Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-11-1999 City Council Study SessionMINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA THURSDAY, MARCH 11,1999 ~~~~~~~*~*~~~:~~~~*~*~~*~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~*~~~*~~:*********~~~~~~~~~~* CALL TO ORDER The City Council Study Session was called to order by Mayor Kelley at 3:10 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Schiffner. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: METZE, PAPE, SCHIFFNER, KELLEY ABSENT: COiJNCILMEMBERS: BRINLEY (Councilwoman Brinley arrived at 3:30 p.m.) Also present were: City Manager Watenpaugh, Administrative Services - Director Boone, Community Development Director Brady, Community Services Director Sapp, Building & Safety Manager Russell and Public Works Manager Payne and City Clerk Kasad. 1. Proposal for Multi-familv/Senior Housing. (F:78.1) City Manager Watenpaugh noted that staff and one Councilmember met with Mr. Schleuniger regarding this project. He e~lained the proposed apartment project and the future potential for three levels of senior care. He indicated that after hearing this information, staff feels there is a need for some multi- family housing and some senior housing. He further noted that the proposed site lends itself well to this type of development. Craig Schleuniger applicant indicated that he wanted to discuss the multi- family element and noted that the senior units will be at a separate location. He indicated that this proposal is for about 142 units on approximately eight acres. He further indicated that these apartments will be at market rate which is non-assisted and open to anyone. Councilman Pape inquired whether the senior housing was being proposed at this time. Mr. Schleuniger indicated that the senior housing was not being proposed at this time as there is still more investigation to be done. Mayor Kelley requested clarification that the first phase would be the regular apartments. Mr. Schleuniger confirmed. Councilman Metze inquired what the count for dwelling units per acre would be. Mr. Schleuniger indicated that it would be about si~cteen units to the acre, and noted that they would like to amend the specific plan for this use. He noted that they will incorporated design elements from the original specific PAGE TWO - CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION - MARCH 11,1999 plan in this project. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that the reason for this proposed amendment is partially the terrain of the site and partially the retail market. Mr. Schleuniger confirmed that this parcel is not desirable for retail at this time, and noted that there is a need for apartments in this area based on a recent market study. He commented that they have talked with a lot of retailers and the interest is the area nearest to Walmart. Mayor Kelley questioned the proposed apartment size. Mr. Schleuniger indicated that the average unit would be a two bedroom, but they will range from one to three bedrooms. City Manager Watenpaugh noted the staircasing of the complex to follow. the existing terrain. Mr. Schleuniger confirmed and noted the views the staircase effects will afford the residents. Mayor Pro Tem Metze inquired if Mr. Schleuniger was aware of the quality desired, based on his meetings with staff. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that the proposed project is more on the upscale from any units currently in the City; noting that about the only concern remaining is the issue of carports vs. garages. He indicated that the project would accommodate the City standards, as well as the crime free multi-housing program. Mayor Pro Tem Metze noted that he is very impressed with the crime free multi-housing program. He also indicated that he likes the location and if what Mr. Schleuniger is discussing as quality is something that the Council can buy into and it falls under the crime free program he would be supportive. Mr. Schleuniger addressed the crime free multi-housing program and noted that he lrnew there was something new, but he was not sure of the timing for implementation. City Manager Watenpaugh provided an overview of the program and noted that it helps the apartment managers; and commented on the other cities which .ha~e adopted ordinances. Mayor Pro Tem Metze stressed the helpful factors of the program. Councilman Pape noted that the crime free program was generally a lease addendum. Mr. Schleuniger indicated that he would like to take a look at the program. Councilman Pape inquired what amenities the project would include. Glen Dagel, Architect, indicated that it would include two tennis courts, two swimming pools, extensive landscaping due to the step up of the hill, a club house and meeting room. He clarified that they have not focused on the details yet, other than to fit the project into the site. He indicated that it is designed to comply with the current City standards and the intent and theme is for something high quality and nice looking. Mayor Kelley inquired if the project would be gated. Mr. Dagel indicated that it is possible, but that has not yet been determined. City Manager Watenpaugh clarified that the study session was requested due to the considerable past discussion of multi-family housing in the past. He indicated that staff wanted to get a feel from the Council before the developer starts spending money on a multi-family project. PAGE THREE - CITY COiJNCIL STUDY SESSION - MARCH 11,1999 Councilman Pape indicated that the location of this project makes it different. Mayor Pro Tem Metze stressed the visibility of the site. Mayar Kelley indicated that she likes the terracing. Councilman Schiffner noted that there would be a briefing on the multi-family housing program on March 18~'. Mayor Pro Tem Metze indicated that it would be a good idea to understand the concept, and concurred with Councilman Pape about the location. Councilman Schiffner stressed the advantage for Mr. Schleuniger in attending the briefing on the program. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that he can provide a copy of the program manual to the Council for review. Councilman Schiffner expressed disappointment that they would not be proceeding with the senior component of the project, but indicated that he would support it anyway. Mr. Schleuniger indicated that they are definitely looking at proceeding with the senior portion of the project at a later date. There was general Council consensus that the developer should proceed in working with staff on this project. COUNCILWOMAN BRINLEY JOINED THE MEETING AT 3:30 P.M. 2. Citv Council PolicyReview & Updates. (F:120.1) Mayor Kelley noted that the goals and objectives for this year included a review of the policies and make sure that all are in agreement with them. She further noted that this consideration was very timely with Councilman Schiffner joining the Council. City Manager Watenpaugh noted that staff has gone through and tried to modify the policies for clarity, and made minor changes such as changing employee titles. He detailed the proposed changes in the policies regarding selection of the Mayor and use of City credit cards. Councilman Pape suggested that all officers for the Council and RDA be included in the policy for selection of Mayor. City Manager Watenpaugh noted the policies which are still being reviewed by the Attorney. Mayor Kelley questioned the travel and training policy. City Manager Watenpaugh noted that since the City has downsized and not bought a lot of equipment, there are only two pool vehicles remaining and staff would suggest that Council turn in mileage until additional vehicles are available. Councilman Pape suggested that it would be a matter of using them at one's own risk. Mayor Kelley further addressed travel and training, and eapressed concern for preventing the overlap of ineetings. Mayor Pro Tem Metze indicated that he would like to see more coordination of ineetings with the City Clerk, including special events. PAGE FOUR - CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION - MARCH 11,1999 Councilwoman Brinley concurred it would be a good idea to do this. Mayor Kelley noted that along with this she would like to allot some time for Councilmembers to report to each other on their other meetings. She stressed the complex nature of actions occurring at this time. Councilwoman Brinley suggested the addition of a section for Committee Reports to the end of the agenda. City Manager Watenpaugh suggested that Committee Reports be listed before Council Comments. All Councilmembers concurred this would be appropriate. Mayor Pro Tem Metze noted that he hasn't had much time to get involved in the crime free multi-housing program, but would like to meet with Deputy Simmons. City Manager Watenpaugh noted the Press Release policy and suggested the addition of the City ManagerBxecutive Director to those authorized to issue releases. He noted that stafF is working on setting up a press table at the Council meetings and concentrating on issuing press releases on anything newsworthy. Council express support for these efforts. Councilman Schiffner asked how the press table would work with the current configuration. City Manager Watenpaugh e~lained that staff is warking to relocate the cameras to address the concerns with the new arrangements. Mayor Pro Tem Metze and Councilwoman Brinley indicated that they are pleased with the new seating arrangements. Mayor Kelley noted that part of the Council Policy is the committee appointments, and highlighted the committees on which individual councilmembers serve. She inquired if there was any interest in changing committees and noted the need to appoint someone to the WRCOG habitat conservation agency. Mayor Pro Tem Metze indicated that he was hoping to discuss the RCHCA position with Councilman Schiffner, noting that that agency will stay in existence to finish the K-Rat requirements and maintain property. Mayor Kelley indicated that she was ready to rotate out of the WRCOG. City Manager Watenpaugh noted the timing and location of the WRCOG meetings. Councilman Schiffner offered to take the Habitat committees. Councilwoman Brinley agreed to take the WRCOG. Councilman Schiffner indicated that he would do his share to help balance these appointments. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that he will bring this item forward to the next meeting for approval and discussion of the committee appointments. City Manager Watenpaugh announced that the City was notified that the application submitted to CALED regarding the Economic Gardening Program had received an award of inerit. He noted that the Assistant City Manager would be attending their meeting the end of March and speaking on that program. He also noted that Community Development Director Brady would be speaking at the Community Development Conference on the same PAGE FIVE - CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION - MARCH 11,1999 topic. Mayor Pro Tem Metze indicated that he would like to see the multi-family ordinance on the books as soon as possible. ADJOURNMENT THE STUDY SESSION WAS ADJOURNED AT 3:50 P.M. ATTEST: ~ CKI KA AD, CITY CLERK CITY OF LAI~ ELSINORE ~~ ~-%'G~~eii2t~ GENIE KELLEY`G~ CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE