HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-04-2005 MinutesMayor Judith Valles
Council Members:
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO Esther Estrada
300 N. "D " Street Susan Longville
Gordon McGinnis
San Bernardino, CA 92418 Neil Derry
Website: www.sbcity.org Chas Kelley
Rikke Van Johnson
Wendy McCammack
MINUTES
MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
AND THE
SAN BERNARDINO CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY
OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
JOINT REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 4, 2005
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The joint regular meeting of the Mayor and Common Council, Community
Development Commission, and San Bernardino City Housing Authority of the City of
San Bernardino was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem/Acting Chairman McGinnis at
1:41 p.m., Monday, April 4, 2005, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North
"D" Street, San Bernardino, California.
Roll Call
Roll call was taken by City Clerk Clark with the following being present: Mayor Pro
Tem/Acting Chairman McGinnis; Council Members/Commissioners Estrada,
Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Johnson, McCammack; City Attorney Penman, City
Clerk Clark, City Administrator Wilson. Absent: Mayor Valles; Council Member/
Commissioner Kelley.
Council Member/Commissioner Kelley Arrived
At 1:50 p.m., Council Member/Commissioner Kelley arrived at the Council/
Commission/San Bernardino City Housing Authority meeting.
1. Closed Session
Pursuant to Government Code Section(s):
A. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(a):
04/04/2005
People of the State of California v. Manta Management Corporation, et
al. - San Bernardino Superior Court Case No. SCV 18157;
Stephen Peach; Reyna Peach v. City of San Bernardino, et al. - San
Bernardino Superior Court Case No. SCVSS 121993;
City of San Bernardino, et al. v. Valerie Pope -Ludlam, et al. - San
Bernardino Superior Court Case No. SCVSS 108965.
B. Conference with legal counsel - anticipated litigation - significant
exposure to litigation - pursuant to subdivision (b) (1), (2), (3) (A-F) of
Government Code Section 54956.9:
BICEP Issues
San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters Local No. 891 v.
City of San Bernardino, Larry Pitzer, et al.
Harold E. Sykes v. City of San Bernardino, et al.
C. Conference with legal counsel - anticipated litigation - initiation of
litigation - pursuant to subdivision (c) of Government Code Section
54956.9.
D. Closed Session - personnel - pursuant to Government Code Section
54957:
Appointment
Public Services Director
E. Closed session with Chief of Police on matters posing a threat to the
security of public buildings or threat to the public's right of access to
public services or public facilities - pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.
F. Conference with labor negotiator - pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6.
G. Conference with real property negotiator - pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8:
1. Property: 247 W. Third Street
Negotiating Parties: Judith Valles, Mayor, on behalf of the
Redevelopment Agency, property owners, and
Gerry Newcombe, Deputy Administrative
2 04/04/2005
Officer, on behalf of the County of San
Bernardino
Under Negotiation: Purchase price, terms and conditions
2. Proper That parcel consisting of approximately 67.75
acres identified as Parcel 1-2 at the San
Bernardino International Airport, and generally
bounded by Harry Sheppard Boulevard, Del
Rosa Drive, Paul Villasenor Boulevard, and
Memorial Drive
Negotiating Parties: Don Rogers on behalf of the Inland Valley
Development Agency. David Newsom on
behalf of Hillwood/San Bernardino LLC.
Bruce Varner on behalf of Stater Bros.
Markets. James F. Penman on behalf of the
City of San Bernardino
Under Negotiation: Terms and conditions
Uptown Redevelopment Project Area
3. Property: APN 0145-242-32 and APN 0145-242-33
Owner/Seller: Mayor Judith Valles, on behalf of the
Redevelopment Agency of the City of San
Bernardino, property owner(s)
Buyer: San Bernardino City Unified School District
("District')
Central Citv North Redevelopment Proiect Area
4. Property Address: APN 0134-054-07
Negotiating Parties: Gary Van Osdel, Executive Director,
on behalf of the Redevelopment
Agency, and The Salvation Army,
property owner(s)
Under Negotiation: Purchase price, terms, and conditions
5. Property Address: 770 West 5' Street
APN 0134-054-26
Negotiating Parties: Gary Van Osdel, Executive Director,
on behalf of the Redevelopment
Agency, and Raul M. Najera and
Catalina A. Barrera Cantoran, property
owners
3 04/04/2005
Under Negotiation: Purchase price, terms and conditions
6. Property Address: 637 West 5`h Street
APN 0134-101-02 and 0134-101-03
Negotiating Parties: Gary Van Osdel, Executive Director,
on behalf of the Redevelopment
Agency, and San Bernardino School
Property, property owner(s)
Under Negotiation: Purchase price, terms, and conditions
4W' Redevelopment Project Area
7. Property Address: 251 East 49' Street
APN 0154-126-01
L
E
10.
Negotiating Parties: Gary Van Osdel, Executive Director,
on behalf of the Redevelopment
Agency, and Sandra Maxey, property
owner(s)
Under Negotiation: Purchase price, terms, and conditions
Property Address: 255 East 49' Street
APN 0154-126-02
Negotiating Parties: Gary Van Osdel, Executive Director,
on behalf of the Redevelopment
Agency, and Frank Marques, property
owner(s)
Under Negotiation: Purchase price, terms, and conditions
Property Address: 259 East 49' Street
APN 0154-126-03
Negotiating Parties: Gary Van Osdel, Executive Director,
on behalf of the Redevelopment
Agency, and Maribel Torres, property
owner(s)
Under Negotiation: Purchase price, terms, and conditions
Property Address: 267 East 491" Street
APN 0154-126-25
Negotiating Parties`. Gary Van Osdel, Executive Director,
on behalf of the Redevelopment
Agency, and Oscar Palomera, property
owner(s)
Under Negotiation: Purchase price, terms and conditions
4 04/04/2005
11. Property Address: 299 East 49' Street
APN 0154-126-30
Negotiating Parties: Gary Van Osdel, Executive Director,
on behalf of the Redevelopment
Agency, and Scott C. Mueller,
property owner(s)
Under Negotiation: Purchase price, terms, and conditions
12. Property Address: 288 East 49`s Street
APN 0154-125-07
Negotiating Parties: Gary Van Osdel, Executive Director,
on behalf of the Redevelopment
Agency, and Richard and Kristin
Mungo, property owner(s)
Under Negotiation: Purchase price, terms, and conditions
13. Property Address: 292 East 49`h Street
APN 0154-125-06
Negotiating Parties: Gary Van Osdel, Executive Director,
on behalf of the Redevelopment
Agency, and Lance Fisher, property
owner(s)
Under Negotiation:
Verdemont Area — Bice Property
Purchase price, terms, and conditions
14. Property Address: APN 0261-111-21, 23, 25, 29, 30, 33,
35 and 40; 0261-121-01, 02, 03,13 and
14; 0261-451-01 through 48; and 0261-
461-01 through 66 N/S Frontage Road,
1,000+ feet w/o North Little League
Drive
Negotiating Parties: Century Crowell Communities, LP,
Purchaser; San Bernardino County Tax
Collector, and Gary Van Osdel,
Executive Director, on behalf of the
Redevelopment Agency, property
owner
Under Negotiation: Purchase price, terms, and conditions
5 04/04/2005
City Attorney Penman announced that the following items would be discussed in
closed session:
Jesus and James Seay v. City of San Bernardino, Officer
ie. Officer Sham. Set. Lowes, and Does 1-10. Inclusive - United
Legal issues regarding Agenda Item No. R29.
