.3 (regarding the design of sidewalks and trials) Mayor Roberts offered commendation for adding the restriction prohibiting poisonous landscaping in the design of sidewalks and trails. Commissioner Mathewson noted that since this goal addressed alternate modes of transportation, and Policy 5.6, 5.7, 5.9, and 5.10 addressed the benefits of the Mixed Use Overlay concept, these policy points were not applicable to this goal, recommending that the goal for developing Mixed Use Overlays be separated as a goal, in and of itself. Concurring with Commissioner Mathewson, Councilman Comerchero relayed that the "Adaptive Re-use Commemial Center" concept was a critical element, and was related to the preliminary approval of the City's Housing Element; and noted the benefits if in five years' time this concept is being implemented in the City. Commenting on roadways in the City with striped bike lanes, a few of which are congested and have only one lane for vehicular travel, Chairman Chiniaeff recommended that while there should be a goal to implement bike lanes, thsre should also be consideration to have adequate lanes of travel for vehicles. In response to Mayor Roberts' recommendation to delete the word light from the phrase light rail in Policy 5.8 (regarding implementation of trails and transit systems), Deputy City Manager Thornhill advised that it may be prudent to develop a new policy addressing the development and implementation of regional rail, noting that the policy point could include commuter, as well as high speed rail, and Policy 5.8 could remain, as written, Mayor Roberts concurring with Deputy City Manager Thornhill's suggestion. Councilman Comerchero recommended that in Policy 5.8 although the language includes the term bus that it should also state including RTA R:\Minutes\071702 4 in light of future RTA plans, and after additional discussion ensued it was the consensus to include all forms of rail in this policy point. In response to queries, Mr. Henderson confirmed that the V lage Centers and M~xed Use Overlay areas would be addressed separately. With respect to Goal 6 (regarding a plan for Old Town Temecula), Mayor Pro Tern Stone advised that he would be abstaining from discussion of this goal. Councilman Comemhero recommended that'with respect to the referenced mixed uses in Old Town, that the language be more specific as to the particular type of mixed use being encouraged. Commissioner Olhasso recommended adding language that referenced Tourist Commercial uses for Old Town. Chairman Chiniaeff recommended that there be encouragement of uses that would attract people downtown in the evening hours; and for Councilman Comerchero, specified that this concept would include encouragement of the aggregation of land to create these types of uses. Apprising the City Council and Planning Commission, Senior Planner Hogan clarified that the Old Town Specific Plan more specifically addressed the specific goals discussed, noting that it was the consensus of the City Council/Planning Commission a goal could be added to this section of the General Plan that repeats the direction provided in the Specific Plan; and for Mayor Roberts, advised that a copy of the Specific Plan could be provided to the City Council/Planning Commission in order to explore whether there were major direction changes recommended for this document. Noting that he attended a recent Old Town Local Review Board meeting, Councilman Pratt relayed that it had been his recommendation that the Board Members visit Leavenworth, Washington which represented the concept he envisioned for Old Town; and advised that there was a website for the City of Leavenworth where additional information could be obtained. With respect to diversifying the types of uses in Old Town, Deputy City Manager Thornhill relayed the discussions the Committee Members had had related to attracting additional patronage; advised that the plans to develop the Theater Project, as well as the Children's Museum in Old Town would aid in developing this area as a cultural center as well as a historic area; and concurred that there should be a visioning process for Old Town. Referencing the Keyser Marston study, Councilman Comerchero noted the primary recommendation for Old Town had been to energize the population, noting the potential future projects that were in the planning process and could accomplish this task, if approved. With respect to Goal 7 (regarding annexation of unincorporated areas), Chairman Chiniaeff recommended that Policy 7.3 include language that addressed consideration of annexation to address preserving properties adjacent to City boundaries. While noting that both Policy 7.6 (regarding impacts on the City from development on its boundaries) and 7.7 (regarding developing strong working relationships with neighboring jurisdictions) were important polices, Councilman Comerchero recommended that the language be modified in order for the two policy points to not appear contradictory. R:\Minutes\071702 5 it is noted that there were no recommendations with respect to Goal 8 (regarding coordinated regional land use patterns.) With respect to the CIRCULATION ELEMENT, the following comments were relayed: With respect to Goal 1(regarding striving to maintain certain Levels of Service), Councilman Pratt noted his opposition to the word strive. In response, Deputy City Manager Thornhill noted that to denote a stronger term such as "maintain" for a certain Service Level would not be feasible due to the lack of control over the