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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-05-1993 City Council Study Session~~`~ MINUTES ~ ~ CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 130 SOUTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993 ****************************,t*****,t*****,t************************** CALL TO ORDER The Study Session was called to order at 3:07 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALON6I, CHERVENY, DOMINGUEZ ABSENT: WINKLER, WASHBURN Also present were: City Manager Molendyk, City Attorney Harper, Administrative Services Director Boone, Community Development Manager Shear, City Planner Christen, Community Development Director Watenpaugh, Public 5ervices Director Tecca, Special Projects Coordinator Basham, Special Projects Coordinator Wood, Engineering Manager O'Donnell and City Clerk Kasad. DISCUSSION ITEMS City Manager Molendyk indicated that if Council would concur, he would like to add one item of discussion to this agenda, being "Budget 1992-93". MOVED BY CHERVENY, SECONDED BY ALONGI AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE PRESENT TO ADD ITEM NUMBER THREE TO THIS AGENDA AS 12EQUESTED. City Manager Molendyk noted that future Work Sessions should be advertised as joint City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meetings. MAYOR WASABURN ARRIVED AT 3:10 P.M. 1. General Plan Clean-ub/Circulation Element. City Planner Christen distributed and detailed an outline of the work completed to date on this project. He advised that it is anticipated that all of the elements and the E.I.R. should be submitted to the City for final review by mid- January. City Planner Christen explained that the Housing Element prepared in 1990 has never been accepted by the State as they had requested a number of corrections/changes. -- Councilwoman Cherveny inquired what the problems had been with ~ the Housing Element. Mr. Christen indicated that he is not i sure of the specific items without the information in front of -- him. City Manager Molendyk indicated that the corrections are in progress, however they amount to a clean-up of the final document to reach compliance with State requirements. / PAGE TWO - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - JANUARY 5, 1993 COUNCILMAN WINKLER ARRIVED AT 3:17 P.M. Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez further inquired into the problems with the Housing Element submitted previously. Mr. Christen indicated that they were detailed to the City and the document is currently being rewritten. Councilman Alongi requested a list of the problems indicated by the State. Councilwoman Cherveny pursued the problems further. Mr. Christen indicated that they weXe State technicalities. He further indicated that a number of cities are not in compliance and in some cases legal steps are being taken to require compliance. He stressed that the City is taking the necessary steps for State approval. He commented that it is anticipated that the final set of General Plan documents should be presented to Council by mid-year. Mayor Washburn requested clarification as to whether the Specific Plans such as the Baker Street area would be included in these final documents. Mr. Christen indicated that some of these projects will be included however a number of them will be scheduled as amendments later to allow this document to be completed. Councilwoman Cherveny requested that if these documents are not ready for presentation to the City Council bY mid-year they be so notified, as this is the type of item that might otherwise fall through the cracks. Public Services Director Tecca explained the process for development of the Circulation Element of the General Plan. He further explained that the plan as developed includes the most recent revisions of the land use plan based on the projections for build-out in the year 2015. Mayor Washburn requested clarification as to whether this is based on build-out in 2015 or planned in stages. Mr. Tecca confirmed that this is based on the current projections for the 2015 build-out. Public Services Director Tecca also explained the preparation of the Traffic Volume Map, A.M. Peak Hour Map and P.M. Peak Hour Map. He pointed out the additions in this plan over the 1990 plan. He noted that contrary to previous belief the I-15 is not the main traffic generator of the corridor, rather routes that cross the I-15. City Manager Molendyk addressed the progress on this plan and questioned the progress of other cities. Mr. Tecca indicated that Lake Elsinore is a little ahead of other cities, but most cities are utilizing similar methods. Mr. Molendyk stressed that this work is the state of the art at this time. Mayor Washburn commented on the impact of the Lake on the circulation in this community. Mr. Tecca commented that the streets beinq planned and PAGE TIiREE - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - JANUARY 5, 1993 constructed at this time will need to last for the next 20 to 40 years, and noted that the projections for the downtown area at build-out would require nine lanes of traffic. Mayor Washburn commented on the future need and the avenues to pursue with the development community in anticipation of those needs. He stressed the need to consider the draw of development and in turn revenue to the City now versus the need to plan and develop for the year 2015. Mr. Christen indicated that it would be advisable to allow development while maintaining the necessary right-of-way widths. Mr. Tecca indicated that while the right-of-way should be maintained now, the improvements can be completed later. Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez commented on the impact of changing City Council's on the long term planning efforts; pointing out areas where variable setbacks exist. City Manager Molendyk commented on the needs which have previously been neglected. He stressed the need for Council direction in this general plan process. He commented on Lakeshore Drive and questioned the future width and configuration. Mr. Christen indicated that this plan contemplates a four lane split level road. Mr. Tecca detailed traffic movement and alternatives for level of service on Lakeshore Drive. Councilwoman Cherveny questioned the ultimate placement of Lakeshore Drive. City Manager Molendyk pointed out the priorities for this project including acquisition of property, and inquired when this action would begin. Mr. Tecca indicated that it is dependant on when funding is available. He further indicated that the rating of Strickland has been increased to allow for it to carry some of the traffic anticipated for Lakeshore Drive. He detailed the widths proposed for the completed project. Councilwoman Cherveny questioned the impact of Lakeshore Drive improvements on the existing houses. Mr. Tecca indicated that the two level portion is planned for the section from 300' east of four corners to approximately Chaney Street. Mayor Washburn indicated that Acacia Street is on the books between the Lake and the existing property owners. Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez indicated that Acacia Street may have been abandoned. City Manager Molendyk indicated that the Lake Edge Specific Plan would better address this issue. Mayor Washburn questioned the balance of jobs to housing in the General Plan as presented. Mr. Christen indicated that this issue has been addressed, but he is not sure of the statistics. Mayor Washburn questioned analysis of the fiscal impacts. Administrative Services Director Boone indicated that once these reports are in place, the fiscal impacts can be addressed. City Manager Molendyk indicated that this will require consideration of the road fee program. ~ ~ /; PAGE FOUR - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - JANUARY 5, 1993 Councilman Alongi questioned the ability of property owners to pull permits based on future City plans. Mr. Tecca indicated that this is being considered and in some cases the City may need to buy the lots. City Attorney Harper stressed the difficulty in preventing owners from submitting plans based on ultimate City plans. He further indicated that the development applications should be processed and if necessary acquire at a later date. Councilman Alongi questioned the process if an owner should choose not to sell. City Attorney Harper indicated that the property could be condemned if necessary. Councilman Alongi further questioned the situation if the required right-of-way dedications make the lot undevelopable, and whether the City would be required to acquire the property. Mr. Harper indicated that to date that decision has been avoided, however the Council would be asked to decide such an issue in the near future. Further discussion ensued on the merits of acquiring the property up-front and the alternatives; as well as the need to limit or allow additions to existing property in spite of the future plans. Lake Edae Soecific Plan. City Manager Molendyk reminded Council that this plan is based on the stipulations from the State for the transfer of the Lake. He stressed that this plan is not final and explained the public meeting and hearing schedule. Joanna Craft, Ballew & Associates, explained that this plan is being done based on a mandate from the State for the transfer of the control and ownership of the Lake. She further explained that this is a joint effort by the City and County to consolidate the Land Uses and growth plans; with the County having designated the City as the lead agency. She also explained that the County controls 55~ of the property and the City controls 45~ of the property. She indicated that the plan is now ready for presentation to the Lake Advisory Committee and release for public review. She also indicated that the concerns and questions of Lakeland Village representatives have been addressed. She detailed the proposed land uses around the lake perimeter. City Manager Molendyk commented on the difficulties in developing this plan due to some of the long time existing land uses and setbacks. Ms. Craft indicated that this plan attempts to limit the number of strip commercial centers. She clarified that the existing commercial uses would remain, however further developments would be regulated. She further indicated that possibly small narrow lot owners would be encouraged to accumulate multiple lots to allow for a larger development. She stressed that this document is a guideline for future development, not an actual development plan. Councilwoman Cherveny requested clarification of the comment that this is the plan the City would like to see and PAGE FIVE - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - JANUARY 5, 1993 questioned the County's direction. Ms. Craft indicated that this plan is following the County zoning, but the City would control the development standards. Councilwoman Cherveny questioned whether thfs document has been reviewed by the County. Ms. Craft indicated that it has been reviewed by County staff. She further indicated that a number of the questions and concerns from Lakeland Village residents have been addressed. Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez inquired whether the 45$ control by the City includes the State park. Ms. Craft indicated that it does, as this property is currently in City Limits. Mr. Christen further indicated that these percentages are based on acreage. City Manager Molendyk requested clarification as to whether this plan contemplates 1240' or 1249' elevation. Ms. Craft indicated that it is based on 1240', although other elevations are mentioned with regard to manageiaent of the Lake. Councilman Alongi questioned the "greenbelt" area on the City side and whether it is to be in front of private property which currently exists. Ms. Craft indicated that the diagram indicates the edqe of the road. Councilman Alongi further questioned the launch rights issue for these property owners. City Manager Molendyk indicated that they would be afforded the same rights as the County residents until he properties are ultimately acquired. -- Mayor Washburn clarified the full process for implementation of this plan. City Attorney Harper clarified that the purchase of properties rendered undevelopable is not a foregone conclusions. Mr. Christen indicated that it may be necessary to work around some properties initially. Discussion ensued regarding the timing of this implementation, the location of the 1265' elevation, and the potential for building homes on piers. Councilman Alongi questioned the approval process for County residents. Ms. Craft indicated that the County would need to approve the subdivision, but the City would have jurisdiction over the design. Further discussion ensued regarding the ability to administer between the City and the County_ City Manager Molendyk commented that based on discussions with the previous County supervisor the City is the lead agency, but he would not foresee the need for residents to go through a dual process.City Attorney Harper clarified that the County would need to approve the subdivisions. Mayor Washburn indicated that potentially the County would adopt the City's standards. Mr. Christen confirmed that the City is the lead for this project, however the County would ultimately adopt City standards. Councilman Alonqi questioned the hearing process and whether County residents would approach the City or the County. Mr. Harper indicated that they could approach either or both agencies. Councilwoman Cherveny questioned the ability of the County to change the City's standards. Mr. PAGE SIX - STUDY SESSION MINUTES -~ANUARY 5, 1992 Harper indicated that County staff has concurred that this should be a mutual decision. Councilman Alongi questioned the provision of this document to the County. Mr. Christen indicated that they had been provided a draft, but not this latest revision. Ms. Craft indicated that this document is ready for submission to the public for review and will be available at City Hall and the Library for review and copying. Mr. Christen indicated that the E.I.R. would be following in the near future. Mayor Washburn noted that this process has cost the City approximately $120,000 to date. City Manager Molendyk clarified that this is an expense of the process for transfer of the Lake. Councilwoman Cherveny inquired whether the Water District had been provided a copy of this report. Staff indicated they had not, but would be. Councilman Winkler inquired why the area behind the levee had not been detailed in this document and whether it was part of the plan. Ms. Craft indicated that this was the Eastlake Specific Plan area. Mr. Winkler questioned the amount of recreation facilities in the Eastlake Specific Plan. Ms. Craft clarified this issue. Mr. Winkler questioned the transfer document from the state and the public access requirements it stipulates. City Manager Molendyk clarified the public access requirement and the need to show the Eastlake recreational facilities for the State. Councilwoman Cherveny inquired why these had not been included. Mr. Christen indicated that the Eastlake M.O.U. post dated this document but could be included. Mr. Basham indicated that the transfer agreement requires that the existing facilities be maintained, but he is not aware of specific requirements. Mayor Washburn indicated that the City would be required to provide facilities to meet the state requirements. Councilwoman Cherveny questioned the restricted development areas and whether they are public access areas. Ms. Craft advised that these areas are anticipated to be public recreation areas. Councilwoman Cherveny questioned what public access roads would be available to the Lake. Mr. Dominguez indicated that Lindsey, Lewis, Chaney, Davis and maybe Poe have previously gone clear through to the Lake. 3. Budaet 1992-93. City Manager Molendyk indicated that the City will be realizing a gain of one time dollars from PERS Credit and Booking fees totaling $549,000 less the $156,000 State impact for fiscal year 1992-93 with a balance of approximately $393,000. He further indicated that budget adjustments in the amount of $48,200 have already been approved by the Council PAGE SEVEN - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - JANUARY 5, 1993 including the County Centennial participation, Sales Tax Data Base Program, After School Drop-In Program, LEMA Budget request and Special March, 1993 Election. He presented a proposal for increased funding for the Code Enforcement Program in the amount of $350,000 to allow a more pro-active approach. Administrative Services Director Boone detailed the negotiations with regard to Booking Fees and indicated that the final decision is that presented. City Manager Molendyk commented that this is a one time source of money and the request had been received from Code Enforcement to provide additional enforcement. Community Development Manager Shear explained the costs associated with Nuisance Abatement and advised that there are currently 52 cases currently under abatement for this year. City Manager Molendyk clarified that these would be individual contracts on an hourly basis for the