Closed Session Announcements
City Attorney Penman advised that the following matter had been discussed in
closed session:
The claim of Frank Ingram III and Felicia Stansbury regarding the alleged
wrongful death of Frank Ingram IV, involving officers of the City of San
Bernardino Police Department - a claim that has not yet been acted on.
City Clerk Clark advised that at the last meeting of the Mayor and Common
Council she had erroneously indicated that the vote to approve a settlement of
$1.25 million in the case of Kiranjeet K. Uppal v. City of San Bernardino was
unanimous; however, the vote should have indicated that Council
Member/Commissioner McGinnis was absent.
City Clerk Clark announced that the following action was taken in closed
session:
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada made a motion, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner Longville, to approve the appointment of Ken Fischer
as Director of Public Services, effective April 25, 2005, at a salary of $9,554
per month.
The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, McCammack.
Nays: Council Member/Commissioner Johnson. Absent: None.
Reading of Resolutions & Ordinances
Deputy City Clerk Hartzel read into the record the titles of all the resolutions and
ordinances on the regular agenda of the Mayor and Common Council, Community
Development Commission, and San Bernardino City Housing Authority.
Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
The invocation was given by Council Member/Commissioner Johnson, followed by the
pledge of allegiance, led by Jennifer Ballin from Ramona Alessandro School.
6 04/04/2005
Moment of Silence
Mayor Pro Tem/Acting Chairman McGinnis extended condolences to the family and
requested a moment of silence in memory of former Mayor Al C. Ballard, who served
in the City's Fire Department for nearly 20 years and as Mayor of the City for 6 years.
He also requested a moment of silence in memory of Pope John Paul II, head of the
Roman Catholic Church, who passed away over the weekend.
2. Appointments
0
n
• Marilyn Sauer - Animal Control Commission - Mayor Valles
• Bud Coffey - Animal Control Commission, Alternate Member - Mayor
Valles
• Scott Beard - Board of Police Commissioners - Council Member/
Commissioner McCammack
Council Member/Commissioner Johnson made a motion, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner McCammack, that the appointments of Marilyn Sauer
and Bud Coffey (Alternate) to the Animal Control Commission and Scott Beard
to the Board of Police Commissioners, as requested by Mayor Valles and
Council Member McCammack, be approved.
The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson,
McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
Proclamations & Presentations
Mayor Pro Tem/Acting Chairman McGinnis presented a proclamation
designating April 2005 as Donate Life Month in the City of San Bernardino to
Wallace Green, Assistant to the Mayor, who is an organ donor recipient.
A proclamation designating April 2005 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the
City of San Bernardino was presented to staff from The Children's Network by
Mayor Pro Tem/Acting Chairman McGinnis.
Mayor Pro Tem/Acting Chairman McGinnis presented a proclamation
designating the week of April 10-16, 2005 as National Library Week in the City
of San Bernardino to Library Director, Ophelia Roop.
Announcements
Announcements were made by the Mayor Pro Tem, members of the Common
Council, elected officials, and a representative of the Chamber of Commerce
regarding various civic and community events and activities.
7 04/04/2005
5. Waive Full Reading of Resolutions & Ordinances
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that full reading of the resolutions and
ordinances on the regular agenda of the Mayor and Common Council,
Community Development Commission, and San Bernardino City Housing
Authority, be waived.
The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson,
McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
6. Council Minutes
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that the minutes of the following
meetings of the Mayor and Common Council/Community Development
Commission of the City of San Bernardino be approved as submitted in
typewritten form: March 7, 2005 (Special Meeting) and March 7, 2005
(Joint Regular Meeting).
The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson,
McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
7. Personnel Actions
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that the personnel actions as submitted
by the Chief Examiner dated March 29, 2005, in accordance with Civil Service
rules and Personnel policies adopted by the Mayor and Common Council of the
City of San Bernardino, be approved and ratified.
The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson,
McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
8. ORD. MC-1193 - An Ordinance of the City of San Bernardino amending
Section 8.24.010 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code, Definitions
regarding dumping, and Section 8.24.080 of the San Bernardino Municipal
Code, regarding dumping garbage, rubbish, recyclable discards, or
greenwaste on another's property. FINAL READING (Continued from
March 21, 2005)
8 04/04/2005
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that said ordinance be adopted.
Ordinance No. MC-1193 was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Council
Members/Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley,
Johnson, McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
9. ORD. MC-1194 - An Ordinance of the City of San Bernardino amending
Section 8.15.020 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code, Definitions
regarding litter, and Section 8.15.170 (B) of the San Bernardino Municipal
Code regarding enforcement. FINAL READING (Continued from March
21, 2005)
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that said ordinance be adopted.
Ordinance No. MC-1194 was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Council
Members/Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley,
Johnson, McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
10. RES. 2005-71 - Resolution of the Mayor and Common Council of the City
of San Bernardino authorizing the execution of a Professional Services
Agreement between Mundell, Odium & Haws and the City of San
Bernardino in the case of Tom Gronewald, Jean Gronewald v. City of San
Bernardino, et al.
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that said resolution be adopted.
Resolution No. 2005-71 was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Council
Members/Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley,
Johnson, McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
11. Review and take action regarding the need for continuing in effect the local
emergency caused by the Old Waterman Canyon Fire pursuant to
Government Code Section 8630 (c)(1)
Note: No backup materials were distributed.
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that the Mayor and Common Council
confirm the need for continuing in effect the local emergency caused by the Old
Waterman Canyon Fire.
9 04/04/2005
The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson,
McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
12. RES. 2005-72 - Resolution of the City of San Bernardino amending
Resolution No. 8234 entitled, in part, "A Resolution... establishing parking
time limitations upon certain designated streets or alleys, or portions
thereof..." and authorizing the changing of the time limitation from one
hour to thirty minutes on the east side of "E" Street between Court Street
and Fourth Street.
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that said resolution be adopted.
Resolution No. 2005-72 was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Council
Members/Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley,
Johnson, McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
13. Authorization to proceed and approval of Plan No. 11409 - proposed
vacation of portions of 191h Street & various alleys south of 20'h Street, east
of Guthrie Street
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that the Director of Development
Services and the City Clerk be authorized to proceed with the proposed vacation
of portions of 19' Street and various alleys south of 20' Street, east of Guthrie
Street; and that Plan No. 11409 showing the proposed vacation of portions of
19' Street and various alleys south of 20' Street, east of Guthrie Street, be
approved.
The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson,
McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
14. Authorization to proceed - sale of Water Department property located on
the northeast corner of Pine and Belmont Avenues & southeast corner of
Ohio and Pine Avenues
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that the Director of Development
Services be authorized to proceed with the sale of City property located at the
northeast corner of Pine and Belmont Avenues and southeast corner of Ohio and
Pine Avenues, also known as Assessor's Parcel Numbers 0261-101-16 & 17.
