HomeMy Public PortalAbout2006-06-01
TOWN OF TRUCKEE
TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
June 1,2006,6:00 p.m.
Town Administrative Center
10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA
1. CALL TO ORDER - Vice Mayor Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2.
ROLL CALL:
Council Members Threshie. Susman, Green. and Vice Mayor Anderson.
Mayor Ingalls was noted as absent.
Also Present: Community Development Director, John McLaughlin; Chief of Police. Scott
Berry; Administrative Services Director. David Heath; Town Planner. Duane Hall; Town
Attorney, Dennis Crabb; Town Manager, Tony Lashbrook; and Town Clerk, Judy Price.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - led by Tracey Gilmore.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Charlie White. Truckee resident:
. Questioned why Soaring Way was posted with a 25 mile per hour speed limit.
. Announced the Young Eagles Day, Saturday, June 10. 2006, 8:00 a.m. free airplane
rides will be provided to interested children between the ages of 8 and 17, Contact
information: 587-4811 or veI073@vahoo.com.
Response: Soaring Way is a local road with no development along it however Planned
CClmmunity-3 is planning multiple uses along the corridor. It is within Council's purview to
change the speed limit. Staff will return to Council regarding the speed limit.
Denny Dickinson, Truckee resident, shared his experiences with the parking meters
Downtown. Mr. Dickinson has had difficulty with the meters accepting coins and dispensing
receipts. Mr. Dickinson expressed concerns regarding giving tickets when the machines are
not operating properly. Response: Council would like to have additional information of the
frequency and types of mechanical issues with the machines. If Citizens have issues they
should note the machine number and notify Town Staff. There is an appeal process (an
informal hearing) in place to address with these type of instances.
Carol Pauli. Truckee resident, spoke regarding:
. Reducing the speed limit on Prosser Dam Road to 25 and 35 miles per hour.
. Speeders on Prosser Dam Road.
o Offered her driveway for law enforcement to monitor drivers speed from.
. Continued failure at Prosser Dam Road - Alder Drive - State Route 89 North.
o Illegal passing the right is still occurring.
o Alder Creek Middle School students-parents are still using it as a primary drop off
point.
. Illegal traffic (off road vehicles) on Prosser Dam Road.
Response: Staff will contact Ms. Pauli to address her concerns.
Town ofTruckee
June 1,2006 Regular
Page 1
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.1 Vice Mayor Anderson presented a mayoral proclamation, proclaiming July 3r. through
July 10th, 2006, as Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet Week. Accepting on behalf ofthe CAP
Cadets: Technical Sergeant, Tracy Gilmore; Cadet, Airman First Class, Kaijah
Houghom; Robert Todd and First Lieutenant, Charlie White.
Tracy Gilmore, Cadet Technical Sergeant, accepted the proclamation, provided information
on the CAP Cadet program and sharect her personal experience in the program.
5.2 Vice Mayor Anderson presented a mayoral proclamation, proclaiming June 3, 2006 as
Truckee Day. Maia Schneider accepted the proclamation on behalf of Truckee Day.
5.3 Vice Mayor Anderson presented a mayoral proclamation to Steve Ames, the first
inductee to the Truckee Day Hall of Fame.
Maia Schneider, Truckee Day Coordinator, stated the Town of Truckee is a huge supporter
of Truckee Day and this year is recognizing Truckee Day Hall of Fame inductees with a
perpetual plaque in Town Hall. Mr. Ames has participated in Truckee street cleanup efforts
for longer than Truckee Day has existed.
Mr. Ames thanked Council for the honor and provided a story illustrating the importance of
making a difference.
5.4 Tony Lashbrook, Town Manager, announced employee incentive awards for June
1,2006:
o Rosemary O'Gorman for going above and beyond for our officers and setting up all the
community meetings, attending all the meetings, and helping everyone.
o Jeff Safford for identifying the need and coordinating efforts with Truckee Fire to raise
money to purchase a television for the Truckee Seniors Center.
o Barbara Bolsted for her exceptional attitude and her response to an increasing workload
caused by a shortage in staffing.
o Kim McGovern for handling Downtown parking (in the face of controversy and anger) in
a polite and professional manner and using good judgment in difficult situations,
providing support to customers and merchants, with a big smile and a positive attitude.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Green and seconded by Council Member Susman to
approve the Consent Calendar as follows: The motion passed 4-0 with Mayor Ingalls
absent.