roadways that was a result of development occurring outside the City boundaries. Councilman Pratt opined that the "Level of Service" concept for mitigating traffic was ineffective. For informational purposes, Mr. Henderson relayed that when Land Use and Circulation was presented again a "Principal Intersection" concept would be brought forward. For Councilman Comemhero, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that most cities in the State, as well as in the nation recognized that in commuter periods there would be an expectation that there would be a larger percentage of vehicles on the roads, clarifying that the intent to operate at a LOS "D", or better, during peak hours, and an LOS "C", or better, during non-peak hours (as referenced in Goal 1 as.well as Policy 1.7) was an attempt to ensure that intersections were not operating at a LOS "D" for eight to ten hours a day. With respect to Goal 2 (regarding enhancement of traffic safety) regarding Policy 2.7 (regarding establishing a ring reute), Chairman Chiniaeff recommended that development of a continuous route (i.e., a limited access route) from one end of the City to the other be thoroughly investigated. Councilman Pratt opined that improving transit routes for vehicles would not be a satisfactory long-term solution. With respect to Goal 3 (regarding a regional transportation system), discussion ensued regarding specifically identifying the rights-of-way for future transit lines, as referenced in Policy 3.6, Senior Planner Hogan clarifying that the policy was providing direction for the future and not referencing an accomplished task, Councilman Comerchero recommending that the following language be added at the appropriate time after the word Identify in Policy 3.8. With respect to Goal 4 (regarding an efficient City circulation system, in Policy 4.12 (regarding the use of alternative fuel), Commissioner Mathewson recommended that this policy be relocated to the section addressing Air Quality. With respect to Goal 5 (regarding parking), Commissioner Mathewson relayed his concern regarding the joint use of parking facilities referenced in Policy 5.6, which could have negative impacts if not addressed appropriate[y. It is noted that there were no comments relayed with respect to Goal 6 (regarding alternatives to motorized travel) or Goal 7 (regarding a truck circulation system). R:\Minutes\071702 6 With respect to the OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION ELEMENT, the following comments were relayed: Mayor Roberts recommended that there be consideration to create a policy of preserving the few remaining oak trees in the City. In response, Deputy City Manager Thornhill confirmed that there were few oak trees in the City, advising that typically during the environmental studies these issues were identified and efforts were made to protect the oak trees at that time; and advised that these policies could be strengthened, and/or an ordinance could be drafted for follow-up of the issue. Deputy City Manager Thornhill noted that in areas such as along the creek, there could be consideration to plant native species of trees in order to ensure that the City would always have oak trees, as well as other species if this was the desire of the City Council/Planning Commission. For Mayor Pro Tem Stone, Director of Community Services Parker advised that the existing actual parkland in the City of Temecula was approximately 3.5 acres per thousand residents, including the use of the two shared School District facilities. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Stone's queries, City Attorney Thorson noted that the Quimby requirements were directed by State Law and could not be increased by a local jurisdiction, confirming, for Councilman Naggar, that with a Development Agreement additional requirements could be negotiated. Deputy City Manager Thornhill noted that when high densities were proposed in a development plan, staff could discuss with the applicant the increase of Open Space areas which would be for private use, and not public. Mayor Pro Tem Stone recommended that language be added stating that in terms of negotiating Development Agreements and various types of projects, the City desires to obtain/implement as much parkland as feasible. In response to Councilman Naggar, Councilman Comerchero advised that during the General Plan Update Process the term "Open Space" would be more specifically defined. With respect to Goal 2 (regarding conservation and protection of water), for Councilman Naggar, Deputy City Manager Thornhill relayed that a policy could be developed requiring gas stations to demonstrate that the contaminants on site could be contained and treated for shipment off the property as per the standards of the Water Control Board; and confirmed that this particular issue was addressed via alternate avenues, Mayor Roberts recommending that this issue be explored and brought back. It is noted that no comments were relayed with respect to Goal 3 (regarding protection of plant and animal species), Goal 4 (regarding conservation of energy resources), Goal 5 (regarding conservation of open space), and Goal 6 (regarding preservation of historical and cultural resources). With respect to Goal 7 which stated Protection of prime agricultural land from premature conversion to urbanized uses, Councilman Comerchero recommended that the word premature be deleted. In response to the ensuing discussion, Deputy City Manager Thornhill advised that this particular goal would only be