remainder of this budget year. Mr. Shear indicated that he already has qualified individuals available to contract these services. Councilwoman Cherveny questioned why the $350,000 could not be used for Police Officer overtime for the balance of the year. She suggested using this overtime to beef-up the patrol function. Councilman Winkler commented that this might be difficult with the necessary lead time for start up. Councilwoman Cherveny clarified that she would direct this toward overtime for existing officers. City Manager Molendyk clarified the dollar figure requested and explained that this program would work in conjunction with law enforcement activities. He suggested possible alternatives for the money distribution such as $75,000 toward police officer overtime; or leaving the $175,000 for nuisance abatement and iqnoring structure abatement. He commented that the need to deal with unsafe buildings would still exist whether these funds are allocated or not. Councilwoman Cherveny questioned what would have happened if this money was not gained. City Manager Molendyk indicated that this in staff's opinion was the best alternative, as it did not require going into reserves. Mayor Washburn stressed the success of this program to date and the long term impact it has on neighborhoods. He indicated that he would like to continue the program, but at this point it is a question of dollars. Councilwoman Cherveny concurred that the program is working, but questioned the ability of staff to work within a budget. City Attorney Harper reminded Council that this is for discussion only, with no decisions to be made today. City Manager Molendyk indicated that it was not fair to say staff is not budgeting properly, because this is a one time . ~~ PAGE EZGHT - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - JANUARY 5, 1993 money situation. He further indicated .that Council has requested additional items be addressed by this program which would otherwise require going into reserves. Mr. Molendyk also commented that discussion has occurred with regard to a quicker pay back alternative than liening the property. He again indicated that there are possibilities for splitting up this money. Mayor Pro Tem Domingue2 questioned the ability to place time limits on the liens. Councilman Alongi indicated that RDA loans for tearing down buildings should be handled as a loan with monthly payments rather than waiting 10 or 15 years Por payback. He questioned the possibility of the Sheriff's Department working closely with a security agency to provide additional eyes for law enforcement in problem areas. City Manager Molendyk questioned the amount needed to finish the abatements underway and suggested that the balance of these funds could go toward security. City Attorney Harper indicated that possibly this security could be a safety patrol like a paid Neighborhood Watch program. Community Development Manager Shear indicated that the abatement underway will be approximately $100,00o for Structure Abatement and $150,000 for Nuisance Abatement. Councilman Alongi inquired whether this program could squeak by with $2oQ,000 for the balance of the year; and further inquired whether it was necessary to address the nuisance abatement involving the tree trimming. City Manager Molendyk questioned the minimum for legally required abatements. Mr. Shear indicated that this would be approximately $150,000. Councilman Winkler indicated that he would like to see the entire $350,000 used for tearing down buildings. He suggested that this would allow a pro-active approach to enforcement. He indicated that he has met with a property manager in the Nashland area and wants to pursue possible solutions in this area. He further indicated that he would like to have feedback from the Sheriff's Department as to the impact of this money on the law enforcement efforts. He stressed that he keeps hearing that the abatement process is helping their efforts in the Community. He stated that he feels the money would be better used for abatement. Councilman Alongi indicated that he doesn't disagree, however, the City is stuck with the problem element until the abatement process is complete. Mayor Washburn commented on recent meetings with Captain Daniel and discussions regarding a business watch program, indicating that if programs such as that could be helped he would consider funding. City Manager Molendyk indicated as a result of this meeting he would pursue abatement needs, the Business Watch Program and supplemental Security; and try to bring the information to one of the next work sessions. Councilwoman Cherveny inquired whether this could be brought PAGE NINE - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - JANUARY 5, 1993 to a regular Council meeting. City Manager Molendyk indicated if Captain Daniel concurs regarding supplemental security and Council approves his , i recommendations, then staff could proceed with the bid process ! I based on an established level of service. City Manager Molendyk noted that the latest RDA Budget figures had been distributed for Council's information and offered to answer questions. City Attorney Aarper indicated that he needed a brief Closed Session regarding pending litigation with Kunz and with Parker. THE STUDY SESSION WAS ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 5:00 P.M. TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION WITH KUNZ CORPORATION AND WITH PARKER ENTERPRISES, INC. THE STUDY SESSION WAS RECONVENED AT 5:12 P.M. NO ACTION TAKEN. ADJOURNMENT THE STUDY SESSION WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:Y~2 P.M. ~ vv~~~ ARY . WASHSURN, MAYOR CITY F LAKE ELSINORE - r1.TEST: ~ VICKI ~.A AD, C" CLERK CITY OF LAKE ELiINORE