HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-01-1989 Minutes
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City of San Bernardino, California
April 1, 1989
This is the time and place set for an Adjourned Regular
Meeting of the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San
Bernardino/Planning Commission at the Regular Meeting held at
9:05 a.m., Monday, March 20, 1989, in the Council Chambers of
City Hall, 300 North "0" Street, San Bernardino, California.
The City Clerk has caused to be posted the Notice of
Adjournment of said meeting held on Monday, March 20, 1989, at
9:05 a.m., and has on file in the Office of the City Clerk an
affidavit of said posting together with a copy of said Notice
which was posted at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 21, 1989, in the
Counc i 1 Chamber s of Ci ty Hall, 300 North "0" Street, San
Bernardino, California.
The Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Common
Council of the City of San Bernardino was called to order by
Mayor Wilcox at 9:20 a.m., in the Council Chambers of City
Hall, 300 North "0" Street, San Bernardino, California.
ROLL CALL
Roll Call was taken with
Mayor Wilcox; Council Members
Pope-Ludlam; Deputy City Attorney
Copeland, Acting City Administrator
Members Reilly, Minor, Miller.
the following being present:
Estrada, Flores, Maudsley,
Empeno, Deputy City Clerk
Robbins. Absent: Council
PRESENTATION - DRAFT GENERAL PLAN AND DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
This is the time and place set for a presentation of the
Draft General Plan and the Draft Environmental Impact Report by
members of the Planning staff and consultants for the General
Plan. (1)
Planning Director Brad Kilger explained that the General
Plan is a legal document required by State Law which serves as
the community's constitution for development and use of its
land. The General Plan will be considering development ten to
twenty years in the future.
Mr. Kilger stated that the General Plan serves to do
several things:
1. Establish within
analyze local and regional
respond effectively to the
the community.
local government the capacity to
conditions and needs in order to
problems and opportunities facing
2. Identify the community's environmental, social and
economic goals.
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3; Record the local government's policy and standards
maintenance and improvements of existing development in
location characteristics of future development.
for
the
4. Provide citizens with information
and opportunity to participate in the
decision making process.
about their community
local planning and
5. Improve the coordination of community development
activities among local, regional, state and federal agencies.
6. Establish a basis for subsequent planning efforts
such as preparation of specific plans, redevelopment plans and
special studies to deal with unique problems or areas in the
community.
Mr. Bautista, Principal Planner, stated that the Council
hearings will begin on Wednesday, April 26, 1989. The schedule
for further hearings will be published. The final date of the
review and adoption process will be Wednesday, May 31, 1989.
Mr. Bautista stated that staff had prepared a report
entitled "Staff Recommendations on the Draft General Plan",
which contained recommendations from all City departments. The
report was distributed to the Mayor and Common Council and
other involved persons.
Mayor Wilcox explained that no public comments would be
received today, as the meeting has been scheduled only to hear
a presentation to the Planning Commission and the Mayor and
Common Council.
Mr. Tescher introduced the following consultants who worked
on the General Plan:
Janice Dworkis, an Environmental Scientist, who coordinated
the preparation of the Environmental Impact Report for Envicom
Corporation.
David Duncan, Envicom Corporation, who was responsible for
the creation of the Historic Preservation Element, and the
Urban Design for Public Open Spaces.
Carl Wishner, who worked with the environmental components,
particularly the Biological Resources, and Noise Elements.
Michael Meyer, DKS Associates, who worked
Circulation Element.
wi th the
Cheryl DeGano from the firm of Albert A. Webb assisted in
working with the Utility Systems and issues of FloOding.
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Dr. Orrin
the areas of
Resources.
Sage, representing Sage Associates,
Seismic Safety, Hazardous Materials
assisted in
and Mineral
Mr. Tescher stated that Mr. Jay Natelson, principal of
Natelson, Levander and Whitney, will be at the meeting later
and will summarize the key components in respect to the
Economic Development Element.
Mr. Tescher explained the purpose and importance of
documents relating to the development and final adoption of the
General Plan. These include: The Technical Background Report,
The Alternatives Working Paper, The Interim Policy Document,
The Fundamental Land Use Issue POlicy Statements, and the
Environmental Impact Report.
INTRODUCTION
Mr. Tescher explained the contents of the General Plan
Document, which begins with the elements that are required by
State law: Land Use, Housing, Circulation, Conservation, Open
Space, Safety, and Noise. Additionally, the plan expands to
address specific issues such as Economic Development, Urban
Design, Historic Resources, Infrastructure, Utility Systems,
Public Services, and Parks and Recreation.