applicable if the City opted to annex property beyond the City boundaries to the east. R:\Minutes\071702 7 With respect to Policy 7.2 which states, Promote and preserve the local wine industry, Councilman Comerchero recommended that ~he language be modified to state promote and aid in preserving the local wine industry, Mayor Roberts suggesting that this policy would be applicable under Economic Development. In response to additional discussion, Deputy City Manager Thornhill advised that staff would work with Goal 7. With respect to Goal 8 (regarding a trail system that serves both recreational and transportation needs) under Policy 8.5, Councilman Comerchero noted that the phrase personal transportation alternatives was an appropriate phrase. With respect to Goal 9 (regarding protection of dark skies), it is noted that no comments were relayed regarding this item. Regarding the GROWTH MANAGEMENT/PUBLIC FACILITIES ELEMENT, the fo[lowing comments were relayed: With respect to Goal 1 (regarding management of growth), it is noted that no recommendations were relayed. With respect to Goal 2 (regarding patterns of growth), Chairman Chiniaeff noted the reference to "Village Centers" in Policy 2.4. Highlighting the phrase added to Policy 3.1 that states actual police service levels will be evaluated annually, Councilman Comerchero recommended that similar language also be included in Policy 3.2. Councilman Pratt noted his opposition to the term strive which was utilized in Policy 3.1 and 3.2. With respect to Goal 4 (regarding the school system), it is noted that no comments were relayed. With respect to Goal 5 (regarding public and quasi-public facilities), under Policy 5.4 (regarding providing meeting space for non-profit groups), Councilman Comerchero recommended that the language be revised to be more specific, noting his concern that the policy could be interpreted in such a way as for all non-profit groups to feel entitled to meeting space provisions. In response, Mr. Henderson suggested adding the phrase if feasible, Deputy City Manager Thomhill suggesting the addition of the phrase explore opportunities, Councilman Comerchero noting that either suggestion would be appropriate. With respect to Goal 8 (regarding water and wastewater infrastructure system), Mayor Roberts noted that he was pleased that Policy 8.7 addressed a brine line in the City. It was noted that with respect to Goal 7 (regarding an effective, safe and environmentally compatible flood control system), and Goal 8 (regarding waste management), no comments were relayed. With respect to Goal 9 (regarding electrical, natural gas, and telecommunication systems), under Policy 9.3 (regarding installation of technological structures), Commissioner Olhasso, echoed by Mayor Roberts and Mayor Pro Tern Stone, opined that the language was not strong enough, advising that standards needed to be established. Councilman Naggar additionally R:\Minutes\071702 8 noting that the installation of fiber optics will be an integral component in encouraging individuals to work out of their homes, or for businesses to develop satellite offices. In response, Mr. Henderson relayed that the language in this policy point would be strengthened. With respect to the PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT, the following comments were made: With respect to Goal 1, Policy 1.10 (regarding a Citywide Emergency Preparedness Plan), for Councilman Comemhero and Mayor Roberts, Deputy City Manager Thornhill advised that even though the City had an Emergency Preparedness Plan it was still prudent to have this element included as a policy. It is noted that no other recommendations were relayed regarding the Public Safety Element. With respect to the NOISE ELEMENT, the following comments were relayed: With respect to Goal I (regarding associated land use planning), it is noted that no recommendations were relayed. With respect to Goal 2 (regarding the control of noise between land uses), Chairman Chiniaeff queried the definition of the term outdoor equipment that was referenced in Policy 2.2. Mr. Henderson noted that further definition would be provided. Deputy City Manager Thornhill clarifying that outdoor equipment referred to .stationery outdoor equipment i.e., air conditioners, and pool equipment; and advised that the newer developments located proximate to major arterials had sound walls between the arterial and the residential area as referenced in Goal 3 and 4. With respect to the AIR QUALITY ELEMENT, the following comments were relayed: With respect to Mayor Pro Tern Stone's queries regarding solar energy panels, Deputy City Manager Thornhill noted the significant higher costs for builders initially with implementation of environmentally sensitive buildings and energy conserving elements; and suggested that there be a general goal with policies encouraging the development of such building elements. With respect to the COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT, the following comments were relayed: For clarification, Deputy City Manager Thornhill relayed that in this segment of the General Plan the updating of the Design Guidelines issues would most likely be addressed. With respect to Policy 2.7 (regarding art in public and community places), Mayor Roberts recommended that the phrase consider the establishment be replaced with the word Establish. With respect to Goal 3 (regarding preservation and enhancement of individual districts or neighborhoods), for Councilman Naggar, City Manager Nelson relayed that