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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-01-2003 AdoptedCC Min Spc MtgA special joint meeting of the Dublin City Council, Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission, Parks & Community Services Commission, and Planning Commission was held on Saturday, March 1, 2003, in the Regional Meeting Room at the Dublin Civic Center. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m., by Mayor Lockhart. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers McCormick, Oravetz, Sbranti, Zika and Mayor Lockhart. Heritage & Cultural Arts Commissioners Acuff, Fasulkey, Lussie, Mack, Muetterties, Vonheeder-Leopold and White Parks & Community Services Commissioners Cain, Flores, Guarienti, Hildenbrand, Jones and Young Planning Commissioners Fasulkey, Jennings, King, Machtmes, and Nassar ABSENT: None. I. WELCOME Mayor Lockhart welcomed the Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission, Parks & Community Services Commission, Planning Commission, Staff and members of the public. Mayor Lockhart reviewed ground rules, indicating that the purpose of today's meeting was to provide each Commission an opportunity to have a dialogue with the City Council related to those goals related to their respective area of responsibility. This information would assist City Councilmembers as they consider the City's 2003-2004 Goals & Objectives Program later this month. The discussion at this meeting would be initially focused on those objectives in which the priority of the Commission differs from City Staff and any new objectives proposed by the Commission. II. HERITAGE & CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION/DISCUSSION OF GOALS & OBJECTIVES Mayor Lockhart noted that the Commission and Staff were in agreement with the priorities of all proposed goals, and asked about the new goal listed. Goal # 13: New Goal - Expand the Activity Guide to Include a Map with the Location Description and Photos of Public Art in the City. Chair Janet Fasulkey indicated that the Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission requested that a new goal be added as a high priority, which would include an expansion to the City's Activity Guide to include a map with the location description and photos of public art in the City. The inclusion of such a map would make it much easier for citizens and visitors to locate public art. The Commission envisioned this to be a directional map with points of interest, which could possibly be torn out of the guide for ease of use. This goal would result in a small increase in the activity guide publishing costs. Mayor Lockhart suggested that the information be put on the City's website, as well. Heritage & Cultural Arts Supervisor Theresa Yvonne indicated that this information would be included in the City's enhanced website, which is scheduled for launching next week. Councilmember Sbranti agreed that it was a good idea, indicating that many of the newer residents were not aware of Dublin's heritage landmarks. He suggested that the registry of historic landmarks be considered for inclusion. A. Performing Arts Center Commissioner Fasulkey referred to Goal # 12, and indicated that, although the Commission and Staff agreed that this project should remain a medium C~iT~ CO~2NC~L M~NUTES VOLUME 22 $?'EC~AL iMEET~NG priority, the Commission had asked that it be discussed during this meeting. Based on a public survey in 2000, the Commission extracted that the Dublin residents have a strong level participation for a wide variety of cultural arts, with a strong preference for outdoor activities, such as festivals, concerts, etc. Although the consensus of a performing arts theater is high in the geographical region of the Tri-Valley, a theater that could accommodate all forms of performing arts may not be a perfect fit. Our neighboring cities already have performing arts centers on their drawing boards. Would a high cost feasibility study be a solution to an item that is custom fit to Dublin alone, or would there be redundancy with solutions that neighboring cities have already developed? The Commission agreed that a performing arts theater in Dublin may not be ideal right now, and concluded that before time and revenue are invested in a feasibility study, perhaps other solutions are available, such as development of an amphitheater at Emerald Glen Park or Old St. Raymond's Church. Councilmember Sbranti indicated that, at his request, the issue of a regional performing arts theater was discussed at a recent Tri-Valley Council meeting. As a result of this discussion, he will be meeting with Councilmembers from each city to review their city's plans, as'well as discuss the possibility of a regional theater. Each city is in various stages of development already. He cautioned that many of the cities have already spent a lot of money on this issue, and may be unwilling to discuss a shared regional theater at this point. He stated that each city should have a different