Mr. Tescher stated that throughout the General Plan there
are provisions that relate to the ways in which the quality of
life can be improved and enhanced. Originally a separate
quality of life element was considered, but it was realized
that all the issues involved relate to quality of life in the
community.
LAND USE AND URBAN DESIGN
Mr. Tescher referred to the Land Use and Urban Design
Element and stated that this is the element upon which most of
the discussion will center. He explained some of the issues
discussed in this section:
There is
the future;
a resident population which will be growing in
San Bernardino is more than just a local
community center. It has an historically major
identity, and has been the capital of the Inland
recognized community center. He suggested that
expanded and enhanced;
serving
regional
Empire, a
role be
There is a portion of this section that relates to the
designation of specific types of uses and functional roles in
various areas of the City, such as the Downtown Area, Tri-City
Commercenter Area, and the Mt. Vernon Area;
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There is a section that deals with areas that may be
subject to change over time because of specific kinds of things
that are happening, such as Norton Air Force Base.
There is consideration of how to maintain the quality of
development over time.
This plan also addresses the land located
sphere of influence. There are policies about
how those lands could be incorporated within the
in the City's
annexation or
City limits.
Mr. Tescher explained that the basic Land Use Map indicates
the types and distribution of uses and densities throughout the
City. He also stated that, in addition to that map, there are
a series of overlay maps that basically indicate that certain
uses are permitted in special areas, and that there are special
concerns that have to be addressed while allowing those
particular uses.
These uses fall into five basic categories: 1. Biological
Resource Management that addresses concerns of the Santa Ana
River and other drainage areas and deals with the overall
vegetative and important habitat; 2. Seismic risk which
addresses both fault zones and liquefaction areas; 3. Wind
hazard areas; 4. Fire hazard areas; 5. Flood hazard areas.
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Mr. Tescher reviewed various charts in the Section and
explained different categories of development.
A new category of use that is reflecting the trend
Office Industrial Park designation, which is occurring in
industrial areas, with a higher intensity of employees
higher intensity of office use.
is an
light
and a
Mr. Tescher emphasized some of the key provisions that are
contained on the map by means of an overhead projector. He
stated that the thrust of the planning effort in terms of land
use was to recognize that not all commercial corridors would
have the same designations.
The Downtown Area is the center for government and
corporate activities and holds the opportunity for
more day-night activity expanding upon the convention
opportunities. There is no height limit in this
contains some of the highest densities.
future
creating
and hotel
area and
Another key area is the Tri-City Commercenter Area. It has
an "Orange County Office Park" environment with much
landscaping and park appearance with buildings set back from
the street.
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A third area that is discussed is the corridor between
the malls that connect the downtown area along "E" Street with
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other streets in the downtown areas. There is also in that
corridor the Orange Show, which is another major anchor.
The Plan recognizes the area of the auto plaza, which has
been created in recent years and is a major regional activity
center.
The Plan also considers the opportunity for the Waterman
Avenue corridor, which is relatively sparsely developed, and
contains much mixed uses. It is anticipated that this area
will become even more important in the future. In recognition
of this, the Plan designates the areas that are abutting that
corridor for the Office Industrial Park designation.
Mr. Tescher also
designations.
explained other
areas and
their
The plan recognizes the Mt. Vernon Area, and the Santa Fe
Railroad Depot Area as locations that have the opportunity for
the creation of several community oriented specialty
centers.
Mr. Tescher explained the basic pattern of single family
residential development for the future, and explained that the
plan also designated areas with greater than 15% slope with
special hillside management provisions when considered for
residential building.
Mr. Tescher pointed out other overlay zones which relate to
seismic or liquefaction risk, and flood hazard areas.
Mr. Tescher explained the charts that set forth provisions
for residential uses. Today there are about 20,000 acres
developed in the City and its sphere of influence. The Plan
would add about 50% more space for residential uses. At
present there are over 76,000 residential units in the planning
area. The Plan will allow for approximately 26,000 more, for a
total of about 102,000.
Mr. Tescher explained that there are
acres of land for commercial uses. The
an expansion of about 1100 acres for a
3,000 acres.
currently about 1848
Plan will provide for
total of approximately
Mr. Tescher answered questions, stating that the proposed
industrial and commercial calculations do not include the
Norton Air Force Base property. He stated that the Norton
property is referred to in the Technical Background Report as
being a public facility.