10 04/04/2005
The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson,
McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
15. Authorization to proceed - sale of Water Department property located on
the southeast corner of MacKay Drive & "D" Street
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that the Director of Development
Services be authorized to proceed with the sale of City property located at the
southeast corner of MacKay Drive and "D" Street, also known as Assessor's
Parcel Number 0141-311-21.
The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson,
McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
16. RES. 2005-76 - Resolution of the Mayor and Common Council of the City
of San Bernardino authorizing the extension of the agreement between the
City of San Bernardino and Conrad and Associates, L.L.P. for a one-year
period, FY 04-05 and FY 05-06, for the provision of Financial Auditing
Services. (See related Agenda Item No. R27)
Council Member/Commissioner Kelley asked City Attorney Penman why he had
not signed off on the resolution.
Mr. Penman advised that the City has had a policy for some time of trying,
whenever possible, to hire local firms to do work for the City; and there are a
number of CPA firms in the city that are qualified to do audits. He added that
not only would the extension of the contract be contrary to stated policy, but
there is an inherent danger to leaving auditing responsibilities to one firm for too
many years.
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada questioned whether it would be illegal
to approve this extension, or merely a deviation from policy; and the role of the
City Attorney's office in making this determination.
City Attorney Penman advised that one of the most common things encountered
by his office when the City is being sued is that the City did not adhere to its
own rules —that it did not follow its own policies. He conceded that the Council
could make a decision to deviate from its own policy, if it has reasons to do so;
but he had not signed off on the resolution in order to alert the Council to these
issues.
11 04/04/2005
Discussion ensued regarding the length of the previous auditing contract with
Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott (seven years); the savings realized from
jointly contracting for auditing services for the City, the Economic Development
Agency, and the Water Department; the importance of continuity relative to the
State's budget crisis and those items the City is involved with such as triple -flip,
VLF Loan to State, and Pension issues; and the amount of time necessary to
issue a new RFP.
Council Members/Commissioners McCammack and Longville expressed
concerns regarding the fact that Conrad and Associates is not a local agency, the
length of the contract, and the danger of leaving an audit responsibility to one
firm for too many years. Ms. Longville stated she would not be adverse to
approving a short extension of time, during which the City would go out to bid.
Council Member/Commissioner Derry noted that this request was for a two-year
extension, which would bring the contract to seven years. He also pointed out
that on the practical side, there was not really enough time to issue a new RFP
and have the selected firm in place by June 30.
Council Member/Commissioner Derry made a motion, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner Longville, that said resolution be adopted, amended to
reflect a one-year extension followed by issuance of a Request for Proposal
(RFP).
The motion carried and Resolution No. 2005-76 was adopted, as amended, by
the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/Commissioners Estrada,
Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson, McCammack. Nays: None.
Absent: None.
17. RES. 2005-73 - Resolution of the Mayor and Common Council of the City
of San Bernardino authorizing the Purchasing Manager or designee to
increase Allstar Fire Equipment Inc. annual purchase order for protective
clothing and equipment for structural firefighting.
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that said resolution be adopted.
Resolution No. 2005-73 was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Council
Members/Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley,
Johnson, McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
18. RES. 2005-74 - Resolution of the Mayor and Common Council of the City
of San Bernardino amending the Fire Apparatus Replacement Program
Schedule.
12 04/04/2005
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that said resolution be adopted.
Resolution No. 2005-74 was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Council
Members/Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley,
Johnson, McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
19. RES. 2005-75 - Resolution of the City of San Bernardino implementing a
Memorandum of Understanding between the City of San Bernardino and
employees in the General Bargaining Unit of the City of San Bernardino
represented by San Bernardino Public Employees Association (SBPEA).
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that said resolution be adopted; and
that the Director of Finance be authorized to transfer $268,600 from the FY
2004/2005 General Government Budget to departments that are funded with
General Funds and which have General Unit employees. Also, all non -General
Fund budgets are to be amended, as necessary, as outlined in the staff report
dated March 25, 2005, from Linn Livingston, Director of Human Resources.
The motion carried and Resolution No. 2005-75 was adopted by the following
vote: Ayes: Council Members/Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis,
Derry, Kelley, Johnson, McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
20. RES. 2005-77 - Resolution of the Mayor and Common Council of the City
of San Bernardino authorizing the submittal of eight project applications
for FY 2005/2006 Hazard Elimination Safety (RES) Program funding.
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that said resolution be adopted.
Resolution No. 2005-77 was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Council
Members/Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley,
Johnson, McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
21. RES. 2005-78 - Resolution of the Mayor and Common Council of the City
of San Bernardino authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the
Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $150,687.
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that said resolution be adopted.
Resolution No. 2005-78 was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Council
Members/Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley,
Johnson, McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
13 04/04/2005
22. RES. 2005-79 - Resolution of the City of San Bernardino authorizing the
issuance of one or more series of Pension Obligation Bonds, approving the
form of and authorizing the execution and delivery of a Trust Agreement,
and authorizing a validation action and other matters relating thereto.
Council Member/Commissioner Derry made a motion, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner McCammack, that said resolution be adopted.
Resolution No. 2005-79 was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Council
Members/Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley,
Johnson, McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
23. Receive and file - FY 2004/2005 Mid -Year Budget Report
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that the FY 2004/2005 Mid -Year
Budget Report be received and filed.
The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson,
McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
24. Create three Development Services Technician positions - Development
Services Department
Council Member/Commissioner Johnson made a motion, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner Estrada, that the Mayor and Common Council approve
the creation of three Development Services Technician positions, Range 1386,
($3,044 to $3,700 per month); and that the Human Resources Department be
authorized to update Resolution Nos. 6413 and 97-244 to reflect this action.
The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson,
McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
25. Public hearing - resolution ordering work - Orange Show Road and
Arrowhead Avenue - Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 1038
(Parcel No. 16222) (Continued from March 21, 2005)
Resolution of the City of San Bernardino finding and determining the
existence of less than a majority protest, that ballots representing at least
fifty percent (50%) affirmative votes for the proposed assessment have been
received and that the public convenience and necessity require the
maintenance of landscaping in the area of Orange Show Road and
14 04/04/2005
Arrowhead Avenue, approving the Final Engineer's Report, creating an
assessment district to cover the costs of said maintenance, known as
Assessment District No. 1038 ordering the work, confirming the 2005-2006
Assessment Roll, and determining that the Special Assessment Investigation,
Limitation and Majority Protest Act of 1931 shall not apply.
The hearing remained open.
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada, that the matter be continued to the
Council/Commission/Housing Authority meeting of April 18, 2005.
The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson,
McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
26. Resolutions approving a Lease and Services Agreement with Nestor Traffic
Systems, Inc. and approving an Addendum to the Maintenance Agreement
for Traffic Signal Red Light Enforcement Equipment with Caltrans.
