Minutes
City Council - 2/14/06
City Council - 2/14/06
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Minutes
City Council - 2/14/06 |
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MINUTES
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 14, 2006 - 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency of the City of Highland was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Mayor Jones at the Donahue Council Chambers, 27215 Base Line, Highland, California.
The invocation was given by City Manager Racadio and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Jones.
ROLL CALL
Present: Lilburn, McCallon, Scott, Timmer, Mayor Jones
Absent: None
COMMUNITY INPUT
Mr. Khouzuma Jiuanjee stated he is currently working on his Eagle Scout project at the Highland Senior Center which consists of pulling weeds and picking up debris. He would like to plant trees and shrubs to beautify the property. He is asking for donations to make this possible.
Mayor Jones stated he appreciates all the hard work Mr. Jiuanjee has done in cleaning the property.
Mayor Pro Tem Lilburn stated she would also like to thank Mr. Jiuanjee for the work being done and she would like to make a donation towards the project.
Mr. Don Houghtaling stated he is present at this meeting due to the incident at Greenspot Road and he will continue to be present until something is accomplished. He has taken photographs of the Greenspot Road intersection and he would like to provide the Council with a CD copy of the photographs. He quoted articles from the Highland Community News regarding traffic accidents at Greenspot Road. He would like to inquire where the item stands at this time.
Mayor Jones stated the Council is not convinced the road is dangerous. The Council is convinced there are individuals who disobey the law and make the road dangerous. We are still waiting for the Sheriff's report to be available and at that time we will look into the causes for the incident in question.
Ms. Marianne Briody stated she would also like to comment on the incident at Greenspot Road. There have been many opinions, reports, and comments on the subject of Greenspot Road. Somehow many comments have described the leaders of Highland as being derelict in their duties to the citizens of the community. They have been criticized for not taking action. Critics are quick to blame the city and ignore personal responsibility. There have been three fatal accidents which we are all aware of and the average age of these drivers was 19. The road did not take control of these vehicles as each vehicle had a driver. Cautious driving and obeying the law will prevent these accidents. It will not matter if traffic lights are installed if people do not obey the traffic laws and a traffic signal is not a guarantee. The presence of law enforcement officers will also help.
Mr. Michael Willhite stated he is running for the Office of Assessor in the County of San Bernardino and is requesting the support of his local officials.
COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT CONSENT CALENDAR
A MOTION was made by Councilman Timmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lilburn, to approve the consent calendar with Item #7 being tabled. Motion carried on a roll call vote, 5-0.
1. Waive the Reading of All Ordinances
Waived the reading of all Ordinances in their entirety and read by title only.
2. Minutes - January 10, 2006 City Council Regular Meeting
Approved the Minutes as submitted.
3. Minutes - January 10, 2006 RDA Regular Meeting
Approved the Minutes as submitted.
4. Warrant Register
Approved Warrant Register No. 412 for February 14, 2006, in the amount of $1,944,794.70 and Payroll of $125,767.24.
5. Interlocal Agreement Concerning Distribution of the 2006 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Award
1. Authorized the City Manager to sign the Interlocal Agreement Concerning Distribution of the 2006 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Award;
2. Authorized the Assistant City Manager to complete any necessary documentation to complete the grant process;
3. Authorized the expenditure of the grant award of $12,100 for equipment in the Sheriff's Department Budget; and
4. Authorized a budget adjustment from 026-8480-9360 (JAG Revenue) to 026-8480-6040 (JAG Equipment) in the amount of $12,100.
6. Speed Zones on Third Street, Fifth Street, Sixth Street, Cypress Street, Base Line, Pacific Street, Tippecanoe Avenue, Del Rosa Drive, Del Rosa Avenue, Victoria Avenue, Cunningham Street, Palm Avenue and Church Street
Adopted Resolution No. 2006-005 establishing speed zones at Third Street, Fifth Street, Sixth Street, Cypress Street, Base Line, Pacific Street, Tippecanoe Avenue, Del Rosa Drive, Del Rosa Avenue, Victoria Avenue, Cunningham Street, Palm Avenue and Church Street.
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-005
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS FOR 3RD STREET, 5TH STREET, 6TH STREET, CYPRESS STREET, BASE LINE, PACIFIC STREET, TIPPECANOE STREET, DEL ROSA DRIVE, DEL ROSA AVENUE, VICTORIA AVENUE, CUNNINGHAM STREET, PALM AVENUE AND CHURCH STREET
AND/OR PORTIONS THEREOF AND RESCINDING REVOLUTION NO. 99-8
7. Land Lease Agreement with Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless for a Cellular Tower to be Located in Aurantia Park
City Council tabled this item at the request of Verizon Wireless.
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY PUBLIC HEARING
8. Conditional Use Permit Application 05-001 which Proposes to Construct and Operate an Eight (8) Unit Senior Housing Apartment Complex within the Base Line Commercial Zoning District
Councilwoman Scott stated she has to excuse herself from this item because she has attended Planning Commission meetings regarding the item and has also written a letter opposing the project. Councilwoman Scott left the dais prior to discussion of Item #8.
Community Development Director Hartmann gave a brief review of the staff report.
Mr. Steven Murray, architect for the project, stated the basic description for this project would be two buildings which are to be used as a senior housing complex. The housing will be extensively remodeled. The Planning Commission had reservations regarding some of the setback issues. Those have been addressed in the letter. Essentially there is 25-foot concept setback required and a 20-foot setback is being proposed, which is consistent with other zoning in the area. The Base Line commercial zone also will allow for a 20-foot setback. The other item is the side setback which has an alley way. There also was a question regarding the five-foot fence at the rear of the property. In response to the items in question, he is not sure the setback information is critical of the situation. We did receive the staff report late, therefore, we did not have time to prepare an adequate response.
Dr. Leona Williams stated she is the applicant for the project and she is present to request consideration for the project. We have been working with staff and have agreed the proposed site would be feasible for senior housing. We are working with staff for affordable housing and qualifying residents for low to very low income requirements. A 55-year agreement was agreed upon for the affordable housing stipulation. This project will be called Wellington Highlands and it is a senior citizens community. We propose total refurbishment even though the property had been recently refurbished by the San Bernardino City Unified School District. More than $400,000 was spent on each building. Residents were not living in the units when the building was purchased. The unit was being used for office space for the school district. A positive asset to the project is the garages as each unit would have its own private garage. There will be courtyards and outside space as well. Fencing will be installed all around the units. She stated facts regarding school construction sites as she was greatly involved in the planning and construction aspect. The alley will be paved even though it does not belong to the project. Double paned windows need to be installed as well as window tinting due to the traffic and the traffic light. Financing is in place and the management is in place as well. It is anticipated there will be sixteen residents and must be 62 years of age or older. There will be no children living in the complex. Crime will be prohibited. The building will meet city codes and requirements regarding occupancy and parking.
Mr. Robert Temple stated he resides in one of Dr. Williams' properties and is very pleased with the property. He has resided there for the past nine years and the building has always been well maintained. Any concerns for maintenance have been dealt with in a timely manner. The grounds have always been kept in good order and have received compliments regarding the landscaping upkeep.
Mr. Clovis Wellington stated he is a co-applicant on the project. He has reviewed the City of Highland's mission statement and it states Highland is dedicated to the betterment of the individual, the family, the neighborhood and the community. By approving this project, it will be enhancing the neighborhood as currently it is a dirt lot.
Mr. Dave Harkey stated he is in opposition of the project. He resides in a neighborhood adjacent to this project. He does not see the benefit for senior housing with only eight units available. Other apartment buildings in the area have gone through several owners and have continuously went into disrepair. Council should keep in mind what Planning has indicated regarding the setback requirements. He is more in favor of single family dwelling units. He also does not see the need for two bedroom senior apartments. If the extra bedroom are for caretakers, will the caretakers also be over the age of 62?
Mr. Ken Cattrell stated he has viewed the buildings in question and they are quite large. Two of these building have flat roofs and are much wider than they are in height. The property in question is commercial and always has been. He feels if the building is approved, it will only open Base Line for multi low-density housing. He resides behind an apartment building with senior citizens residing there and has dealt with many problems at this location.