type of performing arts center, which would complement other cities' centers. Dublin needs its own smaller facility and agreed that an amphitheater would be an appropriate venue. Cm. Lussie advised that it was imperative to realize that one size does not fit all. It would be much better to have different venues, such as musicals, plays, etc. Councilmember Sbranti suggested the possibility of a joint Tri-Valley study to determine the best location for a regional performing arts center. C©UNC-~L M~N~iTES SP~C~AiL 5iEET~NG PAGE 95 The Council and Commission discussed the suggestion and agreed that the other cities would probably not be interested, as they are already in various stages of planning. Dublin needs to figure out where it fits in to everyone else's game plan. Councilmember Sbranti felt it would be important to keep abreast of what the other cities' plan so our Center, if we built one, would compliment the others and not work against them. Vice Mayor McCormick advised that Dublin shouldn't lose our role as a smaller city. Smaller venues can be offered to the Valley and be just as valuable. She indicated that we should move forward and explore those venues. Planning Commissioner Adib Nassar returned to the public arts issue and suggested a special "art hunt" day in the city, to encourage participation in public art. Regarding a Performing Arts Theater, there is opportunity to do it differently. Dublin should focus on a center for arts and sciences, like the Metrion, which would give us a "high tech" niche. Parks & Community Services Commissioner Rich Guarienti agreed with the Commission's input, indicating that we can't lose site of the focus for this community, which is much smaller. Dublin has a large senior community that can't travel to the bigger venues. He indicated a need for a Community Theater rather than a Regional Theater. Planning Commissioner Morgan King indicated that there are many talented people in Dublin who would like the opportunity to perform but have no facility. The City should also have a facility for the performers. He stated Dublin needs to be put on the map and suggested a theme, possibly an annual limerick contest. Mayor Lockhart suggested an historic (or historical looking) theater in the proposed Historic District. She advised that the President of Sybase indicated an interest in sponsoring science events in the community, and it C©'~JNC~L M}tNGTES ¥©L[/ME 22 PAGE 96 might be interesting to explore Cm. Nassar's idea about a science/arts foundation. Councilmember Oravetz indicated he felt it would be best to partner with the School District for the new High School Theater, which is planned in the proposed remodel. The City could join forces with the School District to make it bigger and better. He agreed that the other cities would not be interested in joining in with us for a regional theater. Mayor Lockhart thanked the Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission for their ideas and input. B. Historic District Designation. No discussion took place regarding this item. C. Downtown Improvements No discussion took place regarding this item. Mayor Lockhart called for a 10 minute recess at 10:00 a.m. Mayor Lockhart reconvened the meeting at 10:10 a.m. III. PARKS & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION/DISCUSSION OF GOALS & OBJECTIVES Mayor Lockhart reminded the Commission that the discussion would initially begin with the goals in which the Commission's priorities differed from Staff. Other topics would be discussed afterward, time permitting. Goal #9: Replace Existing Marquee at Shannon Communi _ty Center with an Electronic Marquee Commissioner Sue Flores indicated that this project would enable the City to advertise programs and events in a more readable format and in a more timely manner. Although Staff gave this project a medium priority, the Commission would like it to be given a high priority. The current message board at the Shannon Community Center gets a lot of drive by traffic; however, different messages are seen depending on the vehicle's direction of travel. Councilmember Sbranti asked how much an electronic reader board would cost? City Manager Richard Ambrose advised that cost would depend on how elaborate the sign was. The cost could be as much as $100,000. Cm. Flores indicated that the current marquee is usually not up-to-date, and suggested that it be updated on a weekly basis. Mayor Lockhart asked if the banner poles on San Ramon Road were still broken? Mr. Ambrose advised that the poles were scheduled to be fixed. The City has experienced reoccurring problems with strong winds breaking the poles. Using the poles as advertising is relatively expensive, costing approximately $500 per update. Mayor asked if the money could be put toward an electronic sign? Councilmember Sbranti indicated that he liked the idea of the electronic marquee in addition to the banner poles. Councilmember Oravetz asked if the marquee had to be placed at the Shannon Center? The Council and Commission