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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2004-03-04 TOWN OF TRUCKEE TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES March 4, 2004, 6:00 p.m. Town Administrative Center 10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA 1. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Susman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Council Members Owens, Ingalls, Florian, Vice Mayor Threshie, and Mayor Susman. Also Present: Community Development Director, Tony Lashbrook; Public Works Director/Town Engineer, Dan Wilkins; Chief of Police, Scoff Berry; Administrative Services Director, David Heath; Chief Building Official, Bill Miller; Town Planner, Duane Hall; Assistant to the Town Manager, Alex Terrazas; Town Attorney, Dennis Crabb; Town Manager, Steve Wright; Records Technician, Denali Garda and Judy Price, Town Clerk. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Nevada County Supervisor Elect Owens. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Juanita Schneider, Donner Lake resident, thanked Dan Wilkins and Public Works for the great job on snow removal this season. Gaylan Larson, Truckee resident attended the joint forum meeting on the airport land use compatibility plan March 3, 2004. Mr. Larson provided a history of the adoption of the Airport Master Plan and provided documentation from the Town and the Sierra Sun on issues regarding the Airport Master Plan. Mr. Larson stated there was an apparent cooperative agreement between the Airport District and Town on the Airport Master Plan. Mr. Larson requested Council urge the Airport District to reduce the planned growth accommodated in the Airport Master Plan. Response: Mayor Susman stated it was direction to staff at the March 3~d meeting to agendize the issue for Council consideration. Joel Quist, Truckee resident · Spoke in opposition to an international airport in Truckee. · Urged Council to agendize an item regarding illegal business practices. Town of Truckee March 4, 2004 Regular Page I 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.1 Mayoral Proclamation presented to Lynn Zocconi declaring March 13 - 15, 2004 as Sierra Regional Ski for Light Wcckend. Ms. Zucconi Thanked Council and requested volunteers contract her. 5.2 Introduction of two New Police Officers, Mindy Mortier and Gabe Bucknell. Officers Mortier and Bucknell voiced their pleasure in receiving their appointments. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Florian pulled Item 6.4 for discussion. Truckee Citizen, George Robertson pulled Item 6.5 for discussion. It was moved by Councilmember Owens, seconded by Councilmember Florian, and unanimously carried to approve Items 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.6 as follows: 6.1 Approved Minutes February 12 & 19, 2004. 6.2 Accepted Treasurer's Report December 2003. 6.3 Authorized the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $49,000 to complete an office space reorganization/remodel project at Town Hall. 6.6 Adopted Resolution 2004-05 authorizing the Assistant to the Town Manager to apply for the Section 5311 Intercity Bus Program Grant from the Federal Transit Administration for $28,815. 6.4 Council authorized the purchase of two medium duty cutaway buses. Councilmember Florian requested Alex explain to the public about the new transit vehicles. Alex Terrazas, Assistant to the Town Manager, stated the Trolleys have already been pulled from service do to their poor condition and proposed transit vehicles are for replacement ofthe trolleys. Mr. Terrazas thanked Congressman Doolittle's office for the assistance in securing federal appropriations for the funding of the transit vehicles. Mayor Susrnan requested Staff consult Nevada County Transportation to vedfy the Town has not purchased the same vehicles as the County due to the poor quality of those vehicles. It was moved by Councilmember Ingalls, seconded by Councilmember Florian and unanimously carried to authorize the purchase of two medium duty cutaway buses. Town of Truckee March 4, 2004 Regular Page 2 6.5 Council Introduced Ordinance 2004-02 amending Municipal Code Title 10 re.qardin.q Disabled Persons Parkin_~, waived the first reading and adopted the proposed pro_~ram. George Robertson, Truckee resident, requested additional info~frk~tion from staffon the item. Response: Chief Berry, stated this item was proposed for two purposes; 1) in order for the Town to receive the funding from the fines levied on violators of the Disabled Persons Parking Ordinance (Currently the fines are kept at the state level.) and 2) to allow the Truckee Police Volunteers to assist in the enforcement the