Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING CITY OF MONTEREY Tuesday, July 20, 2010 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Councilmembers Present: Councilmembers Downey, Haferman, Selfridge, Sollecito, Della Sala Absent: None City Staff City Manager, City Attorney, Director of Information Resources/City Clerk, Present: Assistant City Manager, Library Director, Police Chief, Assistant Library Director, Recreation & Community Services Director, Assistant Director Plans and Public Works, Chief of Planning & Engineering, Public Facilities Director, Housing & Property Manager, Principal Planner, Traffic Engineer, Solid Waste Program Manager, Senior Planner, Recycling Coordinator CALL TO ORDER Mayor Della Sala called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. CONSENT ITEMS City Manager Meurer noted that a revised Resolution for Item 6 had been placed at the dais. Councilmember Selfridge noted that she voted no on the Ordinance in Item 2 at the last meeting and she registered a no vote on it on it tonight. A member of the public asked to remove Item 2 from Consent for discussion. Councilmember Selfridge asked to remove Item 5 for a staff report. On a motion by Councilmember Downey, seconded by Councilmember Sollecito, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved the Consent Agenda, except Items 2 and 5, which were removed for discussion, and noting that there is a revised Resolution for Item 6: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Downey, Haferman, Selfridge, Sollecito, Della Sala NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None Approval of Minutes 1. July 6, 2010 (Information Resources - 701-09) Action: Approved Ordinances 2. Second Reading - Ordinance Amending Municipal Code Chapter 36 Taxicab Regulations (Plans and Public Works - 701-11) Action: Removed from Consent; discussed; adopted Ordinance No. 3450 (4-1; Selfridge voting no) Chief of Planning and Engineering Rerig gave a brief staff report. On question from Councilmember Haferman, City Attorney Mall said there is no provision within the ordinance for exclusive arrangements for taxi companies, but the JPA board could enact such a provision.  City Council Minutes Tuesday, July 20, 2010 Mayor Della Sala opened the floor for public comments on the item. Mike Cardinalli, Yellow Taxi Company, spoke in opposition to adoption of the ordinance and questioned whether the Monterey Airport would join the JPA. John Cardinalli, Yellow Cab, opposed approval of the ordinance. Having no further requests to speak, Mayor Della Sala closed public comment. Vice Mayor Sollecito clarified that TAMC acted as a facilitator to form the JPA and will not be involved further, and MST does not want to be a taxi company. He said that the General Manager of Asilomar Conference Grounds made a key point that it was problematic for his customers to travel from Monterey back to his hotel. Mayor Della Sala said that there is no guarantee that this will be a success, and Council will pay close attention to the operation and take a survey after one year. Councilmember Selfridge asked if Council could receive a report regarding the Airport's future actions on this issue, and the Mayor suggested that staff would forward the Minutes of the Airport Board meetings. On question, Andy Cook said that permitting could begin as early as October 1, with the first meeting of the JPA Board occurring on August 9. On a motion by Councilmember Sollecito, seconded by Councilmember Downey, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 3450: AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Downey, Haferman, Sollecito, Della Sala NOES: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Selfridge ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None Resolutions 3. Resolution Certifying Compliance with State Law with Respect to Levying Assessments and Special Taxes (Finance - 407-08) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 10-099 C.S. 4. Resolution Authorizing the Police Department to Apply for the 2010 Annual Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Funds in the Amount of $18,589 to Purchase In-Car Video Equipment for Marked Police Vehicles (Police - 409-02) Action: Adopted Resolution No.10-100 C.S. 5. Awarding a Contract to Purchase Four New 2009 Crown Victoria Police Interceptors for Police Field Operation (Plans and Public Works - 812-02) Action: Removed from consent; discussed; adopted Resolution No. 10-101 C.S. Assistant Public Works Director Uslar presented the staff report, reviewing the criteria used to replace patrol vehicles. Mayor Della Sala opened public comment on the item, and having no requests to speak, returned the discussion to the dais. Councilmember Selfridge asked to receive a report from staff when the cars are put into service. On a motion by Councilmember Downey, seconded by Councilmember Sollecito, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 