Ms. Fay Jure stated she resides next door to the vacant property in question. She is in opposition of the development as there are enough apartment buildings on Base Line. The proposed building is old and was used for residential living in the 1960's. The property has only been cleaned before Council or Planning Commission meetings since the property was purchased. She is questioning the position of the trash receptacle and feels it may end up adjacent to her lot. The name of the complex is also lacking the title of senior living facility. Seniors do not need a two-story complex as they have difficulty climbing numerous stairs. The proposed buildings will look out of place on the property.
Ms. Lupe Gonzales stated she is in opposition of the proposed senior complex. She has viewed the buildings as well and they are in bad shape. The lot in question does not seem adequate to fit the buildings as well as all the proposed landscaping. This property is a commercial property and we need more retail shopping.
Dr. Leona Williams stated currently the City of Highland has several apartment houses on Base Line. The complex on Cole Avenue and Base Line is a two-story complex and it seems to be on a half-acre of land as well.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Lilburn, seconded by Councilman Timmer, to deny the proposed Entitlement (CUP 05-001) to construct and operate an eight (8) unit Senior Housing Apartment Complex and Qualifying Residents Agreement within the Base Line Commercial Zoning District and Adopt the Findings of Fact. Motion carried, 4-0, with Councilwoman Scott abstaining.
COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT LEGISLATIVE
9. Amendment to Engineering Contract with John Egan & Associates (currently Engineering Resources of Southern California)
A MOTION was made by Councilman Timmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lilburn, to approve Addendum No. 5 with Engineering Resources of Southern California to reflect a change in the fee schedule. Motion carried, 4-0, with Councilwoman Scott not in Council Chambers.
10. Update on SANBAG, SCAG, Omnitrans, Work Program and Regional/Legislative Issues/Development Issues
Councilman McCallon stated Council Members have received documentation on the most current meetings for SANBAG and SCAG.
Mayor Pro Tem Lilburn stated Omnitrans is currently going through a number of audits. Omnitrans has received a semi favorable unqualified opinion of the financial audit ending in June, 2005. State Legislators requested another audit and there are 37 items that need to be addressed.
City Manager Racadio stated as discussed at a prior meeting we will not be going forth with an in-fill housing grant due to prevailing wages. Community Development Director Hartmann did further research and discovered these funds can be used for capital projects. We will be utilizing the $9,000 to purchase two cameras which can be used to observe areas of the community such as parks. These cameras will film individuals who may be vandalizing these areas. There have been numerous rumors stating a new post office will not be constructed. I have contacted San Francisco and have been assured of the construction for the post office. The only change thus far is the size of the post office which may need to be altered to produce a more efficient building.
Councilman Timmer stated LAFCO will be holding a meeting for 2919 which is the Conservation District and Muni discussions. A letter was received from Supervisor Hansberger requesting the item be continued due to his not being available. City of Highland's issues have been well addressed in the report. He is requesting direction from Council on how he should proceed on this item.
Mayor Jones stated Councilman Timmer has done well in representing Highland and feels secure that Highland has done everything possible to encourage that the consolidation not be continued until after Plan B is approved and completed.
Councilwoman Scott inquired if the consolidation is approved, is there any other alternative for Highland?
Councilman Timmer responded the only action, if there is one, will be to deny or to address the sphere of influence. No consolidation issues will be discussed nor will any action be taken for consolidation.
11. San Bernardino International Airport Authority and IVDA
Nothing to report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
February 21, 2006, 1:30 p.m. Alabama Bridge Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
February 27, 2006 Orange Street Bridge Construction will commence
March 2, 2006 League of California Cities League Dinner
March 23-24, 2006 City/County Conference
March 25, 2006 Citrus Harvest Festival
March 25, 2006 Redlands Rotary Bike Run
March 27, 2006 Blood Drive at Community Center
CLOSED SESSION
At 7:25 p.m., the City Council and Redevelopment Agency convened into closed session regarding the following:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(1):
One case.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(c):
One case.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION 54956.9
City of Highland v. McCarty, et al.
San Bernardino Superior Court Case No. SCISS130282
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Manager
At 8:57 p.m., the City Council and Redevelopment Agency convened into open session, with all members present, making no announcements.
ADJOURN
There being no further business Mayor Jones, adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. in the memory of Clem Green.
Submitted By: Approved By:
Betty Hughes Ross B. Jones
City Clerk Mayor