6.1 Approve the Minutes of May 4 and 18, 2006.
6.2 Approve Resolution 2006-33, calling for a General Municipal Election on November 7,
2006 and requesting the Nevada County Board of Supervisors consent to the
consolidation of the General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election.
6.3 Adopt Resolution 2006-34, authorizing a General Fund advance of $1.0 million to the
Town of Truckee Redevelopment Agency.
6.4 Adopt the amendment to the Police Officers Association, Memorandum of
Understanding and adolU.,Reselution 2006-30, adopting the 1VI1ary schedule for the
Town Police Officers.
6.5 Adopt Resolution 2006-31, adopting the salary schedule for Town job classifications.
Town ofTruckee
June 1,2006 Regular
Page 2
6.6 Adopt Resolution 2006-27, authorizing the Assistant to the Town Managerto apply for
Assembly Bill 2766 Department of Motor Vehicle Surcharge Fund Grant from the
Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (NSAQMD) for the purchase of a 2006
Ford Escape Hybrid Vehicle.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.1 Council adoDted Resolution 2006-35. adoDtina a Mitiaated Neaative Declaration for
the Alder Drive Affordable Housina ODDortunitv site Droiect. and introduce and waive
the first readina of Ordinance 2006-03. amendina the Town of Truckee Zonina MaD.
Duane Hall, Town Planner, stated the Town is the applicant for the project, therefore the
process is simplified. Mr. Hall illustrated the physical site characteristics and provided the
following presentation:
o The item is to discuss the Alder Drive Affordable Housing Opportunity Site zoning map
amendment and begin the environmental review process. For consideration are:
o A resolution to adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration.
o An Ordinance to approve with conditions, the amendment to zoning map to
change zoning from Planned Community (PC) to Residential (RM-10).
o Background:
o The site was donated for a public benefiting use as part of the Gray's Crossing
development agreement.
. Affordable housing has been determined to be a public benefiting use.
o As part of the adoption of the Housing Element, Council changed the property
designation to High Density Residential.
o Town has received State Grants for Affordable Housing on the site for:
. Preliminary concepts analysis.
. Infrastructure design and installation.
o Town has chosen Pacific West Communities as a partner, to develop the first 32
units on the site.
o The Next Step...
o Gray's Crossing Development Agreement - complete.
o Housing Element - complete.
o General Plan Amendment - complete.
o Grant monies and preliminary concepts - complete.
o Selection of developer - complete.
o Zoning map amendment - under consideration.
o The developer will submit a land use application for the construction of the
housing for Planning Commission consideration - in the next several months.
o If the project is approved, construction permits and construction will begin.
o Proposed Amendment is - RM10:
o Multi-Family residential zoning district.
o Maximurn density of ten units per acre (not including any density bonus for
affordable housing).
. The actual number of units approved for the site will be determined
through the land use and zoning application process:
o With consideration of traffic and environmental impacts,
setbacks, and design guidelines.
o Residential uses.
o The following findings for approval are required to approve the zoning amendment:
o It is consistent with General Plan.
o It is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, orwelfare.
o There is adequate water and sewer capacity to serve the development.
Town of Truckee
June I, 2006 Regular
Page 3
o It is physically suitable for anticipated development.
o The site has been determined to be suitability for zoning and
development.
o Regarding land use compatibility - the site is surrounded by residential
uses.
o Access will need to come from Donner Pass Road through the
undeveloped property to the South.
. Engineering has approved this concept.
. The developer has been working with the adjacent neighbor to
allow access through an easement on his property.
o Utilities are being studied by SCO Planning and Engineering.
. Utility districts have stated sufficient capacity to serve anticipated
development on the site.
o Constraints and environmental impacts:
. Floodplain / Wetlands - a 50 foot flood plain setback will be
required but will not constrain development on the site.
. Traffic noise - the property is adjacent to Highway 89 with the
potential for significant traffic noise. Future development on the
site will be required to mitigate the impacts with potentially
berms, set backs, and/or special building construction.
. Planning Commission Recommendation:
o All mandatory findings can be made.
o It is consistent with General Plan.
o It is physically suitable for anticipated development.
o Council adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration.
o Council approve the amendment subject to conditions.
. Staff's recommendation to Council to carry out the Planning Commission
recommendations:
o Conduct public hearing and consider public comments.
o Adopt Resolution 2006-35.
o Adopting Mitigated Negative Declaration.
o Introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance 2006-03.
o Modifying the zoning district on the property to RM-10 subject to future
compliance with mitigation measures.