discussed the location and agreed it should be placed at the Shannon Center as San Ramon Road had a heavy flow of traffic. C~TY CO{}NCI. L M~NUTES SPECIAL MEETING PAGE 98 Parks & Community Services Director Diane Lowart advised that a marquee sign might be considered for the future community center at Emerald Glen Park. Cm. Zika indicated that he felt that advertising on the banner poles meant a really special event was coming up, and liked the idea of electronic sign at Shannon, as well. The size of the sign should carefully be considered to be to make it as readable as possible. Cm. Guarienti advised that ranking this project a high priority was not unanimous among the Commission, and was also the lowest high priority. Goal #10: Explore Opportuni _ty to Use Dougherty Hills Open Space on Amador Valley Boulevard at Stagecoach Road for Dog Park and Community Garden Cm. Flores indicated that Staff had given this a medium priority; however, the Commission ranked this a high priority with the caveat of deleting the community garden. The Commission agreed that it was not feasible to have both the dog park and the community garden in the same location, as the dogs may harm the garden. Councilmember Sbranti asked if the Commission or Council still had interest in a community garden in another location? Commissioner Steven Jones suggested that a community garden should go in a future park, the new Senior Center, or in the east where the housing is denser. Mayor Lockhart advised that the community has not been screaming for a community garden; it was just one of the ideas she came up with for that area because that are seemed to need something. Councilmember Sbranti asked if the Commission was recommending high priority for the dog park only, or would they recommend community garden for another priority? Cm. Flores advised that the Commission had voted unanimously to delete the community garden entirely. C~TY CO~iNC~L M~N~2JTES VGL~iME 22 SPEC[AL MEETING PAGE 99 Goal # 11 Open Media Center/Computer Labs at Schools. Ms. Lowart advised that Staff and the Commission agreed to delete this item due to lack of response from the School District. This deletion will be offset by the installation of 40 new public computers in the new library. Staff is now considering a paid tutoring program instead, and will work with the School District. Because Goal # 11 does not address a tutoring program, it should be deleted. If the Council is interested in pursuing the tutoring program, they would need to bring it back as a goal with a ranked priority. Councilmember Sbranti advised that the tutoring program would be a joint effort with the School District to bring in college students to tutor students. Mayor Lockhart clarified that the tutors would be paid, and possibly provide services at the High School Media Center and the new library. She indicated that this goal would provide a valuable service for parents and students looking for that type of support. Cm. Flores clarified that Commission and Staff's intention for Goal #11 was to just delete the open media center. Councilmember Sbranti advised that he would ask that a new goal for a tutoring program to be included. Goal #12: Increase Daycare by Developing Surplus Land at Schools for Childcare Facilities. Ms. Lowart advised that both Staff and Commission recommended deletion of this goal. Daycare would prove to be too expensive if portables had to be brought in. Goal # 13: Conduct Cost/Benefit Analysis of Installing Artificial Turf at Future City_ Sports Fields. Ms. Lowart advised that both Staff and Commission recommended deletion of this goal. A cost/benefit analysis would be automatically done at the appropriate time. Goal # 14: Investigate an All Weather Track & Artificial Football/Soccer Field at Dublin High. Ms. Lowart advised that both Staff and Commission recommended deletion of this goal. The future disposition of Dublin High is still uncertain. Goal # 15: Conduct Survey of Dublin Teens to Determine Interest in a Teen Sports League to Accommodate Sports not Sponsored by School District. Ms. Lowart advised that this new goal was proposed by the Youth Advisory Committee. The YAC's original proposal was to develop a teen sports league to accommodate sports that are not sponsored by the School District such as Lacrosse or street hockey. The Parks & Community Services Commission revised the proposal to conduct a teen interest survey and gave it a high priority. Parks & Community Services Student Representative Marisa Young advised that certain sports are not sponsored by the schools, and many students would like the opportunity to participate in alternative sports. She envisioned these sports as competitive against other schools. Councilmember Sbranti suggested an organized league partnering with other cities, at first. Goal #16: Develop a Location and Distance Map of Existing Trails in Dublin, Including Trails/Walkways in Parks. Ms. Lowart advised that the Commission proposed this new goal as a public relations tool to