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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCity Council_Minutes_1987-03-31_Regular 1987CITY OF TEMPLE CITY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF MARCH 31, 1987 INITIATION: 1. CALL TO ORDER: Pursuant to the Agenda posted on March 27, 1987, Mayor Atkins called the adjourned meeting of the City Council to order at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 1987. 2. The invocation was given by William Swain of The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 9468 Broadway. 3. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor At- kins. 4. ROLL CALL: Present: Absent: Also Present: Councilmen- Dennis, Froehle, Gillanders, Swain, Atkins Councilmen -None City Manager Koski, City Attorney Martin, Planning Associate Saldana, Parks and Recre- ation Director Kobett, Public Works Coordin- ator Peterson and Julie Estrada of the Temple City Times 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: A. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: GENERAL PLAN UPDATE Councilman Gillanders moved to make all correspondence received since the prior City Council meeting of March 17 concerning the update of the General Plan a part of the records of the City Council General Plan public hearings, seconded by Councilman Swain and unanimously carried. Mayor Atkins declared the public hearing reopened and asked Mr. Dale Beland of Cotton /Beland /Associates Inc. to give a little background on the status of the update. Mr. Beland advised that the purpose of this evening's continued public hearing was to review the other five elements of the General Plan update as the public hear- ings to date dealt with the land use element only. The first element, circulation, must define the existing roadway system and assure that there is an adequate street system to meet the needs of development as pro- posed by the land use element. The circulation element in the Plan does identify a list of several operational changes that could alleviate the traffic impact. Minor modifications were made to the housing element which had been updated in 1984 by City staff. Assurances have been received from the State Community Development Department that the proposed draft housing elements meets all the mandates of the guidelines of the Department. The noise element recognizes the need for noise buffering and insulation and to avoid incompatible land uses where possible. The public safety element emphasizes public awareness and education programs, disaster and emergency preparedness planning, and identification of hazardous waste use and disposal. Mr. Beland displayed a map of the City with an overlay showing the changes as proposed. 15 410 Council Minutes, March 31, 1987 - Page 2 4 _ ! 8 Mr. Carrothers, Halifax and Daines, stated that he would like to see Lower Azusa Road remain high density or commercial designation as it is a busy street and he has property on the street which he would like to develop; and would like to see Halifax and Daines with a higher designation. Dan Noriaga, 9371 Lower Azusa Road, asked what impact resident input has on the decision of the City Council regarding the update of the General Plan. Mr. Noriaga mentioned that he spoke at the last public hearing and stated at that time that he would prefer to see his area designated a higher density in order that he might build an additional home on his property. Mayor Atkins advised that the City Council has not yet deliberated on the subject since the public hearing has been continued. However, once the public hearing has been closed, the Council will at that time seriously consider all resident input concerning the changes to the General Plan. John J. Brown, 9913 Lower Azusa Road, advised that his property was designated as R -4 and the updated General Plan recommends a medium density. Mr. Brown is against this change and would prefer to have the area remain with a high density designation. Thomas F. Brown, son of John J. Brown, explained that his father's property represents a large investment and he would receive a bigger return on his investment should the area remain with a high density designation. Joy Carrothers, 5503 Halifax Road, stated that in light of the fact that there are condominiums on Lower Azusa in close proximity to the area to which Mr. Brown referred, it would seem logical that the high density or commercial designation should prevail. Mr. Beland clarified that Mr. Brown's property, is not proposed to be changed on the existing General Plan. The existing General Plan is medium density residential and the proposed update would not change that. The existing zoning is R -4 and probably this is where the confusion lies - we are presently dealing with the General Plan only and not the Zoning. Ultimately, should the Council proceed with the General Plan update as is, and there were to leave this property in its current general Plan designation, they would be required by State Law to make the change in the existing zoning so that it was compat- ible. Thereupon, Mr Brown requested Council consider changing the existing General Plan to high density to conform with the existing zoning. Mary Kokayko, 6149 No. Camellia, presented a petition representing 11 property owners on Map J requesting these properties to remain R -2 Medium Density. Tricia Bogle, 5127 Golden West