10-101 C.S., awarding a contract to purchase four new 2009 Crown Victoria Police Interceptors for police field operation: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Downey, Haferman, Selfridge, Sollecito, Della Sala NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None 2  City Council Minutes Tuesday, July 20, 2010 6. Amending Resolution 10-054 C.S., Revising the Scope of Work for the Monterey Conference Center Grease Pretreatment Modifications Project, and Approving the use of Related Funding ***CIP/NIP*** (Plans and Public Works - 406-04) Action: Adopted revised Resolution No. 10-102 C.S. 7. Approval of Permit from California Department of Fish & Game for Tule Removal at Lake El Estero (Plans and Public Works - 706-03) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 10-103 C.S. ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Della Sala opened the floor for public comments on items not on the agenda. Rudy Fisher, Pacific Grove resident, said that the sidewalk system in Monterey is very good, except the area on Taylor Street and nearby on Prescott Street. He asked that the City consider installing sidewalks there. Having no further requests to speak, Mayor Della Sala closed public comments. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 8. Information Regarding the Monterey Regional Waste Management District's Finances and Suggested Franchise Agreement (Plans and Public Works - 802-07) Action: Received report Assistant Public Works Director Uslar presented the report. Mayor Della Sala opened public comment on the item. Gary Parola, Monterey City Disposal, said that the successes are a result of a collaborative relationship. He described the zero-waste model, saying that it is inevitable and operating costs must be reduced as much as possible. William Merry, General Manager at Monterey Regional Waste Management District, introduced Jeff Lindenthal from his organization, and thanked the Council and community. He gave a brief history of waste management in the county, spoke about future regulations, and thanked the City for their cooperation. Having no further requests to speak, Mayor Della Sala closed public comment. 9. Recycling and Refuse in the City of Monterey (Plans and Public Works - 802-07) Action: Received report Solid Waste Program Manager Brantley presented the report. Recycling Coordinator Milton presented details regarding "Green Business" efforts within the City of Monterey and the Blue- to-Blue tourism recycling program. Mayor Della Sala opened the floor for public comments. Gary Parola said that his organization is planning to build a household hazardous waste storage facility and a secure facility for recycled materials. William Merry praised the City for achieving a statewide grant for recycling and he commended the Police department for their program for disposal of expired pharmaceuticals. Having no further requests to speak, Mayor Della Sala closed public comments on the item. 10. Update on Potential Food Composting Program (Plans and Public Works - 802-07) Action: Received report 3  City Council Minutes Tuesday, July 20, 2010 Assistant Public Works Director Uslar presented the staff report. On request, Mr. Parola said that in the future, he would present the Council with proposals for food composting Programs. Mr. Merry said that his organization accommodates diversion of the organics to composting using anaerobic digestion. Mayor Della Sala asked if there was any further public comment on the item, and having no requests to speak, closed public comments. Councilmember Downey thanked Mr. Parola for his work. Mayor Della Sala called a recess at 5:35 p.m., and then reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m., where all Councilmembers were present. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Della Sala reopened the floor for public comments on items not on the agenda. Uwe Grobecker, Santa Lucia Cafe, again urged the City to sell some its real estate assets and use the proceeds to fund capital improvements. He noted that he has a list of over 200 City-owned properties. He said that he is a member of a non-political group called the DMCG and said that they would like to work with the Mayor's Downtown task force. Mike Dawson said that the previous speaker has some good ideas and underperforming assets should be sold to support the downtown. Patrick Hallot, Monterey resident, asked if abandoned shopping carts are an issue in the Downtown. Having no further requests to speak, Mayor Della Sala closed public comments. Councilmember Sollecito said that it is a violation to take shopping carts and there is a gentleman who picks up abandoned carts and takes them back to the appropriate stores. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 11. Consideration of a Streetscape Demonstration Project at 131 Lighthouse Avenue (Plans and Public Works - 701-03) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 10-104 C.S. Senior Planner Ebbs presented the staff report. Mayor Della Sala opened the floor for public comment. Chris Stedler, President of the New Monterey Business Association, spoke in support of comprehensive and consistent streetscape guidelines. He thanked staff for their work and urged approval of the recommendation to approve the demonstration project. Bob Evans, New Monterey Neighborhood Association, endorsed the project and said that its approval is timely. Having no further requests to speak, Mayor Della Sala closed public comment. On a motion by Councilmember Sollecito, seconded by Councilmember Downey, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 10-104 C.S., approving a Streetscape Demonstration Project at 131 Lighthouse Avenue: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Downey, Haferman, Selfridge, Sollecito, Della Sala NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None 12. Consider Alternative Scopes of Work for Downtown Circulation and Parking Analyses. Provide Policy Direction on Downtown and Waterfront Plans (Plans and Public Works - 201-15) Action: Approved Alternative #3 - the Comprehensive Citywide Transportation and Parking Study, and continued work on the City's Waterfront Master Plan City Manager Meurer introduced the item, noting that there was correspondence relating to this item on the dais. Principal Planner Cole presented the staff report. Traffic Engineer Deal presented Alternatives one through three for the traffic study. 4 City Council Minutes Tuesday, July 20, 2010 Councilmember Selfridge suggested a fourth alternative of hiring a traffic engineer to dedicate to this project for one year, saying that it would cost far less than a consultant and the in-house person could report to the Council once per month. Mayor Della Sala suggested that the Council needs to decide tonight which of the three alternatives they want to study. On question, Mr. Deal explained how the Traffic Division works with consultants on projects to maintain efficiency and focus the consultant on the right tasks. Councilmember Sollecito emphasized the importance of obtaining a water source. Mayor Della Sala clarified that the General Managers of the Monterey Plaza and Marriott hotels are already on the Downtown Task Force, and he invited the General Manager of the Portola Hotel to join as well. He said that minutes of each meeting would be made available, and a broad based group that represents the community. City Manager Meurer noted that the City has a small amount of water available for allocation if a viable project comes forward. Mayor Della Sala opened the floor for public comments. Lee Steinmetz asked why the construction costs are the same for alternatives two and three; what happens if the grants are not awarded; and do any of the studies include alternative transportation. He asked if the plan includes a full CEQA study. Howard Fosler, New Monterey Neighborhood Association, said that consideration should be given to people who live in Pacific Grove and have to fight traffic every day to get home. He suggested moving forward with the Lighthouse Destination Plan. He voiced concerns regarding the cost. Michael Mosebach, Monterey Commercial Property Owners Association, supported the traffic study, as well as continuing the Waterfront Plan at the same time. He said that the Conference Center is a huge priority that should be addressed immediately. Megan Tolbert, CSUMB Transportation Planner, supported the staff recommendation for alternative three and suggested ways to increase transit ridership. Nelson Vega said the Conference Center should be the highest priority and he supported alternative three. He noted that grant money is also taxpayer money, and transparency is most important. Patrick Hallot suggested renaming streets. Chris Chidlaw, Monterey County Hospitality Association, said that bringing back Downtown starts by expanding the Conference Center first. John Narigi agreed with the previous speaker, stressing the importance of the Conference Center expansion. He said that the business community is here to help. Uwe Grobecker, Santa Lucia Cafe, agreed with the two previous speakers, asked about the time frame, and said he would like to see more transparency. Tim Wilson, Monterey Green Action, supported the staff recommendation, including alternative three and continuation of the Waterfront Plan. Having no further requests to speak, Mayor Della Sala closed public comment, called a recess at 9:21 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:33 p.m. City Manager Meurer clarified that the Conference Center is a priority and said that he is currently negotiating a contract with Bob Cowdrey to manage the Conference Center. He noted that garages and parking lots on the waterfront and at Cannery Row have been full over the last several weeks. Chief of Planning and Engineering Rerig clarified that the construction costs in the staff report include only the Downtown