promote trail locations within the City, and gave it a high priority. Councilmember Zika asked if bicycle trails along San Ramon Road would be included. The Commissioners indicated yes. Vice Mayor McCormick asked if this information would be published in the Activity Guide and on the website? The Commissioners indicated yes. Planning Commissioner Todd Machtmes referred to the community garden that was recommended to be deleted from the goals and suggested gardens in small areas around the city. Mini gardens in cities like Berkeley are really spectacular. Mayor Lockhart indicated that land costs need to be taken into consideration. Cm. Acuff suggested using areas at Shannon Park for drought tolerant plant displays and classes. Councilmember Sbranti asked when the Parks Master Plan would be done. Ms. Lowart advised that it was very close to being finished. Councilmember Sbranti asked if it would explore downtown park space? Ms. Lowart indicated that it would identify potential park sites in the downtown development area. Mayor Lockhart called for a 5 minute recess at 11:00 a.m. Mayor Lockhart reconvened the meeting at 11:05 a.m. IV. PLANNING COMMISSION/DISCUSSION OF GOALS & OBJECTIVES Goal # 2: Complete General Plan, Specific Plan and Planned Development District for IKEA Site. Commissioner Robert Fasulkey advised that although Staff had ranked this as a high priority, the Commission was recommending a low priority. He indicated that C~TY C©UNC~L MP,~UTES SPEC}{AL MEETING the consensus of the Commission was that there was not a lot of public support for the IKEA; therefore, spending resources at this point seemed frivolous. Cm. Machtmes indicated that Staff has a very heavy workload and not everything can be a high priority. There wasn't, from a conceptual standpoint, the support for IKEA to make it a high priority. Mayor Lockhart asked if by "conceptual support" did the Commissioner mean their own opinions? Cm. Fasulkey indicated the Commission's determination was made from the input they received from the public. Cm. King indicated that it was his opinion that the Commission's consensus was that things in the east were going too fast and a breather was needed. Mayor Lockhart asked if the Planning Commission understood where IKEA currently stood in the process? The traffic study has been completed, and the City is working on the financial study. IKEA has already been granted the right to do these studies and will be coming to the Council for an answer one way or another. The process will also take the development through the Planning Commission, as well. Cm. Machtmes indicated that, from his sense, it was not so much an issue of IKEA, but the task that was put before them to consider a General Plan Amendment/ Specific Plan Amendment for this area. The Commission had to consider whether it was appropriate to change from Office to Commercial. Goal #8 Complete Resource Management Plan (RMP) for Eastern Dublin Property_ Owners Annexation and General Plan, Specific Plan Amendments. Mayor Lockhart indicated that this project was regarding the recently annexed area in the east. She noted that the Planning Commission had rated this as a medium priority, although Staff had given it a high priority. Cm. Machtmes again recognized that Staff cannot do everything at once. Mayor Lockhart indicated that the RMP involves many different property owners and is a fairly long process, and everything will not be accomplished in the 2003- 2004 goals and objectives. The RMP is a study to understand the land and how it would be best used. Mr. Ambrose explained connection between this area and Dublin Ranch. Fallon Road, in its current alignment in the General Plan, goes into an environmentally sensitive area and need to be re-aligned. Meanwhile, Dublin Ranch already has entitlements and the City has a time commitment to work with. Cm. Machtmes indicated that it was important to understand the timing of an issue to make an appropriate determination as to priority rankings. Goal #9: Complete Review of Dublin Ranch West Annexation (Wallis) General Plan & Specific Plan Amendments Mayor Lockhart indicated that, although this property was an island surrounded by planned development, it would make sense that it be included in the overall plan for appropriate usage. Mr. Ambrose indicated that the property was along Tassajara Road at the County line. Tassajara Road will become another primary thoroughfare for Contra Costa County, and the road configuration is an immediate critical issue. Councilmember Sbranti asked if the Tassajara Road alignment could go forward without the Wallis annexation? Mr. Ambrose indicated that the City could do the alignment on its own or partner with the property owners. Dublin has a legal commitment with Contra Costa County to pay for the roadway widenings to accommodate the extra traffic. The property owners can help offset the cost to the City. Goal #10: Develop a Policy and/or Ordinance to Accommodate More Communi _ty Facilities in the Ci _ty. Mayor Lockhart noted that Staff had given this a high priority, although the Commission was split in its vote as to whether to give it a medium or high priority. Cm. Machtmes indicated that the split decision probably came from the premise that Staff cannot do everything at one time. Vice Mayor McCormick noted that it was interesting that the Planning Commission approached priority ratings from a time management perspective, instead of the merits of the proposal. Cm. King concurred that it was not the issue of the project itself, but concern for an already over-burdened Staff. Cm. Nassar advised that it would be helpful to all the Commissions to have important timeline information provided to them, especially those things required by Statue or State law. This information would be crucial in providing educated prioritization. Goal #12: Complete Scarlett Court Specific Plan Amendment. Mayor Lockhart noted that the Commission gave it a high ranking to Staff's medium ranking. Cm. King indicated that visual aesthetics were a concern. This area is a gateway into the City. Councilmember Sbranti confirmed with Staff that this issue would come back before the Council in October because it was tabled for one year. Mr. Ambrose indicated yes. Part of it may even come to the Council earlier. Mayor Lockhart confirmed that the Council felt it was a high priority. The property owners asked the Council to give them one year to clean up the area. VOLUME 22 SPECIAL aSEET~NG Goal # 13: Complete General Plan Amendment Study on the Transportation Corridor Right-of-Way. Mayor Lockhart noted that Staff ranked it as a medium priority, although the Commission ranked it as a high priority. She indicated that the Council agrees that this is a high priority. Sending the right message and doing what needs to be done to protect that area is very important to the community. Mr. Ambrose advised that Staff has been getting inquires from Union Pacific for housing on that property. At its March 4, 2003 meeting, the Council will be considering the initiation of a General Plan Amendment Study for public uses only on that property. Cm. King advised that the Commission's recommendation was intended to send a message that they were alarmed by the possibility of housing in this area. Goal # 14: Complete Recreational Vehicle (Private Property_) Ordinance Amendment. Mayor Lockhart noted that Staff prioritized this as medium, while Commission was split in giving it a high or medium priority. Cm. Jennings stated that she voted it as a high priority because it would improve the aesthetics of neighborhoods. Cm. Machtmes advised that he felt it was a medium priority based on a time management standpoint. Other projects deserved a higher priority. Cm. King indicated that he felt this was a high priority. Goal # 15: Develop Streetscape Guidelines Mayor Lockhart noted that this project would coordinate landscaping and location of public art, and indicated that Staff had given this a medium priority, while the Commission ranked it as high priority. CETY C~UNC~L M~N'UTES V,OLUME 22 SPECIAL MEETING Cm. Fasulkey indicated that the Commission tended to rank projects with an aesthetic value as a high priority. Planning Manager Jeri Ram explained that the project was a joint effort between the Planning Department and Public Works Department on the streetscape guidelines. In addition, the Planning Department and Parks & Community Services Department are looking at public arts policies, as well as where the art should be placed on the street. Currently, Staff has a set of standards and guidelines, but no policy adopted by Council. Sta£f felt it was important to have an adopted set of policies. Mayor Lockhart clarified that the current goal would be to develop a policy of the mechanics of streetscape, not the art or the art placement. Ms. Ram concurred. Goal #18: Update City's General Plan. Mayor Lockhart noted that Staff gave this a low priority, while the Commission ranked it as high priority. Cm. Fasulkey asked, now that the Commission has heard about the importance of timing on items discussed earlier, what is the risk factor of not updating the General Plan now? Mr. Ambrose explained that the General Plan update process, indicating that state law required the plan to be update on a periodic basis. A General Plan update is a significant amount of work, including community workshops. With everything moving so fast in Dublin, Staff time has not been available. In his opinion, Dublin was not in jeopardy if the updated was delayed for a while longer, although it does need to get done. It is a very expensive process, which will take approximately two years. Meanwhile, Staff has not been standing still; the Council has adopted a number of Specific Plans, which function as a General Plan. C~iTY C(}UNC~L M~NUTES Y©LUP~4iE 22 SP~:iC i. AL MEETING PAGE lO? Cm. King stated he felt it was a high priority because there was a feeling of not being really in control because things are happening so fast. The General Plan Amendments need to be