ordinance. Mr. Robertson than spoke in favor of the item and expressed his frustration with past violators. Charlie White, Donner Lake resident, asked if the ordinance allows pregnant women to utilize the disabled parking places. Response: Chief Berry stated the violations are based on State Law, and added it would be up to the enforcement officer's discretion in the case of a pregnant woman violator. Councilmember Ingalls, requested staff to insure the parking spaces are clearly marked. It was moved by Vice Mayor Threshie, seconded by Councilmember Ingalls and unanimously carried to introduce Ordinance 2004-02 amending Municipal Code Title 10 regarding Disabled Persons Parking, waive the first reading and adopt the proposed program. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Council conducted a public hearinq and adopted Resolution 2004-06 amending Town of Truckee fee schedule. Tony Lashbrook, Community Development Director, stated the fee adjustment reflects: 1. A 2.2% increase in general Town fees for services, except where set by State Law. Fees for the Police Department were established with in the last 12 months and therefore no increase is proposed. 2. A 3.7% increase in the traffic impact fees to reflect the annual inflationary increase as reported in the Engineering News Record in accordance with Town Ordinance. 3. A roughly 20% increase in building permit fees to adequately cover actual costs and to provide an enhanced level of service. The building permit fee increase utilizes a sliding scale that increases a 2000 Town of Truckee March 4, 2004 Regular Page 3 square foot home at a nominal increase, then increases at an incremental rate for every 250 square feet it would increase an additional 5%. The fee increase average will be approximately 20% overall based on the current square foot average home today. The incremental increase was established as the larger more complex homes require additional plan check and inspection time. The fees will take effect; May 3, 2004 for the planning, building and engineering fee increases, and April 1, 2004 for the administrative fee increases. Councilmember Owens stated it is important to note that a working group has been working for approximately 30 hours to establish these and other recommendations to improve the building department. The working group intentionally established no net fee change for 2000 square foot homes in order to avoid potential impacts on affordable housing opportunities. Vice Mayor Threshie, spoke in favor of the item and the working group. Councilmember Ingalls questioned the blank fees on the schedule. Response: Mr. Lashbrook stated these fees are passed through at cost. Councilmember Florian requested Mr. Lashbrook explain the Building Enterprise fund drainage over the past few years. Response: Mr. Lashbrook stated the Building Enterprise fund has operated annual under funded by approximately $175,000 per year and has been draining the reserve fund associated with it. Mayor Susman opened the Public Hearing asking for anyone wishing to speak in support or opposition to the proposed fee schedule increase. Joel Quist, requested information on the advisory committee referred to in this item and if he can participate in the committee. Response: Vice Mayor Threshie requested staff notifies Mr. Quist of the next rr~cting date. Mr. Quist questioned the absence of fines for poor drawings and illegal business practices. Response: Councilmember Owens requested Mr. Quist contact Mr. Lashbrook for information on the working group and how it arrived at the current recommendations. Mayor Susman closed the Public Hearing It was moved by Councilmember Owens, seconded by Vice Mayor Threshie, and unanimously carried adopt Resolution 2004-06 amending Town of Truckee fee schedule. Town of Truckee March 4, 2004 Regular Page 4 8. COUNCIL PRIORITIES 8.1 Council Authorized a budRet amendment of an additional ~5,000 to account number 01-01-6360 to allow for the enqagement of a polling fi,, as outlined in this staff report. Steve Wright, Town Manager, stated the citizens committee on open space was formed to evaluate a ballot measure potential for the acquisition of open space. The committee is recommending to Council an additional $5,000 be budget to allow for engagement of a polling firm to measure the public support for the financing of open space. The budget currently reflects $5,000 for a polling consultant and $10,000 for the potential ballot measure. The budget amendment will add $5,000 and combine the current funds for the polling consultant. The committee has selected Shilts Consultants, Inc. to conduct the polling. Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District has contracted with Shilts Consultants, Inc. to conduct a polling regarding a community center. Combining the polling efforts will reduce the cost to the Town and the Recreation District. Councilmembers Ingalls and Owen spoke in support of the committee recommendations. Councilmember Florian questioned if Council will review the polling questions and if the initiative will be ready for the November ballot. Response: Mr. Wright stated the committee will work with the consultant to formulate polling questions, and Council will approve the polling questions prior to the polling effort. In addition Mr. Wright explained although it would be the most cost effect solution, the timeframe to place the initiative on the ballot may be to short for the November ballot. Mayor Susman opened the item for public comment. Alison Pratt Shelling, Truckee resident, questioned if the polling and ballot initiative wording can be completed concurrently to speed up the process to meet the November ballot deadlines. Response: Mr. Wright explained the results of the polling efforts will be used to define wording of the initiative to be successful. Mayor Susman closed public comment. It was moved by Councilmember Ingalls, seconded by Councilmember Owens, and unanimously carried to authorize a budget amendment of an additional $5,000 to account number 01-01-6360 to allow for the engagement of a polling fir,,, as outlined in this staff report. Town of Truckee March 4, 2004 Regular Page 5 8.2 Council discussed the ma~er and scheduled three special meeting dates for the review of administrative drafts of the General Pla.n elements for April 19~ 2004~ May 13~ 2004 and June 22, 2004. Tony Lashbrook, Community Development Director, provided Council with suggested dates for three General Plan element workshops to be scheduled one each in the months of April, May and June. April 12, 13, 14, or 15: Vision Statement, Land Use and Housing Elements. May 10, 11, 12, or 13: Community Character and Circulation Elements June 21, 22, 23, or 24: Noise, Safety, Open Space, and Economic Development Elements. Mayor Susman opened the item for public comment. Denny Dickinson, Truckcc resident, requested Council direct staff to update the Noise element of the General Plan as he has located information that is out of date in the document. Mayor Susman closed public comment. It was Council consensus to schedule the General Plan Update element workshops for April 19, 2004, May 13, 2004 and June 22, 2004. 8.3 Council directed the Town Attorney to prepare an agreement to be executed by the Town Manager and the Railyard property owner that would establish a ?_,blic/private partnership with Holliday Development for Phase I of the Railyard M-_$ter plan process. Hire consultant Darin Dinsmore to function as project manager on behalf of the partnership for Phase I of the Master Plan. Tony Lashbrook, Community Development Director, requested Council direct the Town Attorney to prepare an agreement establishing a partnership with Holliday Development and hire consultant Darin Dinsmore to function as a project manager on behalf of the partnership. The Railyard is identified as a Council Priority and potential infill site for the Town. The Town from the California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA) received a grant totaling $350,000. The matching funds required for the grant will be partially funded ($99,700) by Holliday Development. The proposed partnership will 1) hire a project director, 2) define specific roles and responsibilities for the development and consideration of the Railyard Master Plan, 3) jointly select consultants to assist in the completion of Phase 1,4) openly share information with each other, 5) initiate and maintain an aggressive public information program, and 6) ensure compliance with the terms of the CPCFA grant. Town of Truckee March 4, 2004 Regular Page 6 Mr. Lashbrook introduced Mr. Holliday, Developer and Darin Dinsmore, Proposed Project Director. Mr. Holliday expressed his gratitude for the time and effort already afforded the project. Mr. Holliday provided the events leading to his interest in the Mill Site property. Councilmember Owens and Ingalls applauded the Mayor for all his efforts over the years in pursuit of the development of the Mill Site. Councilmember Threshie questioned the time line for Phase 1. Response: Darin Dinsmore, Project Director stated there is a sunset date on the grant of November 30, 2005 based on this Phase I has been planned for completion in a six (6) month time frame. Mayor Susman opened the item for public comment. Seeing none Mayor Susman closed public comment. It was moved by Mayor Susman, seconded by Councilmember Florian, and