intersection improvements as identified by Council. He said that alternative transportation modes are included in the study and the CEQA document would be prepared in house. Councilmember Downey suggested working on private sector contributions in addition to grants and relooking at the figures. She agreed that the Conference Center should be on equal status as the transportation study, and the new manager gives hope to that. 5  City Council Minutes Tuesday, July 20, 2010 It was moved by Councilmember Downey, and seconded by Councilmember Haferman, to approve Alternative 3 for a Downtown Circulation and Parking analyses, and to include a Conference Center expansion feasibility study on an equal basis, along with continuation of the Waterfront Plan. Councilmember Selfridge asked if the motion includes hiring someone to do the plan in-house, and Ms. Downey said that can be considered, but she is not including it in the motion. Ms. Selfridge supported transparency. Mayor Della Sala supported the motion. Councilmember Downey clarified that she is not including hiring an employee to do the study in-house. The Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Downey, Haferman, Selfridge, Sollecito, Della Sala NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None OTHER BUSINESS 13. Request to Agendize combining the Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC), Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) and Monterey Salinas Transit (MST) into one Regional Organization (City Council - 701-01) Action: Agendized Councilmember Selfridge said that due to State, Regional, and local financial problems Council should consider looking at ways to combine these groups. Councilmember Downey said that because TAMC and AMBAG are planning organizations, she could support looking at combining them. Councilmember Sollecito said that Monterey is not a self help county, so that is why it is hard to get the funding. Councilmember Haferman said that he is supportive contingent on the cost of the analysis, the amount of staff time, and what Monterey's authority is. Mayor Della Sala agreed and asked what items would fall off the work plan. Councilmember Selfridge said that she did not want to involve staff at this time. Mayor Della Sala said that it is important to have an analysis. Councilmember Sollecito suggested that Councilmembers talk with counterparts in local agencies to see if there is support. On a motion by Councilmember Selfridge, seconded by Councilmember Haferman, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved the request to agendize an analysis of combining the Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC) and Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) into one regional organization and bring back a report by the end of 2010: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Downey, Haferman, Selfridge, Sollecito, Della Sala NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Haferman said that he hopes there is a possibility of implementing the Hartnell Gulch project prior to the rainy season. Councilmember Sollecito noted the loss of Specialist Roger Lee, and asked the Council to adjourn in honor of Specialist Lee and two other soldiers who lost their lives in a roadside bomb. 6 City Council Minutes Tuesday, July 20, 2010 Councilmember Downey asked if Trader Joe's employees have had their parking relocated yet, and the City Manager said that they have not. Ms. Downey thanked the staff for their hard work. Councilmember Selfridge agreed that the Hartnell Gulch needs to move forward as soon as possible and she would like to find a short term tenant for the train depot. She asked to bring back the financials on Valero site. Mayor Della Sala suggested that the Council schedule a facilitated retreat, perhaps in September, for a half day. CITY MANAGER REPORTS City Manager Meurer reported that the garages have been full lately. He said that the Council should be proud of their work on Monterey Hotel, as it looks much better. He suggested canceling next week's Study Session. He also recommended canceling the August 3 Regular City Council meeting and Councilmembers agreed. He reported that the City Focus is online along with the survey. Mayor Della Sala adjourned the meeting to closed session at 10:29 p.m. in memory of Specialist Roger Lee and the other two soldiers of the 1st battalion of the 4th infantry. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION Information Resources Director/City Clerk Gawf announced that in a conference with Legal Counsel regarding one case of potential litigation and ten existing litigation cases, the Council received the City Attorney's Mid Year Litigation Report. ADJOURNMENT Having no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Della Sala adjourned the meeting at 10:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Bonnie L. Gawf Chuck Della Sala Director Information Services / City Clerk Mayor 7