* RES. 2005-81 - Resolution of the Mayor and Common Council of the City
of San Bernardino approving a Lease and Services Agreement with Nestor
Traffic Systems, Inc., for a Traffic Signal Violation Video Enforcement
System. (26A)
* RES. 2005-82 - Resolution of the Mayor and Common Council of the City
of San Bernardino approving an Addendum to Maintenance Agreement for
Traffic Signal Red Light Enforcement Equipment in State Routes in the
City of San Bernardino with Caltrans. (26B)
* (Note: Following this meeting, it was determined that Resolution Nos. 2005-
81 and 2005-82 should have been adopted in conjunction with a public hearing;
therefore, signatures were not obtained and the resolutions were declared null
and void.)
Police Lieutenant Boom reviewed highlights of the staff report including the
number of citations and accidents related to red light violations; how the
intersections were chosen where the system will be installed; the proposed
public outreach program to inform the community; and the reasons for selecting
Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc.
15 04/04/2005
Council Member/Commissioner Johnson stated that he had recently read an
article regarding the adverse effects of this type of camera at the intersections
because citizens know the cameras are there, stop suddenly, and an accident is
caused because they are rear -ended. He asked the Nestor representative to
elaborate on this.
Julie Dixon, Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc. stated that the overall reduction of
accidents is basically 50 percent or greater. Regarding the cause of rear -end
collisions, the Insurance Institute has recently done a study, which she believed
was done in Virginia, which showed a minimal increase in rear -end collisions.
However, with all of their California customers there have been no reports of
any increase in rear -end collisions; and they have customers through the San
Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange County areas. She stated that the one
thing she could say is that the cost on rear -end collisions versus 90 degree angle
accidents is significantly less.
Council Member/Commissioner Derry made a motion, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner McCammack, that said resolutions A & B, be adopted.
Resolution Nos. 2005-81 and 2005-82 were adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members/Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry,
Kelley, Johnson, McCammack. Nays: None. Absent: None.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Staff Present: Mayor Pro Tem/Acting Chairman McGinnis; Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson, McCammack;
City Attorney Penman, Economic Development Agency Executive Director Van Osdel,
City Clerk Clark.
R27. RES. CDC/2005-13 - Resolution of the Community Development
Commission of the City of San Bernardino, California, approving
Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with Conrad and Associates, L.L.P.,
and authorizing execution thereof, providing for a one-year extension to
perform financial audit services for the Economic Development Agency.
(See related Agenda Item No. 16)
Council Member/Commissioner Longville made a motion, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner Kelley, that said resolution be adopted, amended to
reflect a one-year extension followed by issuance of a Request for Proposal
(RFP).
16 04/04/2005
The motion carried and Resolution No. CDC/2005-13 was adopted, as
amended, by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/Commissioners
Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson, McCammack. Nays:
None. Absent: None.
R28. Hearing - resolution of public interest and necessity for acquisition of real
property - 514 N. Mt. Vernon Avenue
RES. CDC/2005-11 - Resolution of the Community Development
Commission of the City of San Bernardino declaring the public interest and
necessity of acquisition of real property by the Redevelopment Agency of
the City of San Bernardino for Community Redevelopment purposes over
the property known as 514 North Mt. Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino,
California (AP# 0138-115-06) in the Mt. Vernon Corridor Redevelopment
Project Area.
Mayor Pro Tem/Acting Chairman McGinnis opened the hearing.
Mike Trout, Project Manager, Economic Development Agency, provided
background information to the Council. He informed the Council that on three
separate occasions, January 16, 2004, February 9, 2004, and February 11,
2005, the Agency had sent purchase offers to the property owner of 514 North
Mt. Vernon Avenue, Mr. Dan Virgilio. However, to date there had been no
response from the property owner; and the Agency and the property owner have
not been able to negotiate an agreeable purchase price.
Consequently, in conformance with Code of Civil Procedure Section 1245.235,
on March 11, 2005, a notice of the April 4, 2005, hearing on adopting a
Resolution of Public Interest and Necessity was sent by certified mail to the
property owner. Mr. Trout explained that the hearing by the Commission and
the adoption of the Resolution of Public Interest and Necessity are legal
preconditions to the exercise of the Commission's power of eminent domain.
Moreover, the Code of Civil Procedure Section 1245.230 requires that the
Commission make the following findings and that each be included in the
Resolution of Necessity:
1. The public interest and necessity requires the acquisition of the parcel.
2. The project is planned or located in a manner that will be most compatible
with the greatest public good and the least private injury.
3. The subject parcel is necessary for the project.
4. The Government Code Section 7267.2(a) offers have been made to the
record property owner.
Pursuant to Resolution No. 2000-279, City Clerk Clark administered an oath to
the following individual that he would provide true and honest testimony:
17 04/04/2005
A.J. Hazarabedian, attorney speaking on behalf of Dan Virgilio, owner of the
property located at 514 North Mt. Vernon Avenue, stated that Mr. Virgilio has
owned the property since 1990 and operated his business there. He stated that it
is a very important location for his business, and it is going to be devastating to
him and his business to lose this property. He stated that he believes it is going
to be an expensive property for the Agency to acquire, and that should be
factored into the analysis as to whether to go forward with this acquisition.
Mr. Hazarabedian stated that his principal concern and reason for being at the
meeting is that he and his client do not believe that the proper procedures have
been followed prior to this hearing; specifically with reference to the offers
made to Mr. Virgilio in the negotiations thus far. He advised that his client had
not been provided with an appropriate summary of the basis of appraisal; in
fact, at this point, they do not even know what the amount of the appraisal is,
much less understand the basis for the appraisal.
He advised that the law, Government Code Section 7267 et seq., provides that
an adequate summary of the basis of appraisal should be provided to the
property owner so that he can understand what that appraisal is based on.
Mr. Hazarabedian stated that contrary to the statement that there has been no
affirmative response from his client, they did make a counter offer a year ago.
In response to that counter offer, they received a statement which in essence
said, We assume that is not based on an appraisal —you should go out and get an
appraisal and then come back and talk to us.
He informed the Commission that it is not Mr. Virgilio's responsibility to get an
appraisal; it is the Agency's responsibility to provide him the appraised value of
the property and a summary of the appraisal so he can understand what it is he
is negotiating.
Mr. Hazarabedian stated that apparently there was a second appraisal done
recently, and they do not know the amount of that appraisal because the
Agency's counsel tried to do an all -in deal, basically saying, We'll give you 'Y'
number of dollars, but that includes relocation benefits, loss of business,
goodwill, the real estate and any other claim you might have arising out of this.
No reference was made as to the amount of the appraisal; however, he suspects
the amount being offered may be the amount of the appraisal, which makes the
offer inappropriate because it includes all of these other items.
Additionally, Mr. Hazarabedian did not believe the proper procedures had been
followed because Mr. Virgilio was not given an opportunity to accompany the
appraiser. He did receive a notice that the property was to be appraised about a
year ago, actually in October of 2003. He contacted the appraiser's office and
18 04/04/2005
they said they would get back to him with the date, which they never did.
Apparently they just went out there on their own and did not allow him to
accompany the appraiser.
Then, again, a second appraisal was done, and there was no prior notice of this,
at all —not even a notice that the appraisal was to be done. According to Mr.
Hazarabedian this is a violation of Government Code Section 7267 et seq.
