Council Special Meeting

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING CITY OF MONTEREY Tuesday, January 18, 2011 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. CONFERENCE CENTER FERRANTE ROOM MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Councilmembers Present: Councilmembers Downey, Haferman, Selfridge, Sollecito, Mayor Della Sala Absent: None ARC Present: Committee Members Arellano, Davis, Dawson, Finklea, Jacoubowsky, Latasa, Chair McKenzie Absent: None Planning Commission Present: Commissioners Davis, Garden, McCrone, Osorio, Stocker, Chair Widmar Absent: Commissioner Stites City Staff City Manager, Deputy City Attorney, Information Resources Director/City Clerk, Present: Assistant City Manager, Deputy Police Chief, Chief of Planning and Engineering, Deputy Public Works Director, Principal Planners, Senior Planner, City Forrester CALL TO ORDER Mayor Della Sala called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. JOINT PUBLIC APPEARANCE WITH PLANNING COMMISSION & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE 1. Overview and Discussion of the City's Sign Review and Tree Removal Processes (Plans and Public Works - 607-09) Action: Report received and discussed Mayor Della Sala opened the floor for public comments. Richard Ruccello said that he has participated in the sign and tree ordinance process for thirty years, and he expressed disappointment at how the ordinances have been implemented over the past few years, especially in areas near his neighborhood. Having no further requests to speak, Mayor Della Sala closed public comment. Senior Planner Ebbs gave the staff presentation on signs and answered questions from Councilmembers, Planning Commissioners, and ARC members. Councilmember Sollecito noted the importance of signs as they relate to public safety. Planning Commissioners, ARC Committee Members, and Councilmembers discussed whether recent examples indicate that the standards have changed, and it is time to rewrite the sign ordinance. They agreed that there needs to be some flexibility and that many circumstances are weighed when making a decision. City Council Minutes Tuesday, January 18, 2011 Mayor Della Sala opened the floor to members of the public, Frank Donangelo, Cannery Row Company, said that it is important for staff to follow the standards and for the ARC have flexibility. He cautioned that taking away the ARC’s discretion would handicap the City with regard to new businesses. Having no further requests to speak, Mayor Della Sala closed public comments. Mayor Della Sala said that the ARC came forward with well reasoned decisions, and he appreciates their work. He suggested that staff look at developing stronger findings and consider basing the size of signs on a percentage of the square footage, and asked to see the difference in the size of specific signs. He asked to review the amortization of signs via a report to the ARC. Councilmember Haferman agreed that basing the decision on the sign’s proportion to the size of the building is understandable. Councilmember Downey suggested forming a subcommittee to include ARC members. Councilmember Sollecito said he would not want to get rid of too much discretion for the ARC, and he would like to review the ordinances and rules. Councilmember Downey said that she would like to have the ordinance reviewed. Councilmember Selfridge supported stronger enforcement against illegal signs. Councilmember Haferman said that he is comfortable with the ARC’s role and discretion, but if staff has a question on a particular sign, he would like them to take advantage of the ability to appeal. Senior Planner Ebbs presented a report regarding the tree ordinance. Mayor Della Sala reopened the floor for public comment. Becky Jones said that she has been a victim of a tree falling into her home, and while the trees are beautiful, they come to a point where they are a safety issue. On question, Ms. Jones clarified that her experience was with a City Tree. Carolyn Gobel voiced concerns about the safety aspects, and said that the restrictions have actually taken away from the beauty when trees are too overgrown and unattractive. Having no further requests to speak, Mayor Della Sala returned the discussion to the dais. Councilmember Haferman asked staff to provide a summary of Ms. Jones’ situation. Committee Member Dawson noted that the Forrester does a good job of making a determination based on the scientific facts, while the ARC can consider other factors. Commissioner Widmar said that City trees within the easement on private property might need to be addressed differently. Commissioner Stocker said that the existing system works well, and Councilmember Downey agreed. Mayor Della Sala asked staff to review the pros and cons of changing the rules for trees within the public easement. ADJOURNMENT Having no further business to conduct in joint session, Mayor Della Sala adjourned the meeting at 5:40 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, /s/ /s/ Bonnie L. Gawf Chuck Della Sala Information Resources Director/City Clerk Mayor 2