Mr. Tescher explained
and Urban Design Section.
approximately 980 acres of
the last component of the Land Use
He stated that there are currently
land developed for industrial use.
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The Plan would allow for about 3,000 additional acres;
total of 4,000 acres. This is an acknowledgement
objective to provide space for about 27,000 jObs.
for
of
a
an
RECESS MEETING
At 10:15 a.m., Mayor declared a 10 minute recess.
RECONVENE MEETING.
At 10:30 a.m., the Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Mayor
and Common Council reconvened in the Council Chambers of City
Hall, 300 North "Dn Street, San Bernardino, California.
ROLL CALL
Roll Call was taken with the following being present:
Mayor Wilcox; Council Members Estrada, Flores, Maudsley,
Pope-Ludlam; Deputy City Attorney Empeno, Deputy City Clerk
Copeland, Acting City Administrator Robbins. Absent: Council
Members Reilly, Minor, Miller.
HOUSING ELEMENT
Mr. Tescher reviewed the Housing Element. The numbers
contained in this element differ in terms of population and
numbers of residential units from those contained in the
Economic Development Element because the Housing Element
specifically addresses policy programs only in the City
corporate limits. All the numbers are somewhat reduced to
reflect that.
He also stated that this element is the one
most scrutiny in Sacramento in terms of its
thoroughness. The State is very specific and
what shall be in this element.
that gets the
adequacy and
explicit about
Mr. Tescher explained the basic sections within the Housing
Element. The first two sections deal with population and
housing characteristics. The third section is basically an
analysis of what's on the map in terms of the land use. Its a
calculation of how much additional residential development
could occur by density if this plan is to be built out. There
is a potential for about 23,000 additional units within the
City corporate limits.
The fourth section of the Housing Element indicates the
basic needs of the population as it exists today and what the
needs may be in the future for housing. San Bernardino is in a
comparatively stronger position than many other cities in
Southern California because there is a large supply of
moderate, or affordable, housing.
There is also the unique situation in San Bernardino where
the upper end of the housing spectrum is not being adequately
met.
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The fifth
upon housing,
development for
constraints.
section of
including
housing,
this element deals with constraints
such issues as land available for
governmental constraints, and market
Mr. Tescher explained the Southern California Association
of Governments' (SCAG) regional allocation program which
indicates to the City what its projection of a regional fair
share allocation of housing should be. They indicated that the
City should be providing in a five year period approximately
8,000 additional residential units.
In dealing with SCAG's projection, there are no provisions
for community objectives, and it doesn't reflect realities such
as environmental constraints, or infrastructure. Therefore,
this plan differs from SCAG's recommendation.
Mr. Tescher explained the basic policies and programs
contained in this section.
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Mr. Tescher explained the component which relates to ways
to provide for affordable units. One of the key ways is to
endorse and provide State mandated density bonus programs.
There is also a recommendation to support non-profit housing
providers, and that there be a continuation of the County's
rental assistance program and that the City continue to
participate in this program. There is also a recommendation
that the City participate in some kind of mechanism to insure
that units presently subsidized by the Federal Government
remain affordable after the Federal subsidies end.
Mr. Tescher also referred to other special housing needs,
including those for seniors, handicapped, those who need
congregate care housing, and sites for homeless shelters.
The last major topic provided for in the Housing element
is the assurance of the City that all members of the community
will have equal housing opportunity.
Mr. Tescher answered questions regarding SCAG's
projections. He stated that they projected the housing figures
based on historic growth trends without looking at the
constraints of mountains, earthquake faults, and
infrastructure.
Planning Director Kilger answered questions regarding the
providing of adequate housing for the citizens of the City. He
stated that the majority of communities in the State have
protested the projected figures by SCAG. He stated that the
City had requested that SCAG reduce the City's figures that
would better reflect the necessary constraints and also a
realistic growth rate. The City's request was denied, but SCAG
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encouraged the City to submit the Housing Element to the State
Agency of Housing and Community Development for review, which
has been done.
Mr. Kilger answered questions regarding housing, stating
that a sufficient number of housing units has been provided,
but there may be a problem with affordability.
HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
David Duncan, Envicom Corporation Consultant, presented the
Historical, Archaeological Resources Element of the General
Plan. He explained that its purpose is to provide the basis to
preserve, enhance and maintain various sites, structures and
districts that have been deemed significant from an historical,
archaeological, architectural or cultural aspect.