stated she opposed in- creased population density growth and had concern that the proposed General Plan projected a 25% increase. She was opposed to second and third units on lots of 10,000 and 15,000 square feet respectively as this encourages lower quality homes and increases the need for additional services. She and others she had spoken to were in favor of allowing properties which have non - conforming uses to be rebuilt. She noted that the Circulation Element re- ferred to streets that were "near design" capacity but failed to show those streets on the chart. She felt that Council Minutes, March 31, 1987 - Page 3 the data used in the Housing Element from 1980 and the statistics used from between 1970 and 1980 were not representative since they were not current to our chang- ing trends. She felt we need more parks and suggested maybe we could possibly assess developers who want to maximize the use of property. Mayor Atkins commented that we now levy an amount of $200 against each new parcel being built for park development. Councilman Dennis with reference to parks stated that the City could acquire park land through a general grant. However, then the City is locked into an ongoing mainte- nance that we cannot rescinded even if there are insuffi- cient funds. Councilman Gillanders noted with federal grants come federal strings that force a city to do things that are not in their own best interests. He recognized that demographics are going to change and the Council will respond to them as they take place. We have to do the best for the community as a whole, not only for the people who live there now but will live there in the future. Tricia Bogle inquired further as to SCAG'S requirements for low cost housing, loans for handicapped, etc., Mayor Atkins replied the City is taking the position that we are better able to make a determination as to the needs of the City ourselves. Robert Hepler, 6002 Cloverly, stated he would like to retain his present R -3 status and had submitted petitions from the surrounding neighbors to retain that status. He stated that his R -3 lot could act as a buffer between the R -4 and R -2 surrounding properties. He asked when Coun- cil would be making a decision on the General Plan and how the public would be informed as to the Council's decision. Mayor Atkins responded that once the public hearing is closed, the City council will conduct one or two study sessions reviewing the public comments relative to each map before coming to a final decision. Agenda's are posted the Friday before any Council meeting for the public's information. Gary Feinstein, (corner of Pentland and Cloverly) stated we moved into Temple City because we thought L1 W; was a single family community where we thought we could work with the community which we found is true. He stated he was in favor of more parks and slower growth than the 25% projected. Mayor Atkins stated the 25% is not a realistic growth estimate Mike Zinniker, 6148 Camellia, stated he purchased the property because it was R -2 and would like to keep his property R -2. He expressed concern stating in some instances insurance companies will not provide inmlur +nnco wherein if the property is destroyed by fire it cannot be rebuilt. Mary Kokayko, 6149 N. Camellia, was opposed to the low income housing because no one in Temple City would bene- fit if you have to use federal funds; and felt the parks we have were not fully utilized now and therefore ade- quate. 15 407 Council Minutes, March 31, 1987 - Page 4 Pete Weise, 6119 North Oak, was also in favor of retain- ing single family residence status and expressed concern about population density growth and stated that the City was already ahead of SCAG'S quota and therefore needed no further units. He felt the general plan should provide a clear justification for the amount of increased density that would be allowed by the plan and a clear projection of what parts of the city that increase is aimed for and a justification for it being located in that area. Mr. Beland stated SCAG'S allocation model 1983 -1988 as set forth in Table H -2, the Housing Need Summary, is merely a statistical projection and not a quota. It is an information source only and it is up to the Council to make policy and by state law required to review its performance annually. The draft of the .General Plan does contain specific standards of land use development and intensities required by law. The Policy Map substan- tially down -zones the existing General Plan build -up potential. The goals and policy that protect and amplify those standards are shown in the Land Use Element. Councilman Gillanders stated that the City evolved natu- rally and we do not need or want the plan to restrict development to specific numbers, types, and so forth of construction that could be built in the future and that the community interests as a whole must be considered. Mr. Weise stated further that it appears the plan has targeted the potential increase through the middle of the City and impact the blocks below Workman where residents have voiced objection. He felt letters expressing con- cerns belong as part of the process but that petitions were not accurate nor representative as he knows of individuals who have signed petitions only because their neighbor presented it. He also felt the plan should take into consideration what the schools can