incorporated. Cm. Machtmes indicated that he felt this was an important tool, which would give a feeling of cohesiveness. Mayor Lockhart indicated that we all felt the need for a General Plan Update, but it may be something that can be set for next year or the year after and move toward that timing. Councilmember Sbranti stated waiting a year before making this a high priority was a good idea because several things were in the process now that will need to be included in the update. Goal #22: Develop Ordinance to Limit Amount of Square Footage Increase on Remodel of Existing House Mayor Lockhart noted that Staff recommended deletion of this goal, while the Commission ranked it as a low priority. Cm. Jennings advised that there was some legislation is the works regarding this issue. Goal #23: Develop View and Solar Access Ordinance. Mayor Lockhart noted that Staff recommended deletion of this goal, while the Commission gave it a medium priority. Cm. Machtmes stated that in wanting to support issues that were related to aesthetic or quality of life issues, the Commission didn't want to totally delete it. New Goal: Open Space Implementation Cm. King advised that this project was high on last year's goals, however Staff recommended its deletion on the assumption that it was coming to fruition. The C]~TY C©UNC~L M.~NUTES VOLUME 22 SPECIAL MEETENG Commission wanted to include it and list it as high as a message sending goal that they definitely wanted it done. He asked Staff if the East Bay Regional Park District plan currently being negotiated would go before any of the Commissions? Mr. Peabody indicated that Staff planned to come up with some specific recommendations regarding opportunities and specific financing opportunities for regional parks, and then have a community forum to talk about the plans. The Commissions will have an opportunity to hear this issue. The Council and Commissions briefly discussed working with EBRPD for open space, indicating that a timeline, acquisition priorities, etc., need to be worked out. Staff is cooperatively working with EBRPD staff on the issue. New Goal: Investigate Options for Shamrock Village. Cm. Nassar indicated that the Commission ranked this as high because of aesthetics. The Commission was worried about old shopping centers looking bad. Economic Development Director Chris Foss reviewed upcoming changes for downtown retail areas which were already in the works. The fact that many shopping centers have multiple ownerships make it difficult for change to occur. Long-term property owners with little expense can charge low rents to tenants and have little incentive to update their property. Currently, downtown vacancy rates are low, and for many property owners, it doesn't make economic sense to re- remodel. Mr. Ambrose advised that these property owners were able to provide space for independent business owners, who couldn't afford to do business elsewhere in the Valley. Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold asked, with all of the Specific Plans, are there any elements of the General Plan that haven't been touched? Mr. Peabody indicated yes, such as seismic, traffic circulation and energy. Cm. Guarienti suggested that Staff do a cross matrix to see what goals are dependent upon another. Cm. Hildenbrand stated that this workshop has been a good learning process. If it had happened before ranking the goals and objective priorities, they would have had a better idea of how to set priorities. She suggested meeting twice a year. Cm. Fasulkey indicated that it was really important for her Commission to understand Planning Commission Goal # 15, regarding developing streetscape guidelines. The Planning Commission needs to understand that Parks & Community Services is currently going through their Master Plan. The Commissions need to work cooperatively. She indicated that streetscape should be in the Heritage & Cultural Art Commission's core of business, especially downtown monuments. She indicated that the Historic District was now with Planning Commission, and urged them to understand where her Commission was coming from. Cm. Fasulkey referred to Goal # 20, regarding Telecommunication Polices, which both Commission and Staff ranked as a low priority, and urged the Council to take a serious look at the development of a telecommunications policy beyond the zoning ordinance for wireless communications. He stated that it could create a new revenue source. Cm. Fasulkey distributed several documents to the Council for review (no copies were made available to the Deputy City Clerk). Mayor Lockhart thanked Cm. Fasulkey and indicated that the Council would have the opportunity to bring it up, if they felt it appropriate. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lockhart thanked the Commissioners and Staff for their participation, and adjourned the meeting at 12:30 p.m. CiTY COUNC!~L MINUTES VOLUNTE 22 Meeting minutes taken and prepared by Fawn Holman, Deputy City Clerk. ATIZST: ~~~~d~Clerk / Mayor SPEC[AL