Vice Mayor Anderson opened the Public Hearing asking for anyone wishing to speak
in support or opposition to, adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Alder
Drive Affordable Housing Opportunity s-ite project; and introducing and waiving the
first reading of Ordinance 2006-03, amending the Town of Truckee Zoning Map.
Written comment was received in support of the item from:
o The North Lake Tahoe Resort Association.
o Herschel and Nicki Deardorff, The Deardorff Group.
o Russell Poulsen.
o Doreen Plasse, Intero Real Estate.
o Kathleen Mann.
. W. H. Whitaker, Managing Attorney, Legal Service of Northern California.
o Margarita R. de Nevarez.
. Lynn Saunders, President and CEO, Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce.
. Paula Erie, President, Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors, Inc.
. Rachelle L. P~IUssier, Executive Director, Workforce Housing AS~Q<<iation of Truckee
Tahoe (WHATT). .
Town of Truckee
June 1,2006 Regular
Page 4
Spoke in support of the item:
o Rachelle L. Pellissier, Executive Director, WHATT.
, . Pat Davison, Executive Director, Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe(CA TT).
o Charlie White.
o John Eaton, Mountain Area Preservation Foundation. (Urging preservation of large
Jeffery pine trees, and the protection of the wetlands.)
Dennis Dickinson, Truckee resident, stated the need for affordable housing and
recorflmended Council direct Staff to follow through to insure the protection of wetlands and
trees on the site, using the Truckee Pines Development as an example.
Carol Pauli stated although Truckee needs affordable housing:
o This project will not be affordable to the common person who makes minimum wage.
o An apartment complex is not a public benefit to the general population.
o Expressed concerns regarding the environmental issues on the site.
o The proposed bridge will not facilitate foot or bicycle traffic.
o It is not the appropriate site for affordable housing.
Andrea Clark, Pacific West Communities, addressed concems expressed through the public
process, regarding the ten units per acre designation, the partnership relationship, Pacific
West Communities roll with the project, the public process for the planning, and the
protection of the wetlands.
Vice Mayor Anderson closed the Public Hearing.
Council Discussion:
o The mature trees mentioned by Mr. Eaton have not been addressed in mitigation
measures, but Staff will consider them in future planning processes.
o The environmental issues on the site will be carefully considered throughout the
approval process.
o From the site visit:
o The wetlands can be protected as they are not to close to the proposed
development.
o The speaker from the Middle School had a more significant impact on noise on
the site than Highway 89.
o The traffic impact of the project will not exacerbate the traffic on Alder Drive.
o The site is not pristine.
o Jeffery pines have a limited life expectancy to consider.
o The bridge will be used to pass over the wetlands, preventing disturbance of the
wetlands during construction.
o Pacific West Communities has taken the lead to conduct two public workshops.
o The workshops were well attended providing input to Pacific West Communities
and Staff to design a project that considers public input.
o A meeting of the Architectural Review Committee provided input regarding
design and site layout.
o The formal public review process will begin after the application is submitted, potentially
in June.
o WHATT organized the two workshops with Town and Pacific West Communities
participation to receive public input on design issues before a design preparation.
o The over fiight easement required by the Oepartment of Transportation, Division of
Aeronautics will be addressed in the land use process.
Town of Truckee
June I, 2006 Regular
Page 5
. The best management practices, erosion control measures will be required to be in
place and inspected prior to grading on the site.
. The zoning provides unrealistic expectations regarding the number of units that will be
built on the site.
It was moved by Council Member Green and seconded by Council MemberThreshie
to adopt Resolution 2006-35, adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration forthe'Alder
Drive Affordable Housing Opportunity site project, and introduce and waive the first
reading of Ordinance 2006-03, amending the Town of Truckee Zoning Map. The
motion passed 4-0 with Mayor Ingalls absent.
8. COUNCIL PRIORITIES
8.1 Council adopt the 2006-2007 Town of Truckee Annual Operatina Budaet: and amend
the 2005-2006 Annual Operatina Budaet based on the 2005-2006 estimated actual
amounts shown in the attached budaet document.
Tony Lashbrook, Town Manager, provided the following presentation, graphically illustrating:
. Property tax distribution.
. General fund revenues for fiscal year 2006-2007.
. The property tax trend.
. The sales tax trend.
. Expenditures by function.
. Personnel cost as a percentage of total budget.
Budget highlights:
. There are no new positions in the budget - there is a potential to add engineering staff to
expedite capital projects- pending discussion of a revenue source.
