Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program Committee Meeting

CITY OF MONTEREY NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM COMMITTEE “First Review” Meeting March 31, 2011 Council Chambers, Few Memorial Hall Minutes CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL All neighborhoods were represented: Aguajito Oaks Alt. Abby Foss Alta Mesa Rep. Rick Heuer Casanova Oak Knoll Rep. Richard Ruccello Alt. Mike Brassfield Alt. Gary Carlson Deer Flats Rep. Janine Robinette Del Monte Beach Rep. Jayme Fields Del Monte Grove-Laguna Grande Rep. Merrily Alley Fisherman’s Flats Rep. Hansen Reed Alt. Tom Rowley Monterey Vista Rep. Hans Jannasch Alt. Arthur Simons New Monterey Rep. Sharon Dwight Oak Grove Rep. Tom DiMaggio Old Town Rep. April Harrison Alt. Mary Ann Finocchi Skyline Forest Rep. Dennis Duke Skyline Ridge Rep. Carol Lieberman Alt. Ann Packer Villa Del Monte Rep. Larry Conte Staff Present: Tom Reeves, Doug Stafford, Rich Deal, Chip Rerig Sharon Rodrigues, Scott Connolly, Kim Allen APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. February 24, 2011 Tom DiMaggio said he had made a comment at the meeting and asked that it be added to the minutes. Sharon Dwight asked to make minor clarifications to Item #5 for OT-06, OT-12, VDM-05 and CW-04. The Committee concurred. Sharon Dwight made a motion to approve the February 24, 2011 minutes as amended. Merrily Alley seconded the motion. The motion was approved by all fourteen Representatives. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Reeves opened Public Comments. Tom Rowley, Fisherman’s Flats NIP Alternate, spoke to CW-77 NIP Infrastructure Repair Program, the project he submitted to create NIRP. He clarified the intent of his project would be to set up a pot of funds for individual property owners who NIP Committee Final Minutes March 31, 2011 1 would have trouble paying for improvements, with the hope that the program would accelerate the repair of sidewalk safety hazards. He proposed that the Housing and Property Management Division would oversee the program. Having no further requests to speak, Mr. Reeves closed Public Comments. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 2. Purpose of Meeting Mr. Reeves explained that the purpose of the first project review meeting was to view the videos of each project and discuss the project scope. He stated that the videos would be posted on Monterey’s website. 3. Van Tour Projects Due to Tom Reeves, Engineering Office Mr. Reeves asked that the Committee advise him of projects that they wanted to add to the van tour field trip. Janine Robinette asked for clarification regarding the conflict of interest zone map and how to determine is a Committee member had a true conflict of interest with a given project. Mr. Reeves advised the Committee that if there is a candidate project within their conflict of interest zone, determinations would need to be made for each potential situation and to contact him if a member had a concern. NIP INFORMATIONAL REPORTS 4. NIP Spokesperson’s Report NIP Alternate Spokesperson Richard Ruccello said he attended the March15 City Council meeting and moved to the next item for further discussion. 5. Report on March 15, 2011 City Council Meeting NIP Alternate Spokesperson Richard Ruccello spoke to Council’s discussion of going forward with the NIP process this year. He said that he advised Council that the NIP Spokespersons could not negotiate for the Committee. He stated his concern that Council had misunderstandings regarding the NIP process and that the Committee needed to continue to follow the rights and obligations of the charter, which is to review proposals and recommend projects. Rick Heuer stated that the NIP was started by the people of Monterey not the Council, and that Council wants the NIP to make the tough decisions about the budget but that is not NIP’s role. Sharon Dwight said that Council decided to allow NIP to go forward, retain the five stormdrain projects, the Wharf II rest room, and the three library priority projects. She said Councilmember Downey strongly asked that the Committee continue to use the guideline of essential maintenance, public health, and public safety when selecting the projects they recommend to Council for approval this year. The Committee moved to the next item to discuss Councils guidance further. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 6. Possible Action Pertaining to March 15, 2011 City Council Direction Mr. Reeves and the Committee continued discussion of Council’s direction. Mr. Reeves advised that the Mayor asked if the Committee wanted to go forward, knowing that they may only have around $400,000 towards projects in residential neighborhoods. Carol Lieberman stated that she did not want to go forward if there is the possibility that the funds will be taken by Council in June. Janine Robinette asked that the Committee look at the timeline to answer Council questions before the Committee solicits new projects. She asked that the Committee explore ways to revise the process so that it flows in a more organized and productive manner. After further discussion, the Committee considered a request to have a study session with Council. NIP Committee Final Minutes March 31, 2011 2  Mr. Reeves opened public comments. Tom Rowley, Fisherman’s Flats NIP Alternate, said that the NIP Alternate Spokespersons, Mr. Ruccello and Ms. Dwight, did a good job representing the Committee at the March 15 Council meeting. He said that Council was all over the place during their discussion of direction to NIP for this year. He reminded everyone that NIP has provided a big bang for the buck with projects that have community wide benefit as well as those projects that benefit a specific neighborhood. . Having no further requests to speak, Mr. Reeves closed Public Comments. Rick Heuer made a motion to request a study session with the City Council. Dennis Duke seconded the motion. The motion was approved by all fourteen Representatives. Janine Robinette made a motion that NIP strongly request a budget update report from Council in January as set in the NIP Policies and Procedures. Richard Ruccello seconded the motion. The motion was approved by all fourteen Representatives. 7. Project Review (Aguajito Oaks – Oak Grove Neighborhoods Mr. Reeves presented the videos of the projects beginning with the Aguajito Oaks neighborhood and answered the Committee’s questions. (Projects listed in italics are those that have been modified or pulled from the active list.) Aguajito Oaks AO-01 Littlefield Rd DG Walkway – Sharon Dwight suggested that scope be changed to asphalt rather than DG, as DG will erode too quickly. Abbey Foss said she would confirm with the submitter. Alta Mesa AM-01 Del Monte Ctr Sound Wall – Ms. Dwight again requested a determination if this project had any public benefit. Mr. Heuer said he is working on withdrawing the project because in reality it is not feasible as only a six foot high fence would be allowed which would not be an effective sound barrier, and only three property owners would benefit. AM-04 Via Mirada Relocation of Pavement Markers – Referred to Streets, project no longer needed after curbs were painted red. Del Monte Beach DMB-01 Spray Ave Lighted Crosswalk Warning System in Front of Tot Lot – Ms. Fields to contact property owner to approve painting curb red, and if approved contact submitter to withdraw the project. DMB-05 Beach/Dunecrest Slow Traffic Device – Ms. Fields will explore revising the scope and changing the title to Del Monte Beach Traffic Calming Master Plan. Abby Foss, Aguajito Oaks, left the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Del Monte Grove – Laguna Grande DMG-03 English Radar Speed Signs – The Committee revised scope to include two speed signs, adding one for English at Grant. DMG-04 English/Grant 4-way Stop Sign – Combined with DMG-03. Downtown NIP Committee Final Minutes March 31, 2011 3 DT-01 Cortes/Church St Underground Utilities – Mr. Reeves confirmed that the submitter has withdrawn the project. DT-02 Pearl/Anthony/Robinson 500 Blk Undergrounding – Mr. Reeves is still waiting for a response from the submitter to withdraw the project. DT-04 Griffin Plaza Security Lighting – Mr. Reeves will contact the submitter to explore property owners contributing a portion of the funding for the project. Fisherman’s Flats FF-03 Foothill School Sidewalk – Mr. Reeves to verify length of sidewalk. FF-05 Fisherman's Flats Sidewalk/ Curb/Gutter Repair Ph II – Ms. Dwight requested that a list of the location of all repairs be attached to the master project form and distributed to the Committee. Glenwood Circle GW-03 Glenwood Cir MPC Baseball Field Trash Cans – Withdrawn, Committee determined project is not valid. GW-04 Glenwood Cir LED Pedestrian Caution Sign – Lee Whitney, the project submitter, described the problem and the requested scope. Since the sidewalk is on commercial property, the Committee