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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-26-2002 City Council/RDA Study SessionMINUTES CITY COUNCIL/REDELOPMENTAGENCY STUDY SESSION CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2002 ~~:~~~*~~*~~~~*~~~~~*~~*~:~~~:~~*:~~:~:~~~~*:~~~*~*~*~~~:~~~~x~:~~~~~~ CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kelley called the Study Session to order at 4:02 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BUCKLEY, HICKMAN, SCHIFFNER, KELLEY ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BRINLEY (Councilwoman Brinley arrived at 4:30 p.m.) Also present were: City Manager Watenpaugh, Assistant City Manager Best, City Attorney Leibold, Administrative Services Director Boone, Community Development Director Brady, Community Services Director Sapp, Information/Communications Manager Dennis and Deputy City Clerk Paredes. DISSCUSSION Ae.endaReview. (F:44.1) City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that there would be no presentation. Councilman Hickman questioned Item No. 4, regarding Disposal of Surplus Property. City Manager Watenpaugh explained that the City had a contract for disposal of surplus property and after the City Council declared items as surplus, they would be sold at public auction. PAGE TWO - STUDY SESSION - MAR. 26, 2002 Councilman Hickman addressed Item No. 3, regarding Claims Against the City, and commented that it seemed that every time someone had an accident they placed a Claim against the City. Mayor Kelley explained the claim process. City Manager Watenpaugh addressed Item No. 31, regarding Commercial Project No. 2001-03. He indicated that Starbucks Coffee Shop was the only business that was confirmed and the other four sites were in the negotiation process. Councilman Hickman inquired if the RDA would address the item. City Attorney Leibold explained that the RDA generally concured with City Council action. City Manager Watenpaugh addressed Item No. 32, regarding California Department of Boating and Waterways Grant. He explained that this action was a result of the meeting with the Concessionaire and Mr. Flood from the Department of Boating and Waterways. He indicated that Mr. Flood had informed staff that if an application for a grant was submitted this year, then he would see that it was placed in the 2002/2003 review for 2003/2004 funding. City Manager Watenpaugh explained that there were requirements that the City meet prior to submittal of the application. He indicated that the City needed to do an Economic Feasibility Study, which would cost approximately $30,000 and file a Negative Declaration through CEQA. He indicated that the Grant amount was based on the number of launches; and for every S,OOO launches it would represent $1 million in grant funding. Councilman Hickman questioned the amount the City could receive from the Crrant. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that it could be approximately $4 million. Councilman Hickman asked if the Campground Launch Facility would jeopardize the City Launch Facility. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that they would both be City facilities and it was planned to raise the Campground Launch Facility to an elevation of 1256 feet, which was one foot above the elevation of the Outflow Channel. He further indicated that the City Launch Facility would not be operational until the Lake reached an elevation of 1240 feet. He explained that the Campground Launch Facility would continue to PAGE TFIREE - STUDY SESSION - MAR. 26, 2002 provide six lanes for launching, up to elevation 1256 feet if the City was funded and approved. He further explained that the original Feasibility Study allowed for 1,500 boats on the Lake and could handle six different launch locations. Mayor Kelley commented that what was desirable about the Grant, was that it did not require a match. City Manager Watenpaugh agreed and stated that the reason the Department of Boating and Waterways was being lenient was because the facility was in excess of twenty years old and they did not originally build the facility. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner questioned the grants the City was currently working on. City Manager Watenpaugh noted that the City was working on three separate grants through the Wildlife Conservation Board for acquisition of the Four Corners/Chaney area; development of the Four Corners/Chaney area; and development of pedestrian access. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner questioned the timeline for the construction of the Campground Boat Launch Facility. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that fiscal year 2004/OS would be the earliest construction would begin, provided the grant was approved. Councilman Hickman questioned the effect on private boat launches. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that the Lake was capable of supporting six different launch sites. There was general discussion regarding the use of private boat launches around the Lake. Councilman Hickman questioned if the improvements would help to prevent drowning in that area. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that he felt the improvements would provide for a more viable use at a higher elevation, however it would not address potential danger of submerged areas that were not visible. Councilman Buckley inquired if the Boating and Waterways Grant was a competitive grant process. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated PAGE FOUR - STUDY SESSION - MAR. 26, 2002 that it was, however Mr. Flood had assured staff that the City had an excellent opportunity to get the project funded if the application was submitted. He indicated that the Campground Concessionaire had previously worked with Boating and Waterways and felt that the City had an excellent opportunity to receive funding. Councilman Buckley commented that if the City received the grant and the improvements were made, the Campground would have an increase in use as well as an increase in operation and maintenance costs. He asked who would pay for the operation and maintenance and who would receive the revenue. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that the concessionaire would bear the cost of operation and maintenance and the City would receive the revenue from the Lake Operations, which were launch passes, day use passes and 7% of the revenue from the Campground. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner questioned what percentage of people who utilize the campground would use annual passes. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that it would be very small since more residents that live around the Lake utilize the annual passes for the Lake than the people from the Campground. There was general discussion regarding the use of the Lake and related facilities. Councilman Buckley addressed the benefits in revenue that the concessionaire would receive from the proposed improvements. City Manager Watenpaugh noted that the concessionaire and City were in a trial and error period, and should the concessionaire e~end, then he would make a larger investment in the facility. City Attorney Leibold stated that the grant was for the improvement of the facility and the concessionaire had aided in the grant process. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner commented that he felt that the City should be competitive with private facilities, since the possible new launch sites would increase the use of the Campground and generate revenue for the Lake. PAGE FIVE - STUDY SESSION - MAR. 26, 2002 Councilman Buckley questioned the cost of the Launch Fee and Day Use Fee. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that the Launch Fee was $6 a day and the Day Use Pass was $7 a day. Councilman Buckley noted that the Grant Application stated that there could be a maximum of $5 for launching fees. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that Boating and Waterways had approved past fees and the amount would be part of the Feasibility Study. He noted that the City's launch fee was currently $6 and was approved by the State. He indicated that the City and concessionaire would comply with the requirements of the Department of Boating and Waterways. City Manager Watenpaugh addressed Item No. 33, regarding Lake Elsinore Rotary Club Bus Bench Program. He presented an overview for the placement of bus benches and indicated that it would provide twenty additional shade. structures. City Manager Watenpaugh addressed Item No. 34, regarding the establishment of a Traffic Offenders Fund. He explained that the item dealt with traffic offenders that would be cited for suspended licenses and/or drunk driving. He indicated that it would generate a$100 traffic fee that would go directly into a fund for traffic enforcement and traffic safety. He noted that that the proposed action would be an e~ension of the $100,000 grant received through the Office of Transportation Safety and would allow the Police Department to perpetuate the Traffic Safety Program. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner indicated that currently the citations issued for the same offense did not generate any income for the City. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that currently there was no income for a Traffic Safety Program and if this Ordinance were passed, it would generate income for Traffic Safety purposes. Councilman Hickman asked if the Police Department would use a police car or a motorcycle. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that they could use both. Councilman Buckley asked if the City had an Anti Drag Racing Ordinance. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that there was no specific ordinance regarding drag racing or cruising. Councilman Buckley asked if there were some way to create a"Special Safety Zone". City Attorney Leibold stated that there was a State of California Vehicle Code for PAGE SIX - STUDY SESSION - MAR. 26, 2002 establishing a"Double Fine Zone", however there were a number of statistical requirements to be satisfied. She stated that she would get back with Council regarding this issue. Councilman Buckley specifically addressed Railroad Canyon Road/Diamond Drive and the congestion. He stated that he would like to see a"Special Safety Zone" set in that area. City Attorney Leibold explained that State Law set fines, and there could be a preemption issue. Councilman Buckley stated that he understood, however he saw that as a way to address the problems in that area. Mayor Kelley addressed Item No. 35, regarding McVicker Canyon Skate Park Concession Contract. She explained that Mr. Johnson of Beach Life, had to decline execution of the Skate Park Concessionaire Agreement, due to other personal employment obligations. She indicated that the second bidder, Spohn Ranch, Inc., had been contacted and had agreed to become the concessionaire. She noted that Spohn Ranch, Inc. had 25 years of e~erience in building and operating skate board parks. She indicated that staff entered into negotiations with Spohn Ranch and there were a few changes to the agreement. She noted that Spohn Ranch wished to have a 5 year contract with a 3 year extension and the previous agreement called for a 3 year contract with a 5 year e~ension; Spohn Ranch was willing to reimburse the City of 7%, whereas Beach Life proposed 5%; Beach Life was going to provide the trailer and Spohn Ranch would not; the City would provide maintenance and replacement of the pro-light surface; $1,000,000 insurance policy; and 90 day written notice for termination for both parties. Councilman Hickman clarified the 7% of the concession and asked if that started immediately. Community Services Director Sapp stated that it would start on January 1, 2003, which was consistent with Beach Life's contract. Mayar Pro Tem Schiffner questioned the change to start tlie 7% immediately. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that staff negotiated the agreement, however what Council had the fmal decision. He noted that the Concession Agreement did not st PAGE SEVEN - STUDY SESSION - MAR. 26, 2002 Start the 7% until January 1, 2003; the City would fund the lights; the City would fund the trailer and Spohn would maintain the trailer; and the City would have to replace surfaces on the structures when they needed replacment. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner asked for clarification of the original agreement. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that the unsigned agreement stated that Beach Life would be responsible for the lights; provision of the trailer; provision of maintenance; and rendering of 5%. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner asked what the 5% would represent. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated it was anticipated that the Skate Park would gross between $100,000 and $120,000 a year. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner stated that the City would realize approximately $7,000. City Manager Watenpaugh explained that it would be approximately $3,500 since it would be for half of the fiscal year. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner indicated that it was not a great deal of money that was being discussed. City Manager Watenpaugh explained that staff was proposing that the General Fund pay back the Park Fund. He indicated that the Park Funds would be used to buy the trailer. He noted the difficulty in trying to finalize the concessionaire contract. Councilman Hickman asked why the City had to wait until January to receive a portion of the revenue. Community Services Director Sapp explained that the old contract was used as a basis to establish a new contract with Spohn Ranch. He indicated that Spohn Ranch was informed of the possibility that since the City had to purchase the trailer, Council might not be willing to wait until January for the City's portion of the revenue. Mayor Kelley clarified that the Skate Park would be ready to go into operation on Monday, April 1, 2002. Community Services Director Sapp indicated that should the agreement be approve, Spohn Ranch would be prepared to open the park and provide safety equipment and snacks. Councilman Hickman questioned how Spohn Ranch would be able to have the equipment available for the Opening. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that the trailer would be placed on site and Spohn Ranch would start operation. PAGE EIGHT - STUDY SESSION - MAR. 26, 2002 Councilwoman Brinley clarified that the City would be providing the trailer for the concessionaire. Community Services Director Sapp confirmed. Councilman Hickman asked for a fiscal breakdown of the project. Community Services Director Sapp eaplained that $275,000 came from grants and the balance of the money came from Park Funds provided by developers for CapiYal Improvements. Councilman Hickman clarified that the City would be purchasing the trailer. Community Services Director Sapp confirmed that the City would purchase the trailer and noted that to date the City has spent $370,000, which included the hardscape and purchase of the equipment. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner asked what was left to build on the site. Community Services Director Sapp stated that there was nothing left to build, and the only thing left to do was a picnic structure and the landscaping, which would become Phase II of the project. Councilman Hickman inquired if the City's share of the money was tax dollars. Community Services Director Sapp stated that it was developer fees, which were used for Park Capital Improvements. Councilman Hickman questioned the County/resident fee difference. There was general discussion regarding resident/non-resident fees for use of the Skate Park and other City facilities. Councilman Hickman clarified the fees for the Skate Park. City Manager Watenpaugh explained the monitoring process for verifying addresses. Mayor Kelley indicated that once they purchased their memberships there would be a photo I.D. on hand. She noted that the students from the different schools were planning outings at the Skate Park, such as Student Government Day, eta Councilman Buckley questionedthe term of the contract. He stated that he would rather see the term split into a 4-year contract with a 4- year renewal, since the City had never done business with this group of people. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner stated that the City was willing to offer the first concessionaire a 3-year contract with a 5-year renewal and they had never run a park before. He indicated that PAGE NINE - STUDY SESSION - MAR. 26, 2002 Spohn Ranch presently operated several parks and had been in the business for a long time. Councilman Hickman asked if a sunscreen for the facility had been considered. Community Services Director Sapp explained that at the park in Escondido the participants wear gloves and misters were installed. Councilman Hickman asked how many children could participate at any one time. Community Services Director Sapp explained that there was a formula and it would amount to approximately 50 children at a time. He indicated that the park would be used for skateboards and in-line skaters. He noted the difficulty of bicycles using the facilities. There was general discussion regarding vandalism and how it would be handled at the Skate Park. Councilman Buckley asked how much it cost to light a ball field at night. Community Services Sapp stated that Swick/Matich Field cost $13.00 an hour to light. Councilman Buckley concluded that the ball field costs approximately $15 to $16 thousand a year to light. He noted that all the City would receive in revenue would be approximately $7,000 year. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that the Skate Park would use the same amount of electricity as two tennis courts, which would cost considerably less then a ballpark. Community Services Director Sapp stated that it would cost approximately $3.50 to $4.00 an hour to light. Councilman Buckley stated that the City would not see revenue from the park for at least 5 years. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner noted that the City did not receive revenue for graffiti removal or replacement of a damaged tree. Mayor Kelley stated that if Councilman Buckley wished to break out costs, then the cost of not replacing items should be taken into consideration since the children now had an adequate safe place to be instead of skating in the parks and on the steps of the Chamber of Commerce. PAGE TEN - STUDY SESSION - MAR. 26, 2002 Councilman Buckley addressed the insurance and stated that he did not feel it was adequate. City Attorney Leibold stated that the JPIA did suggest a higher limit, however the concessionaire was unable to meet that limit and presented an overview of the accidents that have occurred within 93 cities that have skate parks. There was general discussion regarding how the insurance functions and covers liabilities. Councilwoman Brinley stated that now that the Skate Park was opening the City could address an ordinance to protect the industrial areas and local businesses from illegal skateboarding. She suggested the areas be posted and a small fine set to encourage the kids to use the Skate Park rather than sidewalks and parking lots. City Attorney Leibold stated that she had done some research and there were no ordinances regulating drag racing. She stated that she would do further investigation. Redevelopment A~enc~genda Review No Comments. ADJOURNMENT THE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY STUDY SESSION WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:10 P.M. PAGE ELEVEN - STUDY SESSION - MAR. 26, 2002 E KELLEY, M"AYOR OF LAKE ELSINOR Respectfully submitted, Adria L. Paredes, Deputy City Clerk A3'TEST: ~~ VICIi4.I'KASAD, C. .C., CITY CLERK `HUbrAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR v 'ITY OF LAKE ELSINORE