. The corporation yard relocation remains a top priority- $7 million reserve dedicated to
this project.
. Two new reserves were established; a Gann limit and a health insurance/self insured
reserve.
. Overlay reserve increased by $500,000 - much closer to $1.5 million annual target.
. Key capital projects.
o New corporation yard- potential site acquisition, final design, initiation of
construction.
o Trout Creek culvert replacement.
o Flood damage repair.
o Roundabouts- Brockway Road - State Route 89 North.
o Donner Pass Road Bike lane.
o Process and recommended action.
. Budget presented tonight reflects the discussion and direction provided by the Council at
two budget workshops totaling over seven hours.
. The recommend action (modified from the staff report) is to adopt budget, and amend
Fiscal Year 2005-2006 budget to reflect estimated actual expenditures.
Council Discussion:
. Staffing is impacting the ability for Town to deliver some Capital Improvement projects
that currently have funding (Trout Creek culvert replacement and Donner Lake Bike lane
project).
Town of Truckee
June 1, 2006 Regular
Page 6
o Regarding Trout Creek, Town has recently received preliminary approval from
the Department of Water Resources on the design. Staff is currentlywonking on
the final design and is planning for construction to begin this fall. Design and
permitting issues could have an effect on the anticipated timeline.
o Regarding the Donner Lake bike lane project, it will not go to construction this
season. An increase in Engineering Staff will allow the project to be developed
for the 2007 construction season.
. The Glenshire snow removal contract was managed in house last year. Staff will open a
bid process for the 2006 - 2007 snow season and if the bids are too high Town Staff will
continue to perform the snow removal.
. A Global Position System (GPS) is proposed to allow Town Management to track
equipment in the field this season.
o Additional funding is required to provide the GPS online for private snow removal
operators or private citizens.
o The Snow Removal operators met and there was not a great degree of interest
in the GPS, or paying for the GPS information by operators.
Vice Mayor Anderson opened the item for public comment.
Pat Davison, Executive Director, Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe, requested:
. Additional information regarding the actual revenue and expenses for the Building
Department.
. A meeting with Town Staff may be requested in August or September to discuss the
Building Department budget.
. Additional information from the Permits Plus system on the number of permits by size of
residence.
. Forecast regarding building permits from the North State Builders Association (NSBA)
publication, May-June issue, permits for single family homes showed a steep drop in the
first two months of 2006 compared to the same period last year (in the Northwest).
Statewide building permits were down 11.9% for the same time period. The NSBA is
forecasting a lag of ten to fifteen percent from last year.
Dennis Dickinson, Truckee resident, urged the Council to continue the process of moving
the Corporation Yard out of his neighborhood. Mr. Dickinson provided a brief history of the
issue and expressed concems regarding the building of a corporation yard with only half the
funds necessary to build it in the budget. Mr. Dickinson stated the issues of drainage at
Donner Lake are serious and not in the current budget. Mr. Dickinson requested Council
refer the budget back to Staff for continued refinement. Response: Vice Mayor Anderson
recommended Mr. Dickinson meet with Mr. Wilkins to discuss the issues.
Charlie White, Donner Lake, echoed Mr. Dickinson comments regarding Donner Lake. Mr.
White urged Council to consider public input before the Donner Lake bike lane project is
constructed, noting a potentially unacceptable, significant loss of parking due to the project.
Vice Mayor Anderson closed public comment.
Council Discussion:
. The Cost of Service issue will require extensive time to adopt.
. Council could fund additional Engineering Staff by reducing the reserve from Road
Maintenance by $100,000 and transferring the funds to Engineering Staffing.
. Starris not recommending l!Idding Engineering Staffing without an additional revenue
source.
Town of Truckee
June I, 2006 Regular
Page 7
. If the Gann limit issues is settled, the Gann limit reserve could be used to fund additional
staff.
. It is rare that a public agency. funds a.projecLof the magnitude of the corporation yard
without barrowing funds.
o Hiring two Engineers from the General Fund would preclude the Town from two
million dollars of loan debt service for the corporation yard facilities.
. Postponing the budget adoption until the June 151h meeting when Mr. Wil~ins can be
present.
o Mr. Wilkins will not be back in time to prepare a discussion for the June 151h
meeting.
. Clarification on the history of corporation yard provided by Mr. Dickinson.
. Regarding Donner Lake, there is over $2.7 million in money and $400.000 of FEMA
money in the budget for drainage improvement project through out Town including
Donner Lake.
. Council has full discretion to modify the budget at any time.