requested staff to compel the property owner to construct a sidewalk. The project scope was reduced to a speed sign only, with the title changed to read: Glenwood Cir V-Calm Sign. Monterey Vista MV-01 Sierra Vista Underground Utilities – Mr. Jannasch confirmed that the submitter has withdrawn this project. MV-02 Via Buena Vista Sewer Replacement – Ms. Dwight asked for specific locations. MV-03 Martin Street Repair – Mr. Jannasch reported that repairs have been made but he has been unable to contact the submitter to confirm that the repairs are adequate. MV-04 Soledad Pl/Soledad Dr Traffic Calming – Mr. Jannasch confirmed this project is not valid because it is not part of the neighborhood traffic-calming plan and withdrew the project. MV-09 Mar Vista Dr btwn Soledad/Via Gayuba Repaving/Curb Repair – Staff to explore revising the reconstruction projects into smaller parts. MV-12 Pacific Vista Circle Paving/Street Sign – Staff confirmed that the project has been completed and that the sign will be installed by staff. MV-14 Revise title to read 80 Cuesta Vista Pavement Extension. Remove tree trimming from scope per staff. MV-17 Carmelo Bus Stop – Since the project is on commercial property, the Committee requested staff to compel the property owner to construct a sidewalk. MV-25 Cielo Vista Underground Utilities – Mr. Jannasch reported that he has been unable to contact the submitter to withdraw the project. MV-34 Monte Vista School Trail – The Committee discussed the possibility that the school district will address the problem when they prepare to reopen the school. Mr. Reeves stated that he is waiting for a response from school district staff. MV-35 Cielo Vista Speed Control – The Committee determined that this project is not part of the neighborhood’s adopted traffic calming plan, and is not a valid project. MV-36 Lomita Street/Curb Repair – Mr. Reeves will do further research on the scope and estimate. Due to the late hour, Carol Lieberman requested that review of New Monterey and Oak Grove projects be moved to the next meeting and the Committee concurred. Mr. Reeves NIP Committee Final Minutes March 31, 2011 4  asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to speak to projects in these two neighborhoods. Seeing no requests, Mr. Reeves concluded the review of projects with Monterey Vista neighborhood. He stated that New Monterey and Oak Grove projects would be reviewed at the next meeting on April 7, 2011. COMMITTEE MEMBERS COMMENTS Carol Lieberman (Skyline Ridge) had no comment. Hansen Reed (Fisherman’s Flats) said he was impressed with the time and effort put into Tom’s video presentation. Tom DiMaggio (Oak Grove) had no comment. April Harrison (Old Town) had no comment. Janine Robinette (Deer Flats) had no comment. Dennis Duke (Skyline Forest) said he hoped the Committee is doing all this work for a reason. Hans Jannasch (Monterey Vista) commented that with 43 projects in his neighborhood, he wondered what he had stepped into by being the rep this year. Sharon Dwight (New Monterey) thanked staff, and said that the process does not happen without all the preparation staff provides. Jayme Fields (Del Monte Beach) had no comment. Merrily Alley (Del Monte Grove-Laguna Grande) questioned why NIP projects approved in prior years are still on hold, when the money is there. Mr. Reeves suggested that the NIP Spokesperson take the question to Council, and Ms. Dwight asked that it be a topic for the Study Session with Council. Larry Conte (Villa Del Monte) had no comment. Richard Ruccello (Casanova Oak Knoll) said the videos tonight provided a graphic representation of how the city is deteriorating. Rick Heuer (Alta Mesa) had no comment. NEXT MEETING Mr. Reeves stated that the next meeting on April 7, 2011 would be the NIP Committee review of the New Monterey neighborhood through Citywide projects, in the Council Chambers at 7 p.m. He said the following meeting would be Wednesday, April 13, 2011 with the NIP Committee Van Tour at 3:00 p.m. to meet behind City Hall. The potluck dinner will be at Casanova Oak Knoll Center 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., and the Follow up Meeting (Aguajito Oaks – New Monterey Neighborhoods) at Casanova Oak Knoll Center 7:00 – 8:45 p.m. ADJORNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m. _____________________________ ______________________________ Kim Allen Tom Reeves NIP Recording Secretary NIP Staff Coordinator NIP Committee Final Minutes March 31, 2011 5