realistically handle. Councilman Swain stated Council has gone to the school district and have letters from the school superintendent stating they are not at capacity. They have classrooms if they need them which are not being used by the school district. Additionally the State approved a $1.50 square foot assessment to any owner who adds living area to their home in order to provide monies for additional school buildings. Mr. Weise stated the General Plan does not show the Casa Robles Retirement Home as an institution. It is owned by a church and not available for residential use to the general public. City Manager Koski stated staff and Mr. Beland will review that area. Jeretta Buthman, 5217 Golden West, representing the majority of homeowners on Golden West between Olive and Lower Azusa and presented a petition to cul -de -sac the end of Golden West at Lower Azusa or a barricade put up. Joyce Hill, 5427 Welland, stated her children went into the El Monte School District which is overcrowed because they live at the end of Temple City and are not in the Temple School District. Councilman Dennis stated we do not have jurisdiction over the El Monte School District; it is not over - crowded because we in Temple City are over- building, but rather that 35% of the students are bussed into that area from 15 4 fl 6 South El Monte. Council Minutes, March 31, 1987 - Page 5 Nicki Emery, 9547 Garibaldi, stated her parents paid $3000 for a professional EIR report and have still not been able to build eventhough the report stated it would not have a negative impact on the high density zoning which we purchased it for. Sandy Kidd, inquired when the' school district provided Council with their information. One of her children is not in a regular classroom at Longden Elementary because it is so over - crowded this year. Councilman Swain replied that Mr. Bosson, this year, stated they have classrooms at Longden Elementary which the county is using but could get back at any time if it was necessary. She suggested the parents contact the school district as the district is not under the juris- diction of the City Council. Cindy Sternquist, 6137 N. Camellia, a substitute teacher, stated in the lower classes there has been a marked increase in students which will result in increases in classes at the upper levels. She would like her property to remain R -2 but would be opposed to multiple units being built. Karla Carol, 6109 N. Primrose, stated she is opposed to the Garibaldi project and asked Council to reconsider the proposed general plan in making that area a medium den- sity and would like it to be low density. Judy Burns, 5926 N. Hart, inquired if all the new peti- tions and correspondence received by council open to the public to see, and expressed concern regarding the pro- jected 25% build out Councilman Swain replied that all correspondence and petitions received were made a part of the hearing and are available for public inspection at the City Clerk's office. In replying to the 25% projection, Mr. Beland stated what the actual number is going to be is totally dependent upon circumstances and actions by this council and other councils in the future. Within the context of a general plan document looking at a whole community for several years is the way we do the job and the 25% projection is the highest projection. Tricia Bogle, inquired if the zoning process is part of the General Plan and referred to the alternatives men- tioned in the Environmental Assessment. Mr. Beland replied that the alternatives in the Environ- mental Assessment are to describe decisions the Council might make in terms of general plan policy. One of the major land use policy decisions that they could make as an alternative is reducing the density potential in the high density range. State law requires Council to assess some reasonable alternatives. An extensive discussion by Councilmembers regarding zoning and density designations was had and the following items were directed to the Planning Commission for amend- ments of zoning text: Rebuilding, Set Back, R -1 Zone Lot, Square footage (e.g. 600 sq. ft.), Lot Coverage, Parking and Garages, Incentives, Height Limitations, R -3 Density, and Re- zoning Consistencies, Mike Fernandez, 5503 Welland, regarding the density reduction for the R -4, stated, just the fact of reducing the amount of units per acre is not going to change the quality of the building, people will try and build it ou to the maximum. S 405 Council Minutes, March 31, 1987 - Page 6 As no one else wished to address Council, Councilman Gillanders moved to close public hearing, seconded by Councilman Dennis and unanimously carried. 6. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS: A. APPOINTMENT OF TRAFFIC COMMISSIONER Councilman Dennis moved to appoint Donald Griffith to the Traffic Commission, seconded by Councilman Swain and unanimously carried. Council adjourned to a closed session regarding Personnel. 7. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Councilman Swain, seconded by Councilman Dennis, the meeting of the City Council regarding the General Plan update adjourned at 10:55 p.m. to a Study Session on Monday, April 6, 1987, in the Community Room of the City Hall. The next regular meeting of the city Council will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 1987, in the Council Chamber. MAYOR ATTEST: