MINUTES
SUNNYVALE CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
DECEMBER 16, 2003

 

The City Council of the City of Sunnyvale adjourned from a 5:00 p.m. Study Session regarding Proposed Public Safety Special Operations Program Restructure, a 6:00 p.m. Study Session regarding City/VTA Highway 237 Corridor Study, and met in regular session in the City Council Chambers, 456 West Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Howe presiding.

 

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

 

Mayor Howe led the salute to the flag.

 

ROLL CALL

 

PRESENT:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mayor John Howe

Vice Mayor Dean Chu

Councilmember Fred Fowler

Councilmember Julia Miller

Councilmember Ron Swegles

Councilmember Melinda Hamilton

Councilmember Otto Lee

 

 

Staff Present:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert LaSala, City Manager

Amy Chan, Assistant City Manager

Chuck Schwabe, Deputy City Manager

Valerie J. Armento, City Attorney

Robert Paternoster, Director of Community Development

Trudi Ryan, Planning Officer

Erin Walters, Associate Planner

Coryn Campbell, Neighborhood & Community Services Manager

Brice McQueen, Redevelopment Manager

Cathleen McKay, Interim City Clerk

 

 

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Councilmember Lee made the following announcements on behalf of the Council:

 

The City is launching a new City Council outreach program to provide an opportunity for the neighborhoods to share their issues, concerns, and activities with City leadership. On January 8th, the Mayor, accompanied by another Council member and a Planning Commissioner, will meet with the members of the SNAIL neighborhood association at 7:00 p.m. at the Columbia Middle School staff room, at 739 Morse Ave.  This is the first meeting in a series of City Council outreach meetings with neighborhood and community groups to be held throughout the year. If any neighborhood or homeowner association would like to set up similar meetings or require additional information, contact the Neighborhood and Community Services office at (408) 730-7599, or by e-mail at ncs@ci.sunnyvale.ca.us.

 

The City of Sunnyvale is currently recruiting for members on the following Boards and Commissions:

  • Board of Building Code Appeals
  • Heritage Preservation Commission
  • Planning Commission

 

Eligible candidates must be a Sunnyvale resident and a registered voter. The  application deadline is December 26, 2003, at 5:00 p.m.  For an application or more information, please visit the Sunnyvale web site at www.sunnyvale.ca.gov, or call Donna Biles at  (408) 730-7595.

 

The City of Sunnyvale will be holding a public outreach meeting to present possible alternatives to mitigate non-neighborhood cut-through traffic on residential streets in the Fairwood neighborhood and to receive input from the community. The meeting will be held on January 6, 2004, at 7:00 p.m., in the Lakewood Park Building, 834 Lakechime Drive.  For more information, contact Dieckmann Cogill at 730-2713.

 

Santa Clara residents will soon be hearing and seeing information about the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s fireplace and wood stove change-out program. As part of the emission mitigation program due to the new power plants in Santa Clara County, the District is coordinating a program to replace wood burning appliances, and hope to replace 1,700 fireplaces or stoves in Santa Clara County. For more information about this program, or a list of participating retailers, visit the following website:  www.sparetheair.org/changeout.htm.

 

Councilmember Fowler stated he is the President of the Sunnyvale Democratic Club and has received complaints from residents that they received a copy of the club newsletter.  Councilmember Fowler apologized and noted that he did not know who was responsible for sending out the newsletter.  He solicited for information on who might be sending out the newsletter and asked to be informed if residents received additional unsolicited mail from the club.

 

Mayor Howe reported that a public safety officer was injured in the line of duty and has since been released from the hospital.

 

Harriet Rowe, a member of the public, encouraged the public to assist elderly citizens to view the many holiday displays throughout the City.

 

Tom Carrig, representing the Heritage District Neighborhood Association, invited the public to a meeting on December 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Murphy Park regarding foster care.

 

Councilmember Swegles announced the Council met in Closed Session on December 15 and direction was given.

 

SCHEDULED PRESENTATION

 

Mayor Howe accepted a National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System Class 7 Plaque on behalf of the City in recognition of exceeding minimum national flood insurance program standards from Cynthia McKenzie, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

 

CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS MOVED TO SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 18, 2003, 1 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS

 

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

 

Brian Friesen, a member of the public, stated he would be presenting a petition regarding a construction project on North Murphy Avenue, the planning approval process and adherence to planning guidelines.

 

Councilmember Miller stated she would sponsor two Study Issues to address Allowable Construction Hours for Homeowners and Approval Process for Single Family Homes, and requested that staff prepare the Study Issue Papers for the December 18 Study Issues Workshop.

 

Stephen Coty, a member of the public, expressed concerns regarding the construction project on North Murphy Avenue and stated he did not feel it was within code.  City Manager LaSala clarified that staff has visited the site and the project is being constructed according to code.

 

Wiggsy Sivertsen, a member of the public, advocated for the City to provide domestic partner benefits and distributed a document to Council.

 

Jack Rowe, a member of the public, stated the City web site is not up to date with the KSUN schedule and noted other inaccuracies on the Council meeting schedule.

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS

 

1.

RESOLUTION 162-03

ORDINANCE 2741-03

rtc 03-436

 

Yvonne Jacobson [Applicant/Owner] - Application for Related Proposals on a 3.7 Acre Site Located at the Southwest Corner of Mathilda Avenue and El Camino Real

1.          General Plan Amendment for a Portion of the Site From Commercial General Business to Residential

2.          Amendment of a Portion of the Opportunity Area Three of Office/Commercial to Residential and Commercial

3.          Rezone From C-2/PD (Highway Business/Planned Development) to C-2/ECR (Highway Business/El Camino Real Precise Plan)

 

Erin Walters, Associate Planner, assisted by Trudi Ryan, Planning Officer, presented the staff report.  Ms. Walters reported on June 25, 2003, the applicant submitted a request to consider a General Plan Amendment Study to consider an amendment to the General Plan for 60% of the southern portion of the site from Commercial General Business to Medium Density Residential. On August 12, 2003, the City Council initiated a General Plan Amendment Study and Precise Plan for El Camino Real Amendment Study for a comprehensive review of a range of land uses for the site.  Ms. Walters reviewed the alternative land uses for the site, constraints for land use and different land use options. She further reviewed the Planning Commission and staff recommendations. She stated the subject site is located at a highly visible and accessible location, sometimes referred to as the 100% corner. As the site is at the core of the City of Sunnyvale the future development of this site will, to a significant extent, serve to define the character of the City for the next half century.

 

Mayor Howe opened the Public Hearing at 8:23 p.m.

 

Bill Jacobson, applicant, stated the zoning was through the El Camino Precise Plan and not through a General Plan Amendment as requested, but they could work within the constraints of the General Plan Amendment.  He stated that under Opportunity Area 3.A., the modifications made by Planning Commission, with respect to density and setbacks, is more appropriate than the staff recommendation. 

 

Mr. Jacobson and staff responded to questions posed by Council regarding setbacks, the Planning Commission recommendation, and the density bonus.

 

Kenneth Rodrigues, architect for the project, discussed the various uses considered for the site and stated the housing/retail project was a gateway to the downtown plan.  He stated this is a narrow, difficult site to work with.

 

Scott Ward, from Classic Communities, addressed the constraints of the site and advocated for approval of the Planning Commission recommendation.  He advocated for zoning of medium density residential of 14-27 units per acre.

 

Pam Morais, representing Old Orchard Townhouse Association, advocated for maintaining the neighborhood as a minimum density neighborhood, supported the Planning Commission recommendation, and asked that the architecture visually integrate with the neighborhood and maintain some of the cherry trees.

 

Edward Moore, a member of the public, spoke to issues regarding the design of the project and density, and endorsed the Planning Commission recommendation.

 

Arthur Schwartz, a member of the public, stated the plan would change the character of the neighborhood with the proposed setbacks and density.

 

Robert Schwiesow, a member of the public, expressed concern over the loss of the cherry trees.

 

Yvonne Jacobson, applicant, stated that many of the cherry trees are dying because of a disease in the soil and newly planted trees die within one year.  She thanked staff for their efforts.

 

Mayor Howe closed the Public Hearing at 8:44 p.m.

 

Councilmember Miller moved, and Councilmember Swegles seconded, to:

 

a. Adopt the Negative Declaration and do not change the site’s Commercial General Business General Plan Designation.

b. Introduce a Resolution to modify primary uses of the Precise Plan for El Camino Opportunity Area 3a from Class A Office to a Minimum of 40% Commercial/Retail/Office, and Up to 60% Residential.

c. Introduce an Ordinance to Rezone from C2/PD to C2/ECR;

d. Direct staff to contact the three remaining property owners owner located in Opportunity Area 3 of the Precise Plan for El Camino Real and adjacent property owners to study if all of Opportunity Area 3 should be modified and the area to be expanded.

e. Modify Opportunity Area 3a Development Criteria per Attachment 11.

i. Allow reduced front yard setbacks of 15 feet.

ii. Allow the zoning minimum to be consistent with R-3 standards.

iii. Encourage the preservation and retention of some of the existing mature trees on site with any future development.

iv. Encourage the opportunity for circulation connections at Tennis Center Lane.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 162-03 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SUNNYVALE AMENDING THE PRECISE PLAN FOR EL CAMINO REAL OPPORTUNITY AREA 3A

 

ORDINANCE NO.2741-03 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SUNNYVALE AMENDING THE PRECISE ZONING PLAN, ZONING DISTRICTS MAP, TO REZONE CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 707 SOUTH MATHILDA AVENUE, 711 SOUTH MATHILDA AVENUE AND 0 SOUTH MATHILDA AVENUE FROM C2/PD (HIGHWAY BUSINESS/PLANNED DEVELOPMENT) TO C2/ECR (HIGHWAY BUSINESS/ELCAMINO REAL PRECISE PLAN) DISTRICT

 

2.

RTC 03-431

 

The San Jose Sabercats [Appellant] - Appeal of a Decision by the Planning Commission Denying a Use Permit to Allow a Tent Cover Over the Sabercats Practice Field From November Through July Annually

 

Erin Walters, Associate Planner, assisted by Trudi Ryan, Planning Officer, presented the staff report. Ms. Walters stated this is an application to allow the installation of a 22,000 square foot canvas tent to cover an existing football practice field located at the former Patrick Henry School site. The existing practice field is Astroturf and is used by a private indoor arena football organization. The proposed tent would be set-up annually during the months of November to July to facilitate indoor practice during the rainy season and replicate indoor arena football game conditions. On September 16, 2003 the City Council pre-appealed this application to Planning Commission.  The application was heard at the September 24, 2003 Administrative Hearing and was denied finding the site architecture was not compatible with the surrounding area and did not meet the objectives of the Community Design Sub-Element.  The application was heard at the October 27, 2003 Planning Commission Public Hearing which upheld the decision of the Administrative Hearing Officer to deny the permit.  The applicant is now appealing the decision of the Planning Commission to the City Council.

 

Staff responded to questions from the Council regarding the length of time the tent would be up, the number of complaints, and alternative designs for the tent.

 

Mayor Howe opened the Public Hearing at 9:03 p.m.

 

Hank Stern, Vice President, San Jose Sabercats (applicant), stated they have been using this facility for ten years and the tent is needed to accommodate the change of the practice schedule.  He stated they are not asking for any changes over 2003 and are willing to work with the City to soften the look of the tent.

 

Mr. Stern responded to questions posed by the Council regarding camouflage alternatives, reduction of the time the tent is up, and the practice schedule.

 

Werner Gans, a member of the public, spoke in opposition of the tent and stated it was an eye sore to the neighbors.

 

Roger Barnes, Business Administrator of Santa Clara Unified School District, stated the San Jose Sabercats are an asset to the community and spoke in support of maintaining the tent. He further stated that the Sabercats are taking care of the fields.

 

Robert Schwiesow, a member of the public, spoke in favor of the Sabercat facility.

 

Hank Stern, Vice President, San Jose Sabercats (applicant), stated the windscreen would not be an issue and the facility is available for community use.

 

Mayor Howe closed the Pubic Hearing at 9:11 p.m.

 

Councilmember Hamilton moved, and Councilmember Swegles seconded, to approve the application with conditions of approval that the tent be allowed from January 1 through April 30 each year, and the Sabercats work with neighbors to address their concerns.

 

Councilmember Swegles offered a friendly amendment to plant trees, as per arborist recommendations as to the appropriate variety, and add camouflage screens.  The amendment was accepted.

 

  The motion carried with Mayor Howe dissenting.

 

3.

RTC 03-435

AT&T Wireless [Appellant] - Appeal of a Decision by the Planning Commission Approving a Use Permit to Allow an Additional Antenna Array to an Existing Monopole

 

Trudi Ryan, Planning Officer, presented the staff report.  She stated this proposal is to allow co-location of six panel antennas on an existing telecommunications monopole at 375 North Pastoria Avenue. The original application requested an extension to the monopole to a height of 113 feet, which would have required the approval of a variance. Staff has worked with the applicant to reduce the overall height to 100 feet. A Negative Declaration has been prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act provisions and City Guidelines. An initial study has determined that the proposed project would not create any significant environmental impacts. The proposed use is for a co-location of six panel antennas to an existing 90-foot monopole. This project results in a fifth co-location and a total of 27 panel antennas for the monopole. The proposal would also extend the height of the monopole an additional 10 feet to a total of 100 feet. Any proposed increase to the existing tower over 100 feet would require a Variance application subject to approval from the Planning Commission.

 

Mayor Howe opened the Public Hearing at 9:38 p.m.

 

Jim Heard, attorney for AT&T Wireless, stated the application started with a request to extend an existing 90 foot monopole by 20 feet which was not supported by staff.  The current proposal of 100 feet meets all the code requirements and he recommended approval.  He spoke in opposition to Condition of Approval 15 for the antenna pole to be replaced with a camouflage design stating it will not accomplish the goal of the Planning Commission and was expensive.

 

Robert Smith, representing Crown Castle, and Ms. Ryan responded to questions from the Council regarding room for another set of antennas, cost sharing, the visual blight of the pole, and Radio Frequency (RF) cumulative exposure. City Attorney Armento suggested that costs should be more equitably shared and Council might want to consider a revision to the ordinance.

 

Councilmember Miller requested a map of where the poles are located.

 

Jim Heard, attorney for AT&T Wireless, stated there is a study included that addresses a cumulated analysis of RF exposure included in the application.

 

Mayor Howe closed the Public Hearing at 9:46 p.m.

 

Councilmember Fowler and Councilmember Hamilton agreed to co-sponsor a Study Issue on Funding Mechanism for Aesthetic Upgrades to Telecommunications Towers.  Staff was directed to prepare a Study Issue Paper for the Study Issues Workshop on December 18.

 

Councilmember Swegles moved, and Mayor Howe seconded, to Affirm the Negative Declaration and approve the proposed project subject to Conditions of Approval in accordance with staff’s recommendation with the exception of condition 15 which is to be removed.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

4.

RTC 03-411

 

Proposed Special Agreement with Sunnyvale Neighborhood Associations; Neighborhood Association Registry

 

Coryn Campbell, Neighborhood and Community Services Manager, presented the staff report.  She reported City Council approved the Connected Communities/Seamless Services Project in FY2001-2002. As part of its’ mission to strengthen community engagement, NCS informs neighborhood associations of current City activities and events, addresses neighborhood association concerns, supports associations’ community building efforts, and liaisons with local organizations that support neighborhood association activities. There is, however, no formal City policy that defines the City’s role in this area. On October 21, 2003, the City Council approved the “Relationships with Outside Groups” policy. Under this new policy, the City can enter into “Special Agreements” with outside organizations who seek a level of support not specifically provided or addressed by the “Relationships with Outside Groups” policy. Staff proposes the implementation of a Special Agreement between the City and its Neighborhood Associations. The proposed Special Agreement would create a Neighborhood Association Registry, formalizing the relationship between the City and its neighborhood associations, and providing greater clarity and consistency in how the City supports neighborhood associations’ community building efforts.

 

Ms. Campbell responded to questions posed by Council on responsibilities of neighborhood associations, publicizing City events, grants, membership fees and insurance benefits.

 

Mayor Howe opened the Public Hearing at 9:48 p.m. and, there being no public comments, closed the Public Hearing.

 

Councilmember Miller moved, and Councilmember Swegles seconded, to approve a Special Agreement and Neighborhood Association Registry in concept as depicted by Attachment B.

 

Councilmember Swegles offered a friendly amendment to split the cost of membership with United Neighborhoods of Santa Clara County for this year only. The amendment was accepted.

 

Councilmember Fowler offered a friendly amendment that the City establish a rate schedule by which the City could buy space in neighborhood newsletters.  The amendment was not accepted.

 

Vice Mayor Chu joined the meeting at 9:55 p.m.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

5.