Finally, Mr. Hazarabedian advised that there is a case before the U.S. Supreme
Court right now where the court is deciding whether takings like this for private
use are appropriate —where a property is going to be turned over to a private
developer. The decision is due on that in June, and he thinks it is entirely
possible that the court may say that this is not an appropriate purpose for
eminent domain —and this is something that the Agency should consider.
Mr. Hazarabedian stated that Mr. Trout had indicated that this was necessary
because the Agency has an agreement to develop this property. He would
submit that under the Norm Slauson case, if the Agency in fact has an
agreement to develop this property in advance of this hearing, then that would
make for an additional reason the taking would be inappropriate.
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada inquired whether this was the time and
place for the City's Redevelopment attorney to respond to the issues brought
forth by Mr. Hazarabedian.
Special Counsel Sabo stated he was not going to debate every one of the issues
point by point. He stated that Mr. Lee Amidon of his office had been working
on this matter, and he knew these issues had been raised and he knew there had
been discussion on them. He advised that they would not have brought this
matter forward if they did not think that the procedures had been followed. If
they had felt there was any deficiency, they would not be bringing it to the
Commission today. Rather than debate all the issues here, he felt that once the
action is filed it would all be resolved in the court proceedings.
Mr. Sabo stated that the only thing he would like to comment on would be the
last comment with regard to the agreement that is in place right now for the
development proposed for 5' and Mt. Vernon. According to Mr. Sabo, to be
able to show that the Agency does have a public purpose to proceed with the
acquisition, they need to have a project that has gone through the CEQA review
process, which they certainly have. There is nothing in that agreement that
unconditionally commits the Commission, nor is there any type of financial
detriment if the Commission does not proceed with this condemnation. He
stated that it was the Commission's decision —that the Commission was free to
act upon the evidence as presented in the staff report and the staff presentation —
that the way the agreement was drafted it was known to the developer that the
19 04/04/2005
Agency may not be able to acquire the property, but at least they have a project
they can show is the reason for doing this land assembly in this area.
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack asked whether the offer that was
made included the total face value plus relocation costs or just the appraised
value.
Mr. Trout read from the last letter sent to the property owner: "The purpose of
this letter is to advise you that my client, the Redevelopment Agency of the City
of San Bernardino, obtained an updated appraisal of the property and therefore
offers the sum of $155,000 to purchase the entire property including the title
and all interests and subject to all previously stated terms and conditions in lieu
of condemnation."
Doug Calkins, Senior Assistant City Attorney, advised that the law requires the
award of relocation benefits to the property owner. He stated it is typically not
included in the offer of just compensation; that typically there is a relocation
specialist that contacts the property owner.
No public comments were received.
Council Member/Commissioner Kelley made a motion, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner Estrada, that the hearing be closed; and that said
resolution be adopted.
The motion carried and Resolution No. CDC/2005-11 was adopted by the
following vote: Ayes: Council Members/Commissioners Estrada, Longville,
McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson. Nays: Council Member/Commissioner
McCammack. Absent: None.
R29. Hearing - resolution of public interest and necessity for acquisition of real
property - northwest corner of Rialto Avenue and Allen Street
Resolution of the San Bernardino City Housing Authority declaring the
public interest and necessity of acquisition of real property by the San
Bernardino City Housing Authority over the property located at the
northwest corner of Rialto Avenue and Allen Street, San Bernardino,
California (APN# 0135-292-39) in the Inland Valley Redevelopment Project
Area.
Note: No backup materials were distributed.
Mayor Pro Tem/Acting Chairman McGinnis opened the hearing.
20 04/04/2005
City Attorney Penman advised that the hearing needed to be continued to the
first meeting in May.
Council Member/Commissioner Johnson stated that he would abstain on this
item because the property in question is owned by his aunt, who is also his boss.
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack made a motion, seconded by
Council Member/Commissioner Derry, that the hearing remain open and the
matter be continued to the Council/Commission/Housing Authority meeting of
May 2, 2005.
The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, McCammack.
Nays: None. Abstentions: Council Member/Commissioner Johnson. Absent:
None.
R30. Joint public hearing - Disposition and Development of property at 155 E.
2"d Street to Meadowbrook Park Homes, Inc. pursuant to approved 2005
Meadowbrook Single Family Residential Disposition and Development
Agreement
RES. SBHA/2005-1 - Resolution of the San Bernardino City Housing
Authority approving the transfer of the property (155 E. 2"d Street) to the
Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Bernardino pursuant to the
approved May 17, 2004 Redevelopment Cooperation Agreement for the
Meadowbrook Neighborhood Single Family Residential Development (IVDA
Redevelopment Project Area). (R30A)
RES. CDC/2005-12 - Resolution of the Community Development
Commission of the City of San Bernardino (1) accepting the property (155
E. 2nd Street) from the San Bernardino City Housing Authority, (2)
approving the Disposition and Development of the property (155 E. 2"d
Street) to Meadowbrook Park Homes, Inc., and (3) increase the down
payment assistance to the qualified homebuyer pursuant to the approved
2005 Meadowbrook Single Family Residential Disposition and Development
Agreement (IVDA Redevelopment Project Area). (R30B)
RES. 2005-80 - Resolution of the Mayor and Common Council of the City
of San Bernardino approving the Disposition and Development of the
property (155 E. 2"d Street) to Meadowbrook Park Homes, Inc., pursuant to
the approved 2005 Meadowbrook Single Family Residential Disposition and
Development Agreement (IVDA Redevelopment Project Area). (R30C)
Mayor Pro Tem/Acting Chairman McGinnis opened the hearing.
21 04/04/2005
Musibau Arogundade, Project Manager, provided an overview of the staff
report and background information on this matter. He advised that the Agency
is requesting that the down payment assistance program be increased from 20
percent to 30 percent to assist homebuyers in buying homes.
No public comments were received.
Council Member/Commissioner Longville stated that the Meadowbrook project
had certainly proven that an area near downtown can be redeveloped and can
sell in the market. However, she believes that as the Agency nears the close of
its relationship to sell properties to the developer to sell as affordable housing, it
needs to start looking at this area in terms of whether the remaining properties
wouldn't be redeveloped at market rate homes. She stated that there is a point
in time where you plant the seed, and your seed makes the ground fertile enough
that you can move some of your efforts elsewhere; and when it reaches the point
where housing funds in the amount of $82,000 per home are being spent, then it
is time to start looking at planting seeds elsewhere, because she thinks the
market itself will develop this area.
Council Member/Commissioner Longville made a motion, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner McCammack, that the hearing be closed; and that said
Resolutions A-C, be adopted.
The motion carried and San Bernardino City Housing Authority Resolution No.
SBHA/2005-1, Community Development Commission Resolution No.
CDC/2005-12, and Mayor and Common Council Resolution No. 2005-80 were
adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/Commissioners
Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, Johnson, McCammack. Nays:
None. Absent: None.
31. Appeal of Planning Commission denial of Tentative Tract Map No. 16533 &
Conditional Use Permit No. 03-28 to subdivide 37.2 acres into 48 lots, plus
three remainder parcels - northwest corner of Magnolia Avenue and Perrin
Drive in the RL, Residential Low, land use district and the Hillside
Management Overlay District
Mayor Pro Tem/Acting Chairman McGinnis opened the hearing.