various funding mechanisms are being explored for the development of additional Open Space, noting that potentially funding could be identified to develop various slope areas within residential areas (e.g. Margarita and Pauba Roads) related to preserving open space. Councilman Comemhero recommended that an additional goal be added to this element regarding City beautification, which could encompass assisting private landowners in beautifying vacant property, and Old Town improvements, Mayor Pro Tem Stone suggesting that the addition of entry statements in some of the older neighborhoods could be considered. R:\Minutes\071702 9 Discussion ensued with respect to Goal 4 (r,egarding streetscapes). For Mayor Pro Tern Stone, City Attorney ThrJ~'son relayed that the only Redevelopment funds that could be utilized outside of the project area were for Iow and moderate-income housing. Commissioner Olhasso advised that if homeowners were at a moderate income level, a beautification program could be implemented on single-family privately-owned homes, that covenants could be entered into, that the property could be landscaped, and that if the property owners do not maintain the landscaping the City could place a lien against the property and maintain the area. City Manager Nelson noted the challenges regarding uniform maintenance of these areas. With respect to Goal 5 (regarding protection of significant natural features), under Policy 5.3 which states Establish a program to acquire, or permanently protect critical hillside areas from development, Mayor Roberts relayed that he was pleased with the additional of this policy point. It is noted that there were no recommendations with respect to Goal 6. In response to Chairman Chiniaeff's queries associated with Goal 7 (regarding community gathering areas), in Policy 7.8 and 7.9 (regal'ding public gathering spaces), Mr. Henderson advised that these policy points could be consolidated. With respect to the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT, the following comments were relayed: In Goal 1, under Policy 1.5 (regarding attracting Federal and State agency offices), Councilman Comerchero recommended that there be efforts expended specifically to attract as Federal out- of-state office to the City of Temecula, Councilman Pratt suggesting that there be efforts to attract a Federal home security office. With respect to Goal 2 (regarding diversification of the economic base), Councilman Comerchero and Mayor Pro Tem Stone confirmed that it was their desire to also add bio- technical and high technical uses to Policy 2.1. With respect to Goal 3 (regarding maintaining an economic base) it is noted that no recommendations were relayed. With respect to Goal 4 (regarding establishment of a diverse education, training and job placement system), Commissioner Olhasso recommended that a policy point be added referencing a K-12 or K-16 education in order to align course work and curriculum between high school and college; advised that the issue of students who are not bound for college should be addressed, that the ROP program should be encouraged, and that coursework in the high school should be aligned with industrial needs; and noted that connectivity with the County of Riverside and its training program would be vital, relaying that she would be willing to volunteer to aid in setting up a work force strategy. In response, Mayor Pro Tem Stone noted that there was a program designated for this particular function, advising that it should be revitalized. Councilman Naggar suggested that in addition there be efforts to attract a regional occupation center. With respect to Goal 5 (regarding promoting the advantages of located in Temecula) in Policy 5.4, Commissioner Olhasso recommended that the language be revised to state support the business retention program or words to that effect; advised that the Inland Empire Small R:\Minutes\071702 10 Business Development Center (SBDC) office which supports small businesses should be referenced in these policies; and noted that an entrepreneur network and entrepreneur training programs could be developed via partnerships with Mt. San Jacinto College. With respect to Policy $.3 (regarding monitoring the ratio of the supply of housing verses the supply of jobs), Mayor Roberts recommended deleting the word of. In response to Commissioner Olhasso, Councilman Comerchero provided additional information regarding the lack of a need and the lack of funding for a Convention and Visitor's Bureau at this time per the Chamber of Commerce's investigation. Mr. Henderson relayed that additional written comments were encouraged, and that written remarks could be provided to Senior Planner Hogan any time within the next two weeks. For Councilman Pratt, City Attorney Thorson confirmed that an update of a General Plan was considered a project under CEQA, and that the consultant would also be preparing an EIR. Councilman Naggar noted the importance of keeping this General Plan Update Project on tract; and commended the General Plan Community Advisory Committee's efforts regarding this project, Mayor Pro Tern Stone recommending that a banquet be scheduled in honor of this committee's assiduous efforts. ADJOURNMENT At 8:28 P.M., Mayor Roberts formally adjourned the Joint City Council/Planning Commission Workshop to the next City Council regular meeting on Tuesday, July 231 2002, 7:00 P.M., City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. ATTEST: Susan ~/. ~'ones, OMC / City CI k' R:\Minutes\071702 11