Council Study Session

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION CITY OF MONTEREY Wednesday, February 29, 2012 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Councilmembers Present: Councilmembers Selfridge, Downey, Haferman, Sollecito, Mayor Della Sala Absent: None City Staff Interim City Attorney, Assistant Director Plans and Public Works, Principal Present: Planner CALL TO ORDER Mayor Della Sala called the meeting to order. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Della Sala opened the floor to public comments. Tom Rowley, Neighborhood Improvement Program Committee, spoke about projects he submitted for Custom House Plaza and other community-wide projects, and funding. He responded to Councilmember Downey’s questions regarding proposed funding. There being no further requests to speak, Mayor Della Sala closed the floor to public comments. STUDY SESSION 1. Receive Presentation on the Downtown Monterey Streetscape, Plaza and Urban Design Study (Plans & Public Works – 803-02). Action: Council received the report and presentation. Principal Planner Cole addressed the Council and introduced co-presenter Henry Ruhnke of Wald, Ruhnke, and Dost Architects. She presented the staff report and spoke about the vision and the key messages of Council and citizens working together to reinvent the City to meet economic challenges. She noted successful examples such as Windows on the Bay and the Recreation Trail. Ms. Cole noted goals and upcoming milestones and key dates. Henry Ruhnke continued the presentation and spoke about the current trend of community investing in downtown areas. He compared Monterey to other thriving communities. He detailed the four main concepts that contribute to a successful downtown experience, including identity, navigability and parking, activities, and aesthetics. Mr. Ruhnke made historical references and explained opportunities to expand the downtown area in the future. He explained the design for Conference Center improvements, and gave more examples of activities that could add vibrancy to the downtown area. He also spoke about issues with the Custom House Plaza area and some suggested uses and solutions. He responded to questions and comments from the Council. City Council Minutes Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 Principal Planner Cole noted that many of the concepts presented today are vital to the financial viability and implementation of current plans for the downtown area. Mayor Della Sala commended staff for their efforts and echoed Councilmember Sollecito’s comments regarding the need for cooperation to improve the community. Vice Mayor Downey asked about financing for properties owned by the City. Mr. Ruhnke noted that adoption of the plan would create funding opportunities through access to grants and other sources. Mayor Della Sala opened the floor to public comment. Tom Rowley mentioned his former participation with the Old Monterey Business Association (OMBA), and commented regarding the importance of pedestrian access to downtown and access to parking. He also commented on the ease of producing advertising publications, such as the Path of History pamphlet, for the public. He noted his approval of implementing the plan in phases, and his approval of mixed use. He expressed doubt regarding whether low-cost or senior housing would be beneficial in the downtown area. He further expressed doubt regarding the idea of two-way traffic on Alvarado Street. He expressed general approval and offered to submit his own ideas and proposals, and commented on signage. Gaspar Cardinale, Monterey citizen, commented on problems occurring in the downtown area relative to parking and perceived safety in the parking garages. He noted the importance of certain businesses to the vitality of Alvarado Street, and voiced concern about empty storefronts. There being no further members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Della Sala invited Councilmembers to comment. Councilmember Selfridge commented on the importance of recognizing and capitalizing on Monterey’s unique assets, and further noted that new development should complement those assets and not distract or detract from them. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Della Sala adjourned the meeting. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Bonnie Gawf Chuck Della Sala Director Information Resources/City Clerk Mayor 2