Valerie Ross, Deputy Director/City Planner, stated that the Planning
Commission considered these applications at their meeting of February 8, 2005.
After receiving public input, the Planning Commission expressed concerns with
the proposal and continued the matter to February 23, 2005, and directed staff
to prepare Findings of Fact to support denial.
22 04/04/2005
Ms. Ross advised that the concerns raised by members of the public could be
condensed to a couple of items —one being that the area should be developed
with one -acre lots.
Ms. Ross pointed out that the area that is sort of easterly of Little League Drive
is generally designated RL, Residential Low, and that requires a minimum lot
size of 10,800 square feet. In fact, that zoning designation has been in place
since the late 1980s, so it was included in the Verdemont Area Plan in the late
1980s and incorporated into the General Plan when it was updated in 1989,
which is when the Hillside Management Overlay District was imposed.
She stated that the area that is sort of westerly of Little League Drive is
generally designated for the one -acre lot size. Then, as you go northerly of
Verdemont Drive, where this project is located, much of that is also designated
Residential Low, and then the Hillside Management Overlay District comes
down and covers a lot of it.
Ms. Ross stated that a concern was raised related to additional traffic in the
area; however, the City's Traffic Engineering staff determined that the project
did not meet the threshold for requiring a City Traffic Analysis. She noted that
when the houses are built, the applicant will be required to pay impact fees
similar to any other project.
Ms. Ross advised that members of the Planning Commission raised concerns
related to consistency with the City's Hillside Management Overlay District, but
staff believes that the project is consistent with the Hillside Management
Overlay District and determined that all the Findings of Fact could be made to
support approval.
Another concern was the pad size and whether it would leave a usable backyard
area once the housing was completed. She asked the Council to keep in mind
that these are 10,800 square foot lots, so even if part of the lot is in a slope, that
still leaves a considerable pad area; and then the usable backyard space is going
to depend on whether we are looking at one story or two story homes. She
noted that homes had not been proposed at this time; it is simply the
subdivision. She added that ultimately it would be the potential buyer's
determination if the size of the lot, the layout of the project, and the type of
housing meets each individual families needs.
Ms. Ross advised that questions were also raised concerning infrastructure;
specifically, the access and drainage. She advised that this project has been
designed to connect to the streets and to the storm drain systems in the area.
The streets and storm drains are south of Verdemont Drive. If, for example,
this project were to develop before some of the other ones that have been
approved in the area, the developer of this project would be required to finish
the improvements to Magnolia Avenue, and then what is shown as the extension
23 04/04/2005
of Street A, which is a little bit more to the northwest of that, and also build out
the storm drain systems along those streets to accommodate drainage from this
project.
She pointed out that this project is designed to connect to the Verdemont Trails
System, with the trail extending along the northerly portion of the tract between
the rear yard areas and the Fuel Modification Area —an area with a specific type
of landscaping that is to minimize impact from urban wildfires. She explained
that at the end of Street A is the cul-de-sac, and from that cul-de-sac there is
vehicular access to the rear along the trail, as well as pedestrian access. The
vehicular access is only for maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles, not
for anyone to go through there.
According to Ms. Ross, after the Planning Commission meeting of February 8
was continued, staff came back on February 23 with the amended Findings of
Fact; and at that meeting the Planning Commission denied the project and
adopted those findings.
Pursuant to Resolution No. 2000-279, City Clerk Clark administered an oath to
the following individuals that they would provide true and honest testimony:
Roger Hobbs, Century American Development Corporation, owner of this tract
and an adjacent tract, stated that his company had picked this location because it
is a great area. He stated that their product will be between 2,500-3,500 square
feet, and each home will have a three -car garage. Mr. Hobbs stated that what
they will be doing is not carving up the hillside —it is working with the slope —
that they are going to preserve the hill and dedicate it to a conservancy so it will
be there in perpetuity. In fact, they will really be part of a solution that deals
with drainage, which has been a big issue. He stated that this project will
actually solve drainage because they will actually install a new storm drain and
connect to a master storm drain.
Stacia Counelis, Project Coordinator, Century American Development
Corporation, made a PowerPoint presentation and submitted hard copies of all
materials entitled, Tentative Tract Map # 16533, Subdivision No. 03-21, CUP
No. 03-28.
Ms. Counelis advised that the project consists of 48 lots, with a minimum lot
size of 10,800 square feet. In addition to the 48 lots, there is a 20-acre parcel
that will be dedicated for permanent conservation to a conservation district and
an endowment will be created that will allow for permanent maintenance and
conservancy.
24 04/04/2005
Ms. Counelis reviewed each page of the handout with the Council/Commission,
noting that on February 8, 2005, the project was heard by the Planning
Commission. At that time, although City staff had recommended approval of
the project, the Planning Commission continued the matter and asked staff to
prepare amended Findings of Fact to support denial of the project. She advised
that from what Century American observed, the Planning Commission felt that
the developer did not maintain the natural integrity and satisfy the Hillside
Management Overlay District. She added that this was perplexing because they
had been working with City staff very diligently to work within the confines of
the Development Code and the City's zoning and density requirements.
Subsequently, at the Planning Commission meeting of February 23, 2005, staff
presented their revised Findings of Fact to support denial and the Planning
Commission denied approval of the tentative tract map.
At this time Ms. Counelis reviewed the original Findings of Fact prepared by
City staff versus the revised Findings of Fact. She also provided visual exhibits
to show the Council/Commission technically and visually that statements made
in the new Findings of Fact were not necessarily true to fact.
Ms. Counelis reiterated that 20 acres will be dedicated to a conservation district
that they will endow for permanent conservation. Also, they will incorporate
into the Verdemont Trail System —that this is the missing link to connect from
Little League down to Chestnut Drive.
She advised that Century American is very sensitive to the fire and water issues
in the Verdemont area; therefore, they have incorporated a complete fire and
water system. Also, there is the Fuel Modification Zone, which is about 100-
160 feet wide, where appropriate vegetation will be planted. In addition, they
have provided emergency access roads for fire personnel, that in the event a fire
occurs they will be able to combat the fire and not have the issues seen in
previous years.
Ms. Counelis stated that one of the main benefits of this project is that they are
implementing an underground water pump station, which will be dedicated to
the Water Department, to be used in emergency instances for fire.
Council Member/Commissioner Kelley stated he was keenly aware of the
sensitivity that is in the Verdemont area regarding this type of project, and he
had to say that this is a key piece to the Master Trail System, which he thinks is
something vital to the quality of life for the residents. He stated that he had
attended the Planning Commission meetings regarding this project and had a
couple of questions for staff.
25 04/04/2005
Mr. Kelley stated that one of the Planning Commissioners talked about the
Hillside Management Overlay District and that it was to preserve the hillside
and protect what was there. He asked Ms. Ross if Development Services staff
believed that this project was consistent with the Hillside Management Overlay
District.