 

rtc 03-441

Amendment to Chapter 19.98 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code Related to Signature Requirement on Land Use Application (Staff recommend indefinite continuance)

 

Councilmember Swegles moved, and Councilmember Lee seconded, to continue this item indefinitely.  The motion carried unanimously

 

JOINT CITY COUNCIL MEETING WITH THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

 

ROLL CALL

 

PRESENT:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staff Present:

 

 

 

 

 

Chair John Howe

Vice Chair Dean Chu

Agency Member Fred Fowler

Agency Member Julia Miller

Agency Member Ron Swegles

Agency Member Melinda Hamilton

Agency Member Otto Lee

 

Robert LaSala, Agency Director

Valerie Armento, Agency Counsel

Robert Paternoster, Agency Secretary/Director

Brice McQueen, Redevelopment Manager

Cathleen McKay, Interim Agency Clerk

 

 

RDA-1.

RDA 03-015

Joint Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Proposed Fourth Amendment to the Central Core Redevelopment Plan (Redevelopment Agency: Motion)

 

6.

ORDINANCE NO.

rtc 03-443

Joint Council/Agency Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Proposed Fourth Amendment to the Central Core Redevelopment Plan  RTC With Redevelopment (City Council: Ordinance)

 

Councilmember/Agency Member Hamilton recused herself stating her property is located in the redevelopment area but does not preclude her from voting on individual projects within the area, and left the dais.

 

Brice McQueen, Redevelopment Manager, assisted by Libby Seifel of Seifel Consulting and Lynn Hutchins, Redevelopment Counsel with Goldfarb and Lipman, presented the staff report. He stated The Redevelopment Agency of the City of Sunnyvale is proposing to amend the Plan in order to reinstate eminent domain authority for a period of twelve years on non-residential properties in the Central Core Redevelopment Project Area, excluding properties on which persons reside. The Agency will also amend the Plan to clarify that the Plan will be in conformance with the City’s General Plan and the Downtown Specific Plan as they currently exist and as they may be amended in the future. The proposed Amendment would further the Agency’s efforts to alleviate blight and enhance the economic vitality of the Project Area. The Agency has no current plans to acquire particular properties. However, eminent domain authority remains a tool that may be needed in the future to carry out the goals and objectives of the Redevelopment Plan. The use of this tool would be limited and used only as a last resort toward a project of greater community benefit.  Mr. McQueen stated, for the record, the following documents have been provided:

 

RDA 03-015    Joint Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Proposed Fourth Amendment to the Central Core Redevelopment Plan

 

RTC 03-443 Joint Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Proposed Fourth Amendment to the Central Core Redevelopment Plan

 

Attachment A - Ordinance Fourth Amendment to the Central Core Redevelopment Plan

 

Attachment B - Report on Fourth Plan Amendment -Sunnyvale Central Core Redevelopment Area

  • Appendices
  • Appendix A - Photographic Documentation of Blighting Conditions
  • Appendix B - Supplemental Documentation of Blighting Conditions
  • Appendix C  - Notice of Public Hearing and Community Workshop
  • Appendix D  - Summary Notes from December 3, 2003 Community Meeting 

November 13, 2003 Community Notice

Declaration of Mailing to Property Owners and Occupants

Proof of Publication

November 13, 2003 Notice to Taxing Entities

November 21, 2003 letter to Taxing Agencies

Declaration of Mailing

Exhibit A – Sunnyvale Redevelopment Project Area List of Taxing Agencies

November 13, 2003 Legal Notices (The Sun)

Appendix D – December 3, 2003 Redevelopment Area Community Meeting Summary Notes

December 3, 2003 Community Meeting Sign In Sheet

Attachment C – Planning Commission Report November 24, 2003 Sunnyvale Redevelopment Agency Adoption of a proposed amendment to the Central Core Redevelopment Plan

Resolution

November 24, 2003 Planning Commission Draft Minutes

November 24, 2003 Planning Commission Approved Minutes

Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro LLP Letter and attachments

December 16 email to Council from Margaret Murguia

December 16, 2003 email to Council from Chris Carpenter

 

Agency Chair Howe opened the Public Hearing at 10:15 p.m.

 

David Daniels, an attorney representing property owner, Harvest SV/PEN, Ltd., stated they have submitted a written document to the Council and expressed concerns relating to a master development plan proposal that would significantly impact the property owner’s rights and they would not be given requisite consent.  He stated it does not comply with CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) regulations.

 

Robert Paternoster, Director of Community Development, stated that staff will prepare a written response to Mr. Daniels before Council acts on the ordinance.