unanimously carried to direct the Town Attorney to prepare an agreement to be executed by the Town Manager and the Railyard property owner that would establish a public/private partnership with Holliday Development for Phase 1 of the Railyard Master Plan process. Hire consultant Darin Dinsmore to function as project manager on behalf of the partnership for Phase 1 of the Master Plan. 9. STAFF REPORTS 9.1 Council provided direction to staff regarding Town policy concemin(; short and Ion;I-tera~ approaches to infrastructure maintenance and ownership responsibilities. Councilmember Threshie excused himself from the discussion stating a conflict of interest with the clients he represents. Dan Wilkins, Public Works Director/Town Engineer, outlined the proposed policy for sidewalk construction and maintenance issues. The Town has bccn applying these policies to development projects and this time is seeking to reaffirm the requirements on a Town wide basis, not associated with any development project. These placed the responsibility on the adjacent property owners for maintenance and liability. Requiring a maintenance and hold harmless agreement between the property owner and the Town. Town of Truckee March 4, 2004 Regular Page 7 Mr. Wilkins outlined: · Existing LegalAuthority · Existing Maintenance Practices o Sidewalks and frontage improvements. o On-street parking · Future maintenance and cost responsibilities o Frontage improvement maintenance and liability · Short term · Long term o On-street parking maintenance and snow removal responsibilities · Short term · Long term o Ownership of frontage improvements · Peer Agency Review o City of Grass Valley o City of South Lake Tahoe o Tahoe City o Mammoth Lakes o Big Bear · Other options · Conclusion Mayor Susman opened the item for public comment. Denny Dickinson, Truckee resident, expressed concerns about citizens parking on sidewalks. Spoke in opposition to requiring property owners to sign hold harmless agrcc,ments or accept liability of the parking and sidewalks: · Joe McGinity, West River St. property owner · Alison Schelling, Downtown property owner · Dennis Zirbel, Truckee resident Mayor Susman closed public comment. Councilmember Owens suggested a sunset on Town staff plowing the parking downtown in order to encourage the Downtown Merchants participating in a Town- wide agreement and funding source for parking and sidewalks. Councilmember Florian spoke to the inequity of the general fund money providing plowing and maintenance of the downtown on street parking and requiring all other property owners to plow and maintain their own sidewalks and on street parking, Councilmember Ingalls requested additional information in order to make any recommendations and questioned the likelihood of a Mello-Roos District and/or Property Based Improvement District (PBID) coming to fruition. Town of Truckee March 4, 2004 Regular Page 8 Mayor Susman stated there are two issues 1) the downtown historic practices, no discussion of sun-setting the historic practices should occur without public notice. It is inappropriate to discuss this issue as it was not an option in the staff report; 2) future development, which is what the staff report speaks to, continuing current practices will encourage a Town-wide agreement and funding source for parking and sidewalks. It was Council consensus to direct staff as follows (Vice-Mayor Threshie Abstained from all discussion): Continue utilizing the current policies in the short term. Discuss placement of the parking issue on the Council Priority list. Form a sub-committee to gather infom~ation on creation and implementation of a PBID in order to eliminate the inequities. Sub-committee meetings to commence after the Parking Study have been completed. Councilmember Florian and Mayor Susman volunteered for the sub-committee. 10. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Ingalls · Announced Clean Streets meeting for March 16, 2004 at 4:30 p.m. The committee is looking for members and volunteers. Clean Streets is scheduled for June 5, 2004 with a block party scheduled to followthe event. Mayor Susman · Announced a Great Race meeting scheduled for March 8, 2004. 11. ADJOURNMENT - at 8:26 p.m. It was moved by Councilmember Florian, seconded by Councilmember Owens, and unanimously carried to adjourn to the General Plan update meetings March 8 and 15, 2004 and the regular meeting of the Truckee Town Council March 18, 2004, 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall, 10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA. Respectfully submitted, Judy P/ice, Towp_/Clerk APPROVED: ./jo~hu~l ,J.-susm, ar~'Ma~/or Town of Truckee March 4, 2004 Regular Page 9