Ms. Ross advised that the General Plan objective for the Hillside Management
Overlay District does generally state that its purpose is to protect the hillside's
natural and topographic characteristics. However, the purpose of the Hillside
Management Overlay District is not to prevent development in the hillside
areas. With that objective in the General Plan, the City does have a couple of
policies, and one sets out the number of units that are allowed by the slope
category. Specifically, she pointed out policy 1.14.11 of the City's General
Plan, which allows areas that are less than 15 percent natural slope to be
excluded from the HMOD and development in those areas reverts to the
underlying designation or zoning, which in this case is the Residential Low,
with the minimum lot size of 10,800 square feet.
She pointed out that the slope map prepared by the developer does a number of
things —it defines where that 15 percent line is and also defines the areas in the
more than 15 percent, the bi-slope, how much acreage is there, and then the
corresponding number of units that they might get. She advised that in this
particular case, the map staff saw initially was different than what we have
today. At that time they were looking at some density transfers from the deeper
areas, down to the area that is relatively flat, but it just did not work.
Therefore, the map before the Council tonight —the same map that was before
the Planning Commission —is consistent with the General Plan and all of the
Development Code requirements.
Council Member/Commissioner Kelley asked who was going to be responsible
for maintaining the Fuel Modification Zone and the trails.
Ms. Ross answered that the Trails System would be installed by the developer,
as they are developing the project. She stated that both the Trails System and
the Fuel Modification Area would be included in the landscape maintenance
district for the project; therefore, buyers of houses in this tract would be
responsible through their taxes for paying for the ongoing maintenance of both
the Trails Systems and the Fuel Modification Zone.
Mr. Kelley asked whether it is typical for this type of project, for the developer
to be responsible for the infrastructure below as well.
26 04/04/2005
Ms. Ross stated that, yes, this was not at all unusual. In fact, if this project
were to develop before the project which is immediately to the south, then this
project would have to complete the improvements along Magnolia and Street A,
which would be the street improvements and all of the drainage improvements —
like the storm drain system —to make sure that this project doesn't create
downstream impacts, and that is both literally and figuratively.
In summation, Ms. Ross stated that staff's initial recommendation was for
approval based on the Findings of Fact in their staff report, and their
recommendation has not changed. She stated that staff still believes that this
project is consistent with the General Plan in goals, objectives, policies, and all
of the requirements and provisions in the Development Code.
Council Member/Commissioner McCammack stated that she is usually
concerned when a Planning Commission denies a tract map as they did in this
case —especially unanimously. She advised that she had called her Planning
Commissioner and they had discussed not only the conversation that took place
at the Planning Commission meeting, but she also asked him to look at the
documents that had been presented to the Council this evening.
It was her belief, based on their conversation, that if the Planning Commission
had had this presentation at their meeting, that some of the assumptions that
were made would not, or could not have been made. Her Commissioner told
her, as late as today, that he was in great admiration of the steps that the
developer had taken to make this project do the right thing to the hillside, and
that was their biggest concern. Once he saw the slope, and he asked how many
lots the slope actually affected up to a 12 percent grade, he was very
comfortable with it.
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada noted that one of the issues mentioned
was that the project would build a one- to six-foot retaining wall in the hillside
along the east and west properties. She asked why it was a one -foot to six-foot
wall.
Ms. Counelis stated that basically the wall is based on the elevation of the pads,
and as the pads terrace up the slope the retaining wall needs to be adjusted
accordingly. In order to prevent any translot drainage from adjacent land, they
need to contain that water and be able to have it flow towards the street in order
to capture it through the storm drain system.
Council Member/Commissioner Derry expressed concern that the project was
rejected even though it followed the General Plan, it followed the Development
Code, and it even followed the Overlay. He said he did not see how anybody
could make a decision shooting down a very qualified project that follows all the
guidelines the City sets out for it, and not expect litigation sometime in the
27 04/04/2005
future; and he found it very disturbing that they did not take these concerns into
account.
Mr. Derry noted that this is a first class project, and the developer is doing far
more than he is actually required to do on the General Plan and the
Development Code and the Overlay. He pointed out that they are going to be
adding half a million dollar homes to our community and providing
opportunities for our residents to move up in the housing market as their
property values increase, and he would like to see these residents stay in San
Bernardino.
Secondly, they are going to attract new residents from other areas, particularly
since they are close to the University, which may draw college professors and
other professional people that we would like to see live in the city. It provides
an opportunity to find housing that they are looking for at a very reasonable
price for the quality of housing we are talking about here. He noted that if you
look to Rancho Cucamonga for a similar property, you would be looking in the
$750,000 to $1,000,000 range, depending on the location. Mr. Derry stated
that he definitely supported the project.
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada asked how close the project was to fault
lines.
Ms. Counelis advised that they had an extensive geo-technical report conducted
by one of the accredited geo-technical firms of Riverside and San Bernardino
County, and the fault line is located on the very northern portion of the
conservation area. Using the map to show where the tract is going to be built
and the location of the conservation land, she noted that the fault line is up in
the very northern/eastern portion and pointed out the fault line's path. She
pointed out that since the amount of distance from the buildable lots to the fault
zone fell within the standard requirements, it was not necessary to accommodate
that in any way.
Council Member/Commissioner Longville stated that there were two Planning
Commission meetings where she did not have a Commissioner. She stated that
she wished she had heard their concerns because maybe then she would
understand better why they made the decision they did, because she did not
agree with the decision that had been made.
However, recognizing that this is a relatively small development, she hoped her
next comments would be taken in context of what she believes this community
faces in terms of the long-term challenge of building on the alluvial fan
floodplains in an area that will burn again.
28 04/04/2005
She stated that her concern is always relative to the entire north end, and she is
at peace with the fact that it will develop —that the City made those decisions
long before she got here, the infrastructure is there in terms of the freeway, and
this area will develop.
She stated that the questions that the Council and staff really have to ask
themselves when they are approving projects is, "Are they sustainable in the
long run?" She stated that she thought Century had incorporated some good
environmental principles, and they did everything that staff had asked them to
do in the confines of what is standard building practices.
She acknowledged that the developer had addressed the problem of storm water
runoff, and she thought they were forward thinking in the way they have
terraced the project, but in the long run she thinks that developers could go a lot
further in creating lower impact developments, and those are the kinds of things
she is going to be looking for in the Verdemont area over time. She
acknowledged, however, that starting with a 37-acre project for 48 lots is not
the place to do it.
Ms. Longville stated that she had given to her new Planning Commissioner and
to members of the Council the Awanee Water Principles for Resource Efficient
Land Use —the principles that she is working on with the local government
commission and the State Water Resources Control Board so that communities
all over California will do resource efficient land use. She stated that
communities are going to have to be looking at how they deal with storm water
infiltration and detention basins.
She stated that she hoped FEMA would fund the Alluvial Fan Task Force and
that the development community will come together with communities like ours,
that are developing on the Alluvial Fan Floodplain, and we can look at the best
land use decisions we can make without trying to stop the development.
She pointed out that this project is in Flood Zone D—that the developers report
says that it is an area that is defined with undetermined but possible flood
hazards. She stated that there will be alluvial flows some day coming through
this thing in some way or another —maybe it flows down the street —but she
thought there were a whole lot of other ways we can build better on the fans.
However, there was nothing regarding this project that alarms her so greatly,
that she can't support it; but she does want to see even more out of the
Verdemont area in the long term.