. Hiring additional Engineering Staff now will not facilitate any additional capital
improvement project moving to construction in the 2006 construction season.
o Two months will have a small impact on the benefit of additional Engineering
Staff on the 2007 construction season.
o A six month delay in hiring would impact the 2007 project construction.
. The Town has job description for addition staffing in the Engineering Department.
. Beginning the process to hire additional Staff in the Engineering Department without
determining a funding mechanism for the position.
Council Direction:
. Staff will return to Council at the July 6'h, 2006 Council meeting, with the Cost of
Service Study discussion and recommendations regarding an increase in
Engineering Staffing.
Dissenting Opinion:
Council Member Threshie would like staff to rework the budget to reflect an increase
in Engineering Staff necessary to move the Capital Improvement Projects (important
to maintain quality of life) that are currently funded, into construction. He proposes
using General Fund monies that could be backfilled with funds established in the
Cost of Service Study. As construction costs rise at 15% per year the funding for the
projects may no longer be enough to fund the construction of the project. Time is of
the essence.
It was moved by Council Member Susman and seconded by Council Member Green,
to adopt the 2006-2007 Town of Trucls:ee Annual Operating Budget; and amend the
2005-2006 Annual Operating Budget based on the 2005-2006 estimated actual
amounts shown in the attached budget document. The motion passed 3.1 with the
following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Council Member Susman, Green, and Vice Mayor Anderson.
Council Member Threshie.
Mayor Ingalls
Town ofTruckee
June 1, 2006 Regular
Page 8
8.2 Cauncil apprave Resalutian 2006-29. reQuestinQ that Nevada Caunty terminate its
Franchise Allreement with SierraP.acific Pawer Campany as it relates tatheT.own.af
Truckee. ta rescind the franchise fees currently assessed an electric services
pravided by Sierra Pacific Pawer Campany ta Tawn .of Truckee residents; and
reQuestinQ Nevada Caunty cease callectian .of such franchise fees effective July'.
2006.
Tony Lashbrook, Town Manager, stated the Nevada County franchise agreement with Sierra
Pacific Power Company (SPPC), which was in effect at the time of Town's incorporation,
provides for the assessment and collection of a 2% franchise fee on the electricity charges
billed by SPPC to its' customers in the Glenshire subdivision. Nevada County currently
receives the fees from SPPC and forwards the revenue to the Town. The County no longer
wishes to collect the fee under its agreement and is requesting the Town enter into a
separate franchise agreement with SPPC.
The majority of Town's residents receive electric service from the Truckee Donner Public
Utility District and are not currently assessed a franchise fee. For this reason Staff is
recommending that Nevada County be requested to terminate its franchise agreement with
SPPC and rescind the franchise fee totaling approximately $12,000 annually.
Cauncil Discussian:
The 2% franchise fee is a pass through fee to the Glenshire residents and they should see a
2% reduction in the bill as a result.
Vice Mayar Andersan .opened the item far public camment.
Seeing none Vice Mayor Anderson closed public comment.
It was maved by Cauncil Member Green and secanded by Cauncil Member Threshie,
ta apprave Resalutian 2006-29, requesting that Nevada Caunty terminate its
Franchise Agreement with Sierra Pacific Pawer Campany as it relates ta the Tawn .of
Truckee, to rescind the franchise fees currently assessed an electric services
pravided by Sierra Pacific Pawer Campany ta Tawn .of Truckee residents; and
requesting Nevada Caunty cease callectian .of such franchise fees effective July 1,
2006. The matian passed 4-0 with Mayar Ingalls absent.
9. COUNCIL REPORTS
Cauncil Member Threshie:
. Announced he will not be attending the June 15, 2006 Council Meeting.
Cauncil Member Susman:
. Attended Ethics Training June 1, 2006.
Cauncil Member Green:
. Attended the Office opening of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and presented a Mayoral
proclamation.
Town ofTruckee
June I, 2006 Regular
Page 9
10. CLOSED SESSION
10.1 CONF:ERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, ONE CASE.
Government Code Section 54956.9 (b)
No Action Taken.
10.2 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALtlATION, TOWN-MANAGER. Government
Code Section 54957 (e)
No Action Taken.
12. ADJOURNMENT.. at 8:17 p.m.
To the regular meeting of the Truckee Town Council, June 15,2006,6:00 p.m. atTown Hall,
10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA.
APPROVED:
!;1\ (1
Richard Anderson, Vice Mayor
Town ofTruckee
June I, 2006 Regular
Page 10