Mr. Duncan reviewed the objectives of this Element. They
include:
The development of a comprehensive historic preservation
plan, and a survey of the entire City for historic resources.
The adoption of an ordinance to designate significant sites
and structures. That ordinance is essential to any designation
process and is mandated by the State.
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The establishment of an historic resources commission that
would make recommendations and provide guidelines for review
and protection measures contained in the ordinance.
A major objective in the Element is to provide incentives
to improve historic resources in the City. This could be done
through federal program or measures by City publicity and
programs to encourage the preservation and active re-use of
structures. The Federal Tax Act has provided many benefits
through tax incentives for historic structures.
Another objective
preservation. This
publicity campaign.
is to promote community involvement in
could be done through an education and
Mr.
programs
resources.
Duncan stated
that assist
that
in
there
the
are certain
preservation
redevelopment
of historic
Mr. Duncan stated that the last objective is to minimize
the destruction of archaeological resources. It is being
recommended that environmental review be done on sites within
historic districts at the outset in order to evaluate them for
potential archaeological resources and to protect the site if
there is found to be archaeological resources during
construction or demolition.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Jan Natelson, Principal of Natelson, Levander and Whitney,
reviewed the Economic Development Element. He stated that this
element is essentially a series of policies which establish how
the uses in the Land Use Element would be attracted to the City
and maintained over time. The purpose of these pOlicies is to
maintain and enhance the economy of the City.
These policies have five major objectives:
1. To
accommodate
it occurs
standards.
insure that there is enough land
the future growth in each of the
in designated areas within
made available to
Land Uses and that
acceptable design
2.
designed
maintain
To have marketing and outreach
to attract new firms and industries
existing firms in the market place.
programs which are
to the area and to
3. To have a public relations program to promote an
awareness within the City of local commercial areas.
4. The monitoring of fiscal impacts of significant
development activity, and determining which type of those
activities or developments should be looked at more intensely
from a fiscal impact point of view
5. Pursuing special projects, such as joint use of public
facilities.
Mr. Natelson stated that the key to success of any of these
policies is a coordinated strategy for all public agencies and
organizations that establishes areas of responsibility. One
way this coordination can be assured is by establishing a role
of a single economic development manager, who would work
closely with other agencies and organizations.
Mr. Natelson gave examples
the economic viability of
serving facilities.
of activities that would enhance
neighborhoods and neighborhood
The Economic Development Element provides the framework in
which to pursue market opportunities and address economic
needs, and further specifies the means to undertake necessary
activities.
Concern was expressed regarding the ability of the City to
pay for the implementation of some of the elements of the
General Plan.
Mr. Natelson answered questions. He stated that these are
critical issues. It was his opinion that the key to the
fundamental economic viability of the General Plan is the
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concept of
land use of
prove to be
balanced mix
balanced development. To emphasize one particular
any type in an extended time frame would likely
economically unfeasible. There needs to be a
of land use activity.
Mr. Natelson explained that the economics of housing
relates to land availability. Prices start going up when land
gets scarce, and the ability to provide the type of desirable
housing is reduced. He stated that an ability to finance
growth is a function of the balanced growth program - not
loosing the industries that are here - attracting a fair share
of new businesses - maintaining the commercial core.
URBAN DESIGN FOR PUBLIC SPACES
Mr. David Duncan, Consultant
reviewed the Urban Design for Public
with Envicom Corporation
Spaces Element.
He explained that one section of the Element refers to the
private sector of the city, the built environment in the urban
design that would occur on new buildings, new construction and
how that would fit into an overall design picture for San
Bernardino.
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Urban Design for public spaces is quite different in that
it refers to the open, public spaces along City streets and in
parks and other areas. The purpose of this element is to
improve the visual environment through improvement of public
open spaces. He referred to the physical environment that
surrounds the City, the mountains, the rivers and washes which
brings a more unique setting than other parts of the basin.
This unique environment is also enhanced by the grid pattern,
long established as the street pattern for the City which is
essentially, north-south, east-west, which provides great views
to the mountains which is a release from the urban
environment.
Some of the objectives of this Element are:
To create attractive entry elements to the City at major
entries into the City.
To
of the
street
create attractive entry elements to various districts
City, such as the downtown area. These could include
furniture, new paving, street trees and banners.
An essential factor
tree plan for the City,
streets.
would be to establish a master street
which would basically include all City
To create a landscape plan for all the various districts of
the City that would emphasize the differences, the uniqueness
of the various differences of the City.
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To provide for the implementation of those improvements and
provide a plan as to how the City will pay for them.