Ms. Counelis thanked Ms. Longville for her comments, stating that they share
those same views; and if it offers any reassurance, the compaction that will be
done in the area will provide for the alluvial fan. She added that in doing their
civic duty the Council is in a difficult position in trying to find that common
29 04/04/2005
balance between development and treating natural disaster. She stated that as
the developer they are doing as much as they possibly can to incorporate the
Fuel Modification System, the water drainage system, and anything else that is
necessary to combat those natural disasters.
No public comments were received regarding this item.
Council Member/Commissioner Kelley made a motion, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner Johnson, that the hearing be closed; and that the Mayor
and Common Council uphold the appeal and approve Tentative Tract Map No.
16533 and Conditional Use Permit No. 03-28 based upon the Findings of Fact
contained in the original staff report dated February 8, 2005, subject to the
Conditions of Approval and Standard Requirements.
32. Appeal of Planning Commission approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 04-
14 to construct a 4,207 square foot office/sales structure and a 16,837
square foot inventory lot, to be used in conjunction with Fairview Ford -
north side of 2"d Street approximately 186 feet west of "G" Street in the
CR-1, Commercial Regional, land use district
Mayor Pro Tem/Acting Chairman McGinnis opened the hearing.
Valerie Ross, Deputy Director/City Planner, advised that on February 8, 2005,
the Planning Commission considered the request by Fairview Ford to expand its
dealership by construction of this project on 2nd Street. She noted that the site is
west of "G" Street, next to their fleet facility, which was approved by the City a
few years ago.
Ms. Ross stated that Kathleen and John Powell, who have a business in the
adjoining building to the east, at 222 North "G" Street, expressed concerns to
the Planning Commission that Fairview Ford was violating the reciprocal
parking agreement that was put in place in 1997, which covers their property
and the Fairview Ford site.
She advised that the basic agreement was included in the Council's backup
materials and only addresses 12 parking spaces that are located on the property
that is now owned by Fairview Ford. Also, the agreement does not specify
where those parking spaces will be located on the site. At its meeting of
February 8, the Planning Commission approved the conditional use permit, but
added the condition that Fairview Ford employees be restricted from using these
12 spaces that are the subject of this reciprocal parking agreement.
30 04/04/2005
The Powells filed an appeal and they are asking the Mayor and Council to
further restrict Fairview Ford by not allowing them to use these 12 parking
spaces that are on the east side of the lot for any reason and to designate them
for the exclusive use of the building on "G" Street.
Mr. DePasquale, President of Fairview Ford, has asked that the Mayor and
Council remove the parking restriction that was imposed by the Planning
Commission because, as specified or outlined in that reciprocal agreement the
parking is for customers, patrons and employees —it is not restricted at all —
basically, it is a first -come, first -serve situation.
Ms. Ross informed the Council that staff believes the Powells' appeal is without
merit, and staff recommends that the Mayor and Common Council deny the
appeal, uphold the Planning Commission's approval, and delete the parking
condition that was added by the Planning Commission.
Pursuant to Resolution No. 2000-279, City Clerk Clark administered an oath to
the following individual that he would provide true and honest testimony:
John Powell, 222 North "G" Street, San Bernardino, CA, stated that his office
has been using the parking places in question since 1997 and requested that the
parking spaces be maintained on the east side of Denny's as granted by the
Planning Commission. He also requested that anyone connected with Fairview
Ford be denied usage. He stated he already had a trial run with Fairview Ford
regarding the spaces —that they had attempted to fence off all spaces around
Denny's without any consideration of the parking agreement —that without his
direct intervention they would have denied him all parking spaces and his office
would have no place to park.
He stated that Mr. DePasquale next threatened him with his lawyer; then his
employees parked in the spaces, cussed at him on several occasions, and were
about ready to punch him out. He stated that no person deserves this type of
treatment, and in order to preserve peace in the area he urged the Council to
please preserve the parking spaces as granted by the Planning Commission with
the addition that anyone associated with Fairview Ford be denied parking on the
east side.
Mr. Powell pointed out that the approved motion made by John Come at the
Planning Commission meeting included the parking spaces on 222 North "G"
Street; and that point was never included in the amended conditions of approval
and needed to be corrected.
No public comments were received.
31 04/04/2005
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada stated that she would like to make a
motion to deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission's approval of
the conditional use permit, but with elimination of the amendments imposed by
the Planning Commission.
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada made a motion, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner McCammack, that the hearing be closed; and that the
Mayor and Common Council deny the appeal and uphold the Planning
Commission's approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 04-14 based upon the
Findings of Fact contained in the Planning Commission staff report, subject to
the Conditions of Approval and Standard Requirements as originally submitted
to the Planning Commission by staff.
The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members/
Commissioners Estrada, Longville, McGinnis, Derry, Kelley, McCammack.
Nays: Council Member/Commissioner Johnson. Absent: None.
33. Authorize continued funding for employment of two part-time City
Attorney Investigators for the remainder of FY 2004/05 for the purpose of
enforcing the City of San Bernardino's Municipal Code relating to code
enforcement matters
Council Member/Commissioner Estrada inquired whether there was any benefit
to hiring these employees contractually versus hiring them as regular City part-
time employees.
City Attorney Penman answered that the issue is liability and control, relative to
using employees who are armed.
Council Member/Commissioner Kelley made a motion, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner Derry, that the Mayor and Common Council authorize
the City Attorney to continue the employment of two part-time City Attorney
Investigators for the remainder of FY 2004/05 (through June 30, 2005) with no
benefits, at $32 per hour, for the purpose of enforcing the City of San
Bernardino's Municipal Code relating to code enforcement matters; and that the
Director of Finance be authorized to effect a budget amendment transferring
$43,000 in savings from Account No. 001-073-5XXX (Code Enforcement
Professional Services—CDBG) to Account No. 001-051-5XXX (City Attorney's
Office Part -Time Hiring).
The motion carried by the following vote:
Commissioners Longville, McGinnis, Derry,
Nays: Council Member/Commissioner Estrada.
Ayes: Council Members/
Kelley, Johnson, McCammack.
Absent: None.
32 04/04/2005
34. Public Comments
Reverend Betty Long, 734 West 10" Street, San Bernardino, CA, spoke
regarding traffic lights that change too fast, the disrepair of sidewalks
throughout the City, and the fact that she is wiser than people think she is.
Dr. Deanna Adams from Victory Chapel, 1156 North "F" Street, San
Bernardino, CA, stated that the citizens' initiative she is working on will be
handled by a reputable law firm. She stated she was opposed to the North Lake
Project —that she had read and disagreed with information in the draft
environmental report and could not understand how 72 upscale homes could
compete with 437 historical homes.
35. Adjournment
At 8:37 the meeting adjourned. The next joint regular meeting of the Mayor
and Common Council/Community Development Commission is scheduled for
1:30 p.m., Monday, April 18, 2005, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300
North "D" Street, San Bernardino, California.
No. of Items: 35
No. of Hours: 5.5
RACHEL G. CLARK
City Clerk
By. 44 '0. d,,,,C,t.V
Linda E. Hartzel �`�
Deputy City Clerk
33 04/04/2005