 

Arthur Schwartz, a member of the public, expressed concern that the Redevelopment Agency boundaries include properties that are specifically excluded from action of eminent domain.  He did not see the properties as blighted.

 

Paul Reed, President of the Friends of Sunnyvale, stated they attempted to put an initiative on the ballot to put limits on the use of eminent domain and asked Council to consider other alternatives.

 

Jennifer Paedon, representing the Moffett Park Business and Transportation Association, spoke in support of reinstating eminent domain.

 

Coleen Hurley, Real Estate Manager of Juniper Networks, spoke in support of reinstating eminent domain and encouraged the Council to approve the ordinance.

 

Ray Johnson, a member of the public, advocated for private property rights and spoke in opposition of reinstating eminent domain. 

 

Suzi Blackman, President and CEO of the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of reinstating eminent domain in order to move forward as rapidly as possible, and urged the Council to adopt the ordinance.

 

Mike Sher, a member of the public, spoke in support of reinstating eminent domain to move forward with the downtown plan.

 

Joe Antuzzi, Chairman of the Downtown Association, stated the Association supports this ordinance knowing that it is being used as a tool to help redevelop the downtown area.  He stated, for the record, every merchant in the downtown is a member of the association, which includes approximately 200 merchants.

 

Jane Vaughan, presenting Foreman Lehman, spoke in support of eminent domain and noted it will encourage parties to come together on a plan.  She noted that residential properties are not included in the proposed ordinance.

 

Andy Maloney, a member of the public, spoke in opposition of eminent domain and spoke in support of property owner rights.

 

Theresa Marie Tauscher, a member of the public, expressed concern regarding the reinstatement of eminent domain and acknowledged that the mall must be rebuilt.

 

Mary Ann Gorski, a member of the public, expressed concern regarding abuse of eminent domain.

 

Mike Klein, Chairman of the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce, stated the Board is confident that the City will use eminent domain in a practical manner and in the best interests of Sunnyvale.

 

Olaf Hirsch, a member of public, spoke in opposition of reinstating eminent domain and asked Council to consider other alternatives.

 

Tom Carrig, a member of the public, spoke in opposition of reinstating eminent domain and encouraged the Council to reconsider.

 

Ron Fernando, a member of the public, spoke in opposition of reinstating eminent domain and expressed concern as a homeowner.

 

City Attorney Armento clarified that this ordinance does not apply to any property that is zoned residential or being used as residential.

 

Agency Chair Howe closed the Public Hearing at 10:47 p.m.

 

Mayor Howe stated there would be a written report that will address all written protests prepared for the January 6 Council meeting.  The City will defer consideration of the decision to the January 6 meeting with City Council and Redevelopment Agency concurrence.

 

Councilmember Miller inquired why the proposal calls for eminent domain to be effective for 12 years and why it includes the entire RDA area.  Mr. McQueen responded that the redevelopment plan goes to 2025 and they want to consider the big picture and not compress it down.  They have limited the authority by not including residential property.

 

Director Paternoster clarified that 12 years is set by the State and is prudent given the scope of the project, but the Council has the ability to set a different timeline.  He further stated that at a future time the Council may want to reduce the size of the geographic area.

 

Councilmember Miller requested that staff be prepared for the January 6 meeting to reduce the geographic area and the length of time.

 

City Attorney Armento stated it is preferable to deal with the entire area of redevelopment project area as a whole in making amendments to the Redevelopment Plan.  She advocated for the Council to retain the 12 year duration of eminent domain as the redevelopment plan goes to 2025.

 

At this juncture, Councilmember Hamilton returned to the dais.

 

REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS

 

AGENCY

 

There were no comments.

 

STAFF

 

There were no comments.

 

ADJOURNMENT OF REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

 

Mayor Howe declared the meeting adjourned at 11:06 p.m.

 

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

 

Tom Carrig, a member of the public, stated there needs to be a stop sign for the people going from Target to Penny’s.  Mayor Howe requested Director Paternoster write a letter to the Mall to address the stop sign issue.  Mr. Carrig noted under the General Plan 7.3.A, the finds and assumptions have changed due to the change in the economic climate.

 

COUNCIL NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS

 

Councilmember Lee congratulated the Council on concluding business before midnight.

 

STAFF

 

There were no comments.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

After adjourning the meeting of the Redevelopment Agency, Mayor Howe declared the regular meeting of the City Council adjourned at 11:12 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Biles, Deputy City Clerk