There is an element regarding public signage program, which
would include identification signs for the major corridors
north to the mountains with points of interest indicated.
There is also a section that deals with the recommendations
for enhancing
plazas, public
neighborhoods.
the commercial/residential areas through public
open spaces, and landscaped areas in various
CIRCULATION
Michael Meyer, Consultant with OKS Associates presented an
overview of the Circulation Element.
Mr. Meyer stated that the primary
purpose of the
insure that there
accommodates the
Circulation Element in the General Plan
is a transportation system in place
transportation demands of the City.
is to
that
Mr. Meyer
presentation.
showed various
slides to
illustrate his
He stated that the Circulation Element deals not only with
roadways, but also addresses transit facilities and establishes
policies and program in connection with coordinating those
services. It also addresses non-motorized transportation, such
as bicycles, pedestrians and recreational or equestrian trails,
as well as trucks, utilities and pipe line facilities.
The overall objectives are to balance the transportation
system and accommodate the demands generated by the Land Use
Element, and to come up with an overall balance of the parking
supply and demand generated by the land uses.
Mr. Meyer used slides and explained details
objectives. He referred to a map where lines were
indicate the freeway system, major arterials,
arterials, collector streets and local streets. He
the functions of the various street categories.
of the
drawn to
secondary
explained
Planning Director Kilger answered questions regarding the
Harrison Canyon Freeway.
Mr.
Element
changes
Meyer explained changes from the previous Circulation
to the one being considered today, and explained
that were made in the Verdemont-University Area.
Mr. Meyer answered questions regarding the decision to
change certain circulation provisions, stating it had been a
joint effort working with the CAC, City staff, as well as
recommendations from his office.
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A discussion ensued regarding previous decisions concerning
the Harrison Canyon Freeway.
It was pointed out that the Council had expressed an
opinion that some provision should be made to have a more
efficient access to move traffic across the north end of the
City.
Mr. Meyer explained that according to studies, Northpark
Blvd. along the foothills provides adequate capacity to serve
the demand.
A discussion ensued regarding the need
access from the northern portion of the
Interstate 10, other than on Waterman Avenue.
for
City
additional
south to
Planning Director Kilger stated that when the Circulation
portion of the hearings is held, it will be possible to go
into more detail on the north-south accessibility issues. What
is being considered today is input from many individuals,
strictly from a technical standpoint, not from a community
desire point of view.
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Mayor Wilcox stated that she thought there was a clear
understanding of what the Council wanted in terms of
the need for additional north-south access other than Waterman
Avenue. She felt that the proposed plan is not very
futuristic.
Mr. Meyer stated that there are north-south access routes
that are shown on the map that do not now exist, such as the
Pepper-Linden connection to Route 30, the connection of Rancho
to State, the completion of the freeway system, and the
widening of the 215 Freeway through the downtown area.
A discussion ensued
development of the Norton Air
for additional access to that
regarding
Force Base
area.
the possible future
property and the need
Planning Director Kilger stated that staff will meet with
the consultant prior to meeting with the Planning Commission to
study recommendations made by the Council regarding future
development for Norton Air Force Base.
Mr. Meyer explained that one of the key aspects of the
first objective is to establish a level of service guidelines
that is acceptable to the City. The level of service is an
indication of the level of congestion or amount of delay and
average travel time experienced when traveling on roadways.
The levels vary from Level A which indicates free flow travel
and Level F which indicates traffic jam conditions. Level C
was the desirable level for citizens of San Bernardino.
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Mr. Meyer reviewed other pOlicies and implementation
programs contained in this element which include references to
traffic impact, the movement of trucks, providing a pedestrian
master plan, bicycle facilities, coordination with providers of
transit services, the reduction of travel demand, policies
related to railroads, air transportation, and balancing
parking supply and demand.
LACK OF QUORUM
It was determined
Council following the
that there would not be a
lunch break.
quorum of the
ADJOURNMENT
At 12:30 p.m., Council Member Pope-Ludlam made a motion,
seconded by Council Member Flores and unanimously carried, that
the meeting be adjourned to 9:00 a.m., Monday, April 3, 1989,
in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "0" Street, San
Bernardino, California.
PLANNING COMMISSION - PUBLIC HEARING
The Planning Commission reconvened following the luncheon
break and resumed the public hearing.
/
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Deputy C~ty Clerk
l!J;tz~j} f~€~)
Deputy City Clerk
,
